Mysskin

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Mysskin
Mysskin, Tamil filmmaker.jpg
Born
Shanmugha Raja

(1971-09-20) 20 September 1971 (age 52)
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Other namesMysskin
Occupation(s)Film director, Screenwriter, Lyrcist, Playback singer, Actor, Film producer, Composer
Years active2002–present

Shanmugha Raja, known professionally as Mysskin, is an Indian film director, screenwriter, lyricist, playback singer, actor, film producer and composer. [1] [2] [3] [4]

Contents

He made his directorial debut in 2006 with Chithiram Pesuthadi . His subsequent films Anjathe (2008), Nandalala (2010) and Onaayum Aattukkuttiyum (2013) and Pisaasu (2014) received critical acclaim. He made his acting debut with Nandalala (2010), where he portrayed a mentally disabled man. [5]

Early life

Shanmugha Raja chose Mysskin as his assumed name, inspired by Prince Myshkin, the protagonist in Fyodor Dostoevsky's novel The Idiot . [3] [2] His schooling was in Tamil. He is an avid book reader. [6]

Career

Mysskin was working in a book store when director Kathir first asked him to join him. He was with him for nearly eight months but did not work in any movie. It was under director Vincent Selva that he did his first movie Youth , followed by Jithan , again under Vincent Selva. [6]

Mysskin made his directorial debut in 2006 with the low-budget film Chithiram Pesuthadi , which went on to become one of the biggest hits of the year. A simple love story, it became a hit owing to the unique style the film was written in. The leads, debutants Narain and Bhavana, went on to become popular faces following the success. He then directed Anjathe (2008) which became one of the biggest blockbusters in Tamil cinema. The film received critical acclaim for all departments of filmmaking. The film was also noted for its narrative style and mise-en-scène, which marked an example of Tamil new wave cinema. [7]

Mysskin went on to direct Nandalala (2010), a film loosely based on Takeshi Kitano's Kikujiro (1999) and being completely different from his first two ventures. The film is about a young boy and a mentally challenged person going in search of their respective mothers. Mysskin himself chose to play the mentally challenged character (marking his major acting debut) after the script was turned down by many established actors. The film went on to become his most critically acclaimed film, with some critics calling it one of the best Tamil films ever made. [8]

His next film, Yuddham Sei (2011), a dark crime thriller was a hit at the box office as well. His visual style and directing prowess were appreciated and talked about by everybody. [9] In 2012, the superhero film Mugamoodi has all the makings of a successful film but ends up disappointing. [10] He then both produced and directed the film Onaayum Aattukkuttiyum (2013). [11] Mysskin, known for his offbeat subjects tries his hand for the first time at a horror thriller genre. Pisaasu (2014) which has the signature style of Mysskin has been produced by director Bala’s home banner B Studios. [12] In 2017, Thupparivaalan is inspired by Arthur Conan Doyle's famous detective thriller Sherlock Holmes.. [13]

Mysskin has found success as an actor in films not directed by him. In the film Savarakathi (2018), he played the antagonist opposite director Ram. The film was an average commercial success but was praised by critics. He also had an important cameo appearance in Thiagarajan Kumararaja's Super Deluxe (2019). [14] Later, he has directed the psychological thriller Psycho (2020). [15]

He has also played antagonistic roles in films such as Maaveeran (2023) [16] and Leo (2023). [17] He debuted as music director with Devil (2024). [18]

Filmmaking style

Mysskin is inspired by filmmakers such as Akira Kurosawa, Robert Bresson and Takeshi Kitano. He is known for his peculiar combat sequences using elaborate storyboard [19] [20] and real unarmed martial strikes and stances; [21] unconventional shots (like close-ups of feet); diegetic sound, light, silhouette and shadow; stage techniques (like monologue, face-floor, motion-freeze); staccato background score; meticulous scene and set construction; irony-laden dialogues; ellipses; minimalism; deep characterization (with archetypal hairdo, dress, accent, posture, gesture, locale, furniture); limited use of song choreography; and neo-noir renditions where the lead role is not infallible.

