We know that these days the fantastical backgrounds in blockbuster movies look overwhelmingly realistic and the secret behind those is a green screen that filmmakers use to create worlds with an unbelievable sense of authenticity.
The green screen is a visual effects (VFX) technique where two video streams are composed together. This is the same technique used in the Indian blockbuster film Bahubali at various places, especially where Bahubali jumps off the waterfall cliff and shoots an arrow to hook into a tree or when Bhallaladev tames a raging bull in part 2.
I had the opportunity to participate in such a real green screen film shooting during the trip to Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad. Here is a big hall that seats about 400-600 people and has a stage and two giant screens.
On the set is a huge green-screen and a real film shooting camera along with a horse-driven cart that does not actually have a horse.
A lady from the visitors volunteered to act as the main character and two more ladies from the visitors helped as an assistants. The first lady climbed up the horse-driven cart that had no horse and the other ladies rocked the cart the way it shakes when moving at great speed. The first lady held the reins and for about 45 seconds shook them as if driving the horse-driven cart that actually had no horse.
This whole episode was filmed against a green-screen background and without any post-processing, an on-board computer on the set telecast this live on the two giant screens as seen in the picture below. The two giant screens are visible to everyone in the hall. The entire set, shooting, green-screens, and the giant screens are visible to everyone in the hall.
The giant screen shows the horse cart moving at a high speed by superimposing it with pre-filmed footage of a country road with trees moving away that replaces the green-screen empty area.
The effect is the same as the scene in Sholay where Basanti is being chased by dacoits and riding away at high speeds on the tanga.
This is the most exciting attraction at Ramoji Film City that gives a bang for your buck. A full Paisa-Vasool experience.
How to Reach
- Ramoji Film City is located 40 km from Hyderabad city center.
- Royal Travels is the official transporter for carrying tourists to the film city and runs 10 shuttle bus services for Ramoji Film City at 8.30 am, 9 am and 9.30 am from various locations in Hyderabad.
- Also, the Hyderabad Metro Rail provides connectivity from all Metro stations to the Ramoji Film City.
- The famous bus service Bestbus.in provides pick & drop bus transportation & cab booking services at just Rs.300 including 2-way travel.
Film City Tips
- The Ramoji Film Studio timings are from 9:00 AM to 5.30 PM.
- The official website is https://www.ramojifilmcity.com/
- Apart from the movie sets, visitors who pay a minimum entry charge of Rs 1,250 can also visit the theme parks, amusement rides, adventure games, and shows.
Accessibility Features
Ramp Access.
Wheelchair-accessible Entrance.
Wheelchair-accessible Restroom/Toilet.
Wheelchair-accessible Seating.
Wheelchair-accessible Parking.
Nearby Attractions
While you are still in Hyderabad, here are some famous tourist attractions that you cannot give a miss:
1. Nehru Zoological Park
2. Salarjung Museum
3. Golconda Fort
4. Birla Mandir
5. Snow World
6. Charminar
Have you participated in a film shooting or witnessed one from close? I’d be interested in knowing.
Until then… Happy guiding 