After weaving a simple love story in Ondu Sarala Prema Kathe, director Simple Suni is now working on his next, Gatavaibhava, a high-budget fantasy drama that stands as the most ambitious project of his career. The film marks the debut of Dushyanth, who portrays a VFX artist, while Ashika Ranganath plays a character named Devakanye.
The team meticulously planned and executed the shoot over 100 call sheets, capturing stunning visuals across uniquely designed sets in Bengaluru. To add authenticity and grandeur, the cast, crew, and technicians, along with director Suni, recently travelled to Portugal, for over 10 days, where they wrapped up the final leg of filming. Sharing their excitement on social media, lead actors Dushyanth and Ashika revealed that Gatavaibhava is slated for a theatrical release in the first half of this year.
Speaking to CE about the international experience, Suni shared, “The Portugal trip was a unique adventure. We shot in an extraordinary location and had a mix of our local team and over 25 foreign artists, including dancers and stunt performers.”
Apart from Dushyanth and Ashika, co-director Chiranth also plays a pivotal role as Vasco da Gama. Since the film delves into fantasy, the makers claim that they have ensured that every detail is immersive and authentic. “We didn’t just stop at Portugal; we even filmed in Madeira, close to Morocco. It’s the birthplace of Cristiano Ronaldo, and everyone on the island swears by his legacy. The place has a Goan vibe, breathtaking landscapes, and an atmosphere unlike any other,” Suni added.
He further elaborated on a crucial sequence involving a historic boat. “We wanted to capture an authentic episode in a boat, something that felt real and rooted in history. The boat we used was crafted in memory of Christopher Columbus and is primarily reserved for travellers. We also heard that the makers of Pirates of the Caribbean had shot patchwork sequences on the very same vessel.”
Having explored multiple genres—including comedy, serious drama, fantasy, and horror—Suni now brings Gatavaibhava, a love story infused with elements of fantasy and scientific thriller.
Beyond directing, Suni has stepped into the shoes of a producer for this project under the Suni Cinemas banner, in collaboration with Deepak’s Mata Movie Makers. With cinematography by William David and music composed by Judah Sandhy, Gatavaibhava will soon begin post-production.