The recently released Mammootty-starrer, ‘Bramayugam,’ has not only emerged as a blockbuster but is also garnering acclaim for its outstanding performances and unique cinematic style. Before the film hit the screens, the eye-catching posters featuring Mammootty created quite a buzz on social media. Behind the captivating visuals is the creative mind of Arun Ajikumar, the man behind Aesthetic Kunjamma, an Instagram page turned poster designing firm.
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The journey began with the release of the first-look poster, which depicted Mammootty in a regal sitting posture. Initially planned as a simple representation of the veteran actor’s character, Mammootty’s improvisation took it to a new level. Leaning forward in his seat and sporting a captivating smile, Mammootty added a special aura to his character, surprising even the creative head, Arun Ajikumar. This unexpected turn highlighted the impact actors can have when given control over the narrative, showcasing the collaborative effort behind the poster’s creation.
The subsequent posters, featuring Mammootty’s sinister laughter, were crafted using stills captured during the movie shoot. The decision to stage only the first-look poster and another with Mammootty in a lying posture was intentional. Arun emphasizes the importance of a separate photoshoot for the first look, aimed at generating maximum impact, especially when released on Mammootty’s birthday. The images from the movie shoot, according to Arun, captured the essence of the characters authentically.
While ‘Bramayugam’ was not Arun’s first project with Mammootty, it marked a distinctive experience. Having previously worked on posters for Mammootty’s ‘Kannur Squad,’ Arun found ‘Bramayugam’ to be an exciting project due to Mammootty’s horror-inducing appearance on set. Reflecting on their collaboration, Arun praised director Rahul Sadasivan’s open-mindedness and willingness to work with newcomers.
Rahul approached Aesthetic Kunjamma soon after their collaboration on ‘Bhoothakaalam.’ The director revealed his plans for a new black and white film starring Mammootty and requested a pitch deck. Arun shares insights into the meticulous approach taken by Aesthetic Kunjamma. Spending over a month crafting the title poster alone, the team aimed for an aesthetic and minimalistic design. The poster conveyed the meaning, showing the movie’s nature, creating additional intrigue and excitement. Aesthetic Kunjamma’s evolution from an Instagram page dedicated to re-imagined vintage film posters to a full-fledged poster designing firm attests to their dedication and passion for the craft.