The most awaited film 'Bhool Bhulaiyya 3' will release worldwide on Diwali 2024 on November 1. A few days ago, a sneak peek of the song 'Ami Je Tomar 3.0' was released. This most famous song from the 'Bhool Bhulaiya' franchise has been presented in a new version.
The film's cinematographer Manu Anand shared the experience of shooting this song in a conversation with Frontpage Insights. The cinematographer described working with Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit as a huge responsibility and discussed their focus on set aesthetics, colors and lighting. Read some key excerpts from the conversation:
How was your experience with the song 'Aami Je Tomar Sudhu Je Tomar'? How many days did the shooting last? We shot this song in 5 days. 5 days were very fun. I personally enjoy shooting songs. If you look at my filmography, my songs have always been enjoyable. When we came to know that this song is to be shot with Vidya ji and Madhuri ji, we felt a huge responsibility on us. The song had to be memorable, as the moment was special for him as well. Working with Vidya ji and Madhuri ji who are both big names in the dance world is a dream come true.
Our choreographer Chinni Prakashji also worked hard. The set especially in the Durbar Hall was made very luxurious. I paid special attention to the colors and lighting to capture the glow on her face and the camera movements were also designed to make the song feel dynamic and compliment the choreography. The song also has a long single shot in which the movements of the camera and the actors seem like a dance. It took a long time to get those shots, but everyone worked hard and finally got the look we wanted.
This song was shot for 5 consecutive days, can you tell how these 5 days went? Our preparations started even before the shooting. First set lighting, design and rehearsals took place. Then when the actors came on set, we determined each movement of the song shot-by-shot. Every shot of the song was designed by Chinni Prakash Ji, Anees Bhai and me. If a shot needed correction in expression or camera angle, Anees Bhai would ask him for another take. We have not made any compromises in this song. Each shot was not finalized until the entire team was satisfied. It was shot for 5 consecutive days in 12-hour shifts.
How many cameras were installed for the song and how many team members were present? We had three cameras for that song, but each take was done with a single camera, as the performance of the artists was being properly covered by one camera. The rest of the cameras were for different reasons – like one camera was in the study camp, another on the screen and the third on the dolly. We used to change the camera according to the shot so that the shooting could speed up. Using three cameras during the dance would have made designing shots difficult. So every line, every movement had a specific frame so that the song looked good on screen.
As for the team, there were usually 400 to 500 people on the sets. Which includes lighting, art, costume, production, carpentry, light man. Even people not working on the floor came to the floor and watched mesmerized. There were so many crowds that the production had to be taken out repeatedly. Kartik Aaryan was not shooting that day, but he came to the set on holiday. When asked, he said that he had come to see the performance of Vidya Balan and Madhuri. Everyone wanted to be a part of this historic scene.
In a horror comedy film, camera placement and lighting require special attention, what is your biggest challenge in this? Location plays a big role. Being a good cinematographer requires finding the right location. The play of lighting is very important in a horror comedy. It should be pitch dark, but not so dark that nothing can be seen. A fine balance has to be struck here, just as children are afraid of the dark or play in a dark room, there is a game of scares and giggles. The lighting heightens the suspense in the horror and then suddenly lightens the comedic atmosphere. The mix is a little moody and a little bright, and it's the fun challenge that sets this genre apart.
What locations were chosen for this film? Our entire team shot in many locations. We left Mumbai and went to Rajasthan, Gujarat, Bengal and Madhya Pradesh. Finally, the film is set in Bengal, where most of the shooting is done. Our main mansion, which will open its doors, has been shot in Orchha, Madhya Pradesh. Also, we have sets in Mumbai, so the film was shot between live locations and sets.
Where specifically was it shot in Bengal and Madhya Pradesh? In Bengal we shot in many places in and around Kolkata. We stayed at the Oberoi Hotel, and shot in Howrah as well as some old mansions. Shooting also took place on Howrah Bridge. We shot at Usha Ghat in Orchha, Madhya Pradesh. The Jahanagar Palace there is depicted as Bengal in the film. There was a minimum schedule of 90 to 100 days.
Did a real scary incident happen during the shoot that scared the whole team? Yes, our hotel was great when we were shooting in Bengal, but then we found out that the hotel was haunted. At first no one knew, but there was a board in the lobby of the hotel, which said that strange things had happened in this hotel. People were a little scared after reading it. The atmosphere became a bit tense for people who were afraid of ghosts. Actors also stayed in this hotel and later we came to know that there was an accident about 100 years ago. Since then people have had strange experiences there.
What is special about Anees Bazmi's way of working? What things does he pay most attention to? Anees Bhai always maintains a pleasant atmosphere on the sets, but is very particular about every detail of the film, especially the costumes and looks. He has done more than 70 films and his experience is a learning experience for me. It gives every member full scope for creative expression. If I show a new design, they get very excited and say – hey man, this is awesome, show some more.
He is fun to work with as he always motivates the team. The entire team is impressed by his behavior. The relationship with them is always full of understanding and cooperation.
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
