Kanteerava Studios is buzzing with shootings of reality shows and films. The one we went to watch is the shooting of the film Chemistry of Kariyappa. Directed by Kumaar, the film is said to be a comedy.
It is a story about a 32-year old man (played by Chandan Acharya) and how his father Kariyappa (Tabla Nani), a lawyer helps his son with his “smart life equations.”
The day’s shoot
A small building in the studio is converted into a ... ,sorry we have been asked not to reveal that as yet. Let’s say it is a government office where the lead actors -- Chandan Acharya and Tabla Nani along with various other actors are standing in their costumes.
The surprise element of the day is the entry of Suchendra Prasad, who plays a cameo in the film.
The act
Suchendra walks in briskly, picks up a call. He is supposed to argue with his wife over the phone, before realising he is amidst colleagues and switching off the phone, only to walk away in a huff, followed by his assistant.
Suchendra Prasad is so hilarious in his act that he keeps all of us, including the director in splits. No exaggerated moves, but his funny body language and expressions are enough to start off laugh riot in you.
The scene is perfected in three takes as the film is shot in the sync-sound method. At 2 pm, Kumaar calls for a lunch break.
The break
Every one -- actors, director, his assistants and set boys, has piping-hot south Indian meals, served on steel plates. We dig into bisibele bhat and curd rice. There is an hour’s break and Chandan and Nani take off for a short afternoon siesta, while the extras and the team work tirelessly to set up the next shot.
Back in action
The room is set, extras are made to sit in their respective places. Lights are switched on and a smoke-effect is created for this scene. At 3 pm sharp, Chandan, Nani and Suchendra turn up in their costume and make up.
Suchendra’s cameo continues from where his call to his wife has been cut off. He is now supposed to be busy with work and keeps getting continuous calls from his wife. He again leaves us in splits with his histrionics and the director has to shout “Silence” a couple of times to keep us quiet. Shiva Seena, the director of photography, gives a few suggestions of how he wants to shoot the scene. Once Kumaar gives a thumbs up, he gets the camera rolling on his trolley.
Camera angle
Shiva says, “I am using light and shadow to recreate the feel of a portrait film. The film is being shot in as natural an ambience as possible and we have used a lot of contrasts. I have tried to film with real live movements. No shot will be steady. You will understand it only when you watch the film.”
Director’s cut
The film is inspired by a real life incident. The story is original and it is being filmed as a realistic film. No glamorisation will be found in this film.
It is a comedy and people will relate to every character in the film, assures the director.
This is a monthly column that takes you behind the scenes.
