With Sivaranjiniyum Innum Sila Pengalum, I wanted to explore my artistic side 100 per cent: Vasanth Sai

Director Vasanth Sai is elated that his Sivaranjiniyum Innum Sila Pengalum has been awarded Best Tamil Film at the 68th National Awards. He says, "I'm happy to get this award because this film is very close to my heart. When I started this film, I had very little expectations, so I'm more than happy with the things that have been happening to Sivaranjiniyum... It is very special to me because I took stories from literature that I'd been carrying in my heart for 15-20 years, waiting to bring them on screen. I initially thought I'd be more than happy if I were able to bring at least one of the stories to the screen. I feel very humbled as the film got so many international awards and was screened at many international film festivals. And this National Award makes it even more special. I'm very happy for all the people who worked on this film."

Interestingly, while the film highlights the situation of women across decades, the director says that he dedicates this award to four men! "They are my mentor K Balachander and the three writers behind the stories — Asokamitran, Aadhavan and Jeyamohan. It was their writings that pushed me to do this film."

Vasanth reveals that he wanted to make this film without any compromises and explore the artiste in him. "Generally, when we do a film, while thinking about the story, we'd be thinking about the audience as well. With this film, I wanted to explore my artistic side 100 per cent. That's why I call this film straight-from-the-heart and a form of self-expression. I did it without any compromise and wanted to see where I could go with that approach. It is for this reason that I produced the film myself. I wanted to release the film in theatres, but then, the pandemic happened and I couldn’t hold it longer. Though it premiered on OTT, I’m happy the film has found it audience," he signs off.