Discover filmmaking through the eyes of a storyteller who transformed
everyday encounters into cinematic masterpieces.
Discover filmmaking through the
eyes of a storyteller who transformed
everyday encounters into cinematic masterpieces.
In this exclusive filmmaking masterclass, Nelson shares his unique approach to storytelling. From building quirky, offbeat characters to crafting tension with humour, designing unpredictable scenes, and making bold directorial calls on set.
In this exclusive filmmaking masterclass, Nelson shares his unique approach to storytelling. From building quirky, offbeat characters to crafting tension with humour, designing unpredictable scenes, and making bold directorial calls on set.
Go behind the scenes of genre-bending hits like Kolamavu Kokila, Doctor, Beast, and Jailer. Films that blend dark comedy, action, and emotion in ways nobody sees coming.
Go behind the scenes of genre-bending hits like Kolamavu Kokila, Doctor, Beast, and Jailer. Films that blend dark comedy, action, and emotion in ways nobody sees coming.
Class Info
Class Info
Episode 1
Introduction - Foundations of Your Filmmaking Journey
Meet your award-winning mentor Nelson who explains the goals of his MasterClass. Here he offers a peek behind the scenes, sharing the experiences, mistakes, and personal truths that shaped his movies. Take notes, but trust your gut.
Episode 2
Redefining Career Paths – Lessons from an Accidental Filmmaker
Filmmaking wasn’t Nelson’s childhood dream—it was barely on his radar. A twist of fate, a low engineering score, and his father’s quiet creativity changed everything, steering him into cinema almost by accident.
Episode 3
Finding your Voice
Learn how to recognize your creative spark through experimentation. Nelson reflects on how photography and college storytelling contests helped him develop a unique voice—an approach you can apply to your own evolution.
Episode 4
Learning to See Your World Differently
Explore how to develop a filmmaker's perspective without formal education. Nelson breaks down how curiosity, observational learning, and peer interaction helped him sharpen his visual storytelling and how you can too.
Episode 5
Watching Cinema with a Filmmaker’s Eye
Go beyond passive film-watching. Nelson explains how analyzing frame composition, editing rhythm, and visual metaphors can transform how you absorb and apply cinematic language.
Episode 6
Structuring Stories – Learning from Masters
Understand how to build narrative frameworks. Nelson shares foundational script lessons inspired by iconic Tamil directors, giving you tools to simplify and strengthen your story architecture. Learn and understand how to structure stories simply yet powerfully.
Episode 7
Prioritizing Story over Stardom – A Case Study of Kolamavu Kokila
Unpack how story-first thinking shapes powerful films. Learn why choosing narrative integrity over commercial casting can help you build breakout projects. Nelson breaks down his decision to make a woman-led film without leaning on familiar hero tropes. He explains why focusing on a strong story in Kolamavu Kokila mattered more than star power or formula.
Episode 8
Trusting Your Gut - Strengthening Creative Instincts in Direction
What makes your films different from everyone else’s? Learn how to identify and trust your filmmaking sensibilities. Nelson discusses the importance of owning your unique strengths, even when they go against the industry grain.
Episode 9
Turning Real-Life Observations into Relatable Stories
Real life triggered Nelson’s creativity: a chance encounter with a woman whose actions contradict her appearance became the foundation for Kolamavu Kokila. He explains how everyday life inspires relatable stories and Discover how to ground your films in authenticity.
Episode 10
Tonal Balancing – Doctor
Nelson describes the tricky tone of his film Doctor. Turning a straightforward missing-person case into something fresh meant mixing dark humour with genuine stakes — Learn how to mix unconventional tones without losing emotional weight. Nelson demonstrates how Doctor’s humour remained engaging without compromising on tension.
Episode 11
Previsualization – Seeing Your Story Before You Shoot
Narration isn’t just storytelling—it’s how you make your audience feel what you feel.. Explore how clearly visualizing your scenes can enhance emotional impact. Nelson shares methods to ensure your audience feels exactly what you intend.
Episode 12
Guiding New Actors - Techniques for Authentic Performances
Nelson prefers new actors over familiar faces. He reveals how direct, simple communication helps him draw natural performances from inexperienced talent, shaping them into believable, memorable characters.
