WEB PORTFOLIO OF

AMJATH MEERA AKILAN

WRITER & DIRECTOR
CHENNAI INDIA

AMJATH MEERA AKILAN WEB PORTFOLIO 1

FILMMAKER. CHENNAI.
TABLE OF CONTENT___________________________________________________________________2

I. ABOUT THE FILM MAKER________________________________________________3

II. MY SHORTFILMS_______________________________________________________ 4

- ADAYALAM (IDENTITY)
- VAZIYIL (ON THE WAY)
- THE SIXTH LAND

III. EXPERIENCE IN FEATURE FILM (WITH FOUR GEN. OF FILMMAKERS) ______________9

- WITH MR. KAMAL HAASAN_ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

- WITH MR.SASI_ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
- WITH MR.ANITA UDHEEP_ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
- WITH MANI RATHNAM

IV. EXPERIENCE IN PRODUCTION____________________________________________10

- PRODUCER_SHORT FILMS
- PRODUCTION DESIGNER_EVENTS
- PRODUCTION_CIFF PROMO FILMS
- PRODUCER_CHENNAI SHORT FILM FESTIVALS
- UK INDIA FILM COLLABORATION, GOA_WORKSHOP

V. FILM PRODUCTION SUPPORT___________________________________________12

- MEERAN THEATRES_ FILM PRODUCTION COMPANY, CHENNAI

- R&M STUDIOS_ FILM POST PRODUCTION STUDIO, CHENNAI & DUBAI

VI. EARLY CAREER_______________________________________________________13

VII. PRESS REVIEWS______________________________________________________13

- ADAYALAM_SHORT FILM REVIEWS

- SIX SHORTS_ FILM FEST REVIEWS
- CIFF_ FELICITATION & REVIEW
- WRITE-UP IN GENERAL

VIII. CONTACT & NETWORK________________________________________________14

AMJATH MEERA AKILAN WEB PORTFOLIO 2

FILMMAKER. CHENNAI.
 I. ABOUT THE FILM MAKER

Amjath Meera Akilan, a science graduate with computer background was born in Madurai and
brought-up in Tiruchirapalli, India, born to a science professor/agriculturist and a homemaker.
His innate passion for arts started reflecting in every stage of life in diverse forms be it
visual arts, performing or fine arts and self-cultivated literary arts.

He begin his career as a visual merchandiser in the Middle East at a young age but his
aspiration for more creativity incited him filmmaking the apt career. He went on to study film
post-production, high-end film-CG works, 2D&3D modeling and animation-techniques in
Chennai and communication management in Bangalore. Since then he never looked back he
started his career afresh as a freelance creative director and continue to pursue till 2009 while
undergoing movie making training in parallel, Through assisting senior feature filmmakers,
making short and promo films, partaker in film festivals and take part in film workshops such as
Imaging Cinema-2010 conducted by IIT Madras, Way forward_UK-India Film Collaborations
workshop conducted by the British High Commission, Mumbai etc

His nine years of strenuous learning experience in film making, film production and script writing
has led him kick-start his feature film project

AMJATH MEERA AKILAN WEB PORTFOLIO 3

FILMMAKER. CHENNAI.
 II. SHORT FILMS

Amjath has written, produced and directed three short films

FILM 1: IDENTITY

Title: ADAYALAM (Identity)/2002/ 45 MIN/ TAMIL

Written, Produced & Directed by: Amjath Meera Akilan
Genre: Drama
Tagline: A teenager’s struggle with his identify

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FILMMAKER. CHENNAI.
SYNOPSIS
Adayalam (identity) visualizes a spectrum of emotions during an important transition of life -
adolescence. Naren Srinivasan a multitalented teenager who is perennially confused fails in
many spheres of life.

COMMENTS FROM EMINENT FILM MAKERS & TECHNICIANS ABOUT ADAYALAM

> “I have shown your film to young film makers in Colombo”, keep doing good works
_ Prasanna Vitanagae, Film Maker, Colombo
> “It is a poignant film. Sant & Ram works are very good. Some of the shots were really
good”_Sasi, Film Maker, Chennai
“Refreshing film, good work, ”_Gautham Vasudev Menon, Film Maker & Producer,
Chennai
> “I just loved the film, editing in particular. Ram & Sant’s works were great. I will film this
to many directors visiting my studio”_Suresh Urs, editor, Chennai
> After seeing all your films I feel like crying because I never had a chance in my time to
perform like this, my wishes to all young film makers _Balu Mahendra, film maker and
cinematographer (at SHOOL – a short film festival )
> Good try, I liked the film_ (Late)G. Srinivasan, film producer, Madras Talkies, Chennai
> It is a poignant film _ Radha Mohan, Film Maker, Chennai
> Film is good_ Lenin, Film maker and Editor, Chennai
> I saw your film. It is very impressive. All the best_ Vasanta Balan, Film Maker, Chennai
> I could see a promising young film maker _Prasanna Ramaswamy, Theatre personality
and film maker, Chennai
> Send it to lot of film festivals, nice work and it will be good if this pattern of film making
works for feature film_ Kishore, Film producer, Hyderabad

