I let people be themselves: Balaji Shaktivel

From Superstar Rajinikanth to director Murugadoss, everyone has sung praises of his Vazhakku Enn 18/9 and director Balaji Shaktivel is thrilled. ���I can���t explain my happiness in words,��� he says, ���I never expected an outcome of this nature ��� people are standing and clapping in the theatres, something that we crave for as filmmakers! Its success is a team effort and everyone from the spot boy to producer Lingusamy contributed in making this film what it is.���
Balaji has a knack of getting the right characters for the right roles and in this film all were newcomers and some not even actors! ���Well, if I had to choose from established actors, I���d have only a few talented options.I try to choose my actors from the entire world out there ��� in that way, my options are unlimited,��� he states.
And how does he make them perform? ���That���s very easy,��� he quips, ���I let them be themselves. Just take the example of a reception or a hotel supervisor ��� their job entails them to be courteous and smile at customers. But for all you know, they might actually be in a foul mood due to some personal issues but there���s no way they can show that on the job. They���re acting too, in a way. So, I tell my actors that ��� to react the way they���d normally react if a situation arises and then give them the dialogues. This method of teaching works in the industry.���
It���s well-known that he was earlier an associate of director Shankar, who is known for his grandeur and magnificence on-screen. But Balaji focuses on small budget realistic films. Ask him about that and he says, ���I strive to make films that disturb and create an impression.���
So, what next? ���I���m working on an idea and it���s in the discussion stage. I can���t even tell which genre it���ll be in as I���ll know that myself only when I come to its end,��� he signs off.