From Chennai to the World Stage: The Journey of Film Editor Partha M.A
Chennai, a city famed for its film industry, has nurtured countless talents in Indian cinema, and one rising talent in the editing world is Partha M.A. With his roots firmly planted in the city, Partha M.A’s journey from aspiring editor to an associate editor on notable projects has been marked by hard work, learning from the best, and unflagging dedication.
Beginnings in Chennai: A Passion for Editing
Growing up in Chennai, Partha M.A completed his schooling and college in the city, earning a degree in computer science. However, it wasn’t long before his interest turned toward film editing. Recognizing the potential of his passion, he studied Avid, the industry-standard editing software, at a studio in Vadapalani, a renowned neighborhood in Chennai’s film community.
In 2015, Partha M.A joined as an assistant editor under the guidance of acclaimed Editor Deepak, embarking on a three-year collaboration. Working alongside Deepak on popular films like “Goli Soda 2” and “Trip”, Partha M.A honed his skills, learning the technical and creative nuances that are essential in bringing stories to life through film.
Partha M.A’s career took a significant turn in 2019 when he joined the editing team of the documentary “The Hunt for Veerappan” produced by Netflix as an associate editor. This project opened doors to an international arena of editing, providing a unique learning experience. Initially, portions of the documentary were edited in Mumbai by senior editor “Jabeen Merchant”, renowned for her work on “Laapata Ladies”. Later, the editing process continued in the United States, led by another senior editors, “Kimberly and Forrest Borie”. Working on such a complex and globally managed project for almost three years gave Partha M.A invaluable exposure to international standards and techniques in documentary filmmaking, expanding his editing repertoire.
The Breakthrough Project: Jama
In 2023, Partha M.A found himself collaborating on a groundbreaking project, “Jama”. His connection with the movie’s director, Pari, sparked through a mutual friend, brought him into the “Jama” team, which started as a short film concept. The short film received critical recognition from producers, leading to the green light for a full-length feature. “Jama” quickly became a hit among critics, and Partha M.A’s editing was praised for its precision and creativity, cementing his reputation as an editor with a keen eye for impactful storytelling.
A Transition in Tools: From Avid to Premiere Pro
During the initial years of his career, Partha M.A primarily worked on Avid software. However, with The Hunt for Veerappan, he transitioned to Adobe Premiere Pro, which has since become his primary tool for editing. This adaptability highlights Partha M.A’s commitment to staying updated with evolving industry technology to enhance his craft.
As “Jama” continues to receive acclaim, talks are already underway for Partha M.A’s next project with promising directors. His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, learning from mentors, and the importance of seizing opportunities to grow. With his talent and experience, at present, he is imparting his knowledge of editing to eager learners. Partha M.A is poised to make an even more significant impact on Indian cinema in the years to come.
