Viraj Singh Reveals the Nitty-Gritty of Shooting ‘Test’ with Nayanthara, Siddharth, R Madhavan: ‘Wanted it to Look Natural’
In the world of Indian cinema, the process of filmmaking is often an intricate blend of artistry, technical expertise, and collaboration. Every director or cinematographer has their unique vision for a film, and how the final product comes together is the result of countless hours of work, thought, and effort. One such film that has garnered significant attention is ‘Test’, which features some of the biggest names in Indian cinema: Nayanthara, Siddharth, and R Madhavan. Directed by Viraj Singh, the movie dives into the complexities of relationships, tests of faith, and emotional endurance.
In a candid conversation, Viraj Singh shared the details behind his vision for the film, the challenges faced during shooting, and the nuances that helped bring out the best performances from his star-studded cast. One of the core themes that emerged during this discussion was Viraj’s desire for a natural, unforced portrayal of relationships and emotions. As a filmmaker, he aimed to showcase a realistic depiction of characters and their interactions without over-exaggeration or melodrama. This article takes a deeper look into the mind of Viraj Singh and how he crafted the vision for ‘Test’ while working with powerhouse actors.
The Vision: A Natural Approach to Filmmaking
From the outset, Viraj Singh knew that ‘Test’ needed to be a film that felt raw, unpolished, and honest. “My main objective was to capture the truth of these characters’ lives without embellishment or the constraints of formulaic filmmaking,” Viraj explains. He wanted to take the audience on a journey that was deeply emotional yet felt as though they were watching the true experiences of the characters unfold before them.
For Viraj, the key to achieving this naturalistic look was in the performances and the way the story was captured visually. “I always tell my actors, ‘Don’t act, just react. Let the moment guide you,’” he says. With a heavy emphasis on improvisation and instinctive acting, Viraj wanted his cast to step into their characters without the weight of theatrical performance. He saw acting as a deeply human process—an expression of truth, not a performance for the audience.
Working with Nayanthara, Siddharth, and R Madhavan
One of the key elements that made ‘Test’ stand out is the ensemble cast. Nayanthara, known for her powerful portrayals of complex characters, was perfect for the emotional depth the film required. Siddharth, with his versatility and ability to express subtle emotions, brought a raw authenticity to the role. Meanwhile, R Madhavan, a veteran actor with a broad emotional range, was the glue that tied everything together.
Viraj mentions how each actor brought something unique to the table, and how their collective contributions helped shape the tone of the film. “I believe in allowing actors to explore their characters and bring their own understanding to the role. Nayanthara, Siddharth, and Madhavan each have their own way of interpreting scripts, and I wanted to tap into their individual strengths.”
- Nayanthara: Known for her command over emotive roles, Nayanthara brought a profound sensitivity to her character. Her portrayal, which Viraj describes as “effortlessly powerful,” captures the internal struggle of a woman facing intense emotional dilemmas. According to Viraj, Nayanthara understood the gravity of her character’s role in the story and was able to bring out the nuances through her expressions and silences.
- Siddharth: Viraj highlights that Siddharth’s natural charm and sensitivity were key to portraying his character authentically. “Siddharth is someone who doesn’t need much direction; he’s very instinctive,” says Viraj. The director wanted Siddharth’s role to come across as relatable, and it was clear that the actor was in tune with what the film demanded of him. “Siddharth’s reactions were never overdone, which gave his scenes an organic feel,” Viraj adds.
- R Madhavan: R Madhavan’s contribution was instrumental in giving the film its emotional depth. His character was central to the conflict, and Viraj describes Madhavan as an actor who completely immerses himself in the material. “Madhavan is a director’s dream,” Viraj says, “because he not only brings his A-game every time, but he also elevates the material through his depth and understanding of the character.”
The Cinematic Style: Subtle, Grounded, and Real
Viraj’s approach to the film’s visual style was just as important as the performances. In creating a story about relationships and tests of character, it was crucial for the cinematography to support the authenticity of the narrative.
“We didn’t want anything too flashy or overly stylized,” Viraj explains. “The story is intimate, so the visuals needed to feel like an extension of the characters’ lives.” Viraj opted for a minimalist and grounded aesthetic—nothing too extravagant, but rather simple and unpretentious. The camera was allowed to breathe with the characters, creating a sense of closeness and immediacy. “The less we showed in the frame, the more we allowed the audience to focus on the emotional core,” says Viraj.
A key technique used in filming was the reliance on natural lighting. Viraj felt that artificial lighting would take away from the authenticity he wanted to convey. “The idea was to make the film feel as though the audience were standing in the same room as the characters,” he says. “We didn’t want the environment to overshadow the emotions. We wanted the setting to feel real and lived-in, and natural lighting helped achieve that.”
Challenges During Filming
Despite his clear vision for the project, filming ‘Test’ came with its own set of challenges. The naturalistic style, while beautiful and immersive, required meticulous planning and precision. Filming intimate scenes, in particular, proved difficult at times. “Intimacy on screen is always tricky, especially when you’re working with actors like Nayanthara, Siddharth, and Madhavan, who bring so much of themselves into their performances,” says Viraj.
One of the most important aspects of shooting these scenes, Viraj explains, was ensuring that the actors felt comfortable. “There was a lot of trust involved. We needed to create an environment where the actors didn’t feel self-conscious, and that can be difficult when the camera is so close and personal.” Viraj’s ability to maintain a calm, open atmosphere on set was instrumental in getting the most authentic performances from the cast.
Moreover, filming in certain locations posed logistical challenges. Some scenes required shooting in remote areas, which meant dealing with unexpected weather conditions and tight schedules. “We had to adapt on the fly,” says Viraj, recalling the difficulties of shooting in unpredictable environments. Yet, these challenges helped bring out the organic feel he wanted for the film.
The Importance of Music and Sound Design
While much of the film’s tone comes from its visuals and performances, Viraj Singh also underscores the role that music and sound design play in the storytelling process. “Sound, especially in a film like this, is incredibly important. It complements the emotional beats of the story,” says Viraj. Music was used sparingly to ensure that the natural rhythms of the performances and the dialogue were not overshadowed.
The music, composed by a renowned team, was deliberately minimal, with only subtle pieces underscoring the more poignant moments of the film. “We didn’t want the music to manipulate the emotions of the audience,” Viraj explains. “Instead, we wanted it to feel like an extension of the emotional landscape the characters were navigating.”
Audience Reception and Final Thoughts
As ‘Test’ heads toward its release, Viraj Singh is hopeful that audiences will resonate with the film’s authenticity and emotional depth. “I want the audience to feel like they are on this journey with the characters,” he shares. “I don’t want them to simply watch the film; I want them to experience it, to understand the characters’ struggles and triumphs as if they were their own.”
With Nayanthara, Siddharth, and R Madhavan lending their immense talent to the project, ‘Test’ promises to be a captivating exploration of the human condition, filled with emotional highs and lows. Thanks to Viraj Singh’s commitment to a naturalistic style and genuine performances, the film is poised to become an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Conclusion
Filmmaking is an art that requires a balance between vision and execution, and Viraj Singh has proven himself a master of that balance in ‘Test’. His insistence on natural performances, grounded cinematography, and intimate storytelling creates a deeply engaging experience for the audience. As the film’s release date draws closer, the excitement continues to build, and all eyes will be on Nayanthara, Siddharth, and R Madhavan to bring Viraj’s vision to life in ways only they can. With their collective talent and Viraj’s innovative direction, ‘Test’ is set to make an indelible mark in the world of cinema.
