Following the OTT release of ‘Chinna Chinna Aasai’, the film has continued to receive praise from audiences for its emotional storytelling, performances and stunning visuals. Among the highlights frequently mentioned by viewers is its portrayal of Varanasi. The film’s breathtaking imagery has become one of its biggest talking points.In an exclusive conversation with ETimes, cinematographer Faiz Siddik spoke about the appreciation the visuals have received. He revealed that the audience’s reaction to the film’s depiction of Varanasi has been the most rewarding part of the experience.
‘It felt like we actually visited Varanasi’
Speaking about the compliments that stayed with him, Faiz shared, “What has touched me the most is hearing so many people say, “It felt like we actually visited Varanasi.” That is the biggest compliment I could ask for as a cinematographer. Our intention was to portray Varanasi as a city of purity, spirituality, and a divine presence.”According to the cinematographer, the team wanted to present the spiritual city through a lens that highlighted its peaceful atmosphere and timeless beauty. Every visual decision supported that vision.“We consciously framed it in a way that emphasized its timeless beauty rather than its imperfections. You’ll hardly notice any litter or visual distractions in the film because we wanted every frame to reflect the Varanasi we dream of, a city that feels serene, sacred, and pure.,” he said.
‘The emotional core always comes first’
During the interaction, Faiz was also asked whether visual beauty or emotional storytelling takes priority while designing a frame.He said, “Of course, the emotional core always comes first. Visuals should never exist just to look beautiful—they should deepen the emotion. In ‘Chinna Chinna Aasai’, ‘Varanasi’ was a canvas for the love story, not the destination itself. Our focus was always on the performances and the emotional journey of the characters. If a shot doesn’t make you feel something, its beauty alone has no value.”For Faiz, cinematography is not simply about creating attractive images. Instead, he believes every frame should strengthen the emotional connection between the audience and the characters.
A personal connection with Varanasi
The cinematographer also looked back at one of his most memorable experiences during the production. He recalled spending time alone in Varanasi before sunrise, allowing himself to absorb the city’s atmosphere before filming each day.Sharing the experience, he said, “One of my favourite memories was walking alone through the ghats of Varanasi before dawn. I hardly slept four hours a day because I didn’t want to miss a single moment the city had to offer. The sound of people playing the harmonium, sitar, and guitar, others singing devotional songs, the warmth of small fires along the ghats, and the quiet flow of the Ganga—every moment felt magical. I would simply sit there in silence until my crew arrived for the day’s shoot.“He explained that these quiet moments became an important part of his creative process and influenced the visual language of the film.“Those hours helped me connect with the soul of Varanasi. I didn’t just want to capture the city; I wanted to feel it first, and I believe that emotion found its way into every frame.”
About ‘Chinna Chinna Aasai’
Written and directed by Varsha Vasudev, ‘Chinna Chinna Aasai’ is set against the spiritual backdrop of Varanasi. The story follows two middle-aged strangers whose unexpected meeting gradually evolves into a touching journey of healing, companionship and self-discovery.The film stars Indrans and Madhoo (Madhubala) in the lead roles, with Aparna Balamurali playing a key role. Govind Vasantha has composed the music, while Faiz Siddik handled the cinematography. The movie received a solid 3 star rating out of 5 from ETimes.