"The amount of special effects involved in Kamal Hassan's Dasavatharam is humungous and never before has such magnitude of visual effects been attempted in any Indian film ever" - Ashmith Kunder 
By IndiaFM News Bureau, April 19, 2007 - 05:41 IST
He got his degree in Engineering and after the completion of the course he realized that engineering was not for him. He then turned towards what he really wanted to do, Films. We are talking about Ashmith Kunder who is one of the most sought after film editor in Bollywood.
He has edited Matrubhoomi: Nation without Women which won many awards globally; Kamal Hassan's Mumbai Xpress and is currently working on Hassan's ambitious magnum opus Dasavatharam where Mr. Kamal Hassan essays 10 roles. Ashmith is also editing Shemaroo's animation flick, Ghatothkach - Master of Magic.
Ashmith is also an esteemed and the youngest jury member on the panel of Indian Telly awards. And yes, the younger brother of Jaan-E-Mann director Shirish Kunder and Farah Khan's pampered brother-in-law.
In an exclusive interview to IndiaFM, Ashmith Kunder talks about his life, film career and future plans.
How did your film career start?
After I completed my graduation in engineering, I worked for Siemens. Few months into the job and I could take it no more! I chucked my job and decided to pursue what I believed was my calling. I joined a studio as an apprentice editor, obviously working without any salary! There I worked on various documentaries, music videos, ad films and TV shows. Later, when my brother Shirish Kunder turned independent film editor, I joined him. That was the beginning of my career in film editing.
Did you take special training from some institute?
No… I learnt everything while on the job, and from innumerable books & films!
Which was your first project as an editor?
My first film was Manish Jha's, Matrubhoomi: Nation without Women. It went on to win dozens of awards at various festivals across the globe and also got me many accolades!
Then how did you move on to create your own editing set up?
To avoid waiting endlessly for studio bookings & edit without unnecessary disturbances I decided to put up my own editing set up. Also, I felt that my directors felt reassured that they had a dedicated machine at their disposal and also other clients at the studio were not peeping at their film when they were not around!
What are the responsibilities/roles of a film editor in today's times? Have the things changed in past few yrs?
The primary responsibilities of the editor have remained the same…that of giving shape to the directors vision. But with giant leaps being taken on the technological front, complexities and responsibilities of the editor's work profile has increased. But obviously the end result, which can be achieved, is phenomenal and makes it worth the effort!
You also edit ad-films.
Yes…I have edited numerous ad films such as Coke, Pepsi, Sunfeast, Himani, Videocon etc.
What are the projects that you are working on currently?
I do not believe in doing 10 films at a time and taking up all the films that come my way! I believe in being exclusive and concentrating and giving my best shot to a few selected projects.
I am presently working on Kamal Haasan's magnum opus, Dasavatharam and the animation flick, Ghatothkach - Master of Magic, being made in 8 languages. Renowned filmmaker Singeetam Srinivasa Rao, who had earlier made classics like Appu Raja & Pushpak, is directing it.
What is Dasavatharam about? Tell us something about the film?
Dasavatharam is an edge of the seat roller coaster entertainer where Mr. Kamal Hassan essays 10 roles. The amount of special effects involved is humungous and never before has such magnitude of visual effects been attempted in any Indian film ever. And that makes my job a lot more arduous as well!
The film boasts mostly of an international crew, with action directors, Special visual effect directors and makeup men from all over the world! With this film I feel I have gained such tremendous knowledge of special effects that I can take on any complex project.
The amount of special effects involved in Dasavatharam is humungous and never before has such magnitude of visual effects been attempted in any Indian film ever.
|
Why does Kamal Hassan always go for you to edit his films?
He is very demanding; precision and quality is what he expects. I guess it's because, I deliver the results he demands irrespective of whatever the adversities are! Apart from the fact that we share a terrific rapport, it has always been a matter of privilege and pride for me to work with him.
What about Ghatothkach - Master of Magic? How different is it to edit a cartoon film?
The principles of editing an animation film and live action film remain the same, only the technique differs. Like in the case of an animation film, I am involved from the scripting stages and before the commencement of the process of animation. As the creation of each shot takes its own sweet time and money depending upon the complexity and layers required, there can be no extra shots created, and hardly any shots can be discarded later at the physical editing stage! On the other hand in the case of a normal live action feature film, the decisions can be done even after filming is complete.
You think Indian films are doing well as far as animation is concerned?
There is no dearth of excellent animators in India. The problem lies in the budget. Abroad, animation films are made over a span of at least 4 years with anywhere between 400-600 people working on it. Whereas here it is done in a year with a maximum of 100-150 people! When we are given that kind of time and budget, even we can come up with quality, which is on par with international films.
|
Abroad, animation films are made over a span of at least 4 years with anywhere between 400-600 people working on it
|
You have now ventured into writing.
That's true! I am collaborating with Shirish Kunder on the script of his next film and also writing a wonderful comedy film to be produced by a major production house.
How is your rapport with your brother Shirish?
He is my guru…my friend, philosopher & guide!
What's your equation with Farah Khan?
She is family. I am the pampered brother-in-law! Also on the professional front I have edited dozens of ad films directed by her.
|
Himesh will give music for Kamal Hassaan's 'Dasavatharam'
