Category Archives: Movies

1-By Laksh, ET, Movies

The Art of Filmmaking: K. Viswanath’s Career and the Craftsman Mindset

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K. Viswanath is a name that needs no introduction in the Indian film industry. With over five decades of experience and more than 80 films under his belt, Viswanath has made a mark as a legendary director and screenwriter. His unique style of storytelling and attention to detail have earned him a place in the hearts of audiences and critics alike.

In his book ‘So good they can’t ignore you’, Cal Newport talks about the principles of a ‘craftsman mindset’ and how it is the key to success and happiness. This mindset is characterized by a deep focus on developing one’s skills, a strong work ethic, and an unwavering commitment to quality. This is in stark contrast to the popular ‘passion hypothesis’ which suggests that pursuing your passions will lead to success and happiness.

K. Viswanath’s career is a prime example of the principles of the craftsman mindset. Let’s take a closer look at how Viswanath embodies these principles in his career and the impact it has had on his films.

  1. Focus on Developing Your Skills:
    • K. Viswanath’s journey to becoming a legendary filmmaker began with his focus on developing his skills. He started his career in the film industry as a sound engineer and worked tirelessly to perfect his craft. In this role, he developed a deep understanding of sound design and the impact it can have on a film.
    • He was meticulous in his attention to detail, always striving for the best possible sound quality in every film he worked on. This focus on developing his skills and his strong work ethic soon caught the attention of others in the film industry. He was offered the opportunity to work as an assistant director on several films, and it was here that he discovered his true passion for filmmaking. He continued to work tirelessly, always striving to learn more and perfect his craft.
    • Over time, he developed a deep knowledge of all aspects of filmmaking, from directing and screenwriting to cinematography and editing. This commitment to developing his skills and his relentless pursuit of excellence laid the foundation for the successful career he would go on to have as a filmmaker.
  2. Strong Work Ethic: Dressed in Khakhi on the movie locations, K. Viswanath is known for his tireless work ethic and his commitment to delivering high-quality films. He is dedicated to his craft and his unwavering focus on delivering the best possible film. In his film ‘Swathi Muthyam’, Viswanath shows his ability to bring a complex story to life and his determination to make every aspect of the film perfect.
  3. Attention to Detail: K. Viswanath is known for his meticulous attention to detail, which is evident in every aspect of his films. He pays close attention to the smallest details, from the lighting and camera work to the performances of his actors. In his film ‘Sankarabharanam’, Viswanath showcases his ability to bring the intricate details of classical music to life and his commitment to quality.
  4. Passion through Mastery: K. Viswanath’s passion for filmmaking has grown over the years as he has mastered his craft. He has developed a deep love for filmmaking through his commitment to perfecting his skills and his unwavering dedication to quality. In his film ‘Saptapadi’, Viswanath demonstrates his passion for storytelling and his ability to evoke deep emotions through his characters.

In conclusion, K. Viswanath’s career is a testament to the power of the craftsman mindset. He has focused on developing his skills, demonstrated a strong work ethic, paid attention to detail, and developed a passion for filmmaking through mastery. His films are a timeless reminder of the impact that can be made through hard work and dedication to one’s craft.

1-By Laksh, ET, Leadership, Management, Movies

Three movies and three lessons.

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Three movies and three lessons.

The Magnificent Seven (2016):

  1. Diverse Teams: The seven gunslingers come from different backgrounds and bring unique skills to the table, demonstrating the value of having a diverse team when tackling complex problems.
  2. Leadership: Denzel Washington’s character takes charge and leads the group with integrity, showing the importance of having strong leadership in times of crisis.
  3. Effective Communication: The seven gunslingers learn to work together effectively and communicate with one another, demonstrating the importance of clear communication in teamwork.

The Magnificent Seven (1960):

  1. Adaptability: The seven gunslingers are faced with unexpected challenges and must be able to adapt to changing circumstances, demonstrating the importance of being adaptable in the face of adversity.
  2. Strategic Planning: The seven gunslingers come up with a plan to defend the town, demonstrating the importance of careful and strategic planning.
  3. Collaboration: The seven gunslingers work together and rely on one another to achieve their goal, demonstrating the importance of collaboration in achieving success.

Seven Samurai:

  1. Skill Development: The samurai learn and hone their skills over time, demonstrating the importance of continuous skill development in achieving success.
  2. Mentorship: The veteran samurai pass on their knowledge and experience to the younger members, demonstrating the value of mentorship in professional growth.
  3. Risk Management: The samurai face many risks and make calculated decisions to minimize them, demonstrating the importance of risk management in decision making.
1-By Laksh, ET, Movies

The Magnificent Seven (2016)

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The Magnificent Seven (2016) is an action-packed western movie that takes place in the late 1800s. The movie is directed by Antoine Fuqua and stars Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, and Ethan Hawke. The storyline follows a group of seven gunslingers who are hired to protect a small town from a group of bandits led by a notorious villain.

When comparing this version of The Magnificent Seven with the original 1960 film and Seven Samurai, it becomes apparent that the 2016 film takes more liberties with the original concept. While the basic plot remains the same, the 2016 version has a more modern feel with more advanced weapons, larger action scenes, and a more diverse cast. The 1960 film, on the other hand, is more true to its roots with classic western cinematography, a more focused storyline, and a more traditional cast.

Overall, The Magnificent Seven (2016) is an enjoyable movie for those who love westerns and action films. It may not be as memorable as the original, but it is a solid addition to the western genre and offers an enjoyable escape from reality for a few hour.

On the music of the films.

The music in The Magnificent Seven (2016) holds a special place in the hearts of movie lovers as it was one of James Horner’s final works before his passing. Horner’s talent shines through in the score, adding an emotional touch to the film’s action scenes. The music is upbeat, adventurous and energetic, fitting the mood of the movie perfectly, and serves as a lasting tribute to the composer’s legacy.

The music in the 1960 film was composed by Elmer Bernstein and is considered a classic of western movie scores. The music in the 1960 film is more orchestral, with a strong emphasis on strings and horns, and sets the tone for the movie with its powerful and dramatic themes. While both scores are memorable, the 2016 score is more contemporary and fitting for a modern western, while the 1960 score is more iconic and timeless.