Vintage Rajkumar-Era Lenses Used for ‘666 Operation Dream Theater’
The makers of 666 Operation Dream Theater are recreating a slice of Kannada cinema’s golden age by using lenses and visual techniques once employed in Dr. Rajkumar’s iconic films of the 1970s and 80s.
The film, directed by Hemanth M. Rao, is being shot with vintage LOMO lenses, famously used in several classic Dr. Rajkumar spy thrillers including Operation Diamond Racket and Jedara Bale. The team has already completed two shooting schedules after sourcing suitable lenses from Chennai, Mumbai and Bengaluru.
Speaking about the creative approach, cinematographer Advait Guru Murthy said the goal from day one was to transport audiences back to the era of Kannada’s legendary Bond-style cinema.
“Every shot, lighting style and set has been designed to reflect the look and feel of Dr. Rajkumar’s vintage spy films,” he said.
“We didn’t want to depend entirely on post-production. So we used old-school tungsten lighting and vintage anamorphic and spherical LOMO lenses — known for their organic flares and beautiful imperfections — to achieve the desired aesthetic.”
The crew tested 16 different lens sets before finalising the combination now being used, ensuring an authentic retro visual tone.
Starring Dhananjaya in the lead, the film is produced by Dr. Vaishakh J. Gowda under the banner Vaishakh J Films. The technical crew includes Charan Raj (music), Advait Guru Murthy (cinematography) and Vishwas Kashyap (production design).
Adding to the excitement, Dr. Shivarajkumar will also appear in a significant role.
666 Operation Dream Theater is being mounted on a large budget and will release simultaneously in Kannada and Telugu, promising a visually striking cinematic experience that blends nostalgia with modern storytelling.
