Ra.One is virtual reality video game; Agneepath is more rugged” – Sabu Cyril

He is a hundred and eight films and two thousand commercials old; he still yearns to learn more in spite of his veteran reputation in the film industry. He has worked in over fifty-five films with Priyadarshan alone. Over the years, Sabu Cyril has gained tremendous appreciation, Read More">as an art director with his eccentric abilityRead More

He is a hundred and eight films and two thousand commercials old; he still yearns to learn more in spite of his veteran reputation in the film industry. He has worked in over fifty-five films with Priyadarshan alone. Over the years, Sabu Cyril has gained tremendous appreciation, as an art director with his eccentric ability to augment films with the authentic imagery that he brings to life in several Bollywood and Indian films. The seasoned art director has won several national and state awards with films like Thenmavin Kobathu, Om Shanti Om and recently Robot. He is currently working on three projects - Priyadarshan's Tezz, Shah Rukh's and the next edition of Krrish. Bollywood Hungama brings you a candid conversation with Sabu Cyril the avant-garde Art Director to talk about, Ra.One, Agneepath, A.R Rahman buying an Oscar and recreating things with magic.

"Back in those days, not much importance was given to details"
I was a graphic designer with my very own small advertising agency, where I had about five artists working for me. Actually, I got into art direction through one of my friends who as an art director, he needed my help with some special mechanical properties for a film. Thereafter, back then people wanted more detailing in their sets, there was another setup where the art director was not available to do that particular project and I was asked do a set for a Malayalam film. The details on that set turned out to be so good, that I was offered two more films to work on. Back in those days, not much importance was given to details I think that's how I got noticed.

“If everyone gets an award, than the significance of an award is tarnished” An award is the recognition that you deserve for your work. I have been felicitated with four awards so far. When I received my first Filmfare award for Gardish, Read More">it meant everything to me. Now every television channel is churning out someRead More

"If everyone gets an award, than the significance of an award is tarnished"
An award is the recognition that you deserve for your work. I have been felicitated with four awards so far. When I received my first Filmfare award for Gardish, it meant everything to me. Now every television channel is churning out some kind of awards which has made it completely diluted, this means everyone gets an award. It would not only be you who has worked hard in the film but everyone else as well. If everyone gets an award, than the significance of an award is tarnished. Although the national awards had a similar problem about three years back, it has been corrected now. It would be really sad if the national awards turn out to be the same.

"It is clearly the difference in the sizes of the cinemas"
I think the only difference between Bollywood and southern Indian cinema is the language, which at times is a barrier. In the south, the budgets allotted to make film are smaller as compared to budgets allotted for Bollywood films. Along with the sets, the songs are more lavish. It is clearly the difference in the sizes of the cinemas.

“We had to spend a considerable amount to get our stuff done for Ra.One” Back in the day we had limited options to choose from with only the Ambassador and the Fiat available, Read More">but today we see a different trend where we are spoilt for choice when it comes to buying a car. We haveRead More

"We had to spend a considerable amount to get our stuff done for Ra.One"
Back in the day we had limited options to choose from with only the Ambassador and the Fiat available, but today we see a different trend where we are spoilt for choice when it comes to buying a car. We have a similar fate with making movies now-a-days, every films finances has to be put into good use and no one likes to waste money. The brief could not be explained in a sentence but we had to spend a considerable amount to get our stuff done for Ra.One… it is a world by itself and you have to make it believable and bring it to life at the same time.

"I am just helping him and making sure that Agneepath happens the way he has visualized it"
Compared to the first version, Agneepath has been conceived slightly differently, the look of the film is more rugged. Karan Malhotra, director of the film, had come over to my place to talk about the project. I am just helping him and making sure that Agneepath happens the way he has visualized it. With the director wanting a harsh terrain, I suggested that we shoot the film in Diu. It is somewhat a similar view where the whole unit was working on the film for forty-five days.

“If the film does not succeed, then you would not make a name for yourself” I think that Robot was the most memorable film that I have worked on. It was very futuristic and it required us to introspect on how it would look after so many years keeping the subject in mind, Read More">and howRead More

"If the film does not succeed, then you would not make a name for yourself"
I think that Robot was the most memorable film that I have worked on. It was very futuristic and it required us to introspect on how it would look after so many years keeping the subject in mind, and how it should be carried out. While working on a period film like Kaala-Pani, we could take reference of a film from the British-era and recreate it by putting some efforts according to the references we have. The more you know the better it turns out. Although Hey Ram was a period film it was very difficult to recreate the look. A lot of detailing was focused on that film with me recreating the art in sync to that era. If the film does not succeed, then you would not make a name for yourself, it is as simple as that.

"The backdrop in the film is totally different even though it is happening in Mumbai and London"
Ra.One has been conceived entirely by Shah Rukh, it is supposed to be a virtual reality video game. The backdrop in the film is totally different even though it is happening in Mumbai and London. Considering that this is a completely different project, the sets of the film had to be credible. Whatever is there in mind we are trying our best to make Shah Rukh's dreams come true.

“I think it becomes like childbirth, it is a pain to go through” A typical day in the life of an art director is quite hectic, time wise it is difficult to make detailed sets. We could have done a better job if we could be provided more time, Read More">its almost like writing an examRead More

"I think it becomes like childbirth, it is a pain to go through"
A typical day in the life of an art director is quite hectic, time wise it is difficult to make detailed sets. We could have done a better job if we could be provided more time, its almost like writing an exam you could do better if you were given more time. I think it becomes like childbirth, it is a pain to go through. But when our mission is accomplished and people appreciate the work that has been put in, then you completely forget about the pain that you endure.

"Kamal Hassan was supposed to do it instead of Rajinikanth"
When Robot came into picture, it was actually supposed to be made about ten years back when I was called in for it. Back then, Kamal Hassan was supposed to do it instead of Rajinikanth. We did a photo shoot with Preity Zinta and others, but with the confusion of the budgets it was stalled. When it came to fore recently, the makers called me again and the whole project had to be worked upon from scratch. It was challenging and I automatically got into the scene intricately. I think that's how you can show your talent.