Industry thrives when new voices are encouraged: JP

Debutant director JP Thuminad, who is making his first foray into cinema with the supernatural comedy Su From So, believes that when seniors in the industry extend their support, it gives first-time filmmakers the freedom to focus purely on the creative process. Written, directed by, and starring JP himself, Su From So features several familiar faces from films like Kantara and Sapta Sagaradaache Ello. Elated by the warm reception to the trailer, JP feels the film’s quirky title has only added to its intrigue. “The story is set in Marlur and has a connection to Someshwara,” he explains. “It celebrates the beauty of rural life — the visuals, the food, the people — and how their peaceful world turns upside down when Sulochana from Someshwara, or ‘Su from So’, begins to haunt the village. What follows is a hilarious, supernatural chain of events that throws the entire community into chaos.”

‘WE’VE ARRIVED AT JUST THE RIGHT TIME’
JP, who has spent nearly 15 years in theatre as a playwright and director, admits comedy is anything but easy. “It’s where I’m strongest as a storyteller,” he says. “So, I wanted to build my debut film around that.” He is particularly grateful for the support of actor-filmmaker Raj B Shetty, who has mentored him over the years. “I was initially supposed to do a Tulu film with Raj, but it didn’t take off. I’ve worked with him for over a decade — I was part of the directorial team of Ondu Motteya Kathe, and played small roles in films like Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana and Swathi Muttina Male Haniye,” he recalls.
“Raj has always encouraged us to write, develop ideas, and turn one-liners into stories. When I narrated Su From So to him, he liked it right away. The film was supposed to take off before COVID, but it got delayed. In hindsight, I feel we’ve arrived at just the right time.”

‘EVERY NEW TALENT BRINGS A NEW STORY AND A NEW PERSPECTIVE’
JP believes that the growth of the Kannada film industry depends on encouraging fresh talent. “Every new voice brings with it a new story and perspective. When seniors collaborate with emerging creators, it helps us tackle challenges in new ways. Even a small show of support from them makes a big difference in helping us find our footing,” he adds.

‘THIS IS A KANNADA FILM — NOT JUST A ‘COASTAL SLANG’ FILM’
JP is clear about how he wants audiences to view the film. “I don’t want people to fixate on the coastal slang,” he says. “Every language — Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam — has its regional slang. But when we watch those films, we see them as Tamil films or Malayalam films, not as films tied to a particular dialect. In the same way, I want audiences to see this as a Kannada film, not just a ‘coastal slang’ film.”

A MALAYALAM RELEASE, TOO
Su From So is now set to release in Malayalam too. “Some of our technicians felt the film has strong relatability and would connect well with Malayalam-speaking audiences,” says JP. “So, we showed the film to a few people at Dulquer Salmaan’s Wayfarer Films. Their response was extremely positive and we’re now planning a Malayalam release next week, with Wayfarer coming on board to present.