Arecent interview with Variety, Sherry Bharda, the head of Yash Raj Films’ VFX division, yFX, delved into the intricate process behind planning the breathtaking action sequences seen in Shah Rukh Khan’s “Pathaan” and Salman Khan’s “Tiger 3” last year. Both films garnered global acclaim for their intense action, seamlessly integrating visual effects.
Bharda shared insights into the collaborative efforts of the visual effects team and the active involvement of Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan in shaping these sequences. She emphasized the necessity for an interactive and inclusive approach during the planning stages, ensuring a smooth transition between different segments of the action.
“These sequences can’t be made linearly; they all have to be fairly interactive and inclusive because where one person hands over to the other, it cannot be downstream; it all has to be planned before,” explained Bharda. She highlighted the hands-on participation of Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan in the process, noting their keen understanding and contribution to the pre-visualization stage.
According to Bharda, the stars actively engage with the director during the pre-visualization, providing their ideas and insights. The pre-viz is a simplified version of the eventual edit, guiding the actors on set and shaping their actions. “They know what they’re supposed to do on set,” added Bharda.
Discussing the scale of “Tiger 3,” Bharda mentioned the need to surpass the grandeur of “Pathaan.” With limited time, the team employed extensive 3D visualization to plan every shot meticulously. The process involved animating and arranging shots on the computer before the actual shoot, ensuring a well-thought-out sequence.
Bharda underscored the importance of pre-visualization, particularly for action sequences, revealing that the depth of planning for “Tiger 3” exceeded previous projects due to time constraints.
Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan’s collaboration extended beyond their films, as they made cameo appearances in each other’s YRF Spy Universe movies, “Tiger 3” and “Pathaan.” The anticipation continues to build as they are set to share the lead roles in the upcoming YRF Spy Universe film, “Tiger Vs Pathaan.”
