With GV Prakash's Kingston scheduled to release on 7 March 2025 in theaters, director Kamal Prakash shared an interesting backstory regarding the VFX used in the movie. Kingston, which boasts an astounding 3000 VFX shots, sets a new benchmark in technical excellence, showcasing innovations that redefine the industry's capabilities.
The Biggest Ship Set with Hydraulics
One of the most ambitious elements of the movie is the grand ship set, the largest ever built in Tamil cinema. Designed with cutting-edge hydraulics, the set allowed for realistic movement and seamless integration with visual effects, bringing an unparalleled cinematic experience to the audience.
Pioneering Creature Prosthetics
For the first time in Tamil cinema, Kingston introduces intricate creature prosthetics, a technique usually reserved for high-budget international productions. This challenging yet rewarding endeavor was executed by a dedicated artist who spent eight hours getting in and out of the prosthetic makeup. By relying on practical effects rather than CGI, digital complications has been minimized, enhancing the film’s realism.
21-Day Second-Half Completion: The Power of Pre-Planning
The second half of the movie was shot in just 21 days, a feat achieved through meticulous planning, storyboarding, and execution. Despite dealing with complex setups involving rain, fog, and extensive visual effects, the production remained efficient due to the strategic use of previs techniques, ensuring that every frame was pre-visualized before shooting.
Underwater Sequences: A Blend of Expertise and Local Innovation
Another highlight of Kingston is its breathtaking underwater sequences. To ensure the highest quality, expert camera professionals from Mumbai were brought in. However, the execution was handled using local resources in Tamil Nadu, proving that high-end visuals can be achieved even within constrained budgets when talent and innovation come together.
"Kingston’s key selling point is its ability to deliver stunning visuals while maintaining a controlled budget. By strategically balancing CGI, practical effects, and advanced production techniques, we have crafted a movie that competes with big-budget spectacles while staying true to its financial constraints. With 3000 VFX shots, groundbreaking prosthetics, and an ambitious production scale, this film is a testament to the evolving technical prowess of Tamil cinema. It pushes boundaries, sets new standards, and most importantly, delivers an unforgettable cinematic experience", reads the statement from Kingston director Kamal Prakash.
A fantasy horror releasing in Tamil & Telugu, Kingston is Kamal Prakash's directorial debut. The movie is the debut production of G. V. Prakash Kumar's Parallel Universe Pictures along with Zee Studios.
The film has music composed by G. V. Prakash Kumar, cinematography by Gokul Benoy, and editing by San Lokesh.