Joker is a political comedy: Raju Murugan

Journalist-turned-filmmaker Raju Murugan, whose previous film was Cuckoo (2014), is excited about his second film Joker, a political parody, which will hit the screens this Friday. The film will be narrated through a 40-year-old character—Mannar Mannan, played by Guru Somasundaram of Jigarthanda (2013) fame. Says Raju Murugan, "Guru will be seen as a water company employee, who doesn’t understand why he has no rights to dismiss the corrupt politicians he has elected. Though I had a few scripts on mind, I wanted to pursue Joker because of its hard-hitting content."

The director is aware of his responsibilities as a filmmaker. Citing cinema as a powerful medium, which influences people’s thought process, Raju Murugan adds he would like to make more films that strike a balance between entertainment and social responsibility. “Cinema has a crucial role to play in reversing the values in society, which we’re currently facing. I am not saying everyone should make a film with pontificating messages, but we should be aware of the medium, which can be used to convey the right message in the right manner, leading to a positive social transformation."

The filmmaker believes that travelling plays an important phase in moulding the perspectives of a filmmaker. “I travelled across India for six months. I met new people; those who live below the poverty line. So new stories came my way. Few things I witnessed, disturbed me. Everyone has access to mobile phones these days, but how many have access to toilets? I got curious, did my research and got to know about their lifestyle,” he says adding that the status of women who are deprived of their basic needs moved him and that was the base for him to helm Joker.

Raju Murugan went to Dharmapuri to work on the film. Ask him why and he says, “Since Joker is set there, I thought it would be appropriate to pen the film in that place itself. We shot the whole film, mostly there, within 60 days. We managed to get a few localites to act as well.” 

Quiz him about choosing an unconventional protagonist, he says, “I found Somasundaram right for my script, and I didn’t want to go with the usual lead-type actors. The production house extended its support and respected my conviction. He’s a terrific performer and one of the most underrated actors. Almost every citizen is unhappy about how the government functions."

Further, Raju Murugan adds, "Most of us think that politics is all about contesting in elections, winning and forming the government, but, politics is everywhere and present in everything we do. Hardly a few raise questions and stand up against discrepancies. Joker revolves around that and it has been narrated in a humorous way without hurting any sentiments. At the end, the film will pose a question, which will make you think. The male lead will make you laugh, but, you’ll also know who the real 'joker' is. I couldn’t think of a more apt title than Joker.”

Raju Murugan says he had initially approached Santhosh Narayanan to compose music, but the musician suggested he sign up Sean Roldan. “Sean has done an amazing job on the music. Also, there are strong lyrics by Yugabharathi, which goes like ‘Ottu Vaangi Pora Neenga, Oozhaloda Dealer-u’, and ‘Karuthu Solla Mudiyala, Karuppu Panamum Thirumbala’, which reflects the sad state of the country,” he elaborates. 

Joker will have Mu Ramasamy, Gayathri and Ramya Pandian playing important roles.

(The piece was originally written for The New Indian Express)