Coming of Age in Cinema: Indian Films That Nail the One-Shot Technique

One-shot sequences bring a special thrill and unmatched immersion to filmmaking. Many viewers became particularly conscious of this cinematographic approach after Netflix’s ‘Adolescence’ challenged traditional narrative boundaries with its seamless execution. The film was unfiltered, meticulously choreographed, challenging, yet exact enough to enhance the storyline significantly. However, this isn’t the initial encounter between Indian audiences and creators with such fluid camerawork techniques.

Many streaming services\’ series and movies have over the years incorporated similar elements in different scenes to offer viewers a unique experience, distinguishing themselves in the process. Check out some examples below:

1. Ship of Theseus (2012): The hospital admission scene featuring the mother (7 minutes)

Sohum Shah\’s \’Ship of Theseus\’ wasn\’t just a philosophical piece, it was also technically brilliant. One of its most powerful scenes, where a mother is admitted to the hospital, plays out in a 7-minute continuous take. The shot captures the chaotic yet intimate emotions of a man navigating bureaucracy, morality, and grief — all in one breathless sequence that never cuts away.

2. Viduthalai (2023): The sequence involving the train (8 minutes)

In Vetri Maaran’s film \’Vidhuthalai,\’ there\’s an intense 8-minute segment featuring a train and mounting tension that keeps viewers at the edge of their seats. Filmed as a continuous shot, this scene stands out for its technical prowess, drawing audiences directly into the action without respite. The seamless camerawork coupled with powerful acting makes it among the most compelling one-shot scenes in Indian filmmaking.

3. The Family Man (2019): Scene of hospital attack (13 minutes)

Shot in a real, functioning hospital with actual heart patients in the ward, this 13-minute one-take sequence is one of \’The Family Man\’s\’ most intense moments. Filmed from the villains\’ perspective, it builds a wave of dread as danger creeps toward unsuspecting characters.

Notably, even with only two nights available at the high-cost venue—one night dedicated to rehearsals and the following day reserved for filming—co-director DK insisted on completing the scene in one take. This seamless execution undoubtedly serves as a prime example of meticulous planning, dramatic intensity, and daring narrative techniques.

4. Gangs of Wasseypur (2012): House battle scene (7 minutes)

Anurag Kashyap’s \”Gangs of Wasseypur\” stands out for its unflinching portrayal of reality, highlighted by an impressive seven-minute continuous scene depicting a chaotic gunfight. The camera maintains focus as it tracks Faizal Khan\’s character, played by Nawazuddin Siddiqui, navigating through tight alleyways, dodging gunfire, and immersing himself in the brutality. This intense, candid sequence has a touch of humor that adds depth, making it profoundly cinematic—a powerful moment that lingers well beyond the movie’s conclusion.

5. Dil Dhadakne Do (2015): The Gallan Goodiyan track (4 minutes)

Not every one-take scene revolves around excitement or high stakes; sometimes, it’s about conveying happiness. In \”Dil Dhadakne Do,\” the four-minute continuous shot for the song ‘Gallan Goodiyan’ stands out as an exuberant display aboard a cruise during a dinner party where the characters join in singing and dancing. This sequence could also be considered a triumph of choreography because despite appearing impromptu, it spreads an unmistakable aura of sheer delight.

One-take scenes are challenging. They require flawlessness, mastery over one’s skills, and excellent collaboration among performers, cameramen, directors, and viewers. Ultimately, they call for boldness and an inclination towards experimentation. Both Indian cinema and the streaming domain must constantly strive to keep up.