SRM INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY- RAMAPURAM
Faculty of Science and Humanities
EVENT TITLE : Celebrity Interactiont
DATE : 28.08.2024
TIME : 1:00 pm -4:00 pm
VENUE : Gallery Hall – I, First Floor, Block 5
EVENT CONVENER : Dr.N.Meenakshi ( HOD of JMC)
EVENT COORDINATOR : Mrs .Aparna Sudheendran
NO.OF PARTICIPANTS : 136
SUMMARY OF THE EVENT:
The event held on 28/08/2024 at gallery hall 1st floor,5th block commenced with an impressive fan-made edit by Dwarkesh, a third-year student, which was met with enthusiasm. This was followed by the Tamil Thai Vazhthu, setting a vibrant tone for the proceedings. Tanvee, a second-year BA JMC student, delivered the welcome address, introducing the esteemed guest, Vijay Kanishka, who was accompanied by his team, including Ashish, known for his deep, resonant voice, and Parus, his PR agent from We2 Media, a prominent artist management agency and his social media team.
The Head of the Department Dr.Meenakshi Mam, began the formal segment with an engaging speech, expressing appreciation for Vijay Kanishka’s presence and felicitated him with a memento to acknowledge his contributions to the film industry and also explaining the current film industry landscape and it’s influence as a mass media. She also mentioned the fact that Vijay is a alumni of SRM Easwari Engineering College and his friend his alumnus of the Viscom department. Following this, the session included a lively Q&A segment with approximately 100 students participating
During the Q&A session, Vijay Kanishka addressed a range of inquiries:
Personal and professional life :
In his reflections on personal and professional life, Vijay Kanishka offered a candid account of his journey. Despite the perception of him identified as a nepo kid due to his beloved father Vikraman’s reputation as a celebrated director, Vijay revealed that his path to success was fraught with challenges. He endured a rigorous eight-year struggle to land a role in his debut project Hitlist, underscoring his resilience and determination.
Vijay emphasized his calm and composed demeanor on set and dismissed concerns about his privileged background. He advised aspiring individuals to focus on their performance rather than external pressures or perceived advantages. As he noted, the true measure of success in the film industry is one’s skill and dedication. Vijay also addressed the expectations and pressures placed on him, highlighting that he remains focused on personal growth and his craft, rather than external opinions. His approach reflects a commitment to continuous improvement and personal development, resonating with the ethos of NETFOCUS and offering valuable insights for those navigating their own professional journeys.
Script Selection and process:
Vijay Kanishka shared that his selection of scripts is primarily driven by the script’s engagement and depth, emphasizing that the script is the hero of the project. He balances this with considerations for commercial viability, ensuring that the project is both artistically fulfilling and commercially viable. Vijay expressed a deep appreciation for parallel cinema, citing an interest in roles similar to those in Bala’s films, and hinted that his upcoming projects will reflect this inclination.
He elaborated on his decision-making process, noting that he discusses potential roles and projects with his father and his PR team, led by Parus.Vijay extended his gratitude to Ms. Parus for her instrumental role in the success of his films, acknowledging her significant contribution to his career.
On the Masked Man Character of Hitlist:
Kanishka discussed the masked man character from his film, revealing that the role involved a collaborative effort, with Ashish providing the voice. The character was designed to intrigue and mislead the audience, adding a layer of suspense.
Technical Aspects of Set Design:
He provided a detailed explanation of the technical aspects behind the set design, particularly focusing on the properties and equipment used in the film’s torture scenes. This insight highlighted how these elements contributed to the film’s realism.
Cognitive and Tonal Aspects of Acting:
Kanishka emphasized the importance of naturalism in acting. He advised aspiring actors to draw from personal experiences and understand others’ sensibilities to create authentic performances.
Parallel Cinema:
He spoke about recent parallel cinema, praising films such as Vaazhai by Mari Selvaraj and Kottu Kaali by Vinothraj. He admired Vaazhai for its emotional depth with commercial elements of music despite it perceived as art film by many ,he also expressed his vow for how it’s translating emotions in a nuances emphasizing need of good storytelling and cinematic aspects and Kottu Kaali for its artistic expression, despite facing commercial challenges.
Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers and Actors:
Kanishka encouraged aspiring filmmakers and actors to seek inspiration from their own experiences rather than solely from others. He stressed the importance of learning from everyday interactions and incorporating real-life experiences into their work to enhance authenticity.
Favorite Films and Directors:
He expressed admiration for international cinema, citing Bicycle Thieves and Cinema Paradiso as influential. He praised directors Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg for their significant contributions to filmmaking and in tamil Gautam Vasudev Menon and he mentioned his favorite genre is his beloved father and exceptional filmmaker Vikraman’s family dramas . He also mentioned that Chhichhore is his favorite movie and expressed a desire to see it remade with himself in the cast.He also mentioned his style icon is Vijay Devarkonda and also expressed his love for doing movies like Aniimal and Arjun Reddy since he has a strong suit in it.
Upcoming Projects:
Kanishka discussed his forthcoming projects, including films in the romantic comedy and gangster genres. He is excited about exploring diverse roles and narratives, reflecting his desire to experiment with different genres.
Perceptions of Criticism:
Responding to a student’s query about negative criticism, particularly concerning his favourite film Animal , Kanishka acknowledged varied responses. He valued the feedback and remained open to critique.He was also asked about his own movie criticism and what he found valuable in it .He went on suggest that differentiating constructive and destructive criticism will lead you to progress in your career.
Influences and Inspirations:
Addressing a question about the influence of his debut film Hit List , Kanishka clarified that while there might be thematic parallels, his film maintains a distinct narrative and does not directly draw from Hit List.
In addition, the HOD delivered a final speech, commending the event and providing valuable insights. The key takeaway emphasized was “Perseverance is Life,” underscoring the importance of determination in achieving one’s goals. The HOD’s encouraging remarks highlighted the significance of applying this lesson in one’s endeavors.
The event was well-documented by the social media team, ensuring that the highlights of this enriching interaction were widely shared. The collaboration between the BA JMC and Fashion Technology Departments, with Shweta Menon Ma’am’s coordination, contributed to the success of the event. Overall, the session provided valuable insights into the film industry, showcasing Vijay Kanishka’s reflections on his career, his advice for aspiring filmmakers, and his appreciation for international cinema. The interaction underscored the importance of authentic storytelling, creative exploration, and the role of perseverance in achieving success.
Janani, a second-year JMC student, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to Vijay Kanishka for his participation and the engaging discussion. Kanishka expressed his appreciation for the students’ active engagement and insightful questions, and he thanked the attendees for their support of his film. He encouraged continued support for his upcoming projects that are discussed earlier.
OUTCOMES OF THE PROGRAM: (Based on SDG and Feedback)
SDG 4: Quality Education
The interactive session with Vijay Kanishka significantly contributed to the enhancement of students’ understanding of the film industry. It provided practical knowledge and insights into acting, script selection, and handling industry challenges, fostering critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills. This aligns with SDG 4 by supporting quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities in the field of media and communication.
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Vijay Kanishka’s discussion on the importance of perseverance, upskilling, and adapting to various roles in the film industry provided students with a realistic perspective on the industry’s demands. His advice on focusing on projects that are both creatively fulfilling and economically viable emphasized the balance needed for sustained career growth. This aligns with SDG 8 by promoting decent work and encouraging economic growth through informed and strategic career choices.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The event underscored the role of the film industry in shaping narratives that can influence and educate communities. By discussing the impact of cinema on society and the importance of responsible storytelling, the session highlighted how media can contribute to building more informed, connected, and resilient communities. This aligns with SDG 11 by emphasizing the role of sustainable communication in fostering inclusive and sustainable urban environments.
These outcomes reflect the event’s contribution to the broader goals of sustainable development, highlighting the intersection of education, work, and community resilience within the context of the media industry.
