Brahmastra VFX boss, producer Namit Malhotra reacts to Adipurush comparisons

Brahmastra Part One- Shiva is not just minting money at the box office but also getting praise for its visual effects.

The Ayan Mukerji directorial has been praised for its VFX and pushing the boundaries in that genre as far as Indian cinema is concerned. Namit Malhotra, who heads Prime Focus, the team behind Brahmastra’s VFX, speaks to Hindustan Times about the praise, comparisons with other films like Adipurush, and the vision going forward.

Namit is a producer on Brahmastra apart from helming the much-talked about visual effects for the film. Talking about the positive reception to the film’s VFX, he says, “When such good things happen, it doesn’t necessarily sink in because when you are in that creative zone, you don’t think about the outcome.

As I have settled down, what I have realised is that this was a very long cherished dream of mine, of bringing the best world can offer to our Indian cinema. With all the praise and validation we have had, it does feel fulfilment of a dream and start of a new journey.”

Weeks after Brahmastra’s release, the teaser of another VFX-heavy film Adipurush was released and many criticised the graphics there as ‘amateurish’. In fact, some praised Ayan and Brahmastra even more, comparing Adipurush to it unfavourably. While refusing to comment on Adipurush itself, Namit says, “No matter how confident a filmmaker is about their work, ultimately it boils down to what the audience feels. The audiences are the judge of what will work and what is not going to work.

The fact that our effort has been applauded and is getting even more praise only makes me thankful that we were able to get there. Creation is always complicated. Everybody tries to do the best they can in their mind. Does it hit the bullseye or not is ultimately the decision of the audience. So for us, it’s not arrogance but relief that the audience likes it.”