Why Are Old Telugu and Tamil Movies Shot in Real Locations But Modern-Day Films Opt for Studio Sets?

The evolution of movie production in India is fascinating, particularly in the context of Telugu and Tamil cinema. While older films were renowned for their grandeur and authenticity, which stemmed from real location shooting, modern-day productions have embraced studio sets. This shift from real location shooting to studio sets has been a natural evolution influenced by various factors, including logistic challenges, budget constraints, and the growing popularity of film industry amenities like Ramoji Film City. In this article, we will explore why the modern-day production of Tamil and Telugu films no longer shoot in real locations but prefer studio sets.

Real Location Shooting: The Essence of Classic Cinema

In the early days of Telugu and Tamil cinema, filmmakers like Venkat Prabhu, who directed films like Maanadu, aimed to capture the essence and authenticity of a setting by shooting on real locations. One of the most significant challenges was the sheer number of people who would gather to watch the filming, leading to logistical nightmares. For instance, the last car scene of Maanadu was intended to be shot in Chennai but ended up being a massive public spectacle. The disorder and disruption faced by the crew eventually resulted in the decision to reshoot the scene in Coimbatore and announce it as a native to Chennai.

The Inevitable Shift to Studio Sets: Why It's Statements Changed

Over time, the evolution of film production led to a significant shift from shooting on real locations to studio sets. Crowd control became increasingly challenging as the popularity of film-making events grew, leading to greater disruptions and logistical issues. In the period when Tamil films often shot in Bangalore, near Lal Bagh, or Mysore, and Kannada films shot in Conoor and Ooty, it was still relatively easier to manage such public gatherings.

However, with the growing size of the film industry and the increasing number of productions, the difficulty in managing real location shoots has significantly increased. The film industry has evolved into a major commercial enterprise, attracting large crowds that are impossible to manage effectively. Consequently, the use of studio sets and dedicated film city locations such as the Ramoji Film City and Erstwhile Binny Mills has become the preferred choice for modern-day film productions.

The Advantages of Studio Sets

Studio sets provide numerous advantages over real location shooting. Firstly, they offer controlled environments that can be modified according to the filmmaker's needs, ensuring consistent lighting, sound quality, and scene settings. Secondly, these sets are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including green screens, special effects, and advanced camera systems, making it easier to create high-quality, visually stunning scenes.

The Role of Film City Locations: Rationale and Impact

Film city locations like the Ramoji Film City and Erstwhile Binny Mills play a pivotal role in modern day film production. These locations not only offer controlled environments but also provide practical solutions to crowd control issues. They are designed to accommodate large gatherings without disrupting the production process, ensuring that filming can proceed smoothly.

Moreover, these cities often provide additional services such as accommodation, catering, and transportation, making the production process more efficient and stress-free for the filmmakers. The popularity of such locations has further contributed to their growth, enabling filmmakers to create immersive and visually captivating content without the logistical challenges faced in real location shooting.

While real location shooting remains a cherished tradition, the pragmatic reality of modern-day film production often necessitates the use of studio sets and film city locations. These choices are driven by the need to manage resources effectively, ensure quality control, and satisfy the diverse demands of contemporary audiences.

Conclusion

The shift from real location shooting to studio sets is a natural progression in the evolution of Telugu and Tamil cinema. While it may seem counter-intuitive to prefer studio sets over the authenticity of real locations, the practical benefits and logistical advantages make it an indispensable part of modern-day film production. As the industry continues to grow, the role of film city locations and studio sets will remain pivotal in shaping the visuals and narratives of future films.

For more insights into the world of Indian cinema, stay tuned for more articles on related topics, and if you have any interesting perspectives, feel free to share in the comments section below.