Like many youngsters around us, Ratish Sekhar hailing from Kottayam chose engineering for his higher studies due to peer pressure. It also went on to rank highly in the cyber security industry in the US. However, none of this let him extinguish the fire of filmmaking within him. The 40-year-old is all set to release his first feature film, 'Checkmate', starring Anoop Menon and Lal, on August 8. The film was shot entirely in the USA and was shown in many locations including New York, Connecticut, Vermont, Massachusetts and even the famous Senate Chamber of the Connecticut State Capitol – where the President of the USA addresses senators. This is perhaps a first for an Indian film. The director, who currently serves as chief technical officer for the Connecticut Department of Justice, talks about his film, the story behind its creation and more:
A high budget thriller
'Checkmate' is a thriller, in which Anoop Menon's character runs a pharmaceutical company, reveals Ratish. Actor Lal also plays an important role in the film. “The film has a non-linear narrative style and is tailored for a theatrical experience. It also has a rich music landscape,” says Ratish, who has also directed several short films and music videos in the past. What does the movie have to do with chess, if its title is anything else? Ratish says, “Anoop Menon's character navigates a big, metaphorical game of chess against those who try to undermine him and his company in the film, hence the title.”
Interestingly, Anoop Menon recently called 'Checkmate' his 'most expensive film' on his social media page. Why so? Ratish explains, “We shot in several states and cities in the US over 86 days and also used several multi-million dollar homes, the Hartford Police Academy boxing club, Connecticut warehouses, and even shot on a mountain in Vermont in – 20 degrees Celsius. . It was phased into three timelines to capture all seasons in the New England region (a region that includes six states in the northeastern United States). These factors contribute to the film's high production costs.” The film also has technicians and stunt actors who have worked in major Hollywood productions.
Cybersecurity in cinema
In his job, Ratish says he handles cybersecurity, identity and cloud technologies, ensuring the courts remain safe from breaches. Despite his technical career, he says his passion for cinema was constant from a young age. “However, due to peer pressure in Kerala, I pursued an Engineering degree. Even so, art has always inspired me and remains an important part of my life,” says Ratish, who has also composed and sung the songs for the videos he has directed, winning awards at local film festivals for direction, cinematography and singing. .
How Anoop Menon got on board
When Ratish approached Anoop Menon for 'Checkmate', it wasn't an immediate yes, he recalls.
“Initially skeptical, he interviewed me because he didn't know me at all. It took a few months of constant discussions, both technical and creative, before he signed on, understanding that we were an independent team and 'Checkmate' was a female-centric film,” recalls Ratish. So does Lal, who says Ratish provided instrumental support and advice.
The musical wealth
The director says he has also worked with concert pianists from Europe, brass players from Budapest bands and more than 60 musicians from Cochin, Chennai and the US for the musically rich film. Ratish says this was done to ensure that even the smallest details are not overlooked. “As a musician, I also wanted to ensure that there is a uniqueness and freshness to the songs because we Malaysians love songs. Songs, sung by famous artists like KS Chitra, Nithya Mammen, KS Harisakar and Vedan are used as storytelling tools. They appeal to different age demographics and musical styles, from soulful lullabies and romantic tunes to rock and energetic rap tracks,” explains Ratish.