Episode 13
Five Lines First - Building Stories from Core Concepts
When Nelson writes scripts, he begins simply: just five clear lines to capture his core idea. Then he maps out the big beats—start, middle, and end—before filling in the gaps. It’s not magic; it’s structure. Nelson breaks down his “Five Lines First” method—showing you how to distill your film into core beats before layering complexity.
Episode 14
Getting Unstuck
Writer’s block hits Nelson often. He admits it openly, sharing his simple fix: breaking scenes down piece-by-piece, pacing carefully to keep audiences glued. If a scene isn’t working, he doesn’t panic—he rebuilds it.
Episode 15
Creating Complex Characters – The Making of Veera Raghavan – Beast
Nelson discusses building a layered character with Beast’s Veera Raghavan. He explains how opening with action, adding emotional depth, and tapping into the character’s guilt made Veera relatable and engaging from the start. Understand how to build emotionally layered protagonists.
Episode 16
Making Mass Moments Matter
How do you build scenes everyone remembers? Learn how to craft “mass” scenes that resonate emotionally, not just visually. Discover timing, setup, and payoff strategies for iconic cinematic moments. Nelson believes memorable “mass” moments must be emotional, not just stylish. He talks about carefully placing punchlines and reveals, ensuring they land just right.
Episode 17
Writing Transformational Arcs – The Power of Turning Points
Nelson unpacks why transformation scenes—those big “flip” moments—are always audience favourites. Using examples like Kolamavu Kokila, Doctor, and Beast, he shares how predictability doesn’t matter if you handle it right.
Episode 18
Hero’s Journey – Jailer & Baasha
What makes a hero’s transformation powerful, even when you’ve seen it before? Nelson examines films like Jailer and classic hits like Baasha, showing why timing and emotional consistency make familiar arcs fresh again.
Episode 19
Writing Real Dialogue
Nelson gets real about dialogue. He tests lines by speaking them aloud to his team, ensuring they sound true—not forced or overly dramatic. Each character speaks uniquely, making scenes authentic, never artificial. Learn how to write dialogue for authenticity, clarity, and character depth.
Episode 20
Balancing Collaboration with Creative Control
How much feedback is too much? Nelson explains his balanced approach—accepting input openly, but always filtering it through his instincts. It’s about adapting to challenges without losing sight of the original vision.
Episode 21
Aligning Creative Vision with Production Budgets
Nelson talks candidly about how budgets shape his stories. Learn How handling constraints can lead to smarter decisions, keeping stories focused and practical.
Episode 22
Scene Design without Storyboards - A Collaborative Approach
Nelson emphasises on why he rejects storyboards. How he starts from core scene concepts, collaborating closely with his art and camera teams, planning sets practically. It’s not about visuals first—it’s about making scenes feel real. Understand how to communicate scene intention without traditional storyboarding and Learn Nelson’s method of co-developing set design with art and camera teams for natural realism.
Episode 23
Set Design : Sets Built from Scripts
Every set Nelson builds is strictly informed by the script. Discover how every element of set design should serve the story - Wall heights, windows, even furniture—they all come directly from what the scene needs. It’s a careful, practical approach to set-building that ensures filming goes smoothly.
Episode 24
Keeping the Set Alive
Nelson shares how he maintains creative energy on set. Instead of panicking when problems occur, Nelson shares how to preserve positivity and problem-solving energy during high-stress shoots.
Episode 25
Communicating Clearly
Nelson emphasizes clarity on set—he relies heavily on assistant directors to communicate visual goals clearly to every department. His approach is straightforward, efficient, and avoids unnecessary micromanaging.
Episode 26
Case Study : The Art of handling Stars & First-Timers
Nelson directs big stars and fresh actors exactly the same way: clearly and directly. He explains how he drew a strong performance from newcomer Dhanraj in Jailer by patiently guiding him through months of preparation.
Episode 27
Editing with Rhythm, Emotion, and Honesty
Editing isn’t just trimming footage—Nelson describes it as finding the story’s heartbeat. He works closely with editors, relying on trial screenings and honest feedback to find the cleanest, clearest version of the film. Explore how editing reveals the soul of your film.
