Radhakrishnan Parthiban is a widely acclaimed Tamil film actor, director, producer and writer famously known for his film Housefull (1999) which won him the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil and his earlier released critically acclaimed film Pudhiya Paadhai directed by him where himself plays an inhuman ruffian who gets reformed by his rape victim.
Having directed almost a dozen films, he began his filmy career as an assistant director to K. Bhagyaraj, having worked with him in over 40 films during 80s and early 90s.
Though Radhakrishnan Parthiban is an unconventional and uncompromising actor and a director hence most of his films are being labelled as an arty filmmaker, he has delivered several successful films as an actor like Bharathi Kannamma (1997), Nee Varuvai Ena (1999), Vetri Kodi Kattu (2000), Azhagi (2002), Aayirathil Oruvan (2010) and Melvilasom (2011).
Otha Seruppu Size 7 (Single Slipper Size 7) is Radhakrishnan Parthiban’s latest film which was premiered at the Singapore South Asian Film Festival in August is now premiered at the IFFI 2019 (International Film Festival of India) and the film has been listed in the viewing room Film Library at the NFDC Film Bazaar 2019.
Oththa Seruppu Size 7, with only one character on the screen and off it too. Written, directed and acted in by R Parthiban, the film has managed to pique the interest of the audience right from its inception. The film entered the Asia Book of Records and India Book of Records for having a single person writing, directing, solo acting and producing a film.
Along with the outstanding performance and sharp visuals, the film is amplified by the amazing sound design composed by C. Sathya which gives life to the uncanny, yet detailed confession of the solo character of Masilamani which is played by Parthiban.
FilmyTown’s Editor Paresh B Mehta meets up with Radhakrishnan Parthiban for an exclusive chat:
Oththa Seruppu Size 7 (Single Slipper Size 7) is a rare attempt in Indian cinema and probably the world cinema.
Let me correct you, it is for the first time in the world that a film is being written, directed, acted and produced by a single person – R Parthiban. There are several solo-act films but it is being attempted by the first time that an individual is handling these 4 departments of a film.
What is the response to your film at NFDC Film Bazaar?
Excellent response. Oththa Seruppu Size 7 was also screened at the Golden Globes and now it has also been entered into the Oscars through its release in California. We have adopted a different route of entering it into the Oscars. Holding the audience’s attention for 2 hours is a difficult task. This is the magic of this film where the camera is only on one individual but there are voices of other characters where this individual responds to them.
This is a murder mystery. It isn’t a psycho thriller. It is the story of a man whose wife is in mortuary for the last 10 days.
How did you come up with such an unique yet highly engrossing story that is crafted with cinematic experiments?
The story is running in my mind for the past 15 years that I wanted to do a solo film. I have written the script from the different points of view, particularly from the direction point of view. It is a tough job narrating to the audience that a single person has committed 4-5 murders. My theatre background helped me to pen and then perform this role. I practiced a lot to do this role which will hold the audiences’ attention for 2 hours.
So, thats it? Shall we describe it as a murder mystery and about adultery?
There is a suspense element towards the end where this middle class man exposes the truth. It is the story of a middle class man who is caged in the typical cultural mindset saddled with limited means. The core is inspired by a true incident that happened in a politician’s family in Tamil Nadu and then we have adopted cinematic liberties to make it into a thriller.
When do we see you in particular in the Bollywood industry?
Lets hope that this film Oththa Seruppu Size 7 (Single Slipper Size 7) opens the doors to Bollywood. Mr Amir Khan has liked the story and has shown interest in this solo act film. He has yet to see the film and if he likes the core, then its an open door entry into the mainstream Bollywood industry for me. Ofcourse I would only be the director of this remake in Hindi and he would be enacting the solo act if and when he approves it.
Whats next from R Parthiban?
I want to do a commercial fun film and want a break from this serious cinema. FilmyTown would be the first one to receive the news which I surely promise.
Cast of Oththa Seruppu Size 7:
R. Parthiban as Masilamani
Gayathrie as Usha (voice only)
Deepa Venkat as Dr. Surya (voice only)
Credits of Oththa Seruppu Size 7:
Production company Bioscope Film Framers
Written, Produced and Directed by Radhakrishnan Parthiban
Music by Santhosh Narayanan
Background Score – C. Sathya
Cinematography – Ramji
Edited by – R. Sudharsan
Running time – 97 minutes
Language – Tamil
