Bollywood's Special Effects Master Prefers Real Explosions

Bollywood special effects supervisor Vishal Tyagi favors practical effects over artificial intelligence, aiming for authentic cinematic chaos. His recent film "Dhurandhar 2" showcased a climax with a tanker explosion, utilizing 500 litres of petrol and explosives with star Ranveer Singh. Tyagi emphasized that the fiery fragments were entirely real, reflecting a growing trend among Indian filmmakers seeking genuine on-screen authenticity.

Tyagi, an arms specialist, maintains a warehouse stocked with firearms and explosives, having worked on productions like "Slumdog Millionaire," "Extraction," and Bollywood hits "Pathaan" and "Jawan." He inherited his passion from his father, Mahendra Tyagi, who established a prop gun business. Despite advancements in AI, Tyagi believes technology cannot replace the unpredictable nature of real elements like fire and smoke.

Challenges in Bollywood include achieving Hollywood-level effects with limited preparation time, often referred to as being "always on gas." Tyagi's crew adheres to strict safety protocols, though risks persist. He recounted an incident where heat from a massive explosion on the set of Shah Rukh Khan's "King" injured his hand, underscoring his dedication to not compromising shot quality, even amid personal risk.