Vishu Festival Ad

Overview

A festival ad for ABC Group India, released for Vishu. The film steps back from the modern smartphone era to celebrate brotherhood, friendship and nostalgia — a warm reminder of the good old times and the friendships that shaped them. I directed and edited the film and played one of the lead roles.

The Challenge

The shoot came with real constraints. Scheduling had to work around the actors' availability on a tight timeline, locations had to be locked quickly, and with most of the film shot outdoors there was no control over light — the day's natural conditions were what we had to work with. The budget was limited and the kit deliberately minimal, with no heavy equipment on set. The task was to make a warm, emotionally resonant festival film feel unhurried and cinematic despite all of it.

Approach

Tight planning carried the shoot. Scenes were scheduled around the cast and the available locations so the limited time was spent efficiently, and shots were composed to work with the natural outdoor light rather than fight it. Directing and acting in a lead role at once meant leaning on clear pre-planning so performances and coverage stayed on track. A lean setup with minimal gear kept the crew mobile and the pace quick, letting the emotional beats — the nostalgia and the bonds between the characters — stay front and centre.

Outcome

The finished ad was well received and widely appreciated, landing its festive, nostalgic tone and connecting with audiences during the Vishu season.

Tools