ADAYALAM SCREENINGS:
> Maiden screening: happened at silambu 2002_ short film festival held at Don Bosco
School, Chennai.
> Adayalam Premier: First of its kind screening for a short film in the scale of a feature film
held in Chennai on 22.11.2002, at South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce Theatre.
Witnessed by 900 audience in two full shows

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FILMMAKER. CHENNAI.
 > Press Show: Prior to the screening to the public, an exclusive press show and an official
press meet was organized
> ShooL : Screened at Shool a short film festival held at South Indian Film Chamber of
Commerce Theatre on 11.06.2003
> Screened at Bishop Heber College, Trichirapalli during an academy function
> Screening for media students at Max Muller Bhavan, Chennai
> Screened at Media studies centre, Anna University, Chennai
> Screened at visual communications dept., GRD college, Coimbatore
> Visual communications dept., Loyola College, Chennai
> Nearly hundred Adayalam DVDs have been circulated in Chennai & Hyderabad film
fraternity

ADAYALAM AT FESTIVALS & AWARDS:

Adayalam participated in six film festivals worldwide and received awards from four film
festivals.
> Europe Movies Festival, Switzerland
o Best Actor _ Seetaram Chaudry (aka) Ram
o Best Cinematography_ Santonio Terzio
o Europe movies festival award ceremony held at Loyola community centre and
the awards were presented by Mr. Lenin, film maker & editor, and Mr. Tangar
Bachan, film maker.
> New Jersey Short Film Festival, USA
o Notable Film Producer _ Khader Meera Shahul Hamid
o Notable Director_ Amjath Meera Akilan
> Lions Club Central_ Short film festival, Tirupur_ Best Film
> Tamil Literary Association, Sivagangai_ Best Film
> Participated in Mumbai Short Film Festival_ Mumbai
> Participated in British Council Digital Film Festival_ New Delhi

ADAYALAM IN THE PRESS:

> The new Indian express_ the choice is yours_ interview
> The new Indian express_ documenting the peripherals_ review
> News Today_ a short lived joy_ review

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FILMMAKER. CHENNAI.
 > The Hindu (Friday review)_ naturally enacted_ review
> Kalki_ Tamil magazine_ review
> Dinakaran_ Tamil daily_ Adayalam enacted by school students_ write up
> Nizal_ Tamil film magazine_ review
> Malaisudar_ Tamil evening daily_ writeup
> Kumudam Theeranadhi_ Tamil magazine_ clip
> Cinema express_ Tamil film magazine_ review
> Daily thandi_ Tamil newspaper_ writeup

FILM 2: ON THE WAY

Title: VAZIYIL (ON THE WAY)/2005/ 30 MIN/ TAMIL

Written, Co-produced & Directed by: Amjath Meera Akilan
Producer: Gautham Vision, Chennai
Genre: Romance
Tagline: a nostalgic lover revisits his past

Synopsis:
Vaziyil (on the way) tells a story about a protagonist reminisces the college days filled with
images of his lost love. Inspired by a true story, this film reveals two different endings that can
be traced back to one beginning.

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FILMMAKER. CHENNAI.
FILM 3: THE SIXTH LAND

Title: THE SIXTH LAND / 2007/ 00:11 / ENGLISH

Written, Produced & Directed by: Amjath Meera Akilan
Genre: Fantasy,
Tagline: A simpleton’s journey across five lands

Synopsis:
A simpleton living in Chennai metropolitan finds himself in the company of a very special friend
who boasts about his five lands and then takes him along on a magical journey across Kurunji
(Mountain), Mullai (Forest), Marutham (Cattle Fields), Neithal (Cultivation Land), and Paalai
(Barren Land) - the five lands

AMJATH MEERA AKILAN WEB PORTFOLIO 8

FILMMAKER. CHENNAI.
 III. EXPERIENCE IN FEATURE FILMS

With Mr. Kamal Haasan

Role: Assistant Director
In the year 2008 worked alongside Mr. Kamal Haasan in the pre-production of a trilingual
feature film, at Raj Kamal Films International, Chennai.
In focus: Worked as a 3D storyboard artist using pre-visualization 3D software. Generated a
detailed report for the director, of the newly launched storyboard software frame forge after
applying the software techniques for few sequences of the film

With Mr. Sasi

Role: Assistant Director
Worked as an assistant director to filmmaker Mr. Sasi for DISHYUM_ a Tamil Film released in
the year 2006. The film was produced by Mr. Ravichandran, Oscar Films, Chennai.
In focus: Apart from assistant director’s routine of working for all departments, took charge of
costume department and worked as a merchandiser for the film costumes.

