VFX Supervision in Odia Cinema

1. VFX Supervision in Odia Cinema on the Set of Mantra Mugdha

My journey in VFX Supervision in Odia cinema began with the film Mantra Mugdha, where I worked as the VFX Set Supervisor. The film featured a large and talented star cast including Sanoj Kumar, Manmay Dey, Dipanwit Dashmohapatra, Sarthak Bharadwaj, Bhoomika Dash, Suryamayee Mohapatra, and Hara Rath. The on-set environment was casual and relaxed — quite different from the structured and process-driven atmosphere I’m familiar with in Bollywood productions.

The film was directed by Anupam Patnaik, who was very understanding and supportive during the VFX shoot. His cooperative attitude and openness to new ideas made it easier to implement advanced visual effects workflows on set.

As part of my work, I created several 3D photogrammetry facial scans of the main actors and actresses for various VFX purposes. These scans were essential for achieving realistic facial tracking, digital doubles, and accurate lighting references during post-production. This process not only enhanced the film’s visual fidelity but also showcased the growing potential of modern VFX techniques within the Odia film industry.

Initially, the approach to VFX felt intimidating. The Director and DOP were hesitant and somewhat unsure about integrating visual effects into their shots. It seemed as though they were concerned that VFX might overpower the film’s natural tone. Through patient discussion, on-set demonstrations, and clear communication, I was able to show that VFX could enhance storytelling rather than dominate it. By the end of the shoot, their perspective had shifted, and integrating live-action footage with digital elements became a collaborative and productive process.

2. Chaki Suna VFX Supervision in Odia Cinema

My next experience in VFX supervision in Odia cinema was with the film Chaki Suna, which featured an impressive cast including Anubhav Mohanty, Sambhabana Mohanty, Divyadisha Mohanty, Abhishek Panda, and Udit Guru. The film was directed by Manash Padhiary, a true gentleman whose cooperation and understanding made the on-set experience remarkably smooth. His openness to ideas and calm demeanor created an environment where creative collaboration could truly flourish.

Interestingly, the same DOP from Mantra Mugdha was also part of this project, which made a noticeable difference in the workflow and collaboration. This time, the team was far more open and cooperative regarding VFX requirements. Having already built trust and understanding during our previous project, the process felt natural and efficient. The discussions were smoother, the planning more precise, and the execution more confident. It was incredibly rewarding to see how earlier challenges transformed into seamless teamwork, with everyone now genuinely interested in how VFX could enhance storytelling.

3. Adapting to Odisha’s Unique Filmmaking Environment

Filmmaking in Odisha presents its own unique set of challenges and learning opportunities. Compared to the Hindi film industry, the production environment is noticeably more relaxed. Workflows are less formal, schedules are flexible, and sometimes crucial creative decisions happen spontaneously on set.

While this informal approach can make coordination for technical departments like VFX a bit challenging, it also fosters creativity and adaptability. Working in such an environment has taught me to stay flexible, think on my feet, and develop real-time solutions without compromising on technical quality.

These experiences have been invaluable in shaping my professional journey in VFX supervision in Odia cinema. They taught me the importance of communication, patience, and collaboration when introducing visual effects into new creative environments. Most importantly, they reinforced that VFX is not merely a technical tool — it’s a storytelling partner capable of elevating the cinematic experience when approached with care, vision, and teamwork.