Mysskin is known to start film shoot only after a bound script is ready. He rigorously annotates his scripts with cues and camera lens focal lengths for each scene. [22] [23] He says that his films are influenced by the works of Kurosawa. [24]

His assistant directors like G. R. Adithya [25] and Sri Ganesh have also made successful films like Savarakathi and 8 Thottakkal. [26]

Personal life

His younger brother Aathityaa directed Devil (2024), for which he composed the music. [18]

Filmography

†Denotes films that have not yet been released

As director

List of Mysskin film directing credits
YearFilmNotes
2006 Chithiram Pesuthadi
2008 Anjathe Nominated, Filmfare Award for Best Director – Tamil
Nominated, Vijay Award for Best Director
2010 Nandalala
2011 Yuddham Sei
2012 Mugamoodi
2013 Onaayum Aattukkuttiyum
2014 Pisaasu
2017 Thupparivaalan
2020 Psycho
2024Pisaasu IIDelayed
Train

As actor

List of Mysskin film acting credits
YearFilmRoleNotesRef.
2002 Youth Man in song "Old Model Laila"Uncredited role [27]
2002 Kadhal Virus Man at film shootUncredited role [28]
2005 Jithan Man at phone boothUncredited role
2010 Nandalala Bhaskar ManiLead role
2013 Onaayum Aattukkuttiyum Wolf / Edward
2018 Savarakkaththi MangeswaranAlso producer
2019 Super Deluxe Arputham
Kattumaram Singaram
Suttu Pidikka Utharavu Ibrahim
2021 Bachelor Pastor DoctorCameo appearance
2023 Maaveeran M. N. Jeyakodi
Are You Ok Baby? Child Welfare Committee Director
Leo Shanmugam
2024 Devil Cameo appearance
Love Insurance Kompany
Dragon

As writer and producer

This is a list of films Mysskin worked for other directors.

YearTitleCredited asNotes
WriterProducer
2018 Savarakkaththi YesYes
2019 Super Deluxe Yes
2024 Devil PresenterAlso music director

As singer and lyricist

YearFilmCredited asSongComposerNotes
SingerLyricist
2006 Chithiram Pesuthadi NoYes"Aaahayam Aaahayam", "Idhu Enna Pudhu Kanavo (M)" Sundar C Babu
2008 Anjathe YesNo"Kannadhasan Karaikudi", "Acham Thavir"
2008 Dindigul Sarathy YesNo"Sutta Pazhama" Dhina
2011 Yuddham Sei YesNo"Aararo" & "Vedham Pudhumai" K
2012 Mugamoodi YesYes"Bar Anthem"
2013 Thulli Vilayadu YesNo"Ammadi Aathadi" Srikanth Deva
2015 Kallappadam YesNo"Vellakaara Rani" K
2016 Savarakkaththi YesNo"Kathi Edukkuthaan" Arrol Corelli
NoYes"Thangakathi"
2017 Thupparivaalan YesYes"Ivan Thupparivaalan"also sang the Telugu dubbed version of the song
2020 Psycho NoYes"Thaai Madiyil" Ilaiyaraaja
2024 Devil NoYesall songshimself

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Chithiram Pesuthadi is a 2006 Indian Tamil-language romantic action drama film written and directed by Mysskin in his directorial debut. The film stars Narain and Bhavana, both making their debuts in Tamil cinema industry. The film's score and soundtrack are composed by Sundar C Babu with cinematography by Mahesh Muthuswami and editing by M. Kasi Viswanathan. Produced by Dreambridge Productions on a budget of ₹ 1.20 crores, the film faced publicity issues but later released in Chennai and the rest of Tamil Nadu. The movie became a massive hit of that year. The film was later remade in Telugu as Raju Bhai, and in Kannada as Kiccha Huccha.