Episode 28
Music Leads the Way – Anirudh’s Scores
Music isn’t just background for Nelson—it guides scenes. He describes working closely with composer Anirudh Ravichander, Learn how to integrate music from script to edit, by understanding how tracks sometimes shape entire sequences, like the tense moments in Kolamavu Kokila.
Episode 29
Prioritizing Performance and Visuals on Set
On set, Nelson doesn’t stress about the script—it’s locked in his mind already. Instead, he concentrates on visuals and performances, trusting his preparation to guide him through each take smoothly.
Start today for just
Start today for just
₹2,499
₹2,499
₹4,999
₹4,999
Limited Time Offer
Limited Time Offer
What You'll Get?
What You'll Get?
28 Practical Lessons (2h 20m)
28 Practical Lessons (2h 20m)
PDF Worksheets for Every Class
PDF Worksheets for Every Class
Lifetime Access
Lifetime Access
Certificate Signed by Nelson
Certificate Signed by Nelson
Beginner-Friendly. No Prior Experience Needed
Beginner-Friendly. No Prior Experience Needed
Learn Anytime, Anywhere
Learn Anytime, Anywhere
WHAT IF THE RULES OF FILMMAKING
DIDN'T MATTER - ONLY THE STORY DID?
WHAT IF THE
RULES OF FILMMAKING
DIDN'T MATTER - ONLY THE STORY DID?
Nelson’s films are unpredictable, emotional, and wildly original. In this one-of-a-kind Masterclass, he reveals his process: how a 5-line idea becomes a breakout film, how to guide newcomers and superstars alike, and how to build a story-first cinema in a style that’s uniquely yours.
Learn the tools he actually uses on set:
Nelson’s films are unpredictable, emotional, and wildly original. In this one-of-a-kind Masterclass, he reveals his process: how a 5-line idea becomes a breakout film, how to guide newcomers and superstars alike, and how to build a story-first cinema in a style that’s uniquely yours.
Learn the tools
he actually uses on set:
Building Tension
with Humour
Building
Tension with
Humour
Writing with
emotional instinct
Writing with
emotional
instinct
Visualizing
without storyboards
Visualizing
without
storyboards
Directing actors who’ve
never faced the camera
Directing actors who’ve never
faced the camera
THIS IS FOR YOU IF YOU'RE…
THIS IS FOR YOU
IF YOU'RE…
A filmmaker with no film school background
A director who wants to trust gut over gear
A director who wants to trust gut over gear
An indie creator building films
on instinct
A movie lover ready to make your own
A movie lover ready to make your own
A writer who hears scenes in conversations
A writer who hears scenes in conversations
A student tired of theory, craving the “how”
An AD dreaming of becoming a storyteller
An AD dreaming of becoming a storyteller
WHY IS THIS
MASTERCLASS FOR YOU?
WHY IS THIS
MASTERCLASS FOR YOU?
Follow the journey of a director
who rewrote the rules without ever going to film school
Follow the journey
of a director who rewrote the rules without ever
going to film school
Know how to
Break down your story
Nelson way
Know how to
Break down
your story
Nelson way
Understand how to direct Stars
and first-timers with the same
calm clarity
Understand how
to direct Stars
and first-timers
with the same
calm and clarity
Discover how to
blend dark humor
and tension
Discover how to
blend dark humor
and tension
Learn how to spot
cinematic moments
in everyday life
Learn how to
spot cinematic moments
in everyday life
See how emotional depth, even in mass scenes, creates lasting impact
See how
emotional depth, even in mass
scenes, creates lasting impact
Build sets,
structure scenes, and
shape edits that feel real
Build sets,
structure scenes,
and shape edits
that feel real
Learn to
trust your gut, even
when the set is chaos
Learn to trust your gut, even when the set is chaos
GET A SIGNED CERTIFICATE FROM NELSON DILIPKUMAR
Get a Signed Certificate from Nelson Dilipkumar Use it to showcase your skills online or print it as proof of completion. Great for your portfolio, LinkedIn, or even future collaborators.
Download or print out as a PDF to share with others
Showcase your Certificate on social media
Share a document online to demonstrate your skill
GET A SIGNED CERTIFICATE
FROM NELSON DILIPKUMAR
Get a Signed Certificate from Nelson Dilipkumar Use it to showcase your skills online or print it as proof of completion. Great for your portfolio, LinkedIn, or even future collaborators.
