When I set about producing a web series on a theme that I had penned almost 10 years ago, I was highly skeptical about the prospects that seemed to tease us from the mists of the unknown. Devoid of adequate money, best of breed equipment, lavish sets and tailor-made locations, this project could only soar higher on the wings of unconditional support from selfless people. Miracle of miracles I got exactly that, and in very good measure.
Praveen Hegade, Sreechith Nair and Swaraj Lenka, my heartfelt gratitude to this terrific trio that has been with me through thick and thin and helped me overcome some near-fatal and downright tricky situations. Thanks to their steely resolve, I have been able to steer the project inch by inch towards fruition. They have given me the comfort to solely focus on the script development which needs to happen on the spur, in line with actor and location availability. If I had to operate the camera, I could never have helped each actor appreciate the need to probe deeper into their characters, to internalize them and to make them even more convincing through the well-timed punctuation of natural gestures, causal utterances and definitive pauses. It's still a long way to go but now we are enjoying the journey ahead of reaching the destination...
Swaraj, Sreechith and Praveen
The tall, lanky Praveen Hegade is an IT professional who somehow finds time to double up as my DoP and editor besides playing a key character in the web series and also contributing as my God sent casting director. For a hobbyist who looks at cinematography as a pure passion, he has truly done wonders, and his editing has been particularly noteworthy, in that it was the first time he attempted the intricate and largely thankless job. His single-minded devotion to both disciplines easily condones the mediocrity that often creeps into the final product; more so with respect to framing, perspective, depth of field, depth of focus, lighting, and seamless movements on screen. Such inconsistencies are part and parcel of a project of this nature, where things invariably happen in a jiffy and one doesn't have the luxury of fancy cameras, sturdy sound equipment, and decent locations. On top of it, actor availability is always a challenge.I know how Praveen toils day and night on plain vanilla, ill equipped locations with a single DSLR to tell the story I imagined a decade back. Praveen, I can't thank you enough in words.
The super flexible Sreechith Nair does another thankless job with a broad smile - he's the Human resource manager who bears the brunt of the whims and fancies of the group, in trying to organize shoot schedules, invariably at short notice and amid the pressures of his office work. Over and above, he directs in my absence, and does full justice to the scene authentication. Of the whole lot, he is very high on maturity and has powerful shock absorbers to sustain the harshest of criticism that often touches upon sensitive matters. But instead of sulking in solitude, he prefers to introspect with me, often at odd hours, on the areas where he must move up the value chain. Sreechith Anna, I am going to make a Mallu film with you very soon!
Now coming to one of the most interesting characters I met during the audition phase - Swaraj Lenka, the unassuming powerhouse of self-springing creativity. This man has no idea of the tremendous talent he possesses, that's perhaps also the reason why his temperament is also superlative. A budding poster artist with a phenomenal sense of design, he spearheads the art direction and costume departments with complete devotion. His staple facial expression of confusion is completely in contrast with the clarity of his conviction. Swaraj bhai, you have no idea how happy I am to have a friend like you. And I couldn't have asked for a better 'Ulta' - thanks for playing him in your inimitable style.
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Also, thanks to the perpetual dreamer Akksheye Sinngh Rajput, a proud alumnus of Anupam Kher's Actor Prepares (Sushant Singh Rajput beware), as also our film's principal protagonist, for being a bundle of joy and enthusiasm and a ever-ready Man Friday on the sets. His help in production design and scouting for locations is particularly priceless. Ganpat bhai, lage raho, apnaa time aayega!
Akksheye Sinngh Rajput
Finally, to those few who relish pointing out the flaws in the end-product, here's an appeal: Why not become our partners in progress and contribute to our crowdfunding pool, lend equipment, property, assets and space, or bless us with brand sponsorships.
Not possible? No issues,simply enjoy the film which tells an enduring tale of universal significance. Our content drives the show, the show doesn't drive the content.