Renowned cinematographer Ravi Varman, known for his work on films like Barfi! , Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela , Jagga Jasoos , and Ponniyin Selvan , has now brought his expertise to Lyca Productions’ Indian 2 , which is set to hit screens on July 12. Reflecting on his collaboration with director Shankar, whom he previously worked with on the 2005 blockbuster Anniyan , Varman shared, “With Shankar sir, he always defines the boundary. He’s very clear and writes what is needed. Within that boundary, I can play, and he will provide all the technology that I may want to recreate his vision, which is so original.”
After hearing the story, Varman felt it was like “our own version of a James Bond film.” He elaborated, “Like the recent Bond films, every scene was an event, with each one having a unique setting, such as a place without gravity, a yacht, a gold palace, and so on. We even have a unicycle chase.”
Indian 2 also marks Varman’s third collaboration with Kamal Haasan. He explained the challenges of shooting an actor wearing prosthetic makeup: “Real skin has some moisture and is reflective, but with prosthetics, you get an unnatural shine. It requires sensitive handling of lighting and lensing.”
National Award-winning actor Bobby Simha, who plays a key role in Indian 2 , shared his excitement about working with Shankar. “I immediately said yes when Shankar sir narrated the film to me because it was my dream to work with him,” said Simha, who has starred in films like Jigarthanda , Salaar , 777 Charlie , and Petta . He described working with Kamal Haasan as a learning experience: “When we slightly get stuck, he gives an idea to add a minute smile and that smile would go on to make a difference. I learned from Kamal sir to work on such details.”