With Ms. Anita Udheep

Role: Assistant Director
Involved in preliminary script discussion and promo graphic designs for KULIR 100 DEGREE -
Tamil film released in the year 2009. This film was written, and directed by film maker Ms. Anita
Udheep. Film was produced by Nviz Entertainment, Chennai.

With Mr. Mani Rathnam

Role: beginner
In 2001, had an opportunity to work for film maker Mr. Mani Ratnam for a photomatic (photo-
storyboard) presentation for the opening sequence of KANNATHIL MUTHAMITTAL _ a Tamil
feature directed by Mr. Mani in the year 2002. More than three hundred photos and data
associated to war torn srilanka (1970’s-1990’s) have been collected to compile the photo
storyboard presentation. Duration of the photomatic presentation is eleven minutes.

AMJATH MEERA AKILAN WEB PORTFOLIO 9

FILMMAKER. CHENNAI.
 IV. EXPERIENCE IN PRODUCTION

1. Producer_ short films: Produced short films under the banner Meeran Amateur Theatres
since 2002, with an intention to learn film making and film production. The best part is,
apart from learning the art of script writing, directing, raising funds and production
designing, experiencing to understand the complexities and clarities involved in
interacting with the cast, crew, production team and even the onlookers who gather
around the shooting spot is worth a shot. It is an amazing experience to see a
metamorphosis of changes - to see black & white letters transforming to colorful visuals
of various shades. As a first time filmmaker it was a painstaking observation, but a
phenomenon which is worth a time

2. Production Designer_ events: Worked as a creative director and production designer for
various national and international events and shows between the years 2001 and 2009.
According to client requirements, provided customized design solutions in the areas
of art direction & sets, graphic, fashion & interior designing, product promotions, launch
& exhibition_ visual merchandising etc., and take care of the outlook of the ground
and television events. Worked for more than one hundred and fifty shows in nine years
of freelance career taken up in parallel with film making. Thanks to Mrs.Vidya
Balakrishnan and Mrs.Shoba Ravishankar of VIBA for making it possible.

Nutshell: From Logo to Launch [Responsible for concept, designing, budgeting,

procurements, fabrication, execution etc.]

3. Production_ film festival promo films / graphic designs: ICAF a Chennai based film
society, supported by the state organizes CIFF every year with screening of more than
100 films from 60 to 80 countries. In 2004 a proposal was forwarded to the secretary of
ICAF for making festival promo films with an intention to add to the spirit of CIFF. Since
then three CIFF promo films have been made with the support of sponsors. All promo
films have been conceptualized and produced in a short span of 3 to 4 days. The promo
films were much appreciated in the festival circuit. In a goodwill gesture, ICAF felicitated
promo film crew in the closing ceremony of second CIFF 2004.

AMJATH MEERA AKILAN WEB PORTFOLIO 10

FILMMAKER. CHENNAI.
 Worked as a graphic designer for 2nd CIFF and designed poster, banner and promo
materials which evoked interest among film students. Worked for CIFF 08 and designed
logo, promo material and 175 page festival souvenir

4. Producer_ film festivals:

Six Shorts_2006 with PC Sreeram: Conceived & produced six shorts_ a short film festival held
on 26 November 2006, at South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce Theatre, Chennai, which
has created a platform for young film makers to showcase their work to media students, press
and film fraternity. The festival was held in the auspicious presence of Mrs.& Mr. PC Sreeram,
Film Maker & Cinematographer. The festival was supported by FTII – Pune, friends and
sponsors

Shool with Balu: SHOOL_a short film festival in the auspicious presence of Mr.Balu Mahendra,
Film Maker & Cinematographer, Film Maker Mr. Sasi and Editor Mr. Suresh Urs. The main
objective of the festival is to create a platform for ourselves. Shool was produced by Mamallan,
Prabhu Radakrishnan, Muthu, Vijay Shankar and Amjath Meera Akilan. SHOOL held on 26,
November 2003 at South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce Theatre, Chennai. The event was
hosted by the Indo Cine Appreciation Foundation who were the organizers of Chennai
International Film Festival.

5. UK INDIA FILM COLLABORATION 2008: At: Taj Holiday Resort,Goa - India

As an appreciated contestant of young screen entrepreneur award [YSE-2008] conducted by

the British Council, I was chosen from Chennai to attend INDO-UK Film Collaboration Workshop
alongside eminent film personalities and government authorities from India and the United
Kingdom.

British High Commission and UK Film Council had jointly organized the two days workshop in
the sidelines of the international film festival of India [IFFI-2008]. The workshop largely
discussed INDO UK Co-production treaty and about organizing tie-ups and production support
between the two countries, especially during filming in the Kingdom.

