Case Study: How We Color Graded Jhumri Talayian for International Release
In filmmaking, color is the silent character that influences how every scene is felt. This color
grading case study explores how we approached Swastika Films & latest festival-winning
project. When we were approached to grade Jhumri Talayian, we knew we weren’t just
dealing with a short comedy—we were sculpting the visual mood for a story full of chaos,
grit, and satire.
Directed by Utkarsh Thukral and shot by cinematographer Anshul Uniyal, this was their
second collaboration—and one that aimed to push visual boundaries.
The film has since gone on to win Best Short Comedy at the Kanazawa Film Festival
2024, receive distribution in Japan and Chile, and captivate international audiences. Here’s
how we helped make that happen.
The Challenge
Jhumri Talayian was shot across multiple formats and cameras over an intense schedule. As
with many independent films, it arrived with a variety of lighting conditions, mixed camera
sources, and limited time for on-set look development.
The interiors were lit with colored gels and stylized light setups, while exteriors had minimal
lighting control due to indie constraints. Our challenge was to visually bridge these two
worlds, creating a continuous and coherent look without compromising narrative tone.
The Creative Approach
Before jumping into Resolve, we spent time with the director to understand the world of
Jhumri Talayian. The vision was clear: push boundaries, but keep it grounded in emotion.
We began by creating 3 test looks:
- A high contrast, neon-glow style (too slick)
- A desaturated grit-pass with brown undertones (too dull)
- A stylized warm–cool split-tone grade that combined both tension and fun (final pick)
This third look evolved into the final aesthetic. It was 100% custom—no LUTs or preset
styles. We believe custom grading offers more control, more emotion, and ultimately, more
quality.
Technical Execution
Software: DaVinci Resolve (Studio)
- Monitoring: Calibrated TV Logic and Optoma projector
- Footage Type: Mixed formats including RED RAW, Sony Alpha, DJI drone footage
What we delivered:
- Unified color space across shots from different cameras
- Skin tone cleanup for lead actors
- Match cut smoothness across jump edits and intercuts
- Day-for-night grading for select exterior scenes
- Final graded master in 4K ProRes HQ for festival and DCP delivery
Standout Scenes We Loved
Two scenes particularly stood out during grading:
- “Hello Baby” Song Sequence – A music-driven section where the visuals and lyrics
work hand-in-hand. Our color grading brought out vibrancy, energy, and a subtle
mood shift that aligned with the emotional pacing of the music.
- Bedroom Scene – A bold and intimate moment with high-contrast lighting. The stark
color treatment resonated with the psychological tone of the scene, heightening its
impact.
Outcome
Our color grading helped unify the story’s visual tone—despite a patchwork production
approach. The film’s irreverent yet cinematic look made it stand out during festival screenings.
“They truly understood what we were going for—even when we didn’t have the words for it.
The film looks better than I ever imagined.” – Director, Jhumri Talayian
The jury at Kanazawa Film Festival specifically appreciated the role color grading played in
elevating the film’s aesthetic. It’s now streaming on U-NEXT Japan and archived by multiple global festival libraries.
Why It Matters
This case study shows how strategic color grading can turn indie limitations into visual
strengths. It’s not about big budgets—it’s about big vision and the right post-production
team.
Ready to Grade Your Next Film?
Whether you’re working on a comedy, drama, or experimental short—Swastika Films can
help you find the look your story deserves.
Contact us for a free test look and consultation.
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