The Hindu Business Line : ‘Platforms are multiplying and borders are blurring'

Versatile actor Kamal Haasan, who is chairing a FICCI conclave on media and entertainment, talks to BrandLine on issues ranging from technology in cinema to corporatisation of the industry..

_ Rajeev Bhatt

An actor's perspective: Kamal Haasan

First reaction: What's one of India's iconic actors doing in the branding, advertising and marketing section of this newspaper? Apart from being a ‘brand' himself, the articulate Kamal Haasan is the Chairman of the two-day media and entertainment business conclave organised by FICCI. After 50 years in Indian cinema, the actor says this is his way of giving his bit back to the industry that has nurtured him for long. At the office of his entertainment company, RajKamal Films, in the house he grew up in, off a busy junction in Chennai's Alwarpet area, Kamal Haasan spoke to BrandLine on a variety of issues that confront the industry, the way forward, on his movies and a lot more in an over hour-long conversation that flitted from subject to subject. Conversation on a breadth of issues comes as easily to Kamal as his eclectic choice of roles in cinema. Excerpts:

The conclave is looking to present a comprehensive report on the southern entertainment industry and expose delegates to the global developments, trends and opportunities in the entertainment industry. Why the emphasis on the uniqueness of the Southern film industry?

If you take America, it's a developed market. They managed to create their own Superman and Spiderman … and all these, away from Greek mythology, by taking a very rationalistic approach to a newer society. And they have succeeded with that. But, the rest of the world need not mimic them. Everyone has his own uniqueness. We should not lose that. China will not. Japan will not, and India should not! Similarly, the South has its own uniqueness. The more ethnic you become, the more universal the appeal will be. Malayalam cinema has its unique style, so does Kannada cinema. Similarly, Tamil and Telugu. We need not compromise on our ethnicity. In Kerala, even college students wear dhotis to college. It's a very practical thing for them. They are neither proud of it nor ashamed of it.

What are the evolving trends the conclave will focus on?

See ... it's an ever-evolving industry. If you ask about any new emerging trend ... something comes up every now and then. Personally, I feel constant updating is happening in the industry, like in any other - in terms of technology, or even seating arrangements at exhibition halls. For the sake of convenience, we are still sticking to the analogue system for a little longer than we should, because of our own vested interests. And I am not saying that in a crude manner or accusing anyone who is still sticking to it. It's a natural reaction for anybody who has invested money in it. There is a reticence to change from one technology to another.

Like in the automobile industry, we should all be ready to see the demise of older technology and emergence of new technology, and we must plan it accordingly when we buy hardware. They are reluctant because they have not planned for the future.

Where does FICCI come in and what role does it have to play in the entertainment industry?

It's like the American film market, which showcases all of America's products. There will be an interchange of ideas as to what could be done and how to react to comments on them. The hegemony of Hollywood enables America to understand, correct and excel itself. Similarly, the FICCI event, though more about commerce, will discuss technology too. I believe it will help the film industry to further its cause through new avenues which are available. Not only that, FICCI also represents the industry to the Government, be it taxation policies or new technologies. For example, in Bihar, thanks to FICCI, the Government came forward to reduce the entertainment tax to 20 per cent from 50 per cent and realised that actual revenues increased almost two-fold over two years. Apart from that, these events will facilitate the Indian film industry to have dialogue with film industries in other countries, for technical collaboration and financial tie-ups.

Various media are morphing, the lines are blurring, is that the case with the film industry too?

Yes, yes, though the platforms are multiplying, borders are blurring. We are also becoming more and more fluid and multi-tasking has become our culture now. So, you are not anymore operating on one platform. Platforms are merging. The audience will just glide from one to the other, very smoothly ... And all these platforms will be supporting each other.

And going digital will be the way forward for the industry?

The film industry has become digital. It's now time for distribution and exhibition to do that. The whole process from A-Z has to become digital. This will facilitate better transparency.

Earlier, there were allegations that illegal money was coming into the industry and then it was felt that with corporates coming in, the industry would become more transparent. Has that happened because the corporate houses coming into the industry are themselves struggling?

As I see it, here corporatisation is an ideology. You cannot simply use the word and expect magic. We have to practise it. There is an apprehension in the film industry that corporatisation is a new world order and it will throw us out of gear, which actually keeps the community divided. Corporatisation has to happen in a big way. Otherwise, many business houses will end up being small-time ones.

Do you think the Government has a role in creating necessary infrastructure for the film industry?

Absolutely. From laying good roads to facilitating film financing, the Government has a role. Not just for the film industry or software industry. Growth of one industry will lead to the growth of another. It's like neuro-connectivity.

For your film production company Rajkamal Films International, will you explore other avenues such as TV content? Do you have plans to go public and corporatise the set-up?

Yes, of course. We are already into different verticals such as content development, film production and even distribution. We are planning to explore all avenues, including producing content for TV, Internet and mobile phones. We may even spill over into the print medium one day. Rajkamal is a very successful venture. We have produced 22 films so far, out of which 19 are hits, which is not easy. On going public, yes, we are seriously considering that. We have roped in advisors to study various options available. Very soon you may expect an announcement on this. We are open to PE investment and foreign collaboration too. Talks are on with a couple of PE players and foreign film companies.

Hollywood is now producing small-budget films which are becoming super hits. Is that the trend there and can it happen here?

You can't call it a trend. You are talking about Paranormal Activity, which was made at about $15,000 and it earned about $64 million. Ten years ago, there was this film ... The Blair Witch Project. But, it can't happen all the time… If that is the trend, all Sundance films should be doing well. In fact, Sundance is a good initiative for independent cinema.

There have been several instances now of directors having to apologise to vested interests and make changes in their movies. Is the film industry mature enough to regulate itself?

Is everyone in this country mature enough to understand sex and population? Some are and some are not. They will have to be told. There may be some groups that do not understand. But, we must inform them of the benefits of regulating ourselves ... and being a well-regulated industry. At one point in time, this has to happen. How long can I monitor anyone, whether he washes his hands before he eats? If he does not understand, he will, after a few bouts of typhoid, learn to boil water before he drinks. A grown-up society does not need policing. Discipline has to come from within. If one per cent of our population gets angry, and becomes violent, we do not have army forces enough to contain them.

Are you happy with the role censor boards play?

It has to change. Even the Indian Penal Code keeps amending itself. We have to revise the rules. A review is required.

After 50 years in cinema, do you have any plans to retire?

I am a student of Mr K. Balachander. He is 81, but still writing scripts for stage plays. I will go his way. I don't know when he will retire. I will try to surpass his retirement age by at least three years!

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