Cinematica Expo’s Third Edition Promises to Be Grander: P.G. Vinda

Cinematica Expo’s third edition promises to be even grander, following the tremendous success of its second edition. P.G. Vinda, who entered the film industry with the award-winning movie Grahanam in 2004, has made a significant mark as a cinematographer and director. His remarkable journey, which started with Grahanam soon established him as one of the most talented cinematographers in the country. He also ventured into direction with the film The Lotus Pond and, over the years, has continued to innovate in the industry. P.G. Vinda’s career is a testament to his passion for cinematography and his commitment to staying ahead of technological advancements. 

With over two decades in the industry, Vinda has consistently introduced new technologies to enhance filmmaking. It was this drive for innovation that led to the creation of Cinematica Expo, a grand celebration of cinematographic excellence and technological advancements. The event, recently held at Novatel in Hyderabad, saw participation from numerous dignitaries, including Union Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, S. Krishnan, Principal Secretary of ITE&C, Government of Telangana, and Industries & Commerce Secretary, Jayesh Ranjan, along with other film luminaries. Vinda's aim with the expo is not only to showcase the latest technological trends but also to establish Hyderabad as a central hub for cinema and digital creativity. During a recent media interaction, he shared some insights into his journey and the vision behind the Cinematica Expo.

“My journey as a cinematographer began with the film Grahanam, which came out in 2004. Since then, I will never forget the support that the media has been giving me,” Vinda said, reflecting on the early days of his career. He also recalled how Grahanam was one of the first films in India to be shot digitally, at a time when digital filmmaking was not widely accepted. “Digital was not very popular at that time. Grahanam was one of the first films to be shot digitally in India. I had said then that digital would be the trend in the next five to ten years. My prediction came true,” he added, proud of his foresight in embracing the digital revolution.

Vinda considers himself a lifelong student, always eager to learn and embrace new technologies. “Whenever any new technology comes, I go to the country and abroad to learn about it. Especially in foreign countries, expos and exhibitions are organized to introduce new technology. There are no such expos specifically for the film industry in our country. That is what gave rise to this Cinematica Expo,” he explained. His vision was to create a space where filmmakers and technicians could gain early access to cutting-edge equipment and innovations, something that was lacking in India at the time.

Over the years, the Telugu film industry has seen tremendous growth, and Hyderabad has become an ideal location for filmmaking, with excellent facilities and accessibility for shoots. However, Vinda points out that the industry in the region still faces challenges when it comes to adopting new technologies. “We are technologically backward due to some reasons. Especially, new cameras, cranes, and other equipment are being introduced to us late. That is why we decided to organize this Cinematica Expo,” he noted. The expo serves as a platform to introduce the latest global technologies to the local industry, enabling filmmakers to stay ahead of the curve and produce technically superior films.

The first edition of Cinematica Expo, supported by the Telangana government, received a great response, and with that momentum, the second edition was organized on an even grander scale. The response was overwhelming, with 38,000 attendees, setting a new record in Asia. “We decided to organize the second edition even more magnificently, and the attendance of 38,000 people at once is a record in Asia,” Vinda said, highlighting the growing popularity of the event.

Beyond just showcasing technology, Cinematica Expo also serves as a platform to nurture young talent in the industry. As digital platforms have grown, there has been a surge of interest in filmmaking, and the expo seeks to support this burgeoning talent pool. Vinda emphasized, “We have not only introduced technology through Cinematica Expo, but also organized seminars to encourage young talent and give them appropriate suggestions.” Renowned film personalities like Sudeep Chatterjee, Satyamshu Singh, and Indraganti Mohana Krishna took part in the seminars, sharing their knowledge about cinematography and story writing with attendees.

Given the overwhelming response to the previous editions, Vinda plans to make the third edition even more spectacular. “After seeing this response, we plan to organize the third edition of Cinematica Expo on a grander scale. Many international organizations have also agreed to come,” he revealed. The support from Telugu film personalities, including Ram Gopal Varma and Sandeep Reddy Vanga, has further encouraged the team behind the event. With continued backing from the Telangana government and the Department of Language and Culture, Vinda is confident that Cinematica Expo will continue to evolve and reach greater heights in the future.

In addition to his efforts with Cinematica Expo, Vinda is committed to organizing programs and events that will further contribute to the growth of young talent in the film industry. He concluded, “In addition to contributing our part to Telugu literature, we are preparing to organize many more programs for young talent in the future.” With such a strong focus on technological innovation, mentorship, and fostering young filmmakers, Cinematica Expo is set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of Indian cinema and making Hyderabad a global hub for filmmaking and digital creativity.