Weaving Tales for an International Audience

Weaving Tales for an International Audience

  • 11 May 2016
  • Amala
  • Features

The man with the words, Vivek Ranjit is now the most wanted ‘subtitler’ in the Malayalam film industry.

 

The success of Bangalore Days outside Kerala not only proved the strength of international audience of Malayalam films but also established the significance of subtitles. There was a time when we went to DVD shops to get prints with subtitles, when our non-malayali friends sought to watch our all time Mollywood favorites. But now it’s all old tales, because the Malayalam film industry has got a professional ‘subtitler’, Vivek Ranjit. Vivek Ranjit is an FTII Pune pass-out and a screenwriter. He was the screenwriter of ‘Kili poyi’ and he has written the screenplay of an upcoming film.

 

Even though he is doing subtitling now, Vivek loves screenwriting at heart. It will take time to become a full fledged screen writer so he is doing subtitling with the same passion. Any way we must say that Vivek’s subtitling has paved the way for international viewers for our world class Malayalam films.  

 

Q:  You are the only professional full time ‘subtitler’ in the Malayalam industry?

A:  I think so. But there are people who do this occasionally.

 

Q:  When do you do subtitling, before or after the film release?

A:  I did my first subtitling job for ‘Beautiful’ when the film went for the National Award. But now, after Bangalore Days and Premam become hits outside Kerala, subtitling became an ongoing process with the post production works. From Nirnayakam to You Too Brutus, I did subtitling before release. But the first film released with the subtitles that I did was Kunjiramayanam.

 

Q: Basically you are a screenwriter, so how does it feel when you translate a dialogue you don’t love personally?

A: Yes there were many instances like that. But I do what I should do. I can’t interfere in one’s creativity, right? So I translate it just like that.

 

Q:  What is the toughest thing about subtitling? What are the limitations you felt so far?

A: Subtitling is not as simple as we think. I find it really difficult when it comes to humour and songs. The idioms and phrases that we Malayalis use can’t be directly translated into English. We have so many jokes that only we can understand. Some jokes are only relevant when it is said in that particular language. Likewise songs need poetic verses and with that my mother helps me to sort it out.

 

 

Q:  Which is the most challenging movie you did?

A: The most challenging films were Charlie and Leela. The film I got really satisfied was Jacobinte Swargarajyam. Before release Vineeth watched it and appreciated me for my job.

 

Q:  Is there any instance, when you felt like changing the dialogue to convey the exact meaning?

A : Yes of course. Sometimes we need to research and come up with suitable translations. We can’t just translate word by word. To make it meaningful, I use apt translations in order to convey the meaning perfectly.

 

 

 The films he did subtitling for:

 

Quick Facts

 

  • Favorite dialogue - in Charlie

  • A director who inspires you – Priyadarshan & Mani Ratnam

  • A movie you wish you subtitled – Kalapani

  • What all do you need to work- Laptop, headphone and comfort

  • Your favorite place to work – Home of course

  • Most prized possession – 100th day trophy of Charlie

 

Words by: Amala 

Photo: Shani Shaki

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