Indian web series Kaala Paani is one of the best we saw this year. The survival drama based against the backdrop of the islands of Andaman &amp; Nicobar told the story of a new illness (much like COVID-19) that took everyone by surprise after the islands started witnessing strange occurrences of death. With a unique plot and credible performances, Kaala Paani was among the finest we saw this year. As we wrap up the year, WION got in touch with Rakesh Yadav who worked as a production designer on the set of the show.&nbsp;

Rakesh Yadav spoke about the visual style of the series, shooting in Andaman islands and the challenges that came with it.&nbsp;

Here are the edited excerpts of the chat:&nbsp;

WION: We thoroughly enjoyed watching Kaala Paani. Can you share some insights into the collaboration between the production design team and the director/cinematographer to achieve the desired visual style?

Rakesh: Filmmaking is all about collaboration. To achieve the desired visual style and atmosphere, every department must bring on their A-game to the shoot. A film first originates in the director’s mind. To create the universe that the director has imagined, a very close collaboration between the cinematographer and production designer is needed because what looks real to the eye, looks unreal to the camera and vice-versa.

<img alt="Kaala" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="53ac93ee-1f7f-4cb5-97e7-ab8705d09190" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/HORIZONS%20-%202023-12-19T180151.778.jpg" />

WION: Kaala Paani has received critical acclaim for its production design. Are there any specific moments or set pieces that you are particularly proud of?

Rakesh: Kaala Paani is very close to my heart so to pick any particular scene would be cruel&nbsp;to other scenes but since you asked, I would say that the final look and feel that we achieved with the creation of the interiors of a Japanese bunker is something I am very proud of. Andaman has this World War II-era Japanese bunkers scattered around the island to keep a close watch on the Indian Ocean. They were built on higher grounds to watch over as much area as possible. When we set about creating the interiors of the bunker in the studio, we had to make sure that we keep in mind the elevation and architectural feel of the World War II Japanese bunkers. We went through as much documentary evidence as possible to grasp the intricacies of a bunker.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-bangladeshi-actress-jaya-ahsan-interview-on-debut-hindi-film-kadak-singh-and-more-670839">&nbsp;Interview: Bangladeshi actress Jaya Ahsan talks about debut Hindi film Kadak Singh and more</a>

<h2>Difference between Indian and Western productions</h2>

WION: What are some of the key differences in production design between Indian and International cinema, and how do you navigate those differences?

Rakesh: The differences between Indian cinema and International cinema are mostly two-fold. Firstly, the amount of preparation that an international crew does to achieve the specific look is something still missing from our side. We sometimes leave a few things for the last minute or want something new on the day of shooting. Secondly, budget constraint is an issue because it makes us compromise on a lot of elements which would have made our cinematic world more authentic.&nbsp;

I would also like to add -- with the coming of international OTT platforms, we are closing this gap very rapidly.

<h2>Technology in Filmmaking</h2>

WION: With technology making inroads within the film industry, how has this affected the way you approach production design, especially with the use of CGI and special effects?

Rakesh: A lot of things were impossible to do till a few years back. CGI and special effects have supplemented the effort of a production designer to achieve those things. Though some people suggest that CGI will one day take over the production design department, I strongly disagree with it. A good CGI is only possible when the production design team has created the foundation upon which CGI can work. I am actually looking forward to that day when CGI will become a part of the production design department and not something external.

<img alt="Kaala" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d2f6596a-e9bb-483e-99aa-6fc5b256e87f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/HORIZONS%20-%202023-12-19T180128.153.jpg" />

WION: How do you manage to create stunning visuals while working within budget limitations? Did you face any such limitations with&nbsp;Kaala Paani?

Rakesh: Budget limitations will always be there because we need to have those boundaries to set the rules of the game. It only tends to disfavour us when things are not planned accordingly or when some last-minute hiccups come up. For example, in Kaala Paani we wanted to shoot inside the Cellular Jail but when we were denied the permission to do so, we needed to create a new sequence in the series because making the set of Cellular Jail for one sequence was not feasible.

WION: Is there any creative person from your field that you look up to for inspiration?

Rakesh: In India, it was late Nitin Desai. His work will inspire every filmmaking student in India forever. The other two production designers that I look up to is Rick Carter and Nathan Crowley.

