Visual Computing Labs, Tata Elxsi: Creates Magic for ‘Neerja’

After delivering award-winning VFX for blockbuster movies like ‘Dhoom 3’ and ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’,Visual Computing Labs (VCL), the VFX and animation arm of Tata Elxsi - India’s leading design company, delivers stellar VFX for ‘Neerja’ – a biopic based on Neerja Bhanot who was the head purser for the ill fated Pan Am flight which was hijacked in September 1986. Tata Elxsi has been involved with ‘Neerja’ since January 2015.

To capture and replicate the director’s vision of the protagonist’s bravery, on the silver screen, VCL delivered a wide range of visual effects which included - creation of ‘Karachi’ airport tarmac and buildings, CG effects for the climax shootout, gunshots, bullet hits and explosions. Furthermore, there was the computer generated version of the Panam 747 aircraft, seen throughout the film. Apart from these major sequences, VCL also helped  create the 1986 period restoration for various loactions, including Bombay streets, vehicles, the airports (Bombay and Karachi) and the aircraft.

“It has been our constant endeavor to leverage our VFX expertise to transform the director’s vision onto the big screen and offer larger-than-life experiences to all our viewers. Recreating old Bombay and the 1986 era, was one method we used to enhance the experience of the film, Neerja.” said Huseini Barodawala, Head CG, Tata Elxsi.

“Neerja has been a great journey for us. We are humbled at the response, and fortunate to have been able to tell an important story to the audience. This would not have been entirely possible without the help of the VFX and animation team of Tata Elxsi, Visual Computing Labs (VCL), in helping us tell the story of such a remarkable woman. The VFX work they have done for this biopic has truly helped us achieve the vision we had.” said Neerja – Director, Ram Madhvani.

‘Neerja’ is a film based on the true life of Neerja Bhanot, who is the senior flight purser on the ill-fated Pan AM Flight 73, which was flying from Mumbai to USA. The plane was unfortunately hijacked by four armed men on 5th September 1986 at Karachi airport in Pakistan. The movie captures the bravery and selflessness of Neerja during this unfortunate incident. ‘Neerja’, the film, released on 19th February, 2016. The film is produced by Fox Star Studios and Bling Unplugged.