Reuben Thomas was looking for a good story for his short film and it was then that he chanced upon a book of short stories written by Satyajit Ray. I am a ghost, is a different kind of story where you really do not get scared of the ghost. Reuben has done a great job with this story and has been massively appreciated for his film. The young director talks about his film and how it all came in being…

 How did you get the story of I am a ghost?

This is based on a story written by Satyajit Ray. The story also has the same title. I was in the third year in my college and that is when I read this book of short stories that had this story in it. I am an ardent admirer of Satyajit Ray’s films as well.

How did this love towards cinema happen?

I was pursuing engineering. Just like many others I like movies and have got into trouble for watching them when I should have been studying. When I was pursuing engineering I realised that this was not what I wanted to do. There was a pull towards cinema. And I realised that this is what I should pursue and my goal is making good cinema.

What were you looking to convey with this movie?

There is no message to convey here. I just liked the story and felt that it has to be made as it was unusual. This ghost is intimidated by humans. That itself was something uncommon. I was looking at making something different.

Any challenges when you made this film?

Budget was limited. The film was shot in Ooty and we had booked a house for the shoot. When we were all set the owner refused to give the house for the shoot. We had to find a new location now. Everything was happening at the last moment. There was no preparation beforehand. Nothing was going as per our plans, but then it did happen.

How did you get the feature film effect in this film?

We were in Coimbatore and it was not possible to go to the location and rehearse. I made the lead actors to get well versed with the story. Planning was what we did. The film was shot in two days.

How was the response for this unusual film?

I got good appreciation and the audience enjoyed it. In a film festival there was this person who went on raving about my film. This film does not have any message nor did it focus on any subject. The audience enjoyed it and that feeling was great.

Tell us about your lead cast and technical team?

The person who acted as ghost is Sameer. He has done many short films. Writer character was played by a clerk who is teaching in our college. The others in the cast are my classmates. All in the crew are my friends who are into films. My cinematographer is a Maniratnam fan and is well versed in his work.

Your film’s music makes a huge impact. Tell us more about it?

Jacob scored the music. I briefed him about what I was looking for. The first few sittings did not work out as it did not impress me. But he worked on it again. The problem is that we were unable to find out what kind of music is right for this film. Jacob finally did give a suitable music for my film.

Any unforgettable or cherished memory associated with this film?

I was in a confused mode in life and was just looking for a good story. When I visit the mall I generally go to book stores. I went to a book store and started reading this book, this story impressed me and I brought the book. The day I found this story was memorable moment for me.

Tell us about your future projects?

My ultimate aim is a feature film. Currently I am working on a documentary. There are also a couple of stories that I am developing for short films.

Which film-maker has been a strong influence on you and your style of film making?

Martin Charles Scorsese is someone whom I admire a lot. I just love his work. Anurag Kashyap’s work is also great and has had an impact on me.

If you got the opportunity to remake a classic, which one would that be?

Remaking classics is not something that I would do. They are classics and I think they should be left that way.

How will Fillum app help the upcoming filmmakers?

Fillum app is good for film makers. We make short films and we generally put it on Youtube. Not all get to watch the film. This app is particularly for short films and that is a big plus here.

I am a Ghost is now playing on FILLUM App

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