If you loved the visual grammar of Little Hearts, much of the credit must go to debutant cinematographer Surya Balaji. The newcomer has successfully created a visually pleasing array of frames within the constraints imposed by a compact budget of Rs 2.5 crore. He complemented director Sai Marthand's vision, knew that the film didn't have large sets, and went in for a grounded style. It helped that the lead pair, Mouli Tanuj and Shivani Nagaram, essayed relatable, slice-of-life characters in the movie.
"I adopted a guerrilla-style shooting technique. We shot the film in locations in Hyderabad and Bengaluru. Since the director went in for everyday locations, I adopted my style accordingly. I opted for close-up shots of the actors," the budding technician reveals.
Surya Balaji's focus was on capturing the "raw emotions" of the actors. The lived-in environs also added to the film's naturalistic appeal. "I am overwhelmed to see packed shows not only in urban centers but also in B and C centers," the Director of Photography says, adding that this level of recognition is something he never anticipated.
Surya Balaji's next movie is yet to be made official. Given that Little Hearts has become a roaring hit and his cinematography is being loved by the audience, it is certain that Surya Balaji is here to stay.
Little Hearts, produced by Aditya Haasan and backed by the Bunny Vasu-Vamsi Nandipati duo, co-stars Jai Krishna, Rajeev Kanakala, SS Kanchi and others.
