Actor Hrithik Roshan took to his Instagram handle to spread awareness about the use of VFX in cinema. He began by speaking about his fascination with special effects from a young age and how he continued to educate himself about them. He also addressed poor VFX and emphasised that criticism of the technique should be accompanied by a better understanding of it. Hrithik’s remarks come at a time when Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana is being criticised for its heavy use of special effects in this modern retelling of the popular mythology.
Hrithik Roshan on `bad VFX`
On Saturday night, Hrithik Roshan shared his love for the art of VFX and how he educated himself. “Yes bad VFX exists. It`s sometimes so bad it`s painful to watch. Especially for me… and especially when it`s a film I`m part of. As an 11yr old kid I saw Back to the Future on a trip to london and it changed me forever. I became obsessed. I would sit with my dads VHS player studying the frames pause -play pause-play until I broke the player. I ordered a book “industrial light and Magic” – The Art of Special Effects” from Reader’s Digest with my pocket money…and waited months for it to arrive at the Juhu post office. Happiest day of my life. I can still smell the book as I unwrapped it. Many others followed.”
He then went on to speak about the people who have shown the guts to bring their vision to life using VFX. “Today some special humans among us, like the makers of films like Kalki, Bahubali , Ramayana, ( also my dad for koi mil gaya n krrish ofcourse) are my heroes, they have the guts and vision to do what`s never been done – all for the love of cinema so that we – the audience get to experience something never watched before. From my point of view they risked all that money, and years and years of effort just so another 11yr old kid could feel what I felt. To me that`s noble. the intention by itself deserves applause! I am proud of my fellow Indians. What I would give to be a part of such dreams even as an assistant.”
Hrithik gives lessons on VFX
Hrithik further said that his post is for the audience who can do with some better awareness on VFX before they bash films for its use. “In my little understanding from the little that I have learnt is that there are different VFX styles adopted by makers to bring their vision to life,” he said.
He explained that VFX can be in anime style, photorealistic (invisible) storytelling styled, hyperreal, fantastical realism and experimental along with movie examples for each. “Bad vfx is if the movie promises say `photorealism` but is unable to inhabit it fully. Even a small lapse in physics/gravity can then destroy the entire illusion. Or the promise is of storybook style but they fail in making it beautiful enough or artistic enough or divine enough and so fails to engage. But to say that the storybook style is not looking photorealistic – isn`t fair. Cause it`s not meant to be,” he said.
He added, “AND you can`t criticize the maker just cause he has chosen one style while you prefer another style. Thats not fair. So sometimes when you say “bad VFX.” Maybe it’s just a style you didn’t expect? So next time don’t just ask, “Is it real?” First ask, “Is it right for the story?” “is it making me feel what the maker intended?” Debate it. But debate it with awareness. Yes? Please!”
