GQ x Tommy Hilfiger – The Homecoming
Featuring Tommy Hilfiger & Shikhar Dhawan
Project Overview
When fashion meets the field, something different happens.
This branded film for GQ India and Tommy Hilfiger brings together two icons — one from the world of design, the other from the heart of Indian cricket. Set in Mumbai, The Homecoming is a conversation between Tommy Hilfiger and Shikhar Dhawan — a personal, relaxed exchange on legacy, identity, and how personal style evolves under pressure.
The visual treatment: clean, minimal, and editorial. Think GQ’s signature polish with the raw energy of live performance — quiet moments, sharp silhouettes, and a pace that mirrors the rhythm of the city.
My Role: Cinematographer
I was one of the cinematographers on this piece — with a focus on handheld, natural-light visuals. No rigs. No artificial setups. Just fast instincts and a sharp eye.
This was a run-and-gun shoot in every sense:
Natural light, zero footprint — staying invisible was part of the aesthetic
Three-camera coverage for spontaneous moments without interrupting the flow
Editorial framing that captured body language, wardrobe, and ambient texture in real-time
Mobility over gear — small crew, fast pace, big impact
The challenge was to make it feel effortless while never compromising on style. A moving conversation needed a camera that could listen. That’s what we aimed for.
Challenges & Learnings
Challenge 01 – High-stakes shoot, no second takes.
With names like Tommy Hilfiger and Shikhar Dhawan on set, every frame needed to land first try. There was no going back for pickups or redoes — the pressure was real, but so was the focus.
With names like Tommy Hilfiger and Shikhar Dhawan on set, every frame needed to land first try. There was no going back for pickups or redoes — the pressure was real, but so was the focus.
Challenge 02 – Shooting in live, uncontrolled environments.
No soundstage. No grip trucks. Just fast-changing light, real-world locations, and limited time. The shoot demanded constant adaptation — from shifting camera angles mid-conversation to chasing the best available light as it disappeared.
No soundstage. No grip trucks. Just fast-changing light, real-world locations, and limited time. The shoot demanded constant adaptation — from shifting camera angles mid-conversation to chasing the best available light as it disappeared.
Challenge 03 – Staying invisible, while capturing everything.
When you’re shooting a candid conversation between global personalities, your presence can’t interrupt the energy. We had to operate like shadows — instinctive and responsive without ever stepping into the moment.
When you’re shooting a candid conversation between global personalities, your presence can’t interrupt the energy. We had to operate like shadows — instinctive and responsive without ever stepping into the moment.
What I took away:
Trust your prep, but rely on your instincts. When conditions shift, intuition is your best tool.
Minimalism sharpens the eye. Stripping down gear forces you to make every frame count.
Fast doesn't mean sloppy. With the right crew, you can move quick and deliver premium-level visuals.
Big names, small windows. Sometimes all you get is 15 minutes — make it count.
Credits
Production House – The Orange Elephant
Producer – Purvi Khan
Associate Producer – Samir Patole
Director / DOP – Qurran Jaiswal
Chief AD – Shruti Soman
Cinematographers – Akshay Pawar, Kartikeya Garg
Editor – Suhas Chogale
DI Colorists – Sawan Sorathiya, Miheer Ranade
Producer – Purvi Khan
Associate Producer – Samir Patole
Director / DOP – Qurran Jaiswal
Chief AD – Shruti Soman
Cinematographers – Akshay Pawar, Kartikeya Garg
Editor – Suhas Chogale
DI Colorists – Sawan Sorathiya, Miheer Ranade
