Lost in Harmony
"Lost in Harmony", an experimental musical short, ventures into the realm of non-verbal storytelling through the medium of music and visuals. Devoid of dialogues, the narrative hinges solely on a poignant musical score intertwined with compelling imagery. Each scene endeavours to communicate emotions and unveil a story in a modest, poetic manner. The musical short humbly explores the potential of music and visual cues in conveying narratives. It is a simple yet exploratory attempt at engaging audiences in a melodious visual journey sans words.
The Making
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This captivating short film unfolds amidst the breathtaking landscapes of South India, weaving its narrative through the mystical realms of the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats. The mesmerizing locales include Thekkady, Thattekad, Bandipur, Badhra, Dandeli, Hogenakkal, Pondicherry Aranya Forest, Senji Kottai, and Pulicat Lake.
The creative journey began with the composition of an evocative musical score, which organically evolved into a compelling story. As the music breathed life into the narrative, a screenplay took shape, setting the stage for a thrilling 17-day adventure undertaken by a dynamic team of six: the composer/producer/writer, the director, two cinematographers, a wildlife advisor, and the protagonist.
Confronted with the unique challenge of filming in wildlife-rich environments, a traditional reconnaissance was rendered impossible. Undeterred, we seized the opportunity to capture the essence of the character against the backdrop of planned locations. This unconventional approach not only fuelled the narrative but also contributed to the organic development of the screenplay.
The culmination of this innovative venture surpassed our initial expectations. By embracing a non-verbal storytelling approach, driven by the seamless synergy of music and visuals, we witnessed the narrative transcend conventional boundaries. The success of our collaborative experiment is vividly apparent in the film's ability to breathe life into the envisioned tale, celebrating the spirit of adventure and capturing the untamed beauty of the natural world in a truly unique and immersive way.
The story
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WE RECOMMEND WATCHING THE FILM BEFORE READING FURTHER.
In a realm enveloped by mist, a young wanderer trekked alongside his three companions, aiming for a land of peace and beauty. When he borrowed the looking glass from one, the fog played tricks, leading him astray from the trio.
Soon, the heavens wept. Torrential drops drenched the lad, and his heart plummeted with despair. The chill of the rain sent shivers through him, and he realized, with a sinking feeling, that he was alone. Despite the thickening dread, he pushed forward, hoping to find the familiar faces of his comrades. But instead of returning to them, his footsteps led him deeper into the heart of the woods.
With every step, an uncanny fear clutched his heart. But as he delved deeper, he was caught in the enchantment of the forest. The woods unveiled its wonders: elusive avians dancing in the sky, a brook whispering secrets of old, and cascades which sang hymns of the mountains. The realm's harmony cradled his soul, and loneliness transformed into a quiet company.
However, the forest's lullaby was interrupted by a symphony of heavy footfalls. A parade of wild titans—the elephants—came into view. One youngling, mistaking the boy for an intruder, charged with all its might. Panic seized him, and he raced, stumbling and tumbling, finding shelter where the world seemed to end.
Ensuring a safe distance from the looming giants, he caught his breath and, as the veil of night descended, resumed his quest, hoping to be reunited with his companions. The night wasn’t silent; owls hooted their tales, serpents whispered secrets, and faint footfalls echoed hope in his heart.
Yet, fatigue overwhelmed him, and he sank into slumber, only to be awakened by the gentle kiss of sunlight. He awoke to a realm painted in hues of pink and gold, with flamingoes dancing in the sky and cormorants singing by the water's edge. And there, like a dream manifesting into reality, stood his companions.
With joy overflowing, he shared tales of his entrancing escapade, and they, in turn, shared their relief in finding him. Though he had been lost, the young wanderer had discovered a harmony that would remain with him forever.
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Sanjeev VenkataramananWriter
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Ananthanarayanan SVWriter
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Sanjeev VenkataramananMusicMagale Kanmaniye
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Sanjeev VenkataramananDirector
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Ananthanarayanan SVDirector
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Vignesh KarthikeyanKey Cast
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Sanjeev VenkataramananScreenplay
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Ananthanarayanan SVScreenplayMagale Kanmaniye
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Sudharsan NSPCinematography
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Roshan SVCinematography
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DeepankumarEditor
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Dharun PrabhakaranColorist
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Navaneeth KrishnanLocation and Wildlife Advisory
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VinothkumarAerial Photography
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Sanjeev VenkataramananProducerMagale Kanmaniye
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Project Type:Experimental, Music Video, Short
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Genres:nature, wildlife, orchestral
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Runtime:12 minutes 20 seconds
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Completion Date:October 31, 2023
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Production Budget:12,200 USD
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Country of Origin:India
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Country of Filming:India
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Shooting Format:Digital
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Aspect Ratio:16:9
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:Yes
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Student Project:No