<h2>Future of Production Design in India</h2>

WION: Could you share any insights into the future of production design in Indian cinema and how it might evolve in the coming years?

Rakesh: I feel that in the coming years, production design will get the attention it deserves and will go on to become the one of the most talked-about aspects of filmmaking among the general masses.

Rakesh has been associated with a multitude of projects including Tumbbad, Laal Kaptaan, Serious Men, and Ship of Theseus, among others. Kaala Paani season one featured a stellar cast including Mona Singh, Ashutosh Gowariker, Amey Wagh, Sukant Goel, Vikas Kumar, Arushi Sharma, Radhika Mehrotra, Chinmay Mandlekar, and Poornima Indrajith, among others. The second season will also be available on Netflix soon.

Indian web series Kaala Paani is one of the best we saw this year. The survival drama based against the backdrop of the islands of Andaman & Nicobar told the story of a new illness (much like COVID-19) that took everyone by surprise after the islands started witnessing strange occurrences of death.

Indian web series Kaala Paani is one of the best we saw this year. The survival drama based against the backdrop of the islands of Andaman & Nicobar told the story of a new illness (much like COVID-19) that took everyone by surprise after the islands started witnessing strange occurrences of death. With a unique plot and credible performances, Kaala Paani was among the finest we saw this year. As we wrap up the year, WION got in touch with Rakesh Yadav who worked as a production designer on the set of the show. Rakesh Yadav spoke about the visual style of the series, shooting in Andaman islands and the challenges that came with it. Here are the edited excerpts of the chat: WION: We thoroughly enjoyed watching Kaala Paani. Can you share some insights into the collaboration between the production design team and the director/cinematographer to achieve the desired visual style? Rakesh: Filmmaking is all about collaboration. To achieve the desired visual style and atmosphere, every department must bring on their A-game to the shoot. A film first originates in the director’s mind. To create the universe that the director has imagined, a very close collaboration between the cinematographer and production designer is needed because what looks real to the eye, looks unreal to the camera and vice-versa. WION: Kaala Paani has received critical acclaim for its production design. Are there any specific moments or set pieces that you are particularly proud of? Rakesh: Kaala Paani is very close to my heart so to pick any particular scene would be cruel to other scenes but since you asked, I would say that the final look and feel that we achieved with the creation of the interiors of a Japanese bunker is something I am very proud of. Andaman has this World War II-era Japanese bunkers scattered around the island to keep a close watch on the Indian Ocean. They were built on higher grounds to watch over as much area as possible. When we set about creating the interiors of the bunker in the studio, we had to make sure that we keep in mind the elevation and architectural feel of the World War II Japanese bunkers. We went through as much documentary evidence as possible to grasp the intricacies of a bunker. Also read: Interview: Bangladeshi actress Jaya Ahsan talks about debut Hindi film Kadak Singh and more Difference between Indian and Western productions WION: What are some of the key differences in production design between Indian and International cinema, and how do you navigate those differences? Rakesh: The differences between Indian cinema and International cinema are mostly two-fold. Firstly, the amount of preparation that an international crew does to achieve the specific look is something still missing from our side. We sometimes leave a few things for the last minute or want something new on the day of shooting. Secondly, budget constraint is an issue because it makes us compromise on a lot of elements which would have made our cinematic world more authentic. I would also like to add -- with the coming of international OTT platforms, we are closing this gap very rapidly. Technology in Filmmaking WION: With technology making inroads within the film industry, how has this affected the way you approach production design, especially with the use of CGI and special effects? Rakesh: A lot of things were impossible to do till a few years back. CGI and special effects have supplemented the effort of a production designer to achieve those things. Though some people suggest that CGI will one day take over the production design department, I strongly disagree with it. A good CGI is only possible when the production design team has created the foundation upon which CGI can work. I am actually looking forward to that day when CGI will become a part of the production design department and not something external. WION: How do you manage to create stunning visuals while working within budget limitations? Did you face any such limitations with Kaala Paani? Rakesh: Budget limitations will always be there because we need to have those boundaries to set the rules of the game. It only tends to disfavour us when things are not planned accordingly or when some last-minute hiccups come up. For example, in Kaala Paani we wanted to shoot inside the Cellular Jail but when we were denied the permission to do so, we needed to create a new sequence in the series because making the set of Cellular Jail for one sequence was not feasible. WION: Is there any creative person from your field that you look up to for inspiration? Rakesh: In India, it was late Nitin Desai. His work will inspire every filmmaking student in India forever. The other two production designers that I look up to is Rick Carter and Nathan Crowley. Future of Production Design in India WION: Could you share any insights into the future of production design in Indian cinema and how it might evolve in the coming years? Rakesh: I feel that in the coming years, production design will get the attention it deserves and will go on to become the one of the most talked-about aspects of filmmaking among the general masses. Rakesh has been associated with a multitude of projects including Tumbbad, Laal Kaptaan, Serious Men, and Ship of Theseus, among others. Kaala Paani season one featured a stellar cast including Mona Singh, Ashutosh Gowariker, Amey Wagh, Sukant Goel, Vikas Kumar, Arushi Sharma, Radhika Mehrotra, Chinmay Mandlekar, and Poornima Indrajith, among others. The second season will also be available on Netflix soon.

