Shah Rukh Khan Birthday Exclusive: Cinematographer Manu Anand Praises the Superstar and Red Chillies VFX for Unmatched Visual Effects
As Shah Rukh Khan celebrates his 59th birthday, fans and colleagues alike are reflecting on his incredible contributions to Indian cinema. One person with unique insight into his work is acclaimed cinematographer Manu Anand, who has collaborated with Khan on the ambitious projects Fan (2016) and Zero (2018). Both films pushed the boundaries of visual effects in Bollywood, and according to Anand, working with Shah Rukh and his production company’s Red Chillies VFX team was an exceptional experience. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Anand opened up about the challenges and triumphs of these visually demanding projects and the extraordinary dedication of Shah Rukh Khan.
Shah Rukh Khan: A Superstar with Technical Expertise
Manu Anand began by emphasizing Shah Rukh Khan’s unique qualities, both as an actor and as a collaborator. “We all know that Khan saab jaisa koi nahin hai (There’s no one like Khan saab),” he remarked. “His ability to make everyone feel valued is remarkable. He’ll talk to you with so much respect and grace, and beyond that, he’s not just a brilliant actor—he’s also a highly knowledgeable technician. His understanding of filmmaking and VFX is unparalleled.”
Anand’s appreciation for Shah Rukh’s expertise in visual effects came from his work on Fan and Zero. Anand, who has a background in science, found himself drawn to the technical aspects of VFX, which helped him tackle the complexity of these films. “I didn’t feel intimidated by the demands of VFX because of my understanding of it. Fan increased my knowledge significantly, and working on Zero elevated it even further,” he shared. This foundation enabled Anand to appreciate and execute the visionary ideas that both he and Shah Rukh brought to these films.
Innovation in Fan: The Dubrovnik Chase Sequence
One of the most memorable scenes in Fan is the exhilarating rooftop chase set in Dubrovnik, Croatia. In this sequence, Shah Rukh plays both the superstar Aryan Khanna and his fan, Gaurav Chandna, who pursues Aryan across the city’s iconic rooftops. Anand recalls this sequence as one of the highlights of the shoot, saying, “We shot Fan there even before Game of Thrones popularized Dubrovnik. During our location scouting, director Maneesh Sharma noticed the stunning views from the city’s Outer Wall and insisted that we had to capture the chase on those rooftops. He wanted the audience to experience the thrilling sight just as we did.”
Executing this complex scene was no easy feat, given that Shah Rukh was playing two characters in the same shot. The assistant directors meticulously planned each shot based on the Sun’s position to create the illusion that both characters were on screen simultaneously. Anand explained, “If we wanted to film Gaurav running in a particular lane, Shah Rukh would first spend three hours transforming into Gaurav. We had to be precise with timing and coordination, considering all the logistical challenges.”
VFX Challenges in Fan: Crafting Two Different Characters
Creating Gaurav, a younger and more zealous version of Shah Rukh Khan’s character Aryan, required some of the most sophisticated VFX Bollywood had seen at the time. “In Fan, we reduced Shah Rukh Khan’s weight by 25 pounds and made him shorter by about 2-3 inches for the Gaurav character,” Anand shared. “The VFX team ensured that Gaurav didn’t look like an exact duplicate of Aryan. There were subtle differences in their appearances that could only be seen in specific lighting, making the two characters similar yet distinct.”
The Red Chillies VFX team meticulously worked on each frame, often blending physical and digital elements to create seamless transitions between the two characters. Anand explained that the technical team’s work was so detailed that it transformed Shah Rukh’s appearance, allowing him to embody two entirely different personalities. Despite this remarkable feat, Anand notes, “People often undervalue VFX-heavy films like Fan. The amount of work that went into creating the differences in Shah Rukh’s face and body for Gaurav was immense. It wasn’t easy.”
Taking VFX to the Next Level in Zero
In Zero, Shah Rukh Khan took on yet another challenging role, playing a man of reduced height. This required extensive use of VFX, as Red Chillies VFX had to digitally adjust Khan’s height in every shot. Manu Anand described the intricate process, saying, “In each shot, 4-5 VFX plates were used to maintain the height difference. Standing shots showed him about 12 inches shorter than his real height, while sitting shots had about a 6-inch reduction. Every detail was carefully calculated.”
Achieving such an effect while keeping the visuals realistic posed immense technical challenges, yet Anand and the VFX team at Red Chillies worked tirelessly to make it happen. Despite the flawless execution, Anand recalls some people saying, “Oh, he just looks shorter. Where’s the VFX?” He pointed out that when VFX is so skillfully applied that it becomes invisible, it’s a true accomplishment. “When VFX goes unnoticed, that’s the highest compliment. In my opinion, nobody in the world has been able to pull off such a seamless level of VFX!”
Shah Rukh Khan: The “Human Motion Control”
Reflecting on Shah Rukh’s skills, Manu Anand humorously referred to him as a “human motion control.” He elaborated, “When Shah Rukh had to act in dual roles, his timing was impeccable. He could replicate the exact same movements and expressions down to the millisecond. That’s something only a practiced and experienced artist can achieve.” This precision made complex shots, especially those involving VFX, far easier to execute.
Anand emphasized how Shah Rukh’s ability to intuitively understand timing and movement contributed to the overall quality of the VFX work in Fan and Zero. “His mastery over his craft made things smoother for everyone on set. He is truly one of a kind,” Anand said.
The Challenges and Rewards of Working on Unique Stories
While Fan and Zero were visually groundbreaking, they didn’t achieve commercial success. Anand acknowledged this but expressed pride in being part of films that pushed creative boundaries. “Some of the scenes we shot were highly memorable. Even though they didn’t work as intended, they have a small cult following. The makers dared to explore new ideas, and the technical team gave their heart and soul to these projects.”
Addressing the critique that Bollywood often relies on remakes and formulaic stories, Anand defended the industry’s creative drive. “People sometimes say Bollywood doesn’t show new stories, but that’s not true. Every director and creative person aims to bring something fresh to the audience. Yes, some work on remakes, but that’s an exception. Most of us want to offer something new.”
Celebrating Shah Rukh Khan’s Legacy and Red Chillies VFX
As Shah Rukh Khan turns 59, Manu Anand’s reflections remind us of the superstar’s exceptional dedication and versatility. From his technical acumen to his ability to play dual roles with precision, Shah Rukh has continuously raised the bar in Indian cinema. The pioneering VFX work in Fan and Zero not only set new standards for Bollywood but also showcased the capabilities of Red Chillies VFX.
With his legacy of innovation and commitment, Shah Rukh Khan remains a true icon in the industry. As fans celebrate his birthday, the stories from behind the scenes of Fan and Zero provide a deeper appreciation for his craft and the relentless efforts of the teams that bring such visionary projects to life.