In an exclusive interview, Renjit and Vinod, DFX, Supervisors at The Mill India share insights into their creative process behind the stunning visuals for the rendition of the Indian National Anthem, in collaboration with the renowned Multiple Grammy Award Winner Ricky Kej. They discuss their vision to celebrate India’s diversity and cultural heritage, the integration of cutting-edge VFX and animation, and the challenges faced along the way.
What was the initial vision or concept for the visuals of this rendition of the Indian National Anthem? How did you and the team approach bring the vision to life?
Renjith: The vision behind the visuals for this rendition of the Indian National Anthem was to celebrate the diversity, beauty, and cultural heritage of India. The idea was to create a visual journey that showcases some of the most iconic and breathtaking locations across the country, aligning with the grandeur and emotion of the anthem. We wanted each frame to evoke a sense of pride and reverence, connecting the viewers to the essence of India’s spirit.
Vinod: Our goal was to create visuals that would evoke an emotional response to the music. To achieve this, we began by gathering footage of iconic locations across India. These places had to be representative of the nation and align with the musical themes. We considered tourism, cultural, and historical significance when selecting our locations.
Can you describe the process of integrating VFX and animation with the live music performance? How did you ensure that the visuals complemented and enhanced the music?
Renjith: To ensure the visuals seamlessly complemented the music, we employed several key strategies. We began by creating a mockup and pre-visualization to determine which locations to highlight and how best to showcase them. This process helped us plan the specific visual elements needed for each place. We then conducted multiple iterations, continuously refining the visuals to strike the perfect balance. Feedback from Ricky and the creative team was instrumental in this process, guiding us to fine-tune the visuals in a way that enhanced the overall experience without detracting from the performance.
Vinod: We incorporated computer-generated (CG) elements to enhance the visual appeal and impact of the footage, aligning it with the music. Our primary objective was to convey a strong sense of pride throughout the anthem. To achieve this, we decided to feature the national flag, animal- the majestic Tiger , and bird- the Peacock . We also aimed to showcase India’s strength by including fighter jets and army helicopters. These elements were all created using CG and seamlessly integrated into the existing footage. We had a preliminary edit ready with the music and divided it into 14 shots. We documented our ideas, created a rough storyboard, and discussed our plans with the team to ensure effective execution.
I am both thrilled and proud to have been part of our National Anthem project. I had the opportunity to contribute creatively to some of the shots, and I am grateful for the strong support we received from everyone involved. The National Anthem is deeply ingrained in us from childhood, making this project even more meaningful. I want to express my sincere thanks to all who dedicated their time and effort to enhance the visuals for this project.
Radhakrishnan. R- Project Lead, The Mill
What were some of the most challenging aspects of creating the visuals for this project, and how did you overcome them?
Renjith: The desert and Himalaya shots presented unique challenges, as they were entirely CGI and required a heightened visual impact. We began by conducting tests in Unreal Engine to explore the limits of what we could achieve and to generate a variety of visual ideas. Collaborating closely with the Digital Matte Painting (DMP) team, we refined the framing and composition, ensuring that each shot captured the intended atmosphere and grandeur. After finalizing the approach, we executed the visuals with meticulous attention to detail, creating scenes that were both visually striking and true to the spirit of the project.
Vinod: We identified a need for additional footage, specifically of Indian deserts and the Himalayas. Existing footage proved inadequate. To address this, we opted to create entire landscapes using computer-generated (CG) technology. The challenge was to achieve a realistic appearance for these CG landscapes. Our project required the collaboration of various departments. This included the Unreal team, responsible for creating landscapes and an eagle. The FX team handled waterfalls, tri-color smoke effects, flag simulations, cloth simulations, and crowd scenes. The asset and grooming team designed the tiger, helicopter, fighter jet, and the girl character. The animation team brought everything to life, while the lighting and compositing team seamlessly integrated CG elements into our visuals. Moreover, our matte painting department created two complete locations in 2D projection: India Gate and Sonamarg. Their expertise also enhanced the visual quality of numerous other shots.
How did you collaborate with Ricky to ensure that the visuals aligned with the musical elements and themes?
Renjith: We presented a pre-visualization to him, outlining our visual approach for his music. He was impressed with our initial concept and offered valuable suggestions, which we then incorporated into the final version.
Vinod: After completing an initial edit, we shared the entire video with Ricky. He visited our studio personally to review the work. Ricky was very impressed and enthusiastic about our ideas and presentation. He offered valuable suggestions and feedback, which we incorporated into the final edit. Ricky subsequently provided the final music track, and we rendered the final output for release.
Can you share any specific visual elements or scenes that you are particularly proud of and explain their significance within the context of the anthem?
Renjith: While each shot had its own unique challenges, the desert, Himalaya, and jet shots were particularly memorable for me. We experimented with numerous iterations to achieve a truly breathtaking and impactful look for these scenes, aiming to evoke a sense of awe and inspiration.
Vinod: While all shots are significant, the desert shot, tiger shot, and India Gate shot are particularly noteworthy. These shots highlight the exceptional effort invested in their creation and evoke a sense of pride in their visual beauty.
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