Loved Kaala Paani? Hear it from the production designer who made the urgency look real

OTT giant Netflix recently released a new Indian show Kaala Paani, which as the name suggests, is a story that unfolds in the islands of Andaman &amp; Nicobar, the farthest land in India from the mainland. As per the official synopsis, Kaala Paani is a story of survival as a mysterious illness locks the islands and their inhabitants with no cure and no way out. The show will remind you of the time when the whole world was reeling under the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and had to wear masks so as to avoid getting infected with a mysterious virus.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION, Kaala Paani actor Mahadev Singh Lakhawat who plays a man named Pundi on the show, opens up about working with Mona Singh on the show and how he was stuck on the islands due to a cyclone while shooting for the show.&nbsp;

In his own words, Mahadev Singh Lakhawat calls Pundi “a complex and grey character who is not from Andaman but works there with his partner in crime, Chiru, running a tourism business.” Excerpts:&nbsp;

WION: How was your experience collaborating with a talented cast in Kaala Paani? How was working with Mona Singh on the show?&nbsp;

Mahadev Singh Lakhawat: It was an exhilarating experience. As a trained actor, the script is very important to me, and I was in love with the script of Kaala Paani. Also, when the workshops happened and we all met as co-actors, I was mesmerised to see each actor bringing their unique skills and creativity to the table, which elevated the overall quality of the project. It was inspiring to be surrounded by such talented individuals, and it pushed me to give my best performance. Shooting in a location like Andaman was a completely different experience. We were caught in&nbsp;Andaman for some time because of a cyclone but that only helped&nbsp;bring authenticity to the script.&nbsp;

<img alt="Kaala Paani" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="921cb093-9cdc-4107-ba9c-c17c4531c71a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/HORIZONS%20-%202023-10-27T164550.032.jpg" />

WION: Did you always want to be an actor?

Mahadev Singh Lakhawat: I have always been passionate about acting. Since my childhood, I had a deep love for storytelling and performing in front of an audience. I was very interested in cultural activities during my school days. Although I graduated in law and have a diploma in cyber law, I always wanted to act because it's what makes me happiest.

I graduated from NSD and gained experience in theatre. I came to Bombay in 2019 and after a few months, the pandemic happened. Once the lockdown started lifting, I was lucky enough to get roles in good projects because people had seen my plays previously and knew my work. Acting allows me to express myself, explore different characters, and connect with people through the medium of storytelling. It has been a lifelong dream, and I feel fortunate to be living it now.

<h2>Watch the trailer of Kaala Paani here:</h2>

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="635" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6ph4WPZIrbM" title="Kaala Paani | Official Trailer | Mona Singh, Ashutosh Gowariker, Amey Wagh | Netflix India" width="1128"></iframe>

WION: What's something you like the most about acting?

Mahadev Singh Lakhawat: The joy of entertaining and connecting with the audience is truly fulfilling. Acting has the power to touch people's lives and evoke emotions, and that is something I find incredibly rewarding.

