THE TECHNICIANS' ROUNDTABLE

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THR INDIA TECHNICIANS' ROUNDTABLE — FEATURING THE FINEST FILM TECHNICIANS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY

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BEHIND EVERY frame that makes you gasp, every costume that becomes iconic, and every minor edit that quickens your pulse, there's an artiste whose name rarely trends on social media. This year, The Hollywood Reporter India brings together six such masters of craft: cinematographer Arvind Kashyap (Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1), production designer Banglan (Lokah), costume designer Sheetal Sharma (Saiyaara, Chhaava), colourist-producer Sidharth Meer (Homebound, Sabar Bonda), editor Nitin Baid (Homebound, Ba***ds of Bollywood), and casting director Nandini Shrikent (Superboys of Malegaon).

This conversation offers a rare glimpse into the collaborative chaos of filmmaking — the fights between departments, the impossible deadlines, the bizarre feedback, and the quiet frustration of being undervalued.

From Baid's surreal experience of taking feedback from Martin Scorsese to Meer's battle to secure proper distribution for independent cinema, these artistes don't just create movie magic — they fight for it. Their stories reveal an industry where passion battles pragmatism, and where the next frame might just change everything.

TAKE A SEAT

SIDHARTH MEER Colourist Homebound, Paatal Lok, Jigra, Monica O My Darling, Jubilee; producer Sabar Bonda

ARVIND KASHYAP Cinematographer Kantara, Kantara: A Legend Chapter-1, Hostel Hudugaru Bekagiddare

BANGLAN Production designer Lucky Baskhar, Kammarasambhavam, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra

NANDINI SHRIKENT Casting director Superboys of Malegaon, Don, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham

SHEETAL SHARMA Fashion and costume designer Gangubai Kathiawadi, Animal, Saiyaara, Manto, Sita Ramam

NITIN BAID Film editor Gully Boy, Homebound, B***ds of Bollywood, Masaan, 83, Raazi