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For Mirosław Kuba Brożek, a visionary Polish cinematographer celebrated for his work in Polish and Telugu-language films, Pushpa is more than just a project—it’s a passion that has consumed five years of his creative journey. After earning acclaim and a Filmfare Award for Best Cinematography for Pushpa: The Rise, Brożek returns to helm the visuals for Pushpa: The Rule. With anticipation for the sequel reaching a fever pitch, Brożek shares his approach to creating a cinematic spectacle that matches director Sukumar’s ambitious vision, amplified tenfold.
While Pushpa: The Rise introduced audiences to the rugged world of its protagonist, Pushpa: The Rule demanded a reinvention on a colossal scale. “Though the story is a continuation, the scale and expectations have grown exponentially,” says Brożek. Determined to surpass audience expectations, he reimagined the film’s visual identity, making it grander and more dynamic.
Lighting became an essential tool in Brożek’s arsenal to enhance the film’s visual intensity. The iconic Jatara sequence, for example, required creating the illusion of a vast night exterior while being shot indoors. To achieve this, he orchestrated a complex lighting setup featuring HMIs, dinos, sky panels, and practical lights, layered with color gels for a natural, immersive effect. Every frame was a meticulous balance of illumination and shadow, designed to heighten the drama.
Brożek’s dedication to detail extended to the film’s color palette. Collaborating with the production design and costume teams, he orchestrated a harmony of colors that seamlessly integrated into the storytelling. This careful preparation ensured every scene felt authentic, yet larger than life.
“During Pushpa: The Rise, I wanted to use Cooke lenses, but it didn’t happen. For Pushpa: The Rule, I finally got the chance,” shares Brożek. Using Cooke Anamorphic and Spherical lenses, he leveraged their distinctive qualities to create depth and dimension. His use of anamorphic wasn’t for flares but to maximize sensor utilization and achieve striking geometric compositions. Cooke lenses’ ability to preserve highlight details became a standout feature, with Brożek favoring focal lengths of 32mm and 50mm, shooting at T4 to T5.6 for anamorphic and T2.8 for spherical formats.
Brożek’s cinematography thrives on movement, and Pushpa: The Rule is no exception. “I believe in creating dynamism through camera movements,” he explains. From gimbals and trinity rigs to handheld setups and jibs, he blended techniques to craft visuals that are both visceral and immersive. His focus on deeper shots not only adds dimension but also enhances the 3D and IMAX experience, ensuring the film’s visuals leave an indelible mark.
After five years immersed in the Pushpa world, Mirosław Kuba Brożek has redefined the art of visual storytelling, crafting an experience that is as epic as it is intimate. With Pushpa: The Rule, he proves once again that cinema is not just about storytelling—it’s about transporting audiences to another realm, one breathtaking frame at a time.