WION: Kaala Paani is among some of the most-talked-about Indian shows on Netflix this week. What next?&nbsp;

Mahadev Singh Lakhawat: Next up is Woh Ladki Hain Kaha which also has Taapsee Pannu, Pratik Gandhi, Pratiek Babbar, and Harleen Sethi, and is directed by Arshad Sayed. This is my debut film, to be honest. Then there is Sector 36, starring Deepak Dobriyal and Vikrant Massey, directed by Aditya Nimbalkar and produced by Maddock Films. Currently, I'm shooting for Nikhil Advani's film Vedaa, which is slated to release next year. It stars John Abraham and Sharvari Wagh.&nbsp;

Each of these projects presents its own set of challenges and opportunities for growth, and I couldn't be more excited to share them with audiences, as I'm playing different characters in each. You can also watch Bambai Meri Jaan which is streaming on Amazon apart from Kaala Paani on Netflix.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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OTT giant Netflix recently released a new Indian show Kaala Paani, which as the name suggests, is a story that unfolds in the islands of Andaman & Nicobar, the farthest land in India from the mainland.

OTT giant Netflix recently released a new Indian show Kaala Paani, which as the name suggests, is a story that unfolds in the islands of Andaman & Nicobar, the farthest land in India from the mainland. As per the official synopsis, Kaala Paani is a story of survival as a mysterious illness locks the islands and their inhabitants with no cure and no way out. The show will remind you of the time when the whole world was reeling under the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and had to wear masks so as to avoid getting infected with a mysterious virus. Speaking to WION, Kaala Paani actor Mahadev Singh Lakhawat who plays a man named Pundi on the show, opens up about working with Mona Singh on the show and how he was stuck on the islands due to a cyclone while shooting for the show. In his own words, Mahadev Singh Lakhawat calls Pundi “a complex and grey character who is not from Andaman but works there with his partner in crime, Chiru, running a tourism business.” Excerpts: WION: How was your experience collaborating with a talented cast in Kaala Paani? How was working with Mona Singh on the show? Mahadev Singh Lakhawat: It was an exhilarating experience. As a trained actor, the script is very important to me, and I was in love with the script of Kaala Paani. Also, when the workshops happened and we all met as co-actors, I was mesmerised to see each actor bringing their unique skills and creativity to the table, which elevated the overall quality of the project. It was inspiring to be surrounded by such talented individuals, and it pushed me to give my best performance. Shooting in a location like Andaman was a completely different experience. We were caught in Andaman for some time because of a cyclone but that only helped bring authenticity to the script. WION: Did you always want to be an actor? Mahadev Singh Lakhawat: I have always been passionate about acting. Since my childhood, I had a deep love for storytelling and performing in front of an audience. I was very interested in cultural activities during my school days. Although I graduated in law and have a diploma in cyber law, I always wanted to act because it's what makes me happiest. I graduated from NSD and gained experience in theatre. I came to Bombay in 2019 and after a few months, the pandemic happened. Once the lockdown started lifting, I was lucky enough to get roles in good projects because people had seen my plays previously and knew my work. Acting allows me to express myself, explore different characters, and connect with people through the medium of storytelling. It has been a lifelong dream, and I feel fortunate to be living it now. Watch the trailer of Kaala Paani here: WION: What's something you like the most about acting? Mahadev Singh Lakhawat: The joy of entertaining and connecting with the audience is truly fulfilling. Acting has the power to touch people's lives and evoke emotions, and that is something I find incredibly rewarding. WION: Kaala Paani is among some of the most-talked-about Indian shows on Netflix this week. What next? Mahadev Singh Lakhawat: Next up is Woh Ladki Hain Kaha which also has Taapsee Pannu, Pratik Gandhi, Pratiek Babbar, and Harleen Sethi, and is directed by Arshad Sayed. This is my debut film, to be honest. Then there is Sector 36, starring Deepak Dobriyal and Vikrant Massey, directed by Aditya Nimbalkar and produced by Maddock Films. Currently, I'm shooting for Nikhil Advani's film Vedaa, which is slated to release next year. It stars John Abraham and Sharvari Wagh. Each of these projects presents its own set of challenges and opportunities for growth, and I couldn't be more excited to share them with audiences, as I'm playing different characters in each. You can also watch Bambai Meri Jaan which is streaming on Amazon apart from Kaala Paani on Netflix. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Kaala Paani actor Mahadev Singh Lakhawat on his new survival drama, shooting in Andaman, and more

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Loved Kaala Paani? Hear it from the production designer who made the urgency look real

Kaala Paani actor Mahadev Singh Lakhawat on his new survival drama, shooting in Andaman, and more