Kochi is a picturesque city on the southwestern coast of India. It’s a city where history and modernity blend seamlessly. The city’s topography is a fascinating mix of backwaters, lagoons, and islands, all interconnected by a series of bridges and ferries. The lush greenery and the serene waters give Kochi an almost ethereal quality, making it a perfect backdrop for any creative endeavour. However, this idyllic setting can turn challenging during the monsoon season. The torrential rains transform the cityscape into a watery maze, with streets often flooded and daily life disrupted.

The Zebras is a film close to my heart. It’s a story that delves into the complexities of human relationships and societal norms through the visage of AI. As the director, I am deeply involved in every aspect of its creation. Currently, we are in the post-production phase, focusing on sound design. Sound is a crucial element of this film, as it enhances the narrative, creating an immersive experience for the audience.

We have got a great team over here led by sound designer Arun Rama Varma who has worked in films like Enthiran, Delhi Belly, Drishyam and a lot more. He is assisted by the sound mixing engineer Binoop Sahdevan who has been working relentlessly in accomplishing the work amidst struggles; he coordinates with his associate Biju Jose and ensures that we are going through a timely phase. The sound design is being done at DLS Studios in Ernakulam.

Torrential Rains

The monsoon in Kerala is both a blessing and a challenge. On one hand, it brings life to the region, with the rains nurturing the lush greenery and filling the backwaters. On the other hand, it can be relentless and unforgiving. This year, the rains have been particularly heavy, and working in such conditions has been an experience unlike any other.

Challenges Faced

1. Accessibility and commute:
One of the biggest challenges has been commuting to the post-production studio. Kochi’s narrow, winding roads are prone to flooding. On several occasions, I’ve found myself wading through knee-deep water, trying to reach the studio. Public transportation becomes unreliable, and even private vehicles struggle to navigate the submerged streets.
2. Power outages:
Frequent power outages are another major hurdle. The sound design process is intricate and requires uninterrupted focus. However, this was not the case in this scenario, at least.
3. Humidity and equipment:
The high humidity levels are not kind to our equipment. Sensitive sound equipment requires a controlled environment, and the persistent dampness poses a risk. We’ve had to take extra precautions, ensuring that our equipment is stored in moisture-proof cases and using dehumidifiers in the studio.
4. Team coordination:
Coordinating with the team has been another challenge. The rains affect everyone differently, and ensuring that all team members can reach the studio safely and on time is a daily struggle. There have been days when we’ve had to work with a skeletal crew because others were stranded due to the weather.
5. Mental and emotional toll:
The incessant rain can take a toll on one’s mental and emotional well-being. The gloomy weather and the constant challenges can be demoralising. Maintaining team morale and staying motivated requires extra effort. We’ve had to create a supportive environment, often taking breaks to discuss and address the challenges we face collectively.

The Silver Lining

Despite the challenges, there is a silver lining. The rain, in its own way, has added a unique dimension to our work. The sound of the rain has found its way into the film’s soundscape, adding an authentic touch to certain scenes. The ambience of a rain-soaked Kochi has a natural rhythm that we’ve tried to capture and incorporate into our sound design.

Moreover, the adversity has brought the team closer. There’s a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose that has strengthened our resolve. Every challenge overcome feels like a small victory, and these victories add up, pushing us towards our goal.

Enchanting Beauty of Kerala During Rains

In the heart of India’s southwestern coast lies Kerala, a land where the monsoon dances with the earth in a timeless embrace. As the first drops of rain kiss the verdant landscape, the transformation is nothing short of magical. The heavens open, and Kerala breathes anew, a living testament to nature’s artistry.

The monsoon arrives not as an intruder but as a long-awaited guest. The skies darken, clouds gather like whispering poets, and the air hums with anticipation. When the rain begins, it’s a symphony — each drop a note, creating melodies that resonate through the hills and valleys.

Kerala’s famous coconut palms sway gently in the monsoon breeze, their fronds whispering secrets of ancient times. The rice paddies, transformed into shimmering mirrors, reflect the boundless sky, creating a mosaic of earth and heavens intertwined. Fields of tea in Munnar and Wayanad are blanketed in a misty veil, each leaf a jewel adorned with nature’s dew.

