Mr. Rani: Feature Film VFX & CGI
3D character replication of a real actor, cinematic environment modeling, prop creation, and animation pipeline for rendered montage sequences in the theatrical feature film "Mr. Rani".
Commissioned for the theatrical Kannada feature film "Mr. Rani" to create extensive 2-minute rendered montage sequences. The project required an exact 3D digital double replication of the real actor, combined with custom 3D environments, animated camera choreography, and seamless CGI integration.
Conducted anatomical and photographic reference studies of the actor to build an authentic high-poly digital likeness. Engineered custom facial blendshapes, detailed skin and fabric PBR shader graphs, and integrated character grooming. Modeled surrounding environment assets and dynamic props, rigged and animated full sequences, and rendered multi-pass CGI layers for the film's final DI compositing.
Delivered fully rendered, photoreal 2-minute narrative montage shots and digital double integration sequences featured in the movie's theatrical release and official promotional trailer & teaser.
Case Study
01 / 3D Likeness & Real-Person Character Replication
To create a seamless digital double of the lead actor, I conducted extensive anatomical and photogrammetric reference studies. I sculpted the base mesh with strict adherence to the actor's facial topology, utilizing advanced micro-displacement maps to capture pores, wrinkles, and authentic skin weathering. The character was finalized with physically accurate subsurface scattering (SSS) shaders for the skin and eyes, alongside procedurally generated grooming and highly detailed fabric shaders for the wardrobe.
02 / Environment & Cinematic Set Modeling
I engineered fully realized 3D environments that served as the digital stage for the film's extended montage sequences. This involved constructing high-poly architectural backgrounds, atmospheric scene elements, and bespoke interactive props. The set was modularly designed to accommodate sweeping cinematic camera moves, ensuring that every angle maintained theatrical-quality detail and composition.
03 / Character Rigging & Montage Animation
The animation pipeline required robust full-body skeletal rigs and complex facial deformation controllers to drive realistic performances over uninterrupted 2-minute takes. I utilized custom blendshape networks and corrective morphs to ensure natural muscle articulation and micro-expressions. The character animation was meticulously keyframed and choreographed to sync perfectly with the film's dramatic pacing and musical cues.
04 / Cinematic Lighting, Multi-Pass Rendering & DI Delivery
To integrate the CGI seamlessly with the live-action footage, I developed custom cinematic lighting rigs that matched the practical onset illumination. The entire sequence was rendered out as multi-channel, 32-bit EXR passes. I closely collaborated with the Digital Intermediate (DI) and VFX compositing teams, providing cleanly separated diffuse, specular, Z-depth, and custom matte layers to allow for maximum flexibility during final theatrical color grading.