In Bollywood, action scenes with cars have become a must-have in movies, especially in films directed by Rohit Shetty. Known for his love of high-octane action and dramatic car stunts, Shetty’s movies like Singham Again and Golmaal showcase thrilling sequences where vehicles fly, explode, and crash on screen. Behind these incredible scenes is a mix of creativity, technique, and technology that makes viewers believe they’re watching real cars blown to bits. Here’s an inside look at how Bollywood directors create these breathtaking car stunts without breaking the bank or endangering actors.
Real Cars or Reused Ones? The Magic Behind Expensive-Looking Stunts
Although it may seem like brand-new luxury cars are sacrificed for the sake of action, directors have a practical approach to vehicle stunts. New, shiny cars are often seen in scenes where the actor makes a dramatic entry or where the vehicle is simply part of the background.
However, when it’s time for explosive scenes, directors like Rohit Shetty use older cars that are repainted to look new. For example, if the script calls for a red sports car to be destroyed, it’s common to find an older, similar-looking car that’s been repainted and modified to resemble a new model. This allows the crew to achieve the desired look without wasting valuable resources.
Partnerships with Car Manufacturers
Bollywood’s demand for a variety of vehicles has led to partnerships with car brands. Luxury car companies often collaborate with film studios to showcase their vehicles on the big screen. In recent times, Rohit Shetty’s films have displayed vehicles from notable brands, sometimes even with their official logos.
This partnership can be mutually beneficial. The car brand gets exposure, while the film production team gets access to these cars without renting costs. However, these pristine vehicles are mainly used for close-ups or less intense scenes, ensuring they return in good condition after filming.
Customized Vehicles for Intense Action
In action-heavy films like Singham Again, where Ajay Devgan plays the role of a tough cop, some vehicles are custom-built to add authenticity to the scenes. For example, bulletproof cars were created specifically for the police task force in the movie, partnering with Ashok Leyland for these customizations. Similarly, in the upcoming film Animal, a machine gun bike was designed to add intensity to the action scenes.
These custom-built vehicles are generally used for special shots, not for high-risk scenes. Instead of destroying these valuable assets, directors often save them for long-lasting visual appeal or keep them as props for future projects.
Repurposing Vehicles for Crash and Explosion Scenes
When scenes involve cars crashing, rolling, or catching fire, old vehicles are brought in to take the hit. Directors use two different cars for these kinds of scenes: one car is used for close-up shots with the actor inside, and another old model, resembling the first, is used for the destruction scene.
For example, if a hero’s luxury sedan is supposed to go up in flames after a collision, the crew first films close-up shots of the actor in the original car. When it’s time for the crash, an older, repainted model (often a discontinued car model) is pushed into the collision for the dramatic explosion. These reused cars can be taken to workshops, repainted, and used for different scenes across multiple films, cutting down on costs significantly.
Indoor Filming Tricks: Models and Miniatures
Indoor shoots for car stunts are often performed with small-scale models of cars, especially when high precision and control are needed. This is done by creating miniature versions of the cars, outfitting them with firecrackers or small explosives to create realistic but controlled blasts.
These miniature cars are filmed in a studio setting, often with green screens, making it easy to add other elements like background or road scenes later in editing. Ropes or wires are attached to the models to mimic the appearance of cars flying or tumbling through the air. Post-production editing removes the wires, making the stunt look seamless and giving the impression of massive vehicles soaring through action-packed scenes.
Stuntmen Take the Risk in Real Car Scenes
For action scenes requiring drivers, professional stuntmen replace actors. In high-risk scenes, stuntmen are trained to perform specific maneuvers that add realism to the scene. They use safety equipment, such as harnesses and cushioned interiors, and often have mattresses or crash mats placed strategically around the set to protect them in case of mishaps.
During explosive scenes, the vehicles are usually driverless, controlled remotely to ensure no one is in harm’s way. If stuntmen are involved, they are instructed to jump out of the vehicle before it moves into the crash zone.
The Role of VFX in Modern Car Stunts
Even with real car stunts, today’s action scenes heavily rely on VFX. In the past, directors like Rohit Shetty had to rely mostly on practical effects, but with the advancement of technology, it’s easier to create jaw-dropping scenes without putting real cars or people in danger.
For instance, directors can digitally replicate multiple cars, adding volume to scenes without needing dozens of real vehicles. VFX helps create a larger scale for car chases or explosions and can even enhance the quality of fire, debris, and smoke that appear on screen. In some cases, real footage is combined with VFX layers to enhance the drama, making everything appear realistic while keeping costs manageable.
Using Chroma Shots for Complex Sequences
Another popular method is filming car stunts on a green screen, also known as chroma key. This involves placing the vehicle on a stationary setup in front of a green screen, with the car fixed in place. After filming the actors inside, VFX teams add backgrounds, road scenes, or explosions around the car digitally. This technique is particularly useful for filming controlled scenes where the actors’ expressions need to be captured up close without the dangers of a real chase.
Final Touches: Editing and Post-Production Magic
After the stunts are filmed, editing and post-production add the finishing touches. Color grading adjusts the look of the vehicles, and sound effects add realistic engine noises, screeching tires, and explosions. In some scenes, the editing team may even speed up the footage slightly to increase the sense of urgency and excitement, giving the illusion of faster and riskier driving.
Directors like Rohit Shetty are known for bringing thrilling car stunts to Bollywood, combining practical techniques, customizations, VFX, and the skilled work of stuntmen. This combination of real-world effects and digital enhancements enables the creation of unforgettable action scenes, balancing realism with safety and cost-efficiency. With modern technology at their disposal, Bollywood’s directors continue to push the limits of car stunts, giving audiences thrilling experiences while minimizing risks and costs.
