by John Wildman
AFI FEST Daily News

Murali K. Thalluri, writer-director, 2:37

The debut film from Murali K. Thalluri, 2:37, would be an accomplished piece of work for a filmmaker at any age. It's all the more remarkable that Thalluri was 19 when he made it.

The film follows a group of high school students as they careen toward a tragedy at 2:37 PM on a fateful day. Documentary-style interviews give a skewed play-by-play, as the film fearlessly presents competing agendas and conflicting insecurities.

2:37 screens Tuesday November 7, 9:30 PM, and Wednesday November 8, 1:00 PM, at AFI FEST presented by Audi.

1. You experienced tragedy in your personal life prior to making 2:37. How would the film have turned out had you not?

Murali K. Thalluri: Had I not gone through everything I did in my life, 2:37 would not have been made. I truly believe we are all products of our experiences, and I can't even say I would be a filmmaker had I not gone through everything I did as a child, teenager, and adult. In saying that, right now I am as happy as can be, and my next project is definitely going to reflect that.

2. What was the greatest challenge in creating the reality of high school life?

Murali: To me it wasn't so much a challenge, because I was simply recreating what I had seen one year prior when I was in school. So more than creating the reality of a high school environment it was more about re-creating from what I knew. To me it was highly important that I emphasized the idea that despite the fact that one is constantly surrounded by dozens to hundreds of people, it can still be the loneliest place on earth. And through the voyeuristic cinematography I believe we accomplished that.

3. Did any one character warrant more screen time once you were editing the picture than you envisioned when you first wrote the script?

Murali: To be honest, we never really followed the script, which is ironic because one of the only AFI [Australian Film Institute] awards we got nominated for was best screenplay! The character of Kelly was only to appear at the end of the film, but a few times while we were shooting, I gave the actress a call and threw her into a couple of scenes, so the audience at least had a glimpse of her, and a tiny bit of insight into her life before the climactic ending.

4. What is the best thing about having your film at AFI FEST?

Murali: That my peers are able to see the film and judge it accordingly.

5. Who or what inspired you to want to make films?

Murali: I don't believe a single person inspired me to make films. There are various artists dead or alive, from Roald Dahl to Rudyard Kipling who as a child taught me the magic, and the importance of story telling. After all, the ability to pass stories down through generations is what makes us human.

6. What should a director do that they never think of until it's almost too late?

Murali: Prepare, prepare, prepare! Know what you want, and go in and get it whatever the cost, and there will always be people fighting you every step of the way, telling you a million reasons why you can't do it. Use that as motivation to prove them wrong!

7. How did your knowledge of the tax system help you in raising money to make the film?

Murali: A great deal, as it was through certain elements of the taxation system that I was able to put together my package so I could go door knocking and actually have something to pitch to prospective investors, because to be honest, they couldn't really care about the script, it was all about the dollars for them!

8. If you couldn't make films, what would be your second career choice?

Murali: Primary school teacher would be one other thing that I would love to do. I love children.

9. What was the last film that made you cry? Laugh out loud?

Murali: A film called LITTLE CHILDREN tore me apart more so than any other film in recent memory has. I was completely shattered when I walked out of the cinema. The first film to make me cry was THE ELEPHANT MAN. The last film to make me laugh was BORAT, which I saw in Toronto. I think I'll have to see it again, because I was laughing so hard I missed half the jokes!

10. Popcorn or candy?

Murali: Definitely candy. And a Choc Top!