Apr 13, 2026 2:55pm IST
‘Dhurandhar 2’ DoP Vikash Nowlakha: ‘I’ve Waited My Entire Career for a Film of This Scale’ (EXCLUSIVE)
The “Dhurandhar” franchise has emerged as a game-changer in the history of Indian cinema. The box-office juggernaut has been lauded for its craft and performances. The franchise’s masterpiece status is in no small measure due to its brilliant camerawork that elevated the films’ aesthetics, visual appeal and spectacle.
Variety India spoke to the DoP of "Dhurandhar 2," Vikash Nowlakha, who has also shot films “Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year” and “Laapataa Ladies.”
Excerpts...
How does it feel to be part of cinematic history?
It’s deeply heartening when audiences resonate with work crafted out of honesty and sincerity. It goes to show that we’ve been underestimating our audience's capacity to embrace complex narratives. For me, personally, the audience's acceptance of a visual language that isn’t glossy and synthetic, but rather grown from reality, emotions and texture, is something I consider a great victory. It leaves me hopeful about the future of Indian cinema.
On what basis do you choose projects?
The first question I ask myself is, ‘Is this a story the world needs to hear?’ The second is - ‘what’s the visual world? - and ‘is that something I’d like to explore…’
Have you always been this selective? Does it make financial sense?
Well, not from day one, but from pretty early on, you find projects you resonate with and they seem to draw the best from you. I just don’t think I have the talent to walk into ‘anything’ and make it amazing. There needs to be at least one thing in the script that you can connect to, some substance, idea or philosophy that you can draw inspiration from. That’s the anchor. You're right, you then might not be working every day - but then when you do, you’re not coming from a jaded space - and I feel that benefits you in the long run.
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Can you walk us through how you went about the look of the film?
I let the script inform me and performances guide me. Each script commands its own - and it’s our duty as Directors of Photography to direct the visuals as so required. The tone in which the film is written becomes the meter — rhythm and texture. Performances are the pitch. It’s a collaborative dance across all departments — production, direction, background action, action, locations, art, lighting, costumes and makeup — that determine the final image. I believe referencing belongs to the past — it’s being present and quick to react to what’s unfolding that sells a live event.
At what point of narration did you decide to become part of ‘Dhurandhar’?
Oh, right away! I’ve waited my entire career for a film of this scale that allowed for a rugged, raw but stylized approach. It felt like a ripe beast. I couldn’t wait to pull out a sword and chop its head off.
How difficult or easy was it to match the vision of Aditya Dhar?
Aditya is an incredible human being and an absolute joy to work with as a director. He gives you so much creative freedom and lets you totally off the leash, while simultaneously holding the broader vision, much like a strategic commander on a battlefield, adapting and finding positive solutions to whatever comes our way.
How did you keep the mood light with the cast and crew?
I’ve had the fortune and pleasure of working with an incredibly precious cast and crew, lovely people, deeply passionate and good-humored. Shooting this film was incredible fun - like sports day every day, especially with the action! Music was played, jokes were shared, and most of all, hierarchy didn’t find its place and everyone felt respected and valued.
Which was the toughest scene for you to shoot?
The toughest scenes for me are always when an actor gets deep and emotional. I feel a great, great responsibility for the image to feel how they feel - and a great disservice, injustice and betrayal to them if the audience doesn’t feel the same.
Which camera, lenses & filters (if any) did you use in the overall film?
Camera: Alexa 35
Lenses :
Hawk anamorphics
Atlas mercury
Optimo 24 - 290
Ultra primes
And a bunch of cheaper lenses that I didn’t mind smashing ;)
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