AMJATH MEERA AKILAN WEB PORTFOLIO 11

FILMMAKER. CHENNAI.
Leading film makers & producers from Bollywood, Union ministers from broadcast ministry,
lawyers, consultants, creative financiers from both nations, the international casting agents and
production designers were all participated in the high profile conclave.

My interaction with renowned film maker and producer Anurag Kashyap during the networking
session has paved way to establish a mutual bonding between him and the young filmmakers
from Chennai. Their mutual admiration for each other’s work flourished in a way that in 2009
Anurag went up to organize personal screening of the acclaimed Tamil movies to the
filmmakers and producers in Mumbai and in 2010 he came to Chennai for the official
launch of a Tamil film.

V. FILM PRODUCTION SUPPORT

FILM PRODUCTION COMPANY, CHENNAI

ABOUT THE COMPANY : After producing short films and nine years of experience in
production designing for films and events, Meeran Amateur Theatres– an unofficial production
company founded in the year 2002 by Meeran Brothers, was converted to a pro film production
company - Meeran Theatres in 2010. In Dec 2009, the film company was officially registered at
the Tamilnadu Film Producer’s Council, Chennai.
It is an ambitious attempt by Amjath Meera Akilan to create a unique film production company
which will be responsible for the development of the content and production designing by which
supporting investors during every stage of filmmaking from pre-production to first copy of the
film. Initially the company will handle the production of films which will be written and directed by
Amjath Meera Akilan.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the company is to support film investors in making sensible motion
pictures with worldwide franchise potential by which exploring new film markets for Indian
cinema other than the traditional NRI and Diaspora audience. Our goal is highly achievable by
getting support of the talented artists, writers, technicians, actors, production executives,
creative producers from India and by setting up mutual tie-ups with world’s leading production
and distribution houses

AMJATH MEERA AKILAN WEB PORTFOLIO 12

FILMMAKER. CHENNAI.
R&M STUDIOS, CHENNAI & DUBAI
Business mechanics and tie-ups is under progress in shaping R&M Studios_ a Chennai and
Dubai based digital-media post-production facility and an animation film production studio, to
cater to the needs of the film and television producers in India and the Middle East. The studio
which is in conceptual stage is aiming to build a world-class facility where creativity and
technology blend to serve the needs of the clients to connect with the larger target audience

VI. EARLY CAREER

As a senior creative artist I was responsible for Shop Interiors, Layouts and Visual Displays of
Twelve Giordano Showrooms in Saudi Arabia (Jeddah, Riyadh and Alkobar) from 1995 to 1999.
The streets of Arabia constantly filled with people from many walks of life and parts of the world,
was a delight to walk on. Every moment spent there made me broaden my outlook, enhanced
my exposure globally making me a true cosmopolitan. I am grateful to Mr.Jeelani, Mr.Ishwar,
Mr.Edward Bong Co and Giordano for enhancing my creative abilities to perfection

VII. PRESS REVIEWS

ADAYALAM_SHORT FILM REVIEWS & INTERVIEWS

> The new Indian express_ the choice is yours_ interview
> The new Indian express_ documenting the peripherals_ review
> News Today_ a short lived joy_ review
> The Hindu (Friday review)_ naturally enacted_ review
> Kalki_ Tamil magazine_ review
> Dinakaran_ Tamil daily_ Adayalam enacted by school students_ write-up
> Nizal_ Tamil film magazine_ review
> Malaisudar_ Tamil evening daily_ write-up
> Kumudam Theeranadhi_ Tamil magazine_ clip
> Cinema express_ Tamil film magazine_ review
> Daily thandi_ Tamil newspaper_ write-up

AMJATH MEERA AKILAN WEB PORTFOLIO 13

FILMMAKER. CHENNAI.
WRITE-UPS IN GENERAL
> Nizal_ Tamil film magazine_Space for modern cinema_ clip
> VIkadan_ Diwali special_ Short films in Tamil
> Kumudam_ Tamil weekly magazine_ write-up

SIX SHORTS_SHORT FILM FESTIVAL REVIEWS

> The Hindu_ Friday review_ All about mind_ review

> The Economic Times of India (Madras Plus)_ Meaningful magic_ review
> The New Indian Express_ Six films, twenty minutes to fame_ review

CIFF FELICITATION & REVIEW

> The Hindu_ young audiences bring cheer to the 2nd CIFF_ review/ felicitation of promo
film technicians

VIII. CONTACT & NETWORKING

Mobile : 0091 98400 38583 / Email: meerantheatres@gmail.com

[Under construction] personal blog at wordpress.com / Follow page

AMJATH MEERA AKILAN WEB PORTFOLIO 14

FILMMAKER. CHENNAI.