Ram Gopal Varma Unveils ‘Animal Aradhya’-A First in Indian Cinema History
Renowned stills photographer Naveen Kalyan has created a groundbreaking photo series, marking a first in Indian cinema. Titled ‘Animal Aradhya’, this revolutionary concept features actress Aradhya Devi, the lead in Ram Gopal Varma’s upcoming film ‘Saaree’. The series was unveiled by Varma himself at an exclusive event held at a Hyderabad pub.
A Bold & Unprecedented Concept
The ‘Animal Aradhya’ photo series stands apart in Indian cinema for its innovative storytelling through imagery. Photographer Naveen Kalyan conceptualized this as a fusion of high-fashion photography and the untamed beauty of nature, symbolizing freedom and fearlessness. In the photos, Aradhya is depicted as the ruler of the wilderness, posing alongside exotic creatures like Macaw, Iguana, Candishu, Black Swan, Ostrich, and a Racehorse.
The costume design for the shoot was helmed by Pranathi Verma, who blended aesthetics with the raw essence of the wild, elevating the visual impact of the series.
Ram Gopal Varma's Praise for the Vision
Speaking at the event, Ram Gopal Varma applauded Naveen Kalyan’s innovative work:
"People fear wild beasts because we can never predict their actions. But here, Aradhya has embraced them with courage. This is a bold and unique concept, never before seen in Indian cinema. Naveen Kalyan deserves full credit for capturing this essence so brilliantly."
He also revealed how he discovered Aradhya Devi, formerly known as Srilakshmi from Kerala.
"I first saw her in an Instagram reel. There was something striking about her presence, so I cast her in ‘Saaree,’ a psychological thriller. The film is now complete and set to release on the 28th of this month. Naveen Kalyan then came up with the idea for this photoshoot, drawing inspiration from her role in the film."
Behind the Lens: The Making of ‘Animal Aradhya’
Naveen Kalyan shared his experience working on this daring project:
"I have been working with RGV sir for ten years. One day, he showed me a song from ‘Saaree.’ While watching it, I had the idea to shoot something unique—something that had never been done before. That’s when I proposed the concept of a photoshoot with wild animals. RGV sir immediately gave his approval. Shooting with animals like the snake and iguana was a thrilling experience!"
Aradhya Devi admitted she was initially hesitant:
"When RGV sir first mentioned the idea, I was nervous. But knowing his vision, I agreed without hesitation. Though I must admit, I had a moment of fear when working with the ostrich!"
Costume designer Pranathi Verma added:
"When Naveen Kalyan and RGV sir introduced this concept, I saw it as a challenge. Designing costumes that blended with wild animals was an exciting task."
With ‘Animal Aradhya’, Indian cinema has witnessed a bold new form of artistic expression, further pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling. The anticipation for ‘Saaree’, set to release on February 28, has only grown stronger with this innovative reveal.
Post a Comment