Mumbai: Mumbai-based production house Vanilla Films has released an evocative new brand film titled ‘Kasturi’ for Kalavarni Jewels, urging viewers to reconnect with the light that resides within. Shot entirely on 16 mm film, the piece stands out for its rich visual texture and artistic restraint—an intentional departure from the high-gloss aesthetics that dominate fashion and luxury campaigns today.
Directed by Vanilla Films’ co-founder Chintan Pandav, Kasturi brings to life the brand’s message of “Tumhari Chamak Tum Ho”, anchoring it in a narrative that is both contemporary and deeply spiritual.
Kalavarni Jewels, known for their heirloom polki craftsmanship, timeless detailing, and modern sensibility, sought a creative approach that would resonate emotionally with women. The brand’s identity—where heritage meets modernity—became the foundation of the film’s concept. Inspired by Saint Kabir Das’s classic metaphor of the musk deer searching the forest for a fragrance that originates within, Kasturi reflects the brand’s belief that true brilliance is self-derived.
Set against the backdrop of a heritage palace in Jaipur, the film follows a woman caught in a moment of introspection. Her attention is drawn to a fleeting glimmer of light. As she pursues it, her inner voice grows louder—Who am I? Ultimately, she discovers what she was chasing was her own light, a symbolic reveal that mirrors the film’s philosophical core.
Emotion takes precedence over spectacle in Kasturi, a choice amplified by the decision to shoot on 16mm film. “The grain, warmth and depth of celluloid lend the narrative a timeless charm. It bridges the past and present beautifully, contemporary in tone yet rooted in nostalgia. This choice not only set the film apart but also mirrored the brand’s own balance of modernity and tradition,” said Pandav.
With Kasturi, Vanilla Films and Kalavarni Jewels mark the beginning of a refined storytelling direction—one that blends authenticity, emotion, and artistry to capture the essence of a new generation while honoring its roots.
