Prime Video conducted an engaging session on how VFX technology is an emerging and rapidly evolving avenue of artistic expression at the Film Bazaar at the ongoing 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Panaji.

Using the popular Original series ‘Mumbai Diaries’ Season 2 as an example, the session elucidated how VFX helps in moving the narratives forward by creating worlds and storylines that defy traditional boundaries, a statement from Prime Video said yesterday.

The session was spearheaded by Nikhil Madhok, head of Hindi Originals, Prime Video; Monisha Advani and Madhu Bhojwani, Producers, Emmay Entertainment; Malay Prakash, Director of Photography and Vishwas Savanur, VFX Head.

To give the attendees an experience of the VFX behind the much-loved series, Prime Video has also set up a zone at the Tech Pavilion at Film Bazaar that was visited by Anurag Thakur, Minister of Information and Broadcasting.

“If storytellers are the ones who inspire us and open our minds by taking us into new worlds, then it is VFX that acts as the wind beneath their wings,” said Madhok, highlighting that VFX is helping creativity transcend the boundaries of imagination and changing the game in the global entertainment landscape.

He further explained that VFX goes beyond just creating visually stunning spectacles, and gives storytellers the power to envision worlds and narratives without being bound by practical constraints.

He added: “Earlier, storytellers faced constraints at the very inception of a project, often holding back ambitious visions at the script stage due to uncertainties about execution. If someone wanted to narrate a story that involved significant world building, they often first had to question their own belief and answer questions on execution even before they had finished writing their story.

“However, today, thanks to the advancements in VFX technology, storytellers can dare to dream big. They now place the narrative at the forefront of their creative process, and are able to focus on creating immersive worlds on paper, fully knowing that VFX will help them bring their vision to life.”

By bringing in elements of realism, scalability, cost-effectiveness and safety, VFX is helping creativity transcend the boundaries of imagination and changing the game in the global entertainment landscape.

However, Madhok also cautioned the industry to avoid looking at VFX as just a way to reduce costs. “While the cost advantages are great and we must make the most of it, but focusing on the cost would be like missing the wood for the trees. We must think of VFX as this powerful tool that helps unleash the imagination of our storytellers!” he explained.

The insightful address by Madhok was followed by an interesting talk on ‘Mumbai Dairies’ Season 2 and the role of VFX in it by Monisha Advani, both producers.

Cinematographer Prakash and Savanu, VFX producer, held forth on how technology and its potential to be a game changer in film making. The session concluded with an incisive panel discussion among these presenters on the contribution of VFX technology in moving the story narratives forward.

Prime Video has used VFX technology in a number of their Originals, as well as co-productions. From recreating Afghanistan in Film City to creating an immersive underwater marvel in the co-production ‘Ram Setu’ and spine-chilling effects in the supernatural Original ‘Adhura’, apart from using tech in the period Original ‘Jubilee’s recreation of a bygone era for incredible detailing and creating a world beyond the realm of reality in the first Tamil Original horror series ‘The Village’ that premiered at the IFFI.

Prime Video’s participation at the IFFI is a testament of the pivotal role the video streaming sector is playing in enabling the growth of India’s creative economy, and acting as a robust platform to showcase Indian stories, talent, and creators in the global arena.