Santhy Balachandran Instagram – Photographs from 2020 when we were working on Oblivion. Our equation as writing partners has assumed different forms over the years. @dominicarun and I first discovered we made a good team in 2018 when in a fit of frustration over the state of our careers, we decided to bounce ideas off each other. That exercise developed into a script we co-wrote — a bittersweet romantic drama that over the years was green-lit thrice, only to have things fall apart at the last minute, crushing our spirits each time. We then tried to get an anthology project off the ground as co-creators, but pre-pandemic, there was hardly any interest in the format. Then, during the height of the pandemic, @ashwinrenju, the music director of Tharangam brought a song to us, asking if we could create a music video. This time, we collaborated as writer (🙋🏻♀️) and director (Dom), and with the support of a committed and talented team, made the 2021 experimental music video Oblivion — a project executed on a shoestring budget, that continues to be a source of pride.
The discussions for our latest collaboration — Wayfarer Films Production No:7 began during the post-production phase of Oblivion. Late night conversations with @dominic_arun and @jitinputhanchery slowly took shape and form to become our most ambitious project yet. This time round, Dominic is at the helm writing and directing, I’m his additional screenplay writer, and Jitu the creative contributor.
Writing with Dom in different capacities and varying permutations and combinations over the years has been both challenging and rewarding. There isn’t another human I have had more disagreements with or have sworn to never speak to again. Yet, we figure a way to get back to the writing table, debating, coaxing and nudging each other towards a common vision. Through it all, what has remained consistent is our recognition of each others’ strengths. And what has kept us going? Perhaps the promise of potential, combined with the joy of discovery. Experience has taught us that there’s really no telling where this journey will lead us next… I just hope it’s somewhere good. And until then, I hope we don’t kill each other 🤓 | Posted on 13/Sep/2024 12:49:40
