kookal - disha bodham
Direction, Cinematography, Edit, Grade : Sajid K
Equipements : Fujifilm XT4, 16-80mm f4 Lens,
Zhyun Weebill S Gimbal, Lights & Reflectors
Software used: Adobe premier pro, After Effects,
Cinema 4D, Kaiber.ai, Audio splitter AI.
Vocal: Saleem Kumar
3D: Sasi Anand
Music: Envato Elements
Cast: Jithin Joseph
Associates: Akshay P, Anirudh Bharathan
Location: Kookal, Kodaikanal
Overview
Embark on a surreal journey amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, where reality blurs with imagination. This project aimed to craft a mesmerizing narrative woven with dreamy visuals and a regional-language voice-over, creating an otherworldly experience.
Centered around a photographer lost in hallucinatory visions, the film captures the essence of a surreal realm. Through a blend of striking visuals, 3D elements, and the evocative regional voice-over, viewers are transported to a mysterious place—accessible only to aimless wanderers. The narrative tantalizingly hints that only those intuitively versed in direction and mapping might stumble upon this enigmatic location, a concept that challenges perceptions of reality.
The video resonated profoundly, garnering over 1 million views on Instagram. Its allure extended beyond numbers, captivating artists and creators nationwide. The incorporation of AI-generated visuals added an innovative dimension, enhancing the ethereal quality of the film and sparking conversations about the convergence of technology and art in storytelling.
This project stands as a testament to the evocative power of film, transcending linguistic boundaries to captivate audiences and provoke contemplation on the limitless possibilities of storytelling.
Process
Evoking Soundscape
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By incorporating mystic and alien sound effects, I aimed to create a surreal atmosphere that echoed the film's mood. The background score from Envato Elements laid the foundation, while a vocal piece by Saleem Kumar, Muhsin Parari and DJ Shekar, creatively edited and mixed with a new track, enhanced the film's aesthetics. These audio elements became integral to the storytelling, complementing the visuals and enveloping the audience in an immersive auditory experience.
Timeline of the film
Quest for Perfect Backdrops:
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The choice of Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, as the filming location was deliberate, aiming to infuse the film with its breathtaking landscapes. The serene and picturesque setting provided a perfect canvas to weave the dreamy, surreal narrative. The mystique and natural beauty of Kodaikanal lent an otherworldly charm, becoming an intrinsic element that amplified the film's essence. The juxtaposition of its ethereal landscapes against the storyline of a photographer lost in hallucinatory visions created a seamless harmony, enhancing the film's mood and elevating the visual storytelling to mesmerizing heights.
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Color grading
Employing a meticulously crafted color grading scheme in Adobe Premiere Pro, I enveloped the entire film in a cold, evocative blue tone, invoking a sense of mystery and suspense amidst the fog-laden landscapes of Kodaikanal shot in Log 4K. This deliberate choice not only established the mood of a chilly, enigmatic setting but also evoked a thrilling emotional response from the audience. Intentional use of yellow as a highlight color for props amidst the blue palette accentuated specific elements, adding visual contrast and depth to critical scenes. The utilization of log footage provided ample latitude for color manipulation, enabling precise control over the tones and textures, resulting in a visually compelling narrative.
Visual Effects
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Added some special effects to make certain parts of the film more interesting. Got help from an artist who knows their way around digital magic.
Additional
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Added some special effects to make certain parts of the film more interesting. Got help from an artist who knows their way around digital magic.