The scent of rain-drenched earth, petrichor, rises to greet the senses, mingling with the fragrance of blooming jasmine and wet foliage. The land exudes a sense of renewal, a reminder of the cycles of life and nature’s unyielding resilience. The rain brings a cool respite, washing away the dust and heat, leaving everything refreshed and vibrant.

Villages come alive with the rhythmic pattern of rain on thatched roofs, and children, their laughter echoing through the air, play in the puddles, embodying the joy and freedom that the rains bring. Fishermen brave the swollen seas, their boats cutting through the waves with determination, a testament to the indomitable spirit of Kerala’s people.

At dusk, the rain-washed world transforms yet again. The setting sun, veiled by the rain clouds, casts a golden hue, a soft, diffused light that bathes the landscape in an ethereal glow. The nights are tranquil, with the soothing sound of rain a lullaby to the weary soul, promising dreams as vivid and lush as the land itself.

Kerala in the rains is not just a sight to behold; it’s an experience, a symphony of sensations that envelops the body and soul. It is nature’s poetry, a vivid canvas painted with every shade of green, blue, and grey, a place where the earth and sky unite in a harmonious embrace, where every raindrop tells a story of life, renewal, and timeless beauty.

Kochi’s topography is a filmmaker’s dream and a logistical nightmare during the monsoon. The city is a blend of islands and peninsulas, with the Arabian Sea on one side and the Western Ghats on the other. The backwaters, a network of interconnected lakes, rivers, and canals, add to the city’s charm.

This unique geography means that the rains can quickly turn the city into a network of flooded streets and submerged low-lying areas. The beauty of the backwaters and lagoons can become a challenge when the water levels rise, affecting transportation and infrastructure.

However, this very topography offers a unique aesthetic to the film. The natural beauty of Kochi, with its rain-drenched landscapes, forms a beautiful, melancholic backdrop that complements the narrative of The Zebras.

Adaptability and Innovation

Given Kerala’s challenging monsoon weather and diverse topography, technicians here have developed a remarkable ability to adapt and innovate. Whether it’s dealing with unpredictable weather conditions or working in remote locations, the crew demonstrates exceptional problem-solving skills and flexibility.

Collaborative Spirit

The professional culture in Kochi emphasises collaboration and teamwork. Hierarchical barriers are less pronounced, allowing for a more fluid exchange of ideas and fostering a sense of collective ownership over the project. This collaborative spirit enhances creativity and efficiency.

Focus on Quality

Kerala’s film industry places a strong emphasis on quality, from pre-production to post-production. Technicians are meticulous about details, ensuring that every aspect of the film meets high standards. This focus on quality is evident in the precision of their work, particularly in sound design, cinematography, and editing.

Cultural Sensitivity

Kochi’s multicultural environment influences the professionalism of its technicians. They bring cultural sensitivity and an understanding of diverse narratives, which enriches the storytelling process. This cultural awareness enhances the depth and authenticity of the films produced.

Both Calcutta and Kochi offer unique professional environments for filmmaking, each with its strengths. Calcutta provides a rich, culturally infused backdrop with a deep intellectual approach, though most of the times hindered by professionalism, management and attitude of the people there. In contrast, Kochi stands out for its technological proficiency, work ethic, adaptability, collaborative spirit, and focus on quality.

As a film director, working in Kochi has been particularly rewarding due to the professionalism and dedication of Kerala’s technicians. Their ability to innovate, coupled with their commitment to excellence, creates a dynamic and efficient working environment that significantly enhances the filmmaking process.

Working on The Zebras in Kochi during the torrential rains has been a profound experience. It has tested our resilience and creativity, forcing us to adapt and innovate. The challenges have been significant, but they have also added a unique dimension to the film.

Kochi, with its beautiful yet challenging topography, has played a silent yet pivotal role in the making of this film. The city’s spirit, much like that of our team, is indomitable, weathering the storms and emerging stronger. The rains of Kochi have not only tested us but have also inspired us, leaving an indelible mark on the film and on us as creators.