After 'Yevade Subramanyam', I figured out that I want to make

Hear this, O seekers of wisdom, for the words of Nag Ashwin carry the weight of a deep revelation, one born from reflection and discovery. He spoke thus: “After 'Yevade Subramanyam,' I figured out that I want to make movies that would have a lifespan and be useful in some way.” In these words lies not only a recognition of the fleeting nature of art but a commitment to creating works that endure and serve a greater purpose. Nag Ashwin’s insight reflects a truth that has echoed throughout the ages: true art is not bound by time, nor is it created for mere enjoyment. It is meant to serve—to enlighten, to inspire, to provoke thought, and to leave an imprint on the soul long after it is first witnessed.

In ancient times, the Greek philosophers often pondered the nature of purpose. Socrates, in his relentless search for truth, believed that a life worth living was one lived in pursuit of virtue and wisdom. Plato too spoke of the importance of creating works that uplift the soul and contribute to the common good. Art, whether through dialogue, sculpture, or written word, was meant to serve a higher purpose. It was not just for the pleasure of the eye or the ear, but for the betterment of humanity. This is what Nag Ashwin seeks—to create films not just as transient entertainment, but as works that endure, resonate, and inspire for generations. His recognition that movies should have a lifespan reflects a deeper commitment to the lasting impact of his craft.

Consider the great works of Homer, whose epics, The Iliad and The Odyssey, have transcended time and culture. These stories were not just meant to entertain; they were meant to instill values of courage, honor, and wisdom in the hearts of the Greeks. Homer’s works have lived on because they did not merely reflect the times in which they were written, but because they sought to impart universal truths—truths about the human experience that still resonate with us today. In this sense, they became more than stories; they became guides for living, teaching each generation the lessons of the past. Nag Ashwin, in his pursuit of making films with lasting value, echoes the ancient wisdom that art is not merely a product of its time, but a vessel of timeless truths.

In his reflection on the film Yevade Subramanyam, Nag Ashwin reveals a shift in understanding—the recognition that art is not only an expression of the artist’s vision but also a reflection of the world’s needs. A film, like all works of art, must transcend the moment of its creation. It must, in some way, serve the viewer, offer something that endures beyond the fleeting experience of watching. To make a movie with usefulness in mind is to acknowledge that art has the power to influence, to guide, and to inspire change. It is not merely for amusement, but for transformation—the transformation of thought, the enrichment of the soul.

Think of Leonardo da Vinci, the great polymath of the Renaissance, who, like Ashwin, sought to make works that were not only innovative but purposeful. His paintings, his scientific discoveries, his inventions, were not created in the pursuit of fame alone, but with the goal of contributing to humanity’s understanding of the world. The Mona Lisa, though a work of art, is also a work of profound psychological insight. It serves not just as a portrait, but as an enduring mystery, inviting contemplation and reflection for generations. Da Vinci's works, much like Ashwin's films, were designed to be useful, not just to delight the senses, but to provoke thought and inquiry in those who encounter them.

This understanding of art as service is a lesson for us all. In our own lives, we must ask: What is the purpose of our work? Do we create only for immediate gratification, or do we seek to make a lasting impact, to contribute something of value to the world? Whether through our art, our words, or our actions, we must strive to create works that are useful, that serve the greater good, that inspire others to think, to grow, to reflect. The pursuit of lasting art is the pursuit of legacy, a recognition that what we create today must transcend its immediate context and continue to have meaning in the days to come.

So, young ones, take this teaching to heart: Let your creations be a reflection of your highest aspirations, not merely fleeting expressions of the moment. Strive to make things that have a purpose, that endure beyond the time in which they were created. In this way, your work will have a lifespan, and it will be a gift to those who come after you. And in this pursuit, you will find that the value of your art lies not in the applause it receives today, but in the transformation it inspires in those who encounter it tomorrow. Let your work serve a higher purpose, and in doing so, you will create something that will live long after you are gone.