FutureWorks Unveils VFX Breakdown for Netflix Series 'Heeramandi'

FutureWorks Unveils Stunning VFX Breakdown for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi on Netflix

Visual effects powerhouse FutureWorks has just released an impressive VFX breakdown for Netflix's latest series, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. Directed by the acclaimed Sanjay Leela Bhansali, this historical drama is set in 1940s Lahore and centers around the life of Mallikajaan, the head of an elite house of courtesans during British-ruled India.

FutureWorks was responsible for delivering over 1,200 visual effects shots for the eight-episode series, which premiered in May 2024. In just six months, the studio created visually stunning environments that breathed life into the opulent world of Heeramandi. With an all-star cast featuring Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, and Fardeen Khan, the series has garnered attention not only for its storytelling but also for its breathtaking visuals.

The VFX team, led by on-set supervisors Kanan T. and Sanket Shirke, worked closely with Bhansali to meticulously craft every detail, from set extensions to crowd multiplication and digital matte painting (DMP). FutureWorks’ ability to design believable cityscape extensions and detailed day and night skies played a pivotal role in immersing viewers in the period drama.

"Creating believable cityscape extensions was both a challenge and a creative opportunity," the studio shared, highlighting the intricate work required to match the series’ grand vision. FutureWorks relied on a suite of tools, including Adobe Photoshop for matte paintings, Autodesk Maya and Houdini for CG assets and fire elements, and Foundry Katana and Nuke for scene assembly and final compositing. Extensive research into historical references ensured accuracy, with adjustments made throughout production to seamlessly blend the effects with cinematographer Sudeep Chaterjee’s footage.

Bhansali’s signature color palette and textures were carefully preserved thanks to the use of Baselight’s BLG, which helped ensure a harmonious blend of visual effects with the director’s aesthetic vision. "The final result is nothing short of a visual masterpiece," FutureWorks proudly noted.

Netflix’s VFX executive for local language originals, Sarosh Mistry, also praised the studio’s work on the project: "It was a privilege to bring the visuals of Heeramandi to Netflix viewers. Huge kudos to the FutureWorks team for executing over 1,300 VFX shots on a tight schedule."

In addition to VFX, FutureWorks provided comprehensive support services including camera rentals, on-set data management, and sound services—ensuring the production had everything it needed for a successful execution.

With Heeramandi, FutureWorks has once again demonstrated their ability to deliver visually rich and technically flawless work, further cementing their place as one of the leading VFX studios in the industry.