Although Tiger Shroff is hogging most of the limelight for the commercial success of
Bollywood blockbuster ‘Baaghi 2’, there’s a Goan chap who has a role to play in
the visual extravaganza that the film has turned out to be. Varad Karmali, a
Sanvordem boy who has shot the aerial action sequences, is raking in accolades
for his work in the film that has gone to cross 100 crores at the box office.
“My phone can’t stop ringing. Friends are constantly calling and messaging me,
appreciating my work, thanks to the final credits that mention my name.”
Karmali’s photography skills backed by a
sophisticated equipment inventory that is rare in the country made him one of
the few worthy candidates in India to be roped in for the big ticket project.
Apart from ‘Baaghi 2’, Karmali has also worked on a few South Indian
blockbusters, advertisements and music festivals, apart from corporate events
in the past.
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The 30-year-old has been a rather popular
figure in Goa’s events and nightlife circuit thanks to his technical prowess in
all things related to event management. After acquiring a Masters degree in
Event Management from Fergusson College, Pune in 2010, Varad returned home and
dove head first into Goa’s events and nightlife industry. Banking on the
precious technical knowledge about sound and light that he acquired while
working with professionals in Mumbai, this young multi-tasker excelled as a
lighting engineer and has, since then, worked on several music festivals and
events as a technical advisor. However, professional demand for drone
photography and limited market players tempted Karmali to experiment with
drones a few years ago. After launching his brand, ‘Droneacharya’, there’s been
no looking back.
Karmali says, “A drone can help an event manager in several
ways. It is not only useful in mapping the venue area, thereby giving an
accurate idea of how the setup can be arranged, but is also instrumental in
aerial photography for the event. The market is growing fast, with more clients
opting for drone photography.”
Until now, owing to safety concerns, it has been illegal to fly
drones in India without a nod from the authorities. But the new rules that have
been proposed by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) barely a few
months ago aim to tap the myriad opportunities in the commercial and
recreational space, while ensuring the safety of other vehicles in the airspace
and people on the ground. Barring nano drones – those that weigh under 250
grams and can’t fly at higher than 50 feet – all others must be registered with
the DGCA and acquire a Unique Identification Number. Drones that weigh over two
kilos require an air defence clearance.
The trend of drone photography is fast catching up but has a few
issues to deal with. Karmali believes that like any other profession, drone
photography is being abused by hobbyists who can potentially ruin the industry
for everyone. He explains, “The other day, I noticed a guy flying a drone near
St Jacinto island which is really close to the airport. If the drone gains a
higher altitude and intrudes into the path of an oncoming aircraft, or if the
pilot rightfully takes objection to flying drones in the area, more stringent
regulations may be imposed that can potentially affect those who are flying
drones professionally and sensitively.”
On
a positive and parting note, Karmali feels that better days are ahead of him.
He says, “With Goa piquing the interest of event managers and film producers
from across the world, I foresee a rise in both, the demand and supply of drone
photography in the state.” Basking in the advantage of being one of the early
players in the market, Karmali believes that much bigger projects are going to
come his way.
