DOP Shreesha Kuduvalli had the opportunity to collaborate with many stars in the industry, most notably Upendra in Topiwala, Darshan in Yajamana, and Dhruva Sarja in Bahaddhur. Yet he finds it exciting to team up with Yuva Rajkumar, who is making his acting debut with Yuva from writer-director Santhosh Ananddram. Yuva marks Shreesha’s second collaboration with director Santhosh after Raghavendra Stores.
“As a cinematographer, I’ve ventured into new territories for Yuva. I’ve sought to redefine visual aesthetics and imbue cinematic storytelling with a deeper social resonance. Despite the fantastical nature of the narrative, we’ve strived to craft a distinctive ambiance, blending the surreal with real-life locations,” explains Shreesha. One notable aspect of his approach is the incorporation of cutting-edge technology. “In my role as a cinematographer, I invested considerable effort in pre-production, leveraging digital tools to create 3D models and integrate digital lighting techniques. Collaborating closely with art director Vishwas Kashyap, who curated the colour palette with a great deal of attention to detail, we meticulously designed lighting setups using animation and gaming software tailored specifically for cinematic adaptation. This collaboration not only enhanced visual clarity but also fostered seamless synergy with the director’s vision,” he adds.
While such practices are commonplace in Western filmmaking, Shreesha admits they were a departure from his usual workflow. “However, with the luxury of time and unwavering support from the production house, Hombale Films, coupled with director Santhosh Ananddram’s creative freedom, I was able to embrace these innovative approaches with confidence. This proactive preproduction phase proved invaluable in streamlining the filming process,” notes Shreesha.
Another notable departure from convention was his approach to colour grading. “Traditionally, colour grading occurs post-shoot. However, for Yuva, I adopted a proactive approach, predefining the colour palette to align with the film’s thematic elements. This foresight not only expedited the post-production process but also ensured visual coherence throughout,” he explains.
Reflecting on his collaboration with lead actor Yuvarajkumar, Shreesha expresses his admiration for the actor, especially his ability to translate character nuances onto the silver screen. “Yuvarajkumar approached his role with meticulous preparation, and as a cinematographer, I was attuned to his performance, ensuring his portrayal resonated with the audience,” concludes Shreesha.
