Satyacha Rang: Capturing the Unsaturated Truth of Social Media in a Tribal Village”

In this eagerly anticipated blog post, I am thrilled to invite you on an immersive journey into the world of short filmmaking. Together with the immensely talented director, Mayur Chaure, and a dedicated student from IIT Bombay, our collaborative efforts culminated in a mesmerizing project back in 2018.

Prepare to be captivated as I take you behind the scenes, unveiling the intricate layers of my creative process. From the initial spark of inspiration to the meticulous planning and the exhilarating challenges we faced, I am excited to share the story of how our vision was brought to life.

Join me as I recount the moments of brainstorming brilliance, the artistic decisions that shaped our narrative, and the sheer joy of watching our ideas flourish on screen. This blog is more than just a documentation of our creative endeavor; it's a celebration of passion, collaboration, and the boundless possibilities of cinematic artistry. Welcome to a tale where creativity knows no bounds, and where the magic of collaboration with director Mayur Chaure at IIT Bombay truly comes to life!

In the world of filmmaking, every project is a journey, a learning experience that allows us to evolve as artists. “Satyacha Rang” (Colour of Truth) was not just another project for me; it was a passionate exploration of societal issues, a visual narrative that unfolded in the heart of a tribal village in Maharashtra, India. As the Director of Photography (DP) on this remarkable short film, I embarked on a creative odyssey that challenged my skills, perspective, and outlook on storytelling.

The Concept: Unmasking the Impact of Hoax Messages

When I first read the script of “Satyacha Rang,” I was immediately drawn to its powerful message. The film dives deep into the societal consequences of unverified messages circulated on social media, shedding light on how they can wreak havoc on individuals and communities. It’s a poignant reminder of the importance of critical thinking and restraint in the age of digital information overload.

Choosing the Right Tools – One of the early decisions we made was to shoot the film on a 5D Mark IV camera in 35mm format. This choice allowed us to capture the raw authenticity of our real-life location, a tribal village nestled in the heart of nature. We wanted our visuals to echo the aesthetics of a documentary, mirroring the genuine emotions and experiences of our characters.

Creating an Unsaturated Aesthetic – To achieve the unsaturated look that characterizes “Satyacha Rang,” we deliberately opted for a muted color palette. This decision served to reinforce the documentary-like atmosphere, allowing viewers to connect more deeply with the story and its real-world implications.

The Natural Setting – Our film’s authenticity was further enhanced by using only natural props found in the tribal village homes. This approach not only aligned with our desire to stay true to the location but also enriched the storytelling by grounding it in the daily lives of the villagers.

Motivated Lighting and Tungsten Magic – As the DP, my lighting approach was deeply motivated by the film’s narrative and the natural elements. Most of our shots were bathed in the soft glow of natural light, highlighting the organic beauty of the village. When it came to shooting night scenes, we harnessed the power of just two tungsten lights, skillfully crafting an intimate and evocative atmosphere. One memorable touch was using a blue gel on one of the lights to simulate moonlight streaming through a window, adding a layer of visual poetry to the film.

Breaking Language Barriers – A significant milestone for “Satyacha Rang” was being the first film shot in the tribal language of the region. This decision was pivotal in ensuring the film’s authenticity and resonating with the villagers, who played a crucial role in bringing our story to life.

Embracing Growth Through Mistakes – Filmmaking is a dynamic process, and each project is a canvas for growth. When I revisit my work, including “Satyacha Rang,” I often discover new lessons and perspectives based on my ongoing journey in cinematography. I firmly believe that learning from mistakes is an integral part of our craft, a reminder that our pursuit of excellence is an ever-evolving endeavor.