S Sashikanth's Netflix film Test features Nayanthara, R Madhavan, and Siddharth in prominent roles, presenting a slice-of-life narrative focused on a cricket match. Cinematographer Viraj Singh characterizes the film as a 'collaborative effort,' highlighting that every participant contributed their utmost to create an 'extraordinary' film.

In an interview with Hindustan Times, Viraj shares his reasons for accepting the project, the challenges he faced, and his desire to be selective about the projects he undertakes. "I am being deliberate and wish to engage only in projects that leave me with a positive feeling upon completion," he remarks as he prepares for the discussion.

Being the ‘carpenter’ of stories

25 years ago, Viraj had studied at the University of Washington in the US and was at a crossroads about what he wanted to do next when he chanced upon cinematography as a career. “I like the idea of being like a carpenter, working with my hands. The idea of making something versus being a businessman. Cinematography interested me mainly due to its travel and social aspects; everything else was just luck. I stuck with it even when I could’ve given up, and here I am today,” he explains.

For the unversed, Viraj is the man behind the visuals of some intriguing projects like Navarasa, Sweet Kaaram Koffee, Silent Murders and Harmony with AR Rahman. He has worked on everything from advertisements and documentaries to films and web series in a two-decade-long career. “There was a time when I would be flattered if someone wanted me to shoot. Through the years, that changed. I want to know the script, who’s the producer…work with people who have a plan if the script speaks to me,” explains Viraj.

Betting on friendship and a good script

Regardless of Viraj's statements, it was the bond of friendship that initially motivated him to accept the role in Test. "I met Sashi at Burning Man, and we connected exceptionally well; we even shared mutual friends. He had the option to reach out to anyone for his film, yet he chose to contact me. Upon reading the script, I found it to be remarkable. I also appreciated his collaborative approach to the project," the cinematographer elaborates.

A significant aspect of the film revolves around cricket, and Viraj notes that the process of determining how to film these scenes was both intriguing and demanding. "We examined what was effective and what fell short in cricket films. Sashi was clear that he wanted the matches to appear authentic rather than excessively dramatic. We attended matches, engaged with individuals in the media room who filmed them, and learned about specific camera placements, among other things... it was a challenging yet enjoyable experience," he explains.

Working with the star power behind Test

Test narrates the intertwined lives of three characters, portrayed by Nayanthara, Madhavan, and Siddharth. Notably, in contrast to the typical filmmaking approach that involves shooting scenes out of order due to various constraints, Test was filmed in a sequential manner. “Most films lack this privilege, but our aim was to allow the actors to evolve alongside their characters. The film culminates in a dramatic finale, and it was essential for us to facilitate their organic development towards that moment,” states Viraj, who asserts that the trio was performing at their peak by the time they reached the film's climax.

The cinematographer openly shares his enjoyment of collaborating with the actors and expresses his appreciation for working throughout India. “The South is renowned for its strong support of technicians, attracting many professionals for this reason. Conversely, the North offers a desirable foreign influence. Having worked globally, I can confidently say that India excels in its filmmaking practices,” he elaborates.

What lies ahead for Viraj? “As a cinematographer, my opportunities to shoot depend on incoming calls. However, I have aspirations for other ventures, such as production. In 2023, I produced a short film titled Where is Kashmir and I have plans for additional projects,” he concludes.

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