iPhone-shot Tamil miniseries inspires young filmmakers

KUALA LUMPUR - In an era where high-end cameras and sophisticated production gear are often seen as prerequisites for filmmaking, a Malaysian Tamil miniseries shot entirely on an iPhone 15 Pro is proving that creativity and storytelling still matter most.

Produced by filmmaker Karthik Shaamalan in collaboration with UNITAR International University, ‘3SM 3 Sollu Mattumtha’ is a nine-episode miniseries created for the YouTube generation, encouraging aspiring creators, students and young filmmakers to explore short-form digital storytelling without waiting for expensive equipment or large budgets.

What makes the project stand out is its minimalist production approach.

The entire series was filmed using only an iPhone 15 Pro, supported by a RM50 wireless microphone and a RM99 ND filter set for outdoor scenes.

With a total production investment of less than RM200, the team chose to focus instead on strong writing, detailed planning, teamwork and creativity.

Karthik said the project was created to challenge the perception that quality filmmaking requires expensive cameras and large scale production setups.

"I am not saying you should not use great equipment or fancy gadgets. All I am saying is do not wait until you have such things to kickstart your dream.

"Dream big, but you can always start small. This project is especially for beginners and for those who are searching for a place to start,” he told Bernama after attending the project launch by Deputy National Unity Minister Yuneswaran Ramaraj at UNITAR campus in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, last week.

The initiative also reflects the rapid growth of the creator economy, with digital platforms such as YouTube increasingly becoming viable spaces for episodic storytelling and content entrepreneurship.

Beyond filmmaking, the project aims to encourage Malaysian Indian creators to preserve cultural identity through authentic storytelling while embracing digital innovation.

The series stars Loga Varman, Dharshamini Kesavan, Thia Lakshana, Suriyan Magissan, Ruvela, Subatra, Tharane and Ratna Gowri, with music composed by Hari Mahendran. New episodes will premiere every Monday and Thursday at 6 pm via the SCIFILM and UNITAR YouTube channels. - BERNAMA