‘I never saw challenges as setbacks’: Film editor Sanath Sivaraj on finding his way in cinema

Sanath Sivaraj has worked across several departments of Malayalam cinema, moving between acting, editing, assistant direction and associate direction. From making short films and editing wedding videos during his college days to working on films like ‘Premalu’, ‘Poovan’ and ‘Bethlehem Kudumba Unit’, his journey has involved exploring different aspects of filmmaking. 

Sanath is now taking another step forward with ‘Picnic’, the upcoming family comedy drama from Bhavana Studios. Directed by Kiran Josey, who previously co-wrote ‘Premalu’ and ‘Bethlehem Kudumba Unit’, the film has Sanath as its editor and is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on January 14, 2027.

From making short films to entering cinema

Sanath's interest in cinema began long before he entered the industry professionally. During his school days, he would shoot videos on mobile phones and edit them either on the phone or an old Windows laptop using basic editing software.

Between 2015 and 2018, he made short films and connected with several people through Facebook, including people he had not met personally. The online connections led to collaborations on different short-film projects, with Sanath taking on tasks such as creating titles and title animations.

“When making short films back then, rather than waiting for outside editors and wasting time, I decided to learn editing myself when I bought a computer,” he told Mathrubhumi English.

He also edited several wedding videos during college while taking steps towards his larger goal. “The ultimate goal was to enter cinema,” Sanath said.

From ‘Super Sharanya’ to ‘Premalu’

Sanath's work behind the scenes gradually expanded into feature films and promotional material. He got an opportunity to edit the trailer of ‘Super Sharanya’, which caught the attention of director Girish AD and was subsequently released.

He later worked as an associate editor on I Am Kathalan. His filmography also includes Poovan and Premalu, where he served as both associate director and associate editor. He also edited two teasers for Premalu. In Bethlehem Kudumba Unit, he worked as an actor and post-production supervisor.

Sivaraj was also part of Perilloor Premier League as an associate director. His editing credits extend beyond these projects, including Avihitham and Pluto.

Acting in ‘Bethlehem Kudumba Unit’

While editing has become an important part of his career, Sanath has also continued his interest in acting. In ‘Bethlehem Kudumba Unit’, he played an amateur short-film cinematographer and editor, a role that had a connection to his own experience of working in filmmaking.

He also acted alongside Nivin Pauly in the film, an experience he described as particularly exciting because of his admiration for the actor. “Working with Nivin Pauly was extremely exciting because he was a star I admired while watching movies, so it was a moment I had really wished for,” Sanath said.

However, he said that the experience of actually working with Pauly was comfortable. “Standing next to such a big star occasionally brings that realisation, but while actually working on set, you don't feel any pressure at all. He talks and interacts just like someone you've known for a while,” he said.

‘I view movies as a normal audience member’

Sanath is currently editing ‘Picnic’, his third feature as an editor. He said his approach to editing begins with watching a scene from the perspective of an ordinary viewer rather than concentrating solely on its technical aspects.

“When I edit, my main criterion is whether I can enjoy the scene myself, because I view movies as a normal audience member,” he said.

He explained that when watching a film in a theatre, he generally becomes absorbed in the story and pays little attention to the technical details during the first viewing. “When I watch a film in a theatre, if I am engaged in the story, I stay completely absorbed in it and rarely pay attention to technical aspects. Technical details only come to mind on a second watch,” he said.

He follows a similar process while editing, checking whether a scene loses pace or whether he continues to remain engaged with it. “I sit with the mindset of a viewer sitting in front of a screen, checking if the pace slows down anywhere or if I can enjoy it,” Sanath said.

The background score used in a reference edit is another important factor for him. “The background score placed during a reference edit creates a massive impact on the mood and emotion,” he said. “If a scene delivers that emotional high during the reference edit, I believe it will work well in theatres too.”

Keeping a positive outlook through uncertainty

Sanath's journey also involved working on projects that did not always materialise. He took up small advertisement shoots, web series and one-day custom projects while continuing to look for opportunities in cinema.

“I did have challenges, but I never gave them much thought,” he said.

Rather than viewing uncertain projects as setbacks, he tried to remain focused on completing the work in front of him. “I always kept a positive mindset that ‘once this is completed, things will be set,’ rather than taking challenges as a setback,” he said.

His family and friends also remained supportive of his pursuit of cinema, having known about his interest since his school days. “Because they knew how much I loved doing this, everyone, both my family and friends, was very supportive,” Sanath said.

‘Picnic’ and the road ahead

‘Picnic’ marks Kiran Josey's directorial debut and brings Sanath into another project connected to the creative team behind ‘Premalu’ and ‘Bethlehem Kudumba Unit’. Sanath said he does not have a rigid career plan and prefers to take opportunities as they come.

“I operate with a ‘go with the flow’ mindset rather than having grand, rigid plans,” he said.

“My goal is simply to keep doing good work as it comes, be a part of good cinema, and continue editing,” Sanath added.