READY TO DIRECT
YOUR FIRST FILM?
Learn from the most unconventional voice in Tamil cinema. No jargon. No fluff. Just honest filmmaking lessons from the sets of Kolamavu Kokila, Beast, Doctor, and Jailer.
READY TO DIRECT
YOUR FIRST FILM?
Learn from the most unconventional voice in Tamil cinema. No jargon. No fluff. Just honest filmmaking lessons from the sets of Kolamavu Kokila, Beast, Doctor, and Jailer.
READY TO DIRECT
YOUR FIRST FILM?
Learn from the most unconventional voice in Tamil cinema. No jargon. No fluff. Just honest filmmaking lessons from the sets of Kolamavu Kokila, Beast, Doctor, and Jailer.
WHAT EARLY LEARNERS ARE SAYING?
WHAT EARLY LEARNERS
ARE SAYING?
I’m in the middle of writing my second short, and this came at the right time. Nelson’s process of starting with just five lines was so simple but powerful. He’s not saying 'this is the method'—just how he begins. After that module, I finally got unstuck and rewrote my opening scene. It felt cleaner, clearer.
Ananya Rao
Screenwriting Student, Mumbai
I thought this would be like other online courses—some guy reading out textbook filmmaking rules. But this felt more like shadowing someone on set. Nelson isn’t trying to ‘teach’ you. He’s just showing how he builds films his way. That tone, that honesty—it really hits you. I watched the whole thing in one sitting. Then rewatched my favourite bits with a notebook open.
Rakesh Nair
Aspiring Filmmaker, Kochi
Bro this is real talk. I’ve worked on sets with ADs screaming and actors confused. But Nelson's vibe? Calm. Direct. And when he explains how he gets performances from newcomers, I realised I’ve been overcomplicating it. This masterclass won’t give you a shot list—it’ll give you sanity.
Shiv Kumar
Assistant Director, Hyderabad
In college they keep throwing theory at us. Nelson just talks about why he did something a certain way. That Kolamavu Kokila breakdown? Beautiful. I watched it twice, then looked at my own script and made changes. I’m learning more here than in a full semester.
Deepak V
Mass Comm Student, Chennai
Wasn’t sure if this was for creators like me, but glad I watched. Especially the part where he talks about tone in Doctor—how he balances humour and tension. I applied that same idea to my series script. It’s more about sensibility than syllabus. Loved it.
Tanya Iyer
Content Creator, Bengaluru
I edit a lot of wedding films. Didn't think this would be useful honestly. But then he said editing is like 'finding the heartbeat of the story'—that line stuck. I started rewatching my client films, and yeah... I was rushing. Now I leave more space, more pause. Emotion lands better.
Adarsh Patel
Wedding Filmmaker, Surat
Honestly, I was nervous. I don’t speak fancy English, and I thought this might be too technical. But Nelson speaks just like us. It’s like a friend is sharing what worked for him. After watching the previsualization and set design episodes, I started planning my first proper shoot. Not scared anymore.
Prerna M
Indie Creator, Madurai
There’s this segment where he talks about transformation arcs—the ‘flip’ moments. The way he breaks it down with Kolamavu and Beast… it just clicked. He’s not trying to lecture. He’s just opening his head and letting you in. As someone pitching films to festivals, I needed that clarity.
Akshay B
Short Film Festival Finalist, Pune
I’m in the middle of writing my second short, and this came at the right time. Nelson’s process of starting with just five lines was so simple but powerful. He’s not saying 'this is the method'—just how he begins. After that module, I finally got unstuck and rewrote my opening scene. It felt cleaner, clearer.
Ananya Rao
Screenwriting Student, Mumbai
I’m in the middle of writing my second short, and this came at the right time. Nelson’s process of starting with just five lines was so simple but powerful. He’s not saying 'this is the method'—just how he begins. After that module, I finally got unstuck and rewrote my opening scene. It felt cleaner, clearer.
Ananya Rao
Screenwriting Student, Mumbai
I thought this would be like other online courses—some guy reading out textbook filmmaking rules. But this felt more like shadowing someone on set. Nelson isn’t trying to ‘teach’ you. He’s just showing how he builds films his way. That tone, that honesty—it really hits you. I watched the whole thing in one sitting. Then rewatched my favourite bits with a notebook open.
