In an exclusive peek behind the scenes, we delve into the making of “Fairy Folk,” an unconventional drama that promises to challenge traditional storytelling norms. Directed by Karan Gour, the film explores the intricacies of love and identity through improvisational storytelling, featuring a genderless woodland being that disrupts the lives of a jaded couple in Mumbai’s urban landscape. Screened at prestigious Sydney international film festival, Chicago international film festival, MAMI Mumbai, Indian film festival of Melbourne, “Fairy Folk” is also receiving rave reviews from the critics and audiences alike.
Starring Rasika Dugal and Mukul Chadda, who portray a married couple in the film, “Fairy Folk” takes viewers on a journey of self-discovery and introspection as the protagonists grapple with unexpected encounters and confront their perceptions of love and identity. Grounded in realism yet infused with fantastical elements, the film offers a unique perspective on the magical realism genre.
One of the film’s standout features is its use of improvisation as a narrative tool, allowing actors to authentically explore their characters and relationships in real-time. This approach lends “Fairy Folk” a sense of spontaneity and authenticity, capturing the beautiful complexities of human behavior in unprecedented situations.
Behind the scenes, the production faced numerous challenges, particularly in bringing the mystical woodland being to life. They utilized three Sony A7S2 cameras in conjunction with Zeiss’ CP.2 lenses. Actor Nikhil Desai took on the demanding role, requiring intricate prosthetics and visual effects to achieve the desired look. With the help of prosthetic artist Saloni Rambhiya and meticulous VFX work, the team successfully blended practical effects with digital enhancements to create a seamless portrayal of the creature.
Cinematographer Abhinay Khoparzi’s vision played a crucial role in shaping the film’s aesthetic, opting for stationary cameras to achieve symmetry and order in each frame. This deliberate choice reflects the contrast between the man-made structures of Mumbai’s urban landscape and the natural chaos embodied by the woodland being, underscoring the film’s thematic exploration of humanity’s relationship with nature.
In post-production, colorist Prashant Sharma worked to maintain a sense of realism while subtly enhancing the film’s visual palette. With meticulous attention to detail, Sharma pushed the boundaries of color grading to create a hyper-realistic look that complemented the film’s narrative themes.
Despite the challenges, the collaborative efforts of the cast and crew culminated in the creation of “Fairy Folk,” a thought-provoking drama that challenges audiences to reconsider their perceptions of love, identity, and the world around them.
“Fairy Folk” is now being screened in theatres across India.
Key Highlights:
- Exploration of Love and Identity: “Fairy Folk” delves into the complexities of love and identity through improvisational storytelling, featuring a genderless woodland being that disrupts the lives of a jaded couple.
- Authenticity through Improvisation: Grounded in Mumbai’s urban world, the film embraces improvisation as a narrative tool, allowing actors to authentically explore their characters and relationships in real-time.
- Merging Realism with Fantasy: Set against Mumbai’s backdrop, “Fairy Folk” challenges conventional storytelling by merging fantastical elements with real-world narratives, offering a fresh perspective on magical realism.
