Cinematographer Om Prakash on capturing the visual essence of Vidaamuyarchi

One of the most anticipated films in South Indian cinema, Vidaamuyarchi, brings together the powerhouse combination of superstar Ajith Kumar, Director Magizh and Cinematographer Om Prakash. Known for his mastery in visual storytelling, Prakash crafts a thrilling and immersive experience, elevating the film’s narrative with his distinct style.

Om Prakash first garnered widespread acclaim for his stunning visuals in the national award-winning Vaagai Sooda Vaa. Since then, he has explored a diverse range of genres, earning recognition for his versatility. His contributions to Indian cinema have also been acknowledged by the Indian Society of Cinematographers (ISC), further solidifying his reputation as a top-tier cinematographer.

A visual journey through adventure and emotion

“Vidaamuyarchi is a family drama layered within a high-stakes action thriller, making it an adventurous visual ride. When I first heard the narration, what struck me was the terrain and the protagonist’s journey. I wanted to create a road film experience that felt grand and immersive—something with the scale and grandeur of the Western classic Mackenna’s Gold, while still maintaining emotional depth.”

“Visually, I aimed to evoke a sense of isolation by incorporating vast, open landscapes. The terrain itself functions as a subtle yet ever-present fear factor woven into the frames.”

Challenges in shooting across seasons

“The film is set in summer, but we shot across three different seasons, each with unpredictable weather conditions and unstable sunlight. The colour temperature could fluctuate drastically—from 10,000 Kelvin to 3,000 Kelvin within minutes—requiring constant adaptation. I’ve managed these challenges by using CC filters during the shoot, aided by my precise colour temperature meter.”

Crafting a unique colour palette

“I wanted a distinct visual identity somewhere between sepia and a natural warm tone. To achieve this, I developed a custom LUT before the shoot and applied it directly in-camera. This helped in bringing out the desired look easily in DI. Additionally, I worked closely with the costume and production design teams to create a stylised monochromatic feel. In post-production, I introduced a subtle saturation boost to refine the final look.”

Innovative action sequences

 “A significant portion of the film’s action takes place inside vehicles. While we shot major sequences outdoors, we later reconstructed them indoors by dismantling vehicles. This approach gave us greater control over the visuals and camera movements, ensuring precision in execution.”

Lighting and composition

“My lighting philosophy was built on the contrast between good and evil, low-key, high contrast lighting. For composition, I wanted to evoke the immersive feel of VistaVision, using expansive, wide-angle frames that allow audiences to absorb the depth of the landscape.”