Interview with Samjith, the editor of Rajinikanth’s Lingaa
Only Kollywood interacted with Samjith Mhd, the editor of Rajinikanth’s Lingaa for a quick conversation.
Director Shaji Kailas provided the launchpad for Samjith in the Mohanlal-starrer Red Chillies, a Malayalam film. But, Lingaa is Samjith’s first Tamil film. He, certainly, could not have asked for a better debut. He has earlier worked with KS Ravikumar in Policegiri, the official Hindi remake of Tamil film Saamy directed by Hari.
Before Lingaa
“Actually, it was Kanal Kannan master who introduced me to KS Ravikumar sir in Policegiri. I used to edit his action sequences for a lot of films across languages. I had a handful of Malayalam films to my credit before finding a break in Policegiri, a mass commercial film,” harks back Samjith.
Samjith has worked for a couple of popular anthology films in Malayalam we would like to bring your attention to – Kerala Cafe and D Company. “It was director Deepan (one of the three filmmakers of D Company) who finally connected me to KS Ravikumar. During my first meeting with Ravikumar, I was asked to edit few sample sequences impromptu and he was quite satisfied with the outcome. That’s how I was joined the core team of Policegiri, which also marked by Bollywood debut. Then, Ravikumar sir opted me for Lingaa too since we established a good rapport in our previous outing. Before starting Lingaa, KS Ravikumar was planning to direct a film with Sudeep of Naan Ee fame,” says Samjith.
Pre-production stage of Lingaa
Lingaa was not a well-thought out, meticulously planned project. When KS Ravikumar was preparing for Sudeep’s untitled film, Pon Kumaran – the director of Charulatha and a former associate of KS Ravikumar – narrated a story which impressed both Rajinikanth and Ravikumar. “We immediately wanted to kickstart the project. Thalaivar gave his nod soon,” says Samjith. 
Samjith was part of the discussion process from the beginning. “Pon Kumaran narrated the story to me. Then, KS Ravikumar asked me my opinion and we discussed about few suggestions here and there. In fact, Ravikumar’s script will have everything in place – the duration of the scene, emotions, type of costumes, gestures,” Samjith patiently explains us when we quizzed about the scripting process. For few of his Malayalam films, Samjith used to take a lot of effort during the pre-production process. But with Ravikumar, he has never had to put in so much effort courtesy Ravikumar’s exhaustive detailing in the script.
MASS Flashback Sequence
KS Ravikumar is known for his masterly flashback sequences in his films. Sarathkumar’s Naattaamai, Ajith’s Varalaaru, Rajinikanth’s Muthu and the recently released Kochadaiiyaan stand testimony to the same. “There is a mass flashback sequence in Lingaa too. It has come out really well with KS Ravikumar’s quintessential touch,” reveals Samjith.
Challenges
“While seeing the rushes itself, we would take notice and alert the direction team if something looks tacky. Sometimes, even the cameraman wouldn’t be aware of the minutest things in the backdrop/ atmosphere. As an editor, we nitpick a lot in the edit room more than anyone else. For Lingaa, since it’s a period film, the portions involving pre-independence sequences are tirelessly taken care of by the team. Even a single electric post in the background should look outdated. We have ensured all that and the scenes are coming out good,” explains Samjith the challenging process behind editing in general and a period film (read Lingaa) in specific. 
Before locking the final cut, Samjith makes sure that it’s accurate by cross-checking twice or thrice. He is quite wary of the technically well-informed film enthusiasts on Facebook and Twitter. “Even a tiny facial blemish is clearly noticed by film buffs these days and they take to Facebook/Twitter to flaunt their findings. So we are critically aware of things like these and working hard to offer a well-made film,” Samjith tells us.
“The film spans two different time periods – before independence and the present. Sabu Cyril has done an amazing job in art department and Randy master’s cinematography will be talked about,” says Samjith.
Samjith’s Rajinikanth moment – His most cherished experience
Samjith’s most cherished experience working in Lingaa is Rajinikanth’s genuine, spontaneous, child-like appreciation in his trademark style. “I have grown-up watching Thalaivar films in theatres. I have devoutly clapped and whistled along with the audiences for all his films. Apdi ellam paartha Thalaivar namma pakathula ukanthu kai thattina – it’s an explicable feeling. He used to clap a lot after watching the final edit and utter Nalla iruku, Supera iruku in his inimitable style,” gushes Samjith.
KS Ravikumar – the taskmaster
“He is a brilliant director and an excellent technician. He has an eye for detail. His scenes never baffle viewers. He prefers clarity in scenes, which only few film-makers do,” raves Samjith about KS Ravikumar. During his first film, Samjith used to be apprehensive about KS Ravikumar’s reaction. Now, he has mastered it. He knows what KS Ravikumar expects or has in mind the moment he observes his reaction. “He is a great 
teacher and has taught me a lot. I have learnt a lot of things under his counseling. Even now, when I watch certain films, I can delve deep into some scenes thanks to wonderful discussions with Ravikumar on a range of film topics,” says Samjith.
Update on songs
And, AR Rahman has not completed the album yet. “I’m not aware of the specific number of songs in the album. But, we recently shot one main song, about which I cannot reveal anything. We have also completed two songs earlier – one in the pre-independence period and the other one for the present,” says Samjith.
And yes, we asked him that million-dollar question – Will SPB sing the opening song? “I think that’s how it should come. It’s become sentimental for both Rahman and Rajinikanth. Most probably, SPB should sing it,” confirms Samjith.
Nuggets
- “Rajinikanth sports two looks for the film and both have come out extraordinarily well and will redefine Thalaivar’s mass. And his chemistry with Sonakshi Sinha in the pre-independence portions will be interesting to watch. The shooting is going on in full swing during the night; Ravikumar sir and I sit with editing during the day time,” Samjith tells us.
- The shooting is going on simultaneously for both pre-independence portions and the present. Both Sonakshi Sinha and Anushka Shetty are currently present for this long schedule going on in Shimoga.
- Santhanam comes during the film’s present timeline and Karunakaran for the pre-independence portions.
The team is striving hard to complete the film soon and release it on Rajinikanth’s birthday as planned. Samjith is working round the clock to lock the next schedule edit and he promised us to talk more about the film once it’s completed. And, full credits to him for giving firsthand updates about the project frequently on social media.
Interviewed by Surendhar MK