Period films are in rage at the moment in Bollywood. So much so that two of the biggest blockbusters last year were period films- Baahubali and Bajirao Mastani.
To give a similar kind of grand and larger than life experience, next on the block is a period film VEERAM directed by six times National award and many international awards including Golden Peacock and Berlin’s Crystal Bear Award winning writer and director Jayaraj.
Set in the 13th century Kerala, the film resuscitates the real life character made famous through folklore literature and songs. Keeping the tone and the content of the film in mind , Action, Make up , Music and color form an essential part of the film. Thus for the very first time 4 renowned Hollywood technicians have come together for an Indian film.
Action Choreographer Allan Poppleton of 300, Hunger Games , Avatar, Lord of the Rinds fame Oscar Award winning and 5 times nominated works renowned make up artist.
Trefor Proud. Music and background score of the film is by renowned Hollywood music director Jeff Rona of Phantom, Colorist on the film is Jeff Olm of Monsters vs. Aliens, How to Train Your Dragon, Kung Fu Panda 2, Avengers , Titanic, Spiderman etc Veeram will be an all India release and is being shot on three different languages Hindi, English and Malayalam with plans to further dub it in Tamil and Telegu.
Talking about getting these international technicians together, director Jayaraj says, “Kalripattu has not yet been portrayed in mainstream cinema in its authentic form before . Action director Allan ‘s contribution in coming to India learning the Kalaripayattu martial art form and improvising The moment to snow suit camera angles has been of great help.
Makeup artist Trefor Proud with his rich experience and understanding of colours that existed in ancient times, has added beautifully in the in the depicting The vivid colours and and body paints on each of the character.
Jeff Rona and Music director Acchu together have used their individual expertise and created the music of the ancient Era that we today can relate to.
Jeff Olm, as the colour and light supervisor has been of great advantage to out DOP Kumar in maintaining the authenticity of the era. Jeff is one one of the best colorist in the world and is in high demand for his work.”
More about the technicians:
Action forms the base of the film. The storyline has grass root action form which is beautifully crafted by Action Choreographer Allan Poppleton. Allan ,has choreographed stunts and action for Hollywood action biggies like 300, Hunger Games, Hercules, Avatar, Lord of the Rings .
To keep the look authentic and work around the era of the film special looks were designed for the actors. The make up in the film is by Oscar Award winning and 5 times nominated works renowned make up artist Trefor Proud. He also has won two Emmy awards and has worked in over 50 films and Tv shows which include Gladiator and Star Wars.
The music and background score of the film is by renowned Hollywood music director Jeff Rona of Phantom , Traffic and Prince of Egypt fame.
Lastly the colorist on the film is Jeff Olm of Monsters vs. Aliens, How to Train Your Dragon, Kung Fu Panda 2, Marvels’ Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers: Age of Ultron, The Revenant; Digital Compositor – Titanic, Spiderman, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone fame. He literally is the second set of eyes who has given a new perspective to the film .