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<i>Anjathe</i> 2008 film directed by Mysskin

Anjathe is a 2008 Indian Tamil-language action film written and directed by Mysskin and produced by V. Hitesh Jhabak. The film stars Narain, Prasanna, Ajmal Ameer, and Vijayalakshmi. The film opened to rave reviews for its technical expertise, avant-garde filmmaking, and for the performance of actor Prasanna. The film became a "blockbuster" at the box office. The composition of frames, selection of shots and its counter meaning in narration made Anjathe a perfect example of Tamil New Wave cinema. The film was remade in Kannada as Anjadiru (2009).

<i>Nandalala</i> 2010 Indian film

Nandalala is a 2010 Indian Tamil-language independent drama film written and directed by Mysskin. He himself plays the lead role, alongside newcomer Ashwath Ram and Snigdha Akolkar. The film, which is produced by Ayngaran International and features a highly acclaimed musical score by Ilaiyaraaja, is based on the 1999 Japanese film Kikujiro, and partly inspired from Mysskin's life. The movie was an average grosser.

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<i>Mugamoodi</i> 2012 superhero film by Mysskin

Mugamoodi, subtitled onscreen as The Superhero Within, is a 2012 Indian Tamil-language superhero film directed by Mysskin and produced by Ronnie Screwvala and Siddharth Roy Kapur. The film, which is dedicated to Bruce Lee, stars Jiiva, alongside Narain, Pooja Hegde, Nassar, Selva and Girish Karnad. In the film, Anand alias Bruce Lee, a martial artist, wears a superhero costume in order to impress his girlfriend Shakthi, but Anand gets framed for his friend Viji's death and sets out to prove his innocence by becoming a real superhero called Mugamoodi.

<i>Onaayum Aattukkuttiyum</i> 2013 Indian film

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<i>Pisaasu</i> 2014 Indian film

Pisaasu is a 2014 Indian Tamil-language horror drama film written and directed by Mysskin and produced by Bala under B Studios. The film stars Naga, Rajkumar Pitchumani, Ashvatt alongside Radharavi, Kalyani Natarajan, Prayaga Martin and Harish Uthaman. The film released on 19 December 2014 to highly positive reviews. The Telugu dubbed version titled Pisachi released on 27 February 2015. The film was remade in Kannada as Rakshasi and in Hindi as Nanu Ki Jaanu.

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<i>Kallappadam</i> 2015 Indian film

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<i>Psycho</i> (2020 film) 2020 psychological horror film directed by Mysskin

Psycho is a 2020 Indian Tamil-language psychological thriller film written and directed by Mysskin. The film was produced by Arun Mozhi Manickam under Double Meaning Production. The film stars Udhayanidhi Stalin, Nithya Menen, Aditi Rao Hydari and debutant Rajkumar Pitchumani as the main antagonist with an ensemble supporting cast. Ilaiyaraaja composed the soundtrack of the film, with cinematography by Tanvir Mir and editing by N. Arunkumar. Production began in September 2018.

Train is an upcoming Indian Tamil-language film written and directed by Mysskin. The film is produced by Kalaipuli S. Thanu under V. Creations. It stars Vijay Sethupathi, alongside Dimple Hayathi, Nassar, Vinay Rai, Bhavana, Sampath Raj, K. S. Ravikumar, Yugi Sethu and Ganesh Venkatraman.

<i>Mugamoodi</i> (soundtrack) 2012 soundtrack album by K

Mugamoodi is the soundtrack album composed by K for the 2012 Tamil-language superhero film of the same name starring Jiiva and Pooja Hegde in lead roles, directed by Mysskin. The film marks K's second collaboration with Mysskin after Yuddham Sei (2011). The album consists of four songs with seven theme scores. Lyrics were penned by Madhan Karky, and Mysskin himself. The soundtrack album was released by Sa Re Ga Ma on 20 July 2012. The release coincided with a promotional event held at the Sathyam Cinemas, Chennai. The album also was dubbed and released in Telugu as Mask on 12 August 2012, by Aditya Music.

