Prime Video conducted an enlightening session at the ongoing 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Goa, discussing the evolving landscape of VFX technology in the entertainment industry. The session, held at Film Bazaar, centered around the role of VFX in enhancing storytelling, using the renowned Original series Mumbai Diaries Season 2 as a prime example.
Headed by Nikhil Madhok, Prime Video’s head of Hindi Originals, the discussion emphasized VFX as a catalyst for creative expression, enabling storytellers to break traditional barriers and venture into imaginative realms. Madhok highlighted how VFX liberates creators from initial project constraints, allowing them to dream big and focus on narrative without worrying about practical limitations.
While acknowledging VFX’s advantages in terms of realism, cost-effectiveness, and safety, Madhok cautioned against viewing it solely as a cost-cutting tool. Instead, he urged industry professionals to recognize VFX as a powerful tool amplifying storytellers’ imagination.
The session featured talks by Monisha Advani and Madhu Bhojwani, producers of Mumbai Diaries Season 2, along with presentations by Malay Prakash, Cinematographer, and Vishwas Savanu, VFX Head. It concluded with an insightful panel discussion among the speakers, exploring the pivotal role of VFX in advancing storytelling.
Amidst the discussion, Prime Video also showcased a VFX zone at the Tech Pavilion, visited by Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting and Youth Affairs & Sports, offering attendees a firsthand experience of the VFX behind the acclaimed series.
“VFX has transformed filmmaking across genres, elevating production quality and opening new avenues for employment. The flood sequence in Mumbai Diaries Season 2, brought to life by VFX, showcases the technology’s prowess in tackling scenes once deemed too complex or risky to film – offering creators a newfound freedom to explore narratives and visual elements that elevate the overall cinematic experience for audiences,” said Nikhil Madhok, head of Hindi Originals, Prime Video, India.
Monisha Advani and Madhu Bhojwani from Emmay Entertainment highlighted VFX’s role in bringing creators’ visions to life, crafting immersive narratives. Malay Prakash, Mumbai Diaries Season 2’s Director of Photography, and Vishwas Savanur, the VFX Producer, emphasized filmmakers’ need to leverage VFX for believability and organic storytelling. Prime Video’s presence at IFFI signifies the streaming sector’s impact in showcasing Indian creativity globally.