This is neither good nor bad; it is just a passing
fad which will fade off sooner rather than later until
another ‘Avatar-like’ phenomenon comes
along to reignite the craze in the format once again.
But, one thing that has grabbed notice is the fact
that there seems to be a common perception of 3D filming
and projection being a highly innovative and complex
enterprise which began only recently and is still
out of reach of the Indian film industry.
Well, to demystify things; 3D cinema has existed since
the 1950s and was a major craze during the one or
two decades of that period. Yes, the techniques and
technology used in making and projecting 3D cinema
has changed and evolved over the decades, but the
concept per se is not something daringly new. One
needs to be a complete technical professional to fully
understand the process behind the making and projection
of a 3D feature film. But, from the little information
that is available through the internet and other sources,
it can be said that 3D cinema seems to be more of
a technological game on the projection side rather
than on the actual production side. It is more of
a post-production game than anything else which is
why films not originally intended to be in 3D are
also converted to the format, like Titanic which is
now being converted (the degree of success or effectiveness
is another debate). In short, 3D seems to be all about
the technology of creating optical illusion in theaters
rather than any great changes made while actually
shooting a film. Of course, if 3D plans are made well
in advance, then shots can be composed in ways such
that the final effect looks even more pronounced (which
allows us to identify a well planned and shot 3D movie
from an ‘afterthought 3D movie’.).
The second myth which one seeks to bust is that ‘the
Indian industry is not up to 3D requirements’.
Well, that is nothing but a false notion developed
by the lack of 3D ventures from Indian cinema over
the past two decades; reasons unknown. But, the fact
that the Indian industry is technologically, creatively
and infrastructurally up to the requirements of the
format was proved way back in 1984 when ‘My
Dear Kuttichathan’ released and made waves all
over India. The fact that it retains its appeal even
today (it is getting ready for a re-release) is testimonial
to its quality and it remains (strictly a personal
opinion) one of the most imaginative use of the possibilities
of 3D ever seen on screen.
In conclusion; we all love 3D, even though we know
that we are being duped into false perceptions of
depth by projection techniques and vision distorting
glasses. But, it has been there almost ever since
India became independent and the Indian industry definitely
has got what it takes to produce some immensely enjoyable
3D cinema. Sooner rather than later – let’s
hope. |
