Some films don't need heroes, songs: Mysskin

Filmmaker Mysskin's Tamil crime-thriller "Onayum Aatukuttiyum", which releases Friday, doesn't feature a hero, heroine and not even songs because he believes some story-driven films need not have all that.

"Is there a hard and fast rule that every film should feature a hero, heroine and songs? When there is absolutely no need, why should I even bother to have the same? OA is a story-driven film revolving around two important characters," Mysskin told IANS.

"There is no hero or villain in the film. There are only two characters - one is like a wolf and the other like a lamb. What happens when these characters cross paths? The entire film depends on the performances of these characters," he added.

Do you feel audiences will like a film sans hero and songs?

"Audiences have been evolving with the changing era of films. I don't think they would mind watching a film without a hero or songs. Story decides the fate of a film. If a film can keep audiences engaged for two hours, then we have nothing to worry," he said.

"'Onayum Aatukuttiyum' is a pulsating thriller and I'm sure it will keep audiences hooked. Almost every character in the film runs for his or her life and the tension prevails through the film," he added.

Mysskin has not only directed, but has also produced and played an important role in the film.

"I generally don't face the camera, but there was an intense role to play and I decided to do it on my own. I even choreographed a few stunts and even pulled off a few without body doubles. I wanted it to be as realistic as possible," he said.

Music maestro Ilayaraja has composed the background score for the movie, which one can download free of cost.

"I wanted music to complement the mood of the film. It's a thriller and there are scenes with absolutely no dialogues but action. I wanted the music to serve as the narrative in these scenes and that's precisely why I wanted Ilayaraja sir," said Mysskin.

The film also features Sri, Neelima Rani, Aditya Menon and Shaji in important roles.