By Dr. Vajranabh Natraaj Maharshi

Q: Welcome, Mr. Vinda! It’s a pleasure to have you here. Let’s begin by exploring your journey as a cinematographer. How did it all start for you?

Vinda: Thank you for having me! My journey as a cinematographer has been quite fascinating. It started with my curiosity about visual storytelling and my passion for technology. I always wanted to combine art with the latest innovations in filmmaking. Over the years, I’ve worked on various projects, learning and evolving continuously.

Q: You are also the founder of the Cinematica Expo. Could you tell us more about the event and the inspiration behind it?

Vinda: Absolutely. The Cinematica Expo was born out of a vision to create a platform for filmmakers, especially in the Telugu film industry, to connect with cutting-edge technology and global trends in filmmaking. The first edition was held in 2023, post-pandemic, and it was a tremendous success, with around 14,000-15,000 attendees. The expo is not just about showcasing cinema  equipment but also about facilitating networking, masterclasses, and workshops. It’s a trade fair and a carnival for filmmakers and enthusiasts. My aim was to bring such an event closer to the Telugu film industry, which has been producing globally acclaimed films like Baahubali, RRR, and Major. Despite our accomplishments, we lacked direct access to advanced filmmaking tools and knowledge.

Q: That’s a remarkable initiative. What were some of the highlights of the Cinematica Expo?

Vinda: The first edition itself was groundbreaking, but the second edition surpassed expectations with a footfall of over 28,000 visitors on the first day! We had masterclasses by renowned industry professionals like Sudip Chatterjee and Sandil Kumar, who shared their incredible journeys and experiences. We also had sessions on screenwriting, cinematography, and OTT content creation.

Moreover, the expo showcased advanced technologies such as Sony’s Venice camera series, ARRI cameras, and various tools for virtual production. It wasn’t just about displaying equipment-it was about educating people on how to use them effectively.

Q: You mentioned masterclasses. How do they add value to the event?

Vinda: Masterclasses are integral to Cinematica Expo. They provide a platform for experienced professionals to share insights, challenges, and solutions with aspiring filmmakers and cinematographers. For instance, Sudip Chatterjee’s session delved into his creative process, while Sandil Kumar’s session highlighted his journey from working on RRR to achieving international acclaim.

These sessions inspire and educate attendees, making the expo not just a display of tools but a holistic learning experience. It bridges the gap between technology and creativity.

Q: What challenges did you face in organizing an event of this scale?

Vinda: Organizing an event like Cinematica Expo was no small feat. Initially, there were financial constraints and logistical hurdles. Convincing major brands to sponsor the event was another challenge. However, my reputation as a cinematographer helped establish credibility, and companies like Sony and ZEISS came on board as sponsors.

Scaling the event to accommodate the growing interest was another challenge. For instance, the current venue has limited capacity, and we’re now planning to move to a larger space, like Hyderabad’s HITEX, for future editions.

Q: That’s inspiring! Speaking of future editions, what’s your vision for the next Cinematica Expo?

Vinda: For the next edition, we aim to make the event more international. We plan to invite cinematographers and screenwriters from ASC (American Society of Cinematographers) and BSC (British Society of Cinematographers) to collaborate with Indian filmmakers. Additionally, we want to increase participation from international exhibitors and explore opportunities for government support to make the event even grander.

The goal is to create a global platform where filmmakers can learn, network, and innovate. I’m confident that Cinematica Expo will become a landmark event in the global filmmaking industry.

Q: That’s an ambitious vision! Now, shifting gears, we’ve heard you’re working on a pan-India film. Could you share some details about it?

Vinda: (Smiles) I can’t reveal much at the moment, but it’s been a long-time dream of mine to direct a film. During the

pandemic, I worked on several scripts, and I’m now preparing to bring one of them to life. The project will be announced officially in January 2025. All I can say is that it’s something very close to my heart, and I’m excited about this new chapter in my career.

Q: That’s wonderful to hear. We’re eagerly looking forward to your film! Before we wrap up, is there anything you’d like to share with aspiring filmmakers and cinematographers?

Vinda: My advice is to stay curious and keep learning. Technology is ever-evolving, and it’s important to adapt while staying true to your artistic vision. Platforms like Cinematic Expo are designed to empower filmmakers, so make the most of such opportunities. Remember, filmmaking is not just a profession-it’s a passion and a lifelong journey.