Renowned filmmaker Shubham Gosalia has a distinct approach to directing and cinematography that sets him apart in the industry. His creative process is driven by a strong motive, whether it’s a cinematic, emotional, or societal cause. “As for any film I choose, it has to have a very strong motive, be it cinematography-wise or emotion-wise,” he explained. “It has to be something really strong. That is something that motivates me to select a project or to select a script.” says Gosalia.
His past work includes “Fear of Darkness,” a film that tackled issues like Black Lives Matter and agoraphobia, produced in the wake of the George Floyd tragedy. “Not everything is black and white, and it’s mostly gray where 99 percent of the people live,” he says. This focus on portraying the shades of human experiences resonates deeply with the audience. Shubham Gosalia emphasizes relatability, recognizing that life exists in shades of gray, not just black and white.
One of his unique features is his dedication to crafting authentic characters, going beyond stereotypes. He values location selection, viewing it as an extension of character development. Gosalia acknowledges the symbiotic relationship between location and character, stating, “Location is as good as character and vice versa.” This holistic approach to filmmaking is a testament to his dedication to crafting meaningful narratives.
Moreover, his technique for working with actors is noteworthy. He invests time in getting to know them, understanding their triggers, and helps them embody their roles. He encourages them to stay in character even off-screen, ensuring genuine performances. His process for working with actors sets him apart as well. In his latest movie he aimed to evoke powerful emotions from the cast and ensure their peak performance. He believes in understanding the actors as individuals and learning their triggers to help them better embody their characters.
“I usually invite them over one by one for a coffee or a casual meet-up and then I organize a meet and greet so I can make them feel like they can understand their characters,” he explains. In the case of “As Far As We Know,” he encouraged actors to stay in character even when off-screen, practicing their relationships and interactions for weeks before filming.
Influenced by the diversity of Bollywood and actors like Akshay Kumar, Shubham believes in using cinema to address social issues and make a difference.
He also draws inspiration from cinematography, highlighting films like “1917” as an example of the power of visual storytelling. He admires Sir Roger Deakins for his profound impact on world cinematography and hope’s to work with him in the future.
Shubham’s unique approach to storytelling and commitment to authentic characters, relatable narratives, and meticulous cinematography make him a standout filmmaker in the industry. His words resonate with audiences, shedding light on the power of meaningful storytelling.
