mgx

let me feel the film first

Films possess the power to inspire awe, and I'm convinced that response is hardwired into all of us. I've been thinking about lately: how much information about a film's technical process should be revealed while it's still playing in theaters? Hollywood has a particular approach to promotion that I find interesting. For example, the studio behind Mission: Impossible release behind-the-scenes clips or action sequences weeks or months before release. Tom Cruise doing incredible stunts as a promotional tool is undeniably cool and effective marketing. Yet once a film is in theaters, major studios rarely dive deep into the technical details. They might discuss craft eventually or slowly reveal secrets, but rarely with full transparency while people are actively watching. Often they wait years, or save the detailed breakdowns for director's cuts and special releases. Malayalam cinema, by contrast, operates differently these days. Technical teams behind these films rush to podcasts and YouTube shows immediately after release, explaining everything about how scenes were created and accomplished. While I appreciate the desire to share technical knowledge and celebrate the craft, this immediate revelation strips away something essential for me. It's like learning a magic trick's mechanics while the magician is still performing it. The problem isn't that people discuss filmmaking craft. The issue is timing. When I know exactly how a scene was constructed while watching it, I lose the ability to fully engage with the film. Instead of experiencing it, I'm analyzing it. It becomes less like watching something for the first time and more like rewatching it. The magic dissolves into mechanics. I wish Malayalee filmmakers would let the magic settle before revealing the trick. I mean, I can avoid the videos, but still -- some moments deserve a little mystery, right? ![](https://static.mighil.com/images/2025/1762246184081_let-me-feel-the-flim-first.jpg)

Tagged in movies, thoughts