Cinematographer Tamil A Azhagan is basking in the glow of appreciation for his work in the recently-released film ‘Blue Star.’ Directed by S Jayakumar and produced by Pa Ranjith, the movie features a stellar cast including Ashok Selvan, Shanthanu, Prithvi Pandiaraj, and Keerthi Pandian. Set in Arakonam, ‘Blue Star’ intricately weaves the narrative around local cricket and the political dynamics within.
Azhagan, who captured the essence of the film through his lens, acknowledges the challenges posed by the period setting of the 1990s. He reflects on his earlier work in the film ‘O2,’ which presented its own set of challenges, shooting inside a bus. However, in ‘Blue Star,’ the cinematographer faced the daunting task of recreating the 1990s ambiance, with a significant focus on cricket sequences.
The heart of Arakonam beats to the rhythm of cricket played by local boys. Azhagan mentions the delicate balance required to capture the essence of their amateur yet passionate cricketing endeavors. The first part of the film involves showcasing these cricket scenes in Arakonam, while the latter part shifts to a professional tournament outside Arakonam.
The cinematographer emphasises the integral role played by trains in Arakonam, and he ensures that train sequences and scenes at railway stations are captured authentically, bringing a touch of realism to the film. Azhagan expresses his delight in the audience’s positive reception of these elements, giving credit to the director, S Jayakumar, for his meticulous recreation of Arakonam in the 1990s, which made the cinematographer’s job a bit easier.
He concludes with a sense of satisfaction, noting that his hard work has received due credits. ‘Blue Star’ stands as a testament to Azhagan’s skill in capturing the nuances of time, place, and emotion through his lens, contributing to the success and appreciation the film has garnered.