References

  1. ↑ "Mysskin — Missing the forest for the trees | FCCI". Journal of Indian Cinema. 20 September 2020. Archived from the original on 28 October 2020. Retrieved 26 October 2020.
  2. 1 2 "Ahead of Psycho's Release, Delving Into Mysskin's Unique Craft". The Quint. 21 January 2020. Archived from the original on 3 February 2020. Retrieved 3 February 2020.
  3. 1 2 "Shanmugha Raja is the real name of director Mysskin". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 20 May 2022. Retrieved 3 February 2020.
  4. ↑ Lakshmi, V. (29 June 2022). "Mysskin turns composer for a crime thriller". Times of India. Archived from the original on 14 July 2023. Retrieved 3 July 2023.
  5. ↑ "Nandhalala is brilliant".
  6. 1 2 "Director Mysskin". Behindwoods. Archived from the original on 5 October 2014. Retrieved 1 March 2015.
  7. ↑ Kalorth, Nithin (September 2013). "Identification and Analysis of Images in Anjathey". Media Watch. 4 (3): 391–399. doi: 10.1177/0976091120130311 . ISSN   0976-0911. S2CID   61507138.[ permanent dead link ]
  8. ↑ "Review: Nandhalala is brilliant". Archived from the original on 10 September 2016. Retrieved 5 August 2016.
  9. ↑ "Review: Yuddham Sei is gripping". Archived from the original on 29 July 2016. Retrieved 5 August 2016.
  10. ↑ "Review: Mugamoodi fails to impress".
  11. ↑ "Onaayum Aattukuttiyum Movie Review by Common Man".
  12. ↑ "Different from usual horror films".
  13. ↑ "Thupparivaalan review: Vishal's film is a solid crime thriller".
  14. ↑ "Super Deluxe: Director Mysskin spills the beans on Vijay Sethupathi film". India Today . 3 March 2019. Archived from the original on 22 July 2021. Retrieved 22 July 2021.
  15. ↑ "Psycho Review".
  16. ↑ "Mysskin on his role in Sivakarthikeyan's 'Maaveeran': I will play a negative character who wears a traditional veshti and shirt". The Times of India. 30 May 2023. ISSN   0971-8257 . Retrieved 9 June 2024.
  17. ↑ "When Thalapathy Vijay Left Mysskin With 'A BLOODY Mouth' During Leo Action Scene". Times Now. 20 September 2023. Retrieved 9 June 2024.
  18. 1 2 "Devil Movie Review: Works In Parts But Gets Undone In The End". TimesNow. 2 February 2024.
  19. ↑ "Mysskin choreographs fights with storyboard". YouTube . Archived from the original on 20 May 2022. Retrieved 17 September 2017.
  20. ↑ "Mysskin says storyboarding helps cut costs". YouTube . Archived from the original on 14 July 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2017.
  21. ↑ "Mysskin storyboarding combat sequence for Thupparivaalan". YouTube . Archived from the original on 14 July 2023. Retrieved 19 September 2017.
  22. ↑ Films can be made without songs or heroines, says Mysskin
  23. ↑ Cuss words are needed for realism, says Mysskin
  24. ↑ Mysskin admits Kurosawa influence
  25. ↑ "Passionate & proud".
  26. ↑ V, Harshini S. (6 August 2022). "Mysskin Sir Introduced Me To World Cinema: Kuruthi Aattam Filmmaker Sri Ganesh". www.filmcompanion.in. Archived from the original on 27 May 2024. Retrieved 9 June 2024.
  27. ↑ "Did you know Mysskin's debut on-screen appearance was with Vijay's 'Youth'?". The Times of India . Archived from the original on 18 December 2021. Retrieved 18 December 2021.
  28. ↑ "Mysskin's alter ego revealed in Vijay's yesteryear film with interesting titbits of his filmmaking journey".
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