No fancy cameras, no big budget: Malaysian Tamil mini series ‘3SM’ shot on iPhone 15 Pro for under RM200

KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 — A new Malaysian Tamil mini series filmed entirely on an iPhone 15 Pro and produced with less than RM200 is aiming to inspire young creators to pursue digital storytelling without waiting for expensive equipment.

Titled 3SM – 3 Sollu Mattumtha, the nine-episode series was produced through a collaboration between UNITAR International University and SCIFILM to encourage students, aspiring filmmakers, and content creators to explore mini series and micro series formats for digital platforms such as YouTube.

Creator Karthik Shaamalan said the project was developed to challenge the perception that quality productions require costly cinema cameras, professional lighting setups, and large production crews.

In a media release, it was stated that the series was filmed without professional lighting equipment, relying instead on an iPhone 15 Pro, a RM50 wireless microphone, and a RM99 ND filter set for outdoor shoots.

“The message is not to discourage the use of professional equipment, but to encourage beginners not to delay their dreams while waiting for expensive gear,” Karthik said in the media statement.

“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.”

The project also aims to promote digital content creation among Malaysian Indian filmmakers while encouraging youth creators to focus on storytelling, planning, teamwork, and consistency before investing heavily in production tools.

UNITAR said the initiative comes at a time when digital content creation and the creator economy are rapidly growing, with platforms such as YouTube increasingly becoming spaces for episodic and short-form storytelling.

The series stars Loga Varman, Dharshamini Kesavan, Thia Lakshana, Suriyan Magissan, Ruvela, Subatra, Tharane, and Ratna Gowri, with music composed by Hari Mahendran.

3SM – 3 Sollu Mattumtha officially launched at UNITAR PJ today and was officiated by Deputy National Unity Minister Yuneswaran Ramaraj.

New episodes will be released every Monday and Thursday at 6pm on the SCIFILM and UNITAR YouTube channels.

المصدر: Malay Mail