Rakesh Nair
Aspiring Filmmaker, Kochi
I thought this would be like other online courses—some guy reading out textbook filmmaking rules. But this felt more like shadowing someone on set. Nelson isn’t trying to ‘teach’ you. He’s just showing how he builds films his way. That tone, that honesty—it really hits you. I watched the whole thing in one sitting. Then rewatched my favourite bits with a notebook open.
Rakesh Nair
Aspiring Filmmaker, Kochi
Bro this is real talk. I’ve worked on sets with ADs screaming and actors confused. But Nelson's vibe? Calm. Direct. And when he explains how he gets performances from newcomers, I realised I’ve been overcomplicating it. This masterclass won’t give you a shot list—it’ll give you sanity.
Shiv Kumar
Assistant Director, Hyderabad
Bro this is real talk. I’ve worked on sets with ADs screaming and actors confused. But Nelson's vibe? Calm. Direct. And when he explains how he gets performances from newcomers, I realised I’ve been overcomplicating it. This masterclass won’t give you a shot list—it’ll give you sanity.
Shiv Kumar
Assistant Director, Hyderabad
In college they keep throwing theory at us. Nelson just talks about why he did something a certain way. That Kolamavu Kokila breakdown? Beautiful. I watched it twice, then looked at my own script and made changes. I’m learning more here than in a full semester.
Deepak V
Mass Comm Student, Chennai
In college they keep throwing theory at us. Nelson just talks about why he did something a certain way. That Kolamavu Kokila breakdown? Beautiful. I watched it twice, then looked at my own script and made changes. I’m learning more here than in a full semester.
Deepak V
Mass Comm Student, Chennai
Wasn’t sure if this was for creators like me, but glad I watched. Especially the part where he talks about tone in Doctor—how he balances humour and tension. I applied that same idea to my series script. It’s more about sensibility than syllabus. Loved it.
Tanya Iyer
Content Creator, Bengaluru
Wasn’t sure if this was for creators like me, but glad I watched. Especially the part where he talks about tone in Doctor—how he balances humour and tension. I applied that same idea to my series script. It’s more about sensibility than syllabus. Loved it.
Tanya Iyer
Content Creator, Bengaluru
I edit a lot of wedding films. Didn't think this would be useful honestly. But then he said editing is like 'finding the heartbeat of the story'—that line stuck. I started rewatching my client films, and yeah... I was rushing. Now I leave more space, more pause. Emotion lands better.
Adarsh Patel
Wedding Filmmaker, Surat
I edit a lot of wedding films. Didn't think this would be useful honestly. But then he said editing is like 'finding the heartbeat of the story'—that line stuck. I started rewatching my client films, and yeah... I was rushing. Now I leave more space, more pause. Emotion lands better.
Adarsh Patel
Wedding Filmmaker, Surat
Honestly, I was nervous. I don’t speak fancy English, and I thought this might be too technical. But Nelson speaks just like us. It’s like a friend is sharing what worked for him. After watching the previsualization and set design episodes, I started planning my first proper shoot. Not scared anymore.
Prerna M
Indie Creator, Madurai
Honestly, I was nervous. I don’t speak fancy English, and I thought this might be too technical. But Nelson speaks just like us. It’s like a friend is sharing what worked for him. After watching the previsualization and set design episodes, I started planning my first proper shoot. Not scared anymore.
Prerna M
Indie Creator, Madurai
There’s this segment where he talks about transformation arcs—the ‘flip’ moments. The way he breaks it down with Kolamavu and Beast… it just clicked. He’s not trying to lecture. He’s just opening his head and letting you in. As someone pitching films to festivals, I needed that clarity.
Akshay B
Short Film Festival Finalist, Pune
There’s this segment where he talks about transformation arcs—the ‘flip’ moments. The way he breaks it down with Kolamavu and Beast… it just clicked. He’s not trying to lecture. He’s just opening his head and letting you in. As someone pitching films to festivals, I needed that clarity.
Akshay B
Short Film Festival Finalist, Pune
QUESTIONS?
WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED!
