'Thangalaan' - a cinematic marvel through the lens of Kishore Kumar

‘Thangalaan’, directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Pa. Ranjith, is one of the most anticipated Tamil-language films in India. Set in the Independence era, this magnum opus was brought to life through the visionary cinematography of Kishore Kumar, known for his critically acclaimed work in films such as ‘Gundu’ and ‘Natchathiram Nagargiradhu’.

Kishore Kumar’s collaboration with Pa. Ranjith began with ‘Natchathiram Nagargiradhu’, where his ability to explore varied visual styles on a limited canvas caught the director’s attention. This partnership evolved into the ambitious project ‘Thangalaan’, where Kishore was tasked with translating the film’s grand vision into reality.

To achieve this, Kishore relied on the powerful combination of the Sony Venice 2 and Cooke S7/i lenses. He emphasised the use of an 18mm Cooke S7/i lens, aiming to capture the film’s sweeping landscapes and intense character moments in a single, cohesive visual language. By avoiding traditional shooting patterns, he created a unique visual experience, opting for a wider view throughout the film.

Kishore praised Cooke lenses for their ability to soften the sharpness of digital formats, delivering beautiful, rounded images with warm colours that evoke an analogue feel. This was particularly vital in balancing the film’s landscape and skin tones, where the Cooke S7/i lenses provided tonal separation in scenes where colours often blended.

The film was primarily shot in the barren lands of KGF near Bengaluru where Kishore harnessed the pure early morning light to create a naturalistic look. Most outdoor scenes were lit using light bridge bounce boards, eschewing artificial light to maintain authenticity. For the numerous night sequences, he employed fire simulation methods to evoke a period-specific ambience, creating a search-like quality in the lighting.

Kishore also commended actor Vikram’s adaptability, noting his ability to modulate his performance to match the lens and lighting, particularly with the 18mm lens in closer shots.

Kishore Kumar expressed his gratitude to Pa. Ranjith for trusting his vision, describing the experience as an emotional roller coaster with a vast canvas. As the release of ‘Thangalaan’ approaches, he eagerly anticipates sharing this extraordinary cinematic journey with audiences.