📌 Key Points
- Rana Daggubati highlights VFX growth in Indian cinema at Netflix’s Eyeline Studios launch in Hyderabad.
- Daggubati, a former VFX artist, emphasizes how advancements enable filmmakers to realize their visions.
- Netflix’s Eyeline Studios’ Hyderabad facility features advanced VFX and generative virtual effects technology.
- Baahubali and Kalki 2898 AD are cited as examples of Telugu cinema pushing boundaries with VFX.
Rana Daggubati recently spoke at the launch of Netflix’s Eyeline Studios in Hyderabad, highlighting the growth of VFX in Indian cinema. He credited Telugu cinema for pushing boundaries with films like Baahubali and the upcoming Kalki 2898 AD.
Rana Daggubati on VFX Evolution
Actor Rana Daggubati was speaking about the growth of VFX in Indian cinema at the launch of Netflix’s Eyeline Studios in Hyderabad on Thursday.
Not many know that before he was Bhallaladeva or any other character on screen, Rana Daggubati worked as a VFX artist. Having been involved with the development of VFX in Indian cinema in the 2000s, Rana was perhaps the perfect person to be present for the launch of Netflix’s Eyeline Studios in the country. On Thursday, the studio behind the VFX for titles like Stranger Things and Wednesday launched its first state-of-the-art facility in Hyderabad, and Rana was among the guests.
Netflix Launches Eyeline Studios in Hyderabad
Baahubali, directed by SS Rajamouli, is regarded as the first pan-India hit of modern times. The two films grossed ₹ 2400 crore worldwide and starred Rana, alongside Prabhas, Anushka Shetty, Ramya Krishnan, Tamannaah Bhatia, and Sathyaraj. Kalki 2898 AD, directed by Nag Ashwin, and RRR, again directed by Rajamouli, were also pan-India hits that grossed over ₹ 1000 crore each.
Rana spoke about seeing the VFX journey in Indian cinema back in 2006 when he worked behind the scenes as a 21-year-old. The actor said that the advancements in VFX and CGI have created a stage where filmmakers can accurately visualise and create what they imagine. “I have been seeing the journey of VFX evolve, and the AI pipeline take shape. I believe this is the best time for such stories because what you can imagine can come alive on the screen now,” Rana reasoned.
Telugu Cinema’s Impact on Visual Effects
In a release, Netflix said the launch of Eyeline Studios in India aligns with its global strategy to expand its production innovation infrastructure. The 32,000-square-foot facility in the heart of Hyderabad features state-of-the-art technology for advanced visual effects and generative virtual effects, supported by a hybrid cloud infrastructure.
Also present at the inauguration were Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting; Jeff Shapiro, CEO of Eyeline Studios; and Telangana IT and Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu.
Rana’s insights coupled with Netflix’s investment in VFX infrastructure signals a promising future for Indian cinema. The ability to visualize and create complex scenes is becoming more accessible, fostering greater creativity.
