In a captivating interview, Abhishek Pathak, the creative force behind Panorama Studios, sheds light on the future of cinematic storytelling and the evolution of franchise films. With an ambitious vision, Pathak and his father, Kumar Mangat Pathak, are crafting an expansive cinematic universe that goes beyond the traditional sequel formula.
The Art of Storytelling
Pathak emphasizes the importance of high-concept, high-quality storytelling, a philosophy that has guided their studio's journey. From the success of Raid to the anticipated Raid 3, the focus is on creating a compelling narrative journey for the protagonist, Aamir Patnaik. Pathak reveals, "Until we have something truly exceptional on paper, we want to ensure we're pushing the story forward in a meaningful way."
Malayalam Cinema: A Storytelling Haven
The studio's foray into Malayalam cinema is a strategic move, inspired by the region's unique storytelling prowess. Pathak admires the way Malayalam films are written, citing the example of Drishyam. With OTT platforms, the studio has been able to explore a wealth of Malayalam content, recognizing the strength of fresh, content-driven stories. This has led to the establishment of a dedicated office in Kerala and a significant expansion into this division.
Budgeting and Visual Aesthetics
An intriguing aspect of Malayalam cinema is its ability to maintain visual excellence within controlled budgets. As Kumar Mangat Pathak points out, "The budget for one song in a Hindi film could finance an entire Malayalam film." This efficiency is attributed to the organized system and strong unions in Malayalam cinema, ensuring clarity on costs and accessibility to affordable locations.
Shaitaan 2: Organic Evolution
When it comes to Shaitaan 2, Abhishek Pathak is committed to an organic evolution of the franchise. He doesn't want to rush into a sequel just for the sake of continuing a brand. Instead, he aims to mirror the natural progression seen in the Drishyam franchise, which evolved over a decade. Pathak shares, "We're discussing ideas and once the screenplay is ready, we'll bring the film to life."
Aamir Patnaik's Next Chapter
As fans eagerly await Raid 3, Pathak hints at the development of something truly special for Aamir Patnaik's next journey. The studio is taking its time to craft a compelling narrative, ensuring that the story moves forward in a direction that resonates with audiences.
Conclusion
In this exclusive interview, Abhishek Pathak offers a glimpse into the future of franchise films, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and organic evolution. With a focus on quality and a strategic approach to content creation, Panorama Studios is shaping an exciting cinematic universe. As Pathak puts it, "We're not just making films; we're crafting immersive worlds that audiences can explore and enjoy."
Personally, I think this approach to franchise building is a refreshing take on the traditional sequel model. It showcases a deep respect for storytelling and a commitment to delivering high-quality content. The studio's expansion into Malayalam cinema is a smart move, leveraging the region's unique strengths. What makes this particularly fascinating is the studio's ability to recognize and adapt to the changing landscape of cinema, ensuring that their films remain relevant and engaging.
