Kumaran Naidu: from childhood in film to directing 'Run for Your Life 3'

Actor and film producer Kumaran Naidu is back in the driver's seat with his latest release, Run for Your Life 3. The movie is currently showing in select cinemas in Durban and Johannesburg and via a streaming platform. Naidu, 52, formerly from Chatsworth in Durban, now residing in Roodepoort, chats to Candice Soobramoney about his family's roots in entertainment and his evolution in filmmaking. 

Q: When did your love for movies start? 

A: I was born into the film business. My dad, Daya Naidu, and grandfather, Vadaraj Naidu, were heavily involved in film since the 1960s. My grandfather was a projectionist at the Mayville Theatre. My dad took an interest in that, and his dream was to open a cinema, which he did in 1991. He re-opened the Odeon and Majestic cinemas to show Indian films. We also had the first video store in Chatsworth, Film Star Movies, which we opened in 1978. I spent most of my childhood in that shop, which I actually hated because it robbed me of being a child. All I could do was sit and watch films in that store.

Q: Which actors did you look up to and why? And did you have aspirations of becoming an actor? 

A: I used to love Amitabh Bachchan. He was like a role-model, as well as Rajnikanth. My dad was heavily into importing Indian films, as we were the only ones to do so. I didn't think I could be an actor. It was not my desire, but, then again, I didn't know I had hidden potential to do whatever I wanted to.

Q: Did you take part in any school plays or productions?

A: Yes, I did take part in school plays, but I was a shy and conservative child. Only after making my first film, Broken Promises, did I break out of my shell. 

Q: At what stage did your interest move to "behind the scenes" production? 

A: I was always amazed by how they achieved things, and my mind used to wonder how, how, how. I so desperately wanted to be on a movie set. When I saw the behind-the-scenes making of certain movies, it looked exciting. That is what got my attention. I wanted to be on a movie set. Unfortunately, there were not many opportunities back in the day, so I decided to give myself the chance and make my own movie.

Q: What were some of the movies that you worked on over the years? 

A: My own films like all the Broken Promises movies. There are now five of them. It is one of the most successful franchises. Run for your Life is also sought after. Then there was The Good, The Old and the Greedy; The Curse of Highway Sheila; and The House Knows. I also wrote a story for a third party producer, called Blessers. It was made into a film and I have a cameo role in it. 

Q: When you saw your first move on a cinema screen, what went through your mind? 

A: I was in awe. I could also not believe that I managed to get the film onto the big screen. Getting a cinema release is difficult, as the technical aspects are extremely strict. To achieve that was a huge feat for me.

Q: Am I correct in saying that you released your first movie at a time when there was not too much content available that reflected the Indian community? And how has this changed and progressed over the years? 

A: When I made my first film nobody thought it was possible. In fact, on the first showing at a hall people thought it was a play, as that was what the Indian community was used to, only plays. Nobody did a feature film before. After watching it, the audience wanted to buy tickets for the second showing later that day, but we were sold out. They thoroughly enjoyed seeing local stories, and I knew I started something that our locals would enjoy. The film also did extremely well with other races as they could also relate. My first movie inspired a lot of new filmmakers. They saw that it was possible to make a film on a shoestring budget, so I gave birth to a host of new filmmakers, who, to this day, thank me for doing the first film, proving that it can be done, and that we do not have to follow the Hollywood way of making a film.

Q: To do what you love, filmmaking, requires financial backing. Is this challenging? 

A: I have made sure that I invest in my own equipment, so if I want to do something, I do not have to rent out equipment to shoot a scene. I rely on sponsors, where I advertise for the businesses in my films. I am able to make my films on a shoestring budget as I am more of a one-man band. I can do the roles of 30 people on set all by myself, so I save a lot of money in that way. All I need to do is find money to pay my actors.

Q: Are you a producer or actor first? 

A: I am definitely an actor first. I am self-taught. When I write the scripts, I get into each character's mind to see exactly how they should talk, etc, and that is how the dialogue is formed. Many think that the actors are funny, but, in fact, it is all from my mind. All the comedy comes from me. Yes, as a director, I make the actors look good.

Q: The movie Run for Your Life 3 was released on June 27? How is the movie doing on the big screen and can one also watch it via a streaming platform? 

A: The movie has been extremely well received. Many people have given me feedback on the excellent comedy and story. They have thoroughly enjoyed it, which is good to hear. Unfortunately, cinema numbers are down, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic, and the movie did not perform as great as I would have expected. My expectations were low on this one, as I know cinemas all over the world are actually closing down. This is a dying industry, unfortunately, and that is the reality. People can stream the movie from www.gmp.joburg as well.

Q: Why did you decide to continue with the Run for Your Life series? 

A: Fans wanted the next part of the franchise. It is different from the previous films I have done. It's not like Broken Promises. This is a more modern gangster film, and there is an interest in such films.

Q: Are there any newcomers or veteran actors who have returned to work with you? 

A: There are a number of newcomers, most notably two actors originally from India - Renju Chirackal Raj and Ronnie Pattasseril. There is also a well-known local actor, Akrum Amod, and returning is a fan favourite, Jonathan Naidoo. There is a new force on the horizon by the name Kalima Ramdewu, and he makes a huge impact on the film, literally.

Q: Why do you encourage audiences to watch the movie and what can those who have not seen it yet expect? 

A: It is something different, and it's an international movie with scenes based in Arizona in the US and various temples in India.

Q: Are there any projects that you are currently working on? 

A: I have three special projects that I am busy with. One is a big budget film, that I cannot say much about right now, but it will make all the car enthusiasts very happy for sure. To do what I do, my thanks go to the public. Please continue to support local films, especially the new producers who painstakingly bring out their movies. It helps the filmmaker tremendously, and in doing so, it creates more opportunities for those who want to be actors and crew. 

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