QUESTIONS?
WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED!
Is this a filmmaking course or a storytelling course?
This isn’t a traditional filmmaking course. Nelson is not “teaching” filmmaking in the academic sense. Instead, he’s sharing how he makes films—his process, instincts, decision-making, and behind-the-scenes mindset across writing, direction, performance, and production.
Do I need to have filmmaking experience to take this course?
Not at all. Whether you're a beginner, a student, or someone with zero experience, this course is for anyone curious about the why and how behind good films. If you’ve ever watched a Nelson film and thought, “How did he pull that off?”—this is where you’ll find out.
Is it theory-heavy?
Nope. Nelson avoids jargon and textbook-style teaching. Instead, he walks you through real examples from his films—like Kolamavu Kokila, Doctor, Beast, and Jailer—and explains how each creative call came to be.
Can I access the course anytime?
Yes, once you buy it, you have lifetime access. Watch it anytime, anywhere, on any device.
Is this a one-time payment?
Yes. You pay once—₹2,499 (offer price)—and it’s yours forever. No hidden costs. No renewals.
Is this a filmmaking course or a storytelling course?
This isn’t a traditional filmmaking course. Nelson is not “teaching” filmmaking in the academic sense. Instead, he’s sharing how he makes films—his process, instincts, decision-making, and behind-the-scenes mindset across writing, direction, performance, and production.
Do I need to have filmmaking experience to take this course?
Not at all. Whether you're a beginner, a student, or someone with zero experience, this course is for anyone curious about the why and how behind good films. If you’ve ever watched a Nelson film and thought, “How did he pull that off?”—this is where you’ll find out.
Is it theory-heavy?
Nope. Nelson avoids jargon and textbook-style teaching. Instead, he walks you through real examples from his films—like Kolamavu Kokila, Doctor, Beast, and Jailer—and explains how each creative call came to be.
Can I access the course anytime?
Yes, once you buy it, you have lifetime access. Watch it anytime, anywhere, on any device.
Is this a one-time payment?
Yes. You pay once—₹2,499 (offer price)—and it’s yours forever. No hidden costs. No renewals.
How long is the course?
The course includes 29 video lessons with over 2 hours and 20 minutes of content. You can watch it at your own pace—binge it in one weekend or take it slow, episode by episode.
Is the content in English or Tamil?
The lessons are in simple Tamil, with English Subtitles. Dubbed version for Telugu, Hindi, Kannada and Malayalam spoken in Nelson’s natural tone will be available soon.
Will I get a certificate?
Yes, you’ll receive a certificate of completion signed by Nelson Dilipkumar. You can download, print, or showcase it on LinkedIn and social media.
Will I learn how to write scripts or shoot scenes?
You won’t learn screenwriting formats or camera operations here. But you will learn how Nelson simplifies ideas, finds emotional arcs, trusts his gut while directing, and builds scenes that feel both grounded and larger-than-life.
I'm not from the film industry. Will this still help me?
Absolutely. Several learners from non-filmmaking backgrounds—like software engineers, marketers, and teachers—have found this class useful for understanding storytelling, structure, and creative thinking. If you love stories or lead creative projects, you’ll find value here.
How long is the course?
The course includes 29 video lessons with over 2 hours and 20 minutes of content. You can watch it at your own pace—binge it in one weekend or take it slow, episode by episode.
Is the content in English or Tamil?
The lessons are in simple Tamil, with English Subtitles. Dubbed version for Telugu, Hindi, Kannada and Malayalam spoken in Nelson’s natural tone will be available soon.
Will I get a certificate?
Yes, you’ll receive a certificate of completion signed by Nelson Dilipkumar. You can download, print, or showcase it on LinkedIn and social media.
Will I learn how to write scripts or shoot scenes?
You won’t learn screenwriting formats or camera operations here. But you will learn how Nelson simplifies ideas, finds emotional arcs, trusts his gut while directing, and builds scenes that feel both grounded and larger-than-life.
I'm not from the film industry. Will this still help me?
Absolutely. Several learners from non-filmmaking backgrounds—like software engineers, marketers, and teachers—have found this class useful for understanding storytelling, structure, and creative thinking. If you love stories or lead creative projects, you’ll find value here.