After more than three years of production, the film Martin starring Dhruva Sarja is scheduled to release nationwide this week. Director AP Arjun, who faced challenges during the making of the film, reflects on the experience: "This project has been a learning process for me. Despite setbacks such as the impact of COVID-19, I choose to focus on the present moment and the grand scale of our upcoming presentation for audiences." He shares insights into the journey of creating Martin. Read on for excerpts:
'Suspenseful Scenes in Martin'
The dedication we poured into this film was sincere, aiming to captivate the audience. Notably, the screenplay unfolds in reverse, promising a viewing experience where each scene leaves viewers wondering about the next twist. Martin holds significance for me as a director, offering the opportunity to leave a lasting impression on a larger stage.
'Transforming from a Bilingual Project to a Pan-Indian Film'
Our work on Martin commenced on August 15, 2021, with plans for a Kannada-Telugu bilingual release within a year or so. However, after witnessing the quality of the initial footage from 10 to 15 days' shoot, we decided to elevate the project to a pan-Indian level. Shifting from a regional to a national audience required reimagining the narrative to resonate universally and raising production standards for broader appeal.
'A Reinvented Dhruva in Martin'
Until now, Dhruva has primarily featured in romantic roles. Referred to as the 'Action Prince,' this film will introduce a fresh portrayal of Dhruva, showcasing his versatility to audiences.
Dear fans, this film will truly present him in a new light as an action hero. It includes four chase scenes choreographed by Ravi Varma, and five fights coordinated by Ram Lakshman. International artists like Nathan Jonas and Aarash Shah also contribute to the action. This patriotic film revolves around a gangster. To redefine Dhruva's on-screen persona, we minimized lengthy dialogue and focused on his physical presence, expressions, and demeanor instead. Director AP Arjun reflects on the dynamics between established stars and emerging talents in the film industry. He shares his enjoyment in working with newcomers and highlights the creative freedom it offers. Collaborating with Dhruva on their latest project, "Martin," posed a unique challenge of reshaping his on-screen image. Arjun reminisces about their initial collaboration on "Addhuri," where thorough rehearsals paved the way for a successful outcome. He acknowledges the impact of social media and short-form content on audience attention spans, emphasizing the need to engage and captivate viewers amidst a sea of distractions.The film was screened for over 100 days before it became available on TV, reflecting a high regard for the cinematic experience. Today, only movies driven by strong content succeed in theaters. While star-studded films can still attract audiences to some degree, the success of more independent films in theaters indicates a positive direction for the film industry.
