From software engineer to action director: Chethan D'Souza on working with Rajinikanth, Mohanlal and more

Chethan D'Souza's journey from a software engineer to one of the busiest action directors in South Indian cinema is a story in itself. It may sound like a film plot, but his real-life journey is even more exciting. Having choreographed the thrilling fight sequences in 'Aavesham' and the larger-than-life action scenes in 'Jailer 2', Chethan sees cinema as more than just a profession. It is an adventurous journey towards a dream he had nurtured for years.

When he left the security of a job at an IT company to venture into the uncertain world of cinema, all Chethan had was his training in karate and parkour, along with the confidence to take on any challenge. Looking back at his journey from 'Aavesham' to 'Jailer 2', he still finds it hard to believe that he has had the opportunity to work alongside superstars such as Rajinikanth and Mohanlal.

In an interview with Manorama Online, Chethan talks about his experiences, including the memorable occasion when Rajinikanth himself became his translator because of a language barrier, and the challenges he faced while pursuing his dreams.

Making people fly through the air
Imagining scenes in which people are punched, thrown around and left bleeding is simply part of my job. Once, I was walking through an airport while discussing a bomb blast and people being flung into the air over the phone with someone. People nearby began looking at me fearfully. I still laugh when I think about that incident.

In real life, I cannot even stand and watch someone bleed after getting injured. But if I have to thrill audiences in front of the camera, I have to choreograph such sequences. After all, that is what I get paid to do.

Working with Rajinikanth
I am from Karnataka, so I used to give instructions on set through the microphone in Kannada. Rajini sir heard me and called me over. He said, 'You speak good Kannada,' and started a conversation.
There were times when director Nelson, cinematographer Vijay and Rajini sir would exchange jokes rapidly in Tamil, and I would struggle to understand what they were saying. On those occasions, Rajini sir himself would translate everything into Kannada for me.
Having the superstar of Indian cinema become my translator is an experience I will never forget.

The lesson from 'Eda Mone'
Language is never a barrier to cinema. I knew the story of 'Aavesham' from the very beginning, which made it possible for me to blend action movements seamlessly into its comedy. Fahadh and Jithu Madhavan are both close friends of mine. Fahadh's 'Karate Chandran' is currently being shot.
Fahadh and Nazriya are the two people who have brought me closer to Malayalam cinema.

Understanding a superstar's style
When designing action for pan-Indian films, it is important to understand each superstar's style and fan base. Mohanlal sir has his own distinctive swagger and a massive following. When Shivanna (Shivarajkumar) comes in with a knife in 'Jailer 2', theatres will erupt.
However, simply packing a scene with action does not make it effective. We carefully design every movement, taking into account an actor's age and physical limitations to ensure that they do not sustain injuries.

Stunt doubles and editing cuts
We use professional stunt doubles for extremely dangerous sequences, such as jumping from a helicopter. There are several trained professionals who have dedicated their lives to performing such stunts. This is their livelihood, too. With today's technology, we can make it appear as though the actor himself performed the stunt.

We also have to ensure that actors do not get injured or appear exhausted while shooting scenes scheduled for the following day. Keeping them fresh and ready is part of an action director's responsibility.

In some films, elaborate fight sequences that take considerable effort to shoot are removed during editing, depending on the film's length and flow. Sometimes, a sequence may be reduced to just a minute or 30 seconds, or even removed entirely. That is the director's creative decision, and it is sometimes necessary for the film as a whole.

Malayalam actors in 'Jailer 2'
Suraj Venjaramoodu and Hakim Shajahan delivered terrific performances in 'Jailer 2'. Hakim brought a wonderfully raw energy to the sets. Suraj sir appeared very serious while shooting, but I realised what a terrific comedian he was only after I got to know him better.

He was remarkably precise in sequences where he lifts Moorthy and throws him around, as well as those involving stone-throwing. I particularly love his character Dasamoolam Damu. I often find myself repeating his dialogue, 'Ini nammal enthu cheyyum Mallayya?' (What do we do now, Mallayya?).

From software to action
I started learning karate when I was in Class 8 and eventually earned a black belt. However, I initially began my career as a software engineer at a multinational company in Bengaluru. I spent around 11 and a half years working in the IT industry.
But I never gave up on my dream of working in action cinema. Alongside my job, I regularly trained in parkour, gymnastics and calisthenics. I also put together a video of my stunts and uploaded it to YouTube so that I could share it with film directors. The video eventually received more than a million views, catching the attention of director Pawan Kumar.

That is how I entered the film industry with 'U-Turn'. For some time, I continued working in both IT and cinema. Eventually, I decided to give my passion a chance and quit my job altogether.
It took nearly two decades of consistent effort to reach where I am today. I gave up many trips and parties with friends to stay focused on my goal.

What's next?
One of my major upcoming projects is 'Scene', directed by Jithu Madhavan. Apart from the lead actor, most of the cast members are Malayalis. Naslen plays a terrific villain in the film. He is a fantastic actor, and the swagger he brings to the villain's character is particularly enjoyable.