The Journey of Editor Madan G: Crafting Stories Frame by Frame
Born and raised in the vibrant neighbourhood of Saidapet, Chennai, Madan G’s journey into the world of film editing is a testament to passion, creativity, and the unexpected opportunities life can present.
Early Beginnings and a Passion for Editing
Madan’s interest in editing took root during his college years. After completing a month film course at Loyola College, he found his footing in visual communication. So he completed his visual communication degree at DG Vaishnava College. It was here that he began editing short films for friends, including watching wedding videos with his friend Neha. Watching her edit sparked a curiosity that would shape his career. Upon graduation, Madan faced uncertainty about his next steps, but with the guidance of friends, he discovered the vast opportunities in the editing industry.
Determined to hone his skills, Madan enrolled in an editing course at Digital Magic in Saligramam, Chennai. Under the tutelage of Venkat Sir, he mastered Avid editing software, laying a solid foundation for his future endeavors. This training ignited a newfound passion for trailer and ad editing, steering him toward a remarkable career.
A Fortuitous Entry into the Industry
Madan’s entry into the professional world of editing was nothing short of serendipitous. A chance meeting with his friend Sinish introduced him to Bagyalakshmi, the daughter of renowned cinematographer D. Shankar. At the time, Bagyalakshmi was involved with Prime Focus for her MBA project, and this connection led Madan to an unexpected opportunity at Seven crest communications. Unlike many who start as assistants, Madan stepped straight into the role of Avid editor, a testament to his talent and timing.
Sharing Knowledge and Nurturing Creativity
Madan’s philosophy is simple yet profound: while software is a tool, creativity is uniquely individual. He believes in sharing his knowledge with colleagues, fostering an environment where diverse perspectives can flourish. Within two years of joining the industry, he began teaching editing at Loyola College, collaborating with experienced editors like Lenin and Stephan to enhance his teaching skills.
In the beginning, Madan G focused primarily on trailer and ad editing, deliberately avoiding film editing. This initial preference allowed him to hone his skills in creating engaging, concise narratives that captured audience attention within a limited timeframe.
Interestingly, Madan found the freedom in editing small movie projects helped him discover his true calling. His first film as an editor, “Darling 2,” directed by close friend Shathees, marked the beginning of a fulfilling career. Madan’s expertise was further showcased in critically acclaimed films like “Lift”, “Run Baby Run” and “Lucky Man,” where his editing played a crucial role in storytelling.
The Art of Editing: A Unique Perspective
Notably, Madan tends to stay away from shooting sets, believing this distance allows for a fresh perspective when editing. This approach has proven effective, as seen in his recent work on the superhit film “Lubber Panthu.” Collaborating with producer Lakshman from Prince Pictures, Madan faced the challenge of editing a film centered around cricket—a task requiring sharp decision-making skills to maintain audience engagement.
Madan emphasizes the importance of a strong collaborative bond between the editor, director, and producer. In “Lubber Panthu,” director Tamizharsan Pachamuthu was exceptionally supportive, allowing Madan the creative freedom necessary for impactful storytelling. The film, which received its censorship in April 2024, was released in September 2025 without any changes to the final edit—a testament to their shared vision.
Every department of the movie “Lubber Panthu” executed their roles flawlessly, from the actors and art direction to cinematography, writing, and music, creating a collaborative synergy that propelled the film to blockbuster status. Madan emphasizes that a director must possess the fundamental skill of extracting the best performances from their artists, which is crucial for storytelling. Given that “Lubber Panthu” revolves around cricket, the challenge was to engage not only cricket enthusiasts but also those indifferent to the sport. Madan’s skillful editing played a significant role in bridging this gap, making him one of the key contributors to the film’s tremendous success.
In the universe of film editing Madan G believes, assistant editors and associate editors play crucial roles in shaping the final product. They meticulously organize and assemble footage, ensuring that every scene aligns with the director’s vision. While they handle a variety of tasks, such as syncing audio and managing files, it is the chief editor who ultimately takes the final calls on cuts and transitions. This collaborative process between the editing team fosters creativity and precision, resulting in a polished film that effectively tells its story.
Building Future Generations of Editors
In addition to his work in film, Madan has established the Match Frame Editing School, a platform where aspiring editors can learn from experts. Since the release of “Darling 2,” the school has been dedicated to nurturing talent, offering various editing courses. Madan’s commitment is evident in their policy of ensuring students learn until they master the craft, reflecting his belief in the importance of quality education.
Madan G’s journey from Saidapet to becoming a prominent film editor is a story of passion, perseverance, and the power of connections. With each project, he continues to elevate the art of editing, proving that the magic of cinema lies not just in what is shot but in how it is woven together. As he navigates the evolving landscape of the film industry, Madan remains a beacon of creativity, inspiring the next generation of storytellers, one frame at a time.
