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Q: Tell us something about the Anniyan experience.
Peter:
It was simply superb. See, I landed the chance
quite surprisingly. I do not go about seeking
work. So, it came as a pleasant shock when I
was invited to the pooja with my name on the
invitation. I must thank Shankar sir for giving
me this opportunity.
Q:
How did you plan the sequences in Anniyan.
Peter:
Work started quite late after the pooja. But
Shankar sir called up a few times asking me
for a plan. My style usually involves making
the fight seem natural and blended with the
storyboard. Therefore, it was quite a challenge
especially the buffalo, frying pan and hanging
scenes. I listened to Shankar sir’s thoughts
on the visual impact and planned the sequences.
You can notice the realism and naturalness.
Q:
It must have been quite a challenge working
with the buffaloes.
Peter:
(smiles broadly) I must thank the entire crew
of Anniyan. Even the assistant directors worked
like stuntmen. It is difficult to make buffaloes
run. Imagine making 400 of them run and sync
them with the frame. As for the other sequences,
Shankar sir congratulated me that I had tried
to create a Hollywood impact like in Spiderman.
Q:
You are credited with bringing Hollywood style
in Tamil.
Peter:
Well you see, they are the forerunners in action.
We have all learnt our craft by watching them.
They are also light years ahead in technology
and production methods. But I am trying to catch
up by evolving a new system which will work
for our scenario.
Q:
Can you tell us something more about your approach?
Peter:
I listen to the setting for the fights in the
movie fully. I choreograph sequences to match
the mood of the scene. The level of physical
element depends on the mood. For example, I
cannot give you a jaw-breaking punch without
a valid provocation. I pay great attention to
this aspect. That’s why my stunts are
memorable. I do not make on-the-sets improvisations
as I come fully prepared. My full effort is
on successful execution rather than waffled
style.
Q:
Who are your favorite directors and actors?
Peter:
I am fortunate to work with the best. Everyone
I have worked with is extremely talented and
totally professional. Many heroes like to risk
their limbs by doing the stunts themselves.
But I insist that we use our boys for certain
sequences.
Q:
What are your forthcoming projects?
Peter:
Vettaiyadu villaiyadu and Aadhi in Tamil and
a couple of films in Telugu and one film in
Hindi. I am being choosy about projects as I
am planning to direct a film myself.
Q:
Really, that’s the breaking news….
Peter:
Yes, yes, I am revealing this to you for the
first time. I have been approached by some producers.
I will be doing the film soon.
Q:
Do you feel satisfied working in Tamil films?
Peter:
There are wonderful technicians in Tamil and
I feel very honoured and fortunate to work with
them. I am learning constantly from them as
the entire film is a result of good team work.
If the film is a hit, it is because of 100%
contribution from everybody. I get a high working
in such an atmosphere. I respect all my co-technicians
and I also get treated with much respect. I
am very happy indeed and I thank God for showing
me this path. |
