Mumbai: Saket Raut, a rising talent in the world of cinematography, has been making waves with his exceptional work on two feature films—'Blow for Blow’ and ‘Processing Charlie’. In an exclusive interview, he shared insights into his roles on these projects and his approach to balancing a high workload while maintaining quality across his extensive portfolio of short films.
Crafting Atmosphere in ‘Blow for Blow’
For ‘Blow for Blow’, directed by Rigan Machado, Raut took on the challenge of creating a tense and immersive atmosphere through his precise lighting techniques. The film’s large, dynamic sets and intense fight scenes required meticulous attention to detail. Raut explained, Lighting played a crucial role in establishing the mood and heightening the tension in these sequences. His focus was on using lighting to guide the audience's emotions, emphasizing the physical and emotional stakes of each confrontation.
Working on ‘Blow for Blow’ allowed Raut to collaborate closely with the director and production team, fine-tuning the lighting to complement the choreography of the fight scenes. It was about finding that balance—lighting that not only showcased the action but also created a sense of foreboding, he added.
Pushing Boundaries in ‘Processing Charlie’
While ‘Blow for Blow’ tested his ability to enhance action sequences, ‘Processing Charlie’ presented a completely different set of challenges. The film, shot in a 4:3 aspect ratio and in black and white, gave Raut the opportunity to experiment with new techniques. The format required a more nuanced approach to lighting, where shadows, contrast, and texture became the primary tools for visual storytelling.
"Working in black and white pushes you to think differently about light. Without color, every decision has to serve the composition and mood in a more intentional way, Raut shared. This experience not only pushed his technical skills but also allowed him to explore the artistic side of lighting design in a unique and rewarding way. It was a chance to innovate and create something visually striking that resonated deeply with the film's themes."
Balancing Quantity with Quality
In addition to his work on feature films, Raut has managed to build an impressive portfolio of over 20 short films in the past year alone. When asked how he balances such a high volume of work without compromising on quality, he credited his background as a grip and the lessons he learned from seasoned gaffers.
"Pre-production is key, he emphasized. Raut conducts thorough location scouting and circuit board inspections to prevent any fire hazards on set, ensuring that everything runs smoothly once filming begins. "It’s about being proactive. From securing the right gear within the budget to collaborating with producers and crew members, I make sure every detail is accounted for."
On set, organization and safety are his top priorities. He works closely with the Production Designer and Director of Photography (DP) to meet the project’s visual objectives, ensuring the lighting aligns with the creative vision while adhering to practical constraints. This approach has helped him maintain high standards across all his projects, regardless of scale.
For Raut, the ability to juggle multiple projects comes from careful planning and close collaboration with his team. "It’s about creating a system that allows me to manage the workload while still delivering top-notch results," he explained.
Saket Raut’s journey into lighting has been marked by both artistic innovation and practical problem-solving, qualities that are increasingly defining his career. His work on ‘Blow for Blow’ and ‘Processing Charlie’ demonstrates his versatility and passion for the craft, while his approach to managing a high volume of work showcases his commitment to quality filmmaking.
IMDb Link: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14246274/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
Disclaimer: This is a syndicated feed. The article is not edited by the FPJ editorial team.
