Hyderabad: In a landmark development for Indian cinema, Annapurna Studios has launched the country’s first Dolby Certified Postproduction Facility for Cinema & Home. The state-of-the-art facility was unveiled by renowned filmmaker SS Rajamouli, in the presence of celebrated actor Nagarjuna Akkineni, Vice Chairman of Annapurna Studios, marking a momentous occasion for the Indian film industry.
In collaboration with Dolby, this cutting-edge facility aims to elevate the audio-visual standards of Indian filmmaking, bringing cinematic experiences that align with global benchmarks. The unveiling ceremony featured special footage from Rajamouli’s Academy Award-winning film RRR, which was the first-ever Indian film to be released in Dolby Cinema, adding even more significance to the event.
Rajamouli shared his excitement about the new facility, reflecting on the challenges he faced while working on RRR: “During the time of RRR, when we wanted to grade the film in Dolby Vision, we had to travel all the way to Germany. It was a bit disheartening that I couldn’t experience my film in Dolby Vision within my own country. But today, I’m thrilled to see a Dolby Vision grading facility right here at Annapurna Studios. Even more exciting is the fact that, by the time my next film releases, there will be multiple Dolby Cinema across India. Watching a film in Dolby Vision is an entirely different experience—the crystal-clear clarity and the way it enhances the nuances of every frame take storytelling to a whole new level. I can’t wait for audiences to experience it!”
Nagarjuna Akkineni, the Vice Chairman of Annapurna Studios, emphasized the studio’s dedication to advancing the Indian film industry: “From being a pioneer in virtual production to now housing the country’s first Dolby Certified Postproduction Facility for Cinema & Home, our mission has always been to put Indian films on the global map. As Annapurna Studios celebrates its 50th year, this collaboration with Dolby is a testament to that vision. At Annapurna, our legacy has always been to embrace change and innovation, and this is another step forward in that journey.”
Supriya Yarlagadda, Executive Director of Annapurna Studios, highlighted the groundbreaking nature of the new facility: “With Dolby Certified Postproduction Facility for Cinema & Home, we are introducing a game-changing technology that will redefine how films are created and experienced in India. We aim to empower filmmakers to tell their stories with unparalleled precision and impact.”
The event featured exclusive screenings of content, including scenes from RRR, in Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, demonstrating the impressive capabilities of the new facility. The launch of this facility marks a new era for Indian filmmaking, setting a high standard for audio-visual excellence and opening doors for future advancements in cinema production and experience.