Reflecting on Filmmaking, Memories, and Inspiration: A Candid Conversation with Kannan Iyer

Shri Kannan Iyer, a 1981 batch alumnus (B.Tech, Mech.) of IIT Madras, has carved a distinct path for himself in the dynamic world of Indian cinema.  Currently a film director based in Mumbai, Iyer's filmography boasts titles like the supernatural thriller EK THI DAAYAN and the action-comedy DAUD, for which he co-wrote the screenplay. But Shri Iyer's journey to the director's chair is a captivating tale in itself, brimming with passion, perseverance, and a love for storytelling that transcends traditional boundaries.  This article explores his captivating career path, gleaning insights from his time at IIT Madras to his current endeavors in the ever-evolving film industry.

Reflecting on his time as a student at IIT Madras, Shri. Kannan Iyer reminisced about the simple yet cherished moments spent in the hostel common room. “Me and a close friend of mine was interested in international films, primarily European and Japanese films. Of which there was a treasure in the world,” Kannan said.

He recalled how his passion for films drove him and his close friend to start a film society, introducing their peers to a world of international cinema. Kannan adds,“We said, now how do we see those movies?  There was only one way to do it.  And that's by starting something called a film society.  I do not know whether the film society still exists,  but we started it.”

Following his engineering education, Kannan Iyer made a bold decision to pursue a career in filmmaking. “I'm doing engineering courses, but I'm slowly realizing where my heart really lies. The decision was not instant,  but,  eventually, true love finds its way,” said Kannan.

He shares how his family's initial anxiety and his own passion for cinema guided him towards film school in the US, where he immersed himself in a world of 24/7 cinema education.

“You know, in today's film industry compared to when I entered,  there were very few people. So families were extremely anxious and they were terrified,” said Kannan.

Kannan Iyer provides a glimpse into his filmmaking process, detailing the meticulous attention to detail and collaborative efforts involved in bringing a story to life on screen. He reflects on the challenges of scriptwriting, the importance of audience feedback, and the enduring impact of critical input on his work.

“We shoot for 12 hours a day. Typically, the director would arrive an hour earlier and leave an hour later, planning for the next day's shoot. So, it involves 14 hours of extremely detailed, painstaking attention to every aspect of the scene that is going to be shot,” said Kannan.

Kannan Iyer emphasized the shift from analog to digital technologies, revolutionizing the filmmaking process. “It's evolved massively.  Because when I first entered the film industry,  the various technologies of filmmaking had not changed much in terms of how music was recorded, in terms of how editing was done etc. Today the film industry is completely digitized,” adds Kannan.

Drawing from his experiences in film school and the industry, Kannan Iyer discussed the invaluable lessons that have shaped his approach to storytelling. He highlighted the importance of continuous learning and adapting in the ever-evolving world of cinema.

“Other than the fact that I watched a hell of a lot of films, I watched Hollywood films, Indian films in the city, and European and Japanese films through the film society that Desmond and I had started. So I'm sure they would have had a powerful subconscious influence,” said Kannan.

In a candid moment, Kannan Iyer hinted at his ongoing creative projects and his love for science fiction. “I like science fiction, I’m trying to work on a nice story,” said Kannan. He expressed his passion for storytelling and the thrill of exploring diverse cinematic worlds.

Offering advice to aspiring filmmakers, especially those from non-traditional backgrounds like engineering, Kannan Iyer stressed the importance of passion, perseverance, and readiness to embrace the risks and rewards of the film industry.

"Think very hard. Are you truly prepared to take on the enormous risks involved? If you decide to enter this artistic business, you must be fully aware of what it entails. But if your love for it is genuine, then nothing else will bring you as much fulfillment. If you neglect to pursue it, you will find yourself deeply frustrated and unhappy," said Kannan.

Kannan Iyer’s words resonated with a deep love for cinema, a commitment to storytelling, and a profound appreciation for the journey that led him from IIT Madras to the pinnacle of filmmaking. His reflections serve as a beacon of inspiration for budding filmmakers and storytellers, reminding us of the power of creativity, persistence, and the unending quest for cinematic excellence.