A Director's Journey into Love and Conflict
In his debut feature film Dream Lock, Vishal Raaj brings to life a narrative rooted in the universal themes of love and relationships. While the concept might sound familiar, Raaj’s approach to storytelling sets it apart. “I wanted to craft a simple plot that highlights the dilemmas and hurdles people face in life,” he explains. By keeping the storyline straightforward, he was able to focus on technical mastery, a deliberate choice that reflects his meticulous dedication as a first-time director, writer, and producer.

Crafting the Script: A Tale of Duality
The script of Dream Lock is a study in contrasts. The first half unfolds in a linear fashion, gradually drawing audiences into the protagonist Jennifer’s world. The second half takes a more intricate turn, weaving in puzzling elements that elevate the film into an engaging thriller. “We all have good and bad within us; we reflect both darkness and light,” Raaj observes. Jennifer’s journey—marked by strained relationships and unfulfilled love—mirrors this duality. The narrative’s symbolic interplay of God and the devil underscores the protagonist’s struggle, making her story both personal and universal.

Realism in Visuals: A Cinematic Choice
Raaj’s commitment to authenticity is evident in the film’s visuals. He chose colors, textures, costumes, and lighting that feel grounded in reality. The team primarily used 6,000 Kelvin lighting, and the second half of the film was predominantly shot in natural light. Adding to the film’s raw aesthetic, nearly 80% of the scenes were captured using handheld camera techniques, lending a sense of immediacy and intimacy to the performances.
To further enhance the film’s tone, Raaj employed three distinct cameras—Blackmagic, RED Epic, and Canon 1DC 4K—to distinguish flashback scenes. Instead of relying on post-production color grading, the team filmed over three schedules to ensure the visual tone was consistent throughout. Remarkably, no art director was used for the project; real locations were chosen to amplify the sense of authenticity.

Editing: A Director’s Precision
The editing process for Dream Lock was equally meticulous. Raaj edited the film on AVID software, employing a shot-by-shot technique that’s more commonly seen in action films. “It’s a complex style to apply to an entire movie, but I loved the challenge,” he shares. Each shot was used only once, and the film relies heavily on master shots, with minimal insert and cutaway shots. This method underscores Raaj’s ambition to highlight both the technical and emotional facets of the story.

A Labor of Love and Learning
Dream Lock is more than just a film; it’s a reflection of Vishal Raaj’s dedication to his craft. By embracing the challenges of his debut, he’s created a cinematic piece that explores the complexities of human conflict while showcasing his technical expertise. “As a novice filmmaker, I poured my genuine effort into this project,” he says. And with Dream Lock, Raaj has laid a strong foundation for a promising career in cinema.