KUALA TERENGGANU: Without people like M. Vikran Pillai, Terengganu’s only cinema may not function at all.
Vikran is among only three trained projectionists who ensures patrons get to see their favourite movie screened at the Lotus Five-Star (LFS) Cinema in Paya Bunga Sentral.
Working behind the scene, Vikran is a fine example of a youth who spends time doing something worthwhile.
Besides, working as a part-time projectionist offers him the much needed income to pay for his education and daily expenses.
Vikran, 24, is a final-year undergraduate pursuing a degree in aquaculture at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu in Gong Badak and juggles his studies with part-time work.
“I want to be self-sustainable and not trouble my family, who are also struggling, for money.
“Being able bodied, I reckoned that I can stand on my own by undertaking odd or part-time jobs to supplement my income and pay my dues,” said Vikran.
He added that he made about RM4.40 an hour as a projectionist and had to work up to 15-hour shifts on busy days.
Virkan stumbled upon the job offer at LFS Cinema via a Facebook posting while he was working as a part-time cashier with Mydin Mall in Gong Badak.
“After an open interview for the projectionist’s job, I was offered the post a month later and sent for training for a month at the same cinema.
“I was fortunate to be selected from the hundreds who applied,” said Vikran, from Teluk Wanjah in Alor Star, Kedah.
The eldest of three children, Vikran’s brother and sister are still studying, while mother S. Mangaeyyekarasi was a housewife.
Father V. Mohan was an electrical contractor.
Vikran said that to improve his knowledge and skills as a projectionist, he attends refresher courses on the machine’s maintenance and servicing.
“I have also learnt how to ingest movies into the computerised projector, apart from handling film licensing, authorisation and censorship matters, programming and other technical aspects,” said Vikran.
Asked how he found working all by himself in a small room manning the projector, Vikran said it could be lonely and boring at times.
“Worse still, it is very cold (below 18 degrees Celsius) and dark. I have to wear extra clothing to keep warm.
“I sometimes lack sufficient sleep, but I have to soldier on until I graduate,” he said.