Really appreciate you opting in to create this thread Kanika. The issues you have raised are not just yours but are of many of the viewers who've been with the show since its beginning. I'll briefly point out my concerns that are similar to yours in the list below.
In terms of storyline and characters, IPZN is undoubtedly one of the most refreshing ones out there on ITV and one that has brought many of us back to Indian television after a long while. It was understandable that the episodes would have an impact mechanics-wise (as many other shows did) once the team had to shift to the resort in Diu during lockdown. Since the story took a 6 months leap, in particular, the episodes have not been able to meet the standards IPZN itself set in regards to lighting, camera-angles and editing. I admit that the technical issues have improved since they moved to their regular location but only slightly so, and not enough for me to see it as anything above average.
What bothers me most in the recent episodes is the lighting and the camera angles. Technical team, if you see this, I will not compare IPZN with other ITV shows, please just go back to a few pre-leap episodes, either the initial ones or even the ones shot at the resort pre-leap, to see what we are talking about. I will just point out something from the show:
Exhibit A:
This is episode 8:
This is episode 94:
I am not talking about warm lights vs blue lights as the backdrop, I am talking about the setup and the angles here. The first one looks like a proper café (whether it is or isn't) whereas the second one is a very obvious and poor attempt at making it look like a restaurant. The setup is not up to the mark (how is that a proper restaurant-style seating arrangement?) but most importantly, the first one is done using a wider shot than the second one. I can see and feel the space surrounding Ishqi and Ahaan. I get this sense of this being a complete scene. The second one appears as if someone put a camera on a tripod in front of them and is trying to cram everyone into one frame. I don't/can't see anything surrounding these five and the average lighting, average setup and average shot make it harder for me to enjoy the scene as an audience because I am not convinced.
- Please don't overuse these close shot angles, it feels claustrophobic, crowded and poorly-done. Sometimes we need the wide shots and mid shots as well. We understand that doing outdoor shoots have been limited due to current circumstances but a well-shot scene can still make up for the lack of space in many ways.
- While you are at it, please pay more attention to the setup. We understand budget issues and outdoor location issues but an indoor shot can be done with way more finesse than we see now. Again, kindly look at the earlier episodes.
- Please give us tracking shots from time to time. It's important because there are scenes where getting a feel of the surrounding completes the shot and gives it a nice finish.
- Please be more mindful of the lighting which is mostly dull and bleak nowadays-- it kills the mood you're trying to achieve especially during the romantic or other impactful scenes.
Again, I am enjoying the story and the characters a lot. I have tried doing my part in the recent trends and everything to save the show because I want it to stay but I also want it to thrive for as long as it is here. I cannot pretend to be content with scenes just because it is Ishqaan or the Malhotra gang on-screen--I need pleasing visuals, well-shot scenes which is not much to ask for since IPZN had already done that in the past. I wish LM and team could be brought back but even if that is not doable, I request the new/current team to work on their skills because you have got a great show with great potential here. Please explore and widen your horizons and don't let this opportunity go to waste.
Bade Achhe Lagte Hain
