Darshan The Art Director
Darshan: The Visionary Art Director Behind Some of Indian Cinema’s Most Captivating Sets
In the vast and multifaceted world of cinema, where stories come alive on screen and characters captivate hearts, there exists a silent architect behind the visual spectacle — the art director. One such unsung hero of the Indian film industry is Darshan, a gifted and seasoned Art Director whose name has become synonymous with visual excellence across both Punjabi and South Indian cinema. His creative journey reflects not just a career, but a lifelong commitment to visual storytelling, with a powerful portfolio that includes notable films like Dulla the Robinhood (2025), Rose Rozy te Gulab, Karda Reh Ardaas, Medal, Dil Diya Gallan, Ratsasan, and Saak.
The Early Spark: Passion for Design and Storytelling
Darshan's interest in visual design and cinema bloomed early in life. Fascinated by old films, vintage architecture, and stagecraft, he developed a keen eye for spatial aesthetics and cultural authenticity. What began as a curiosity soon turned into a passionate profession. Trained in production design and set construction, Darshan’s understanding of light, space, color theory, and cultural motifs shaped his unique style — one that merges realism with imagination.
Rather than simply decorating film sets, Darshan believes in building cinematic worlds. This philosophy is what makes his work stand out across genres and languages.
Crafting Historical Grandeur: Dulla the Robinhood (2025)
One of Darshan’s most ambitious and visually rich projects has been the 2025 Punjabi film Dulla the Robinhood. A historical action drama set in rural Punjab, the film required a detailed recreation of colonial-era villages, courtyards, and markets. Darshan spent months researching local architecture, tools, costumes, and landscape elements from the early 20th century to ensure historical accuracy.
The result was nothing short of cinematic brilliance. Every frame in Dulla the Robinhood breathed authenticity — from worn-down brick houses to intricately carved wooden balconies and rustic pinds (villages). Darshan’s work here was lauded for its immersive quality, drawing viewers into a time long gone, yet made real again on screen.
Emotional Depth Through Visuals: Karda Reh Ardaas and Dil Diya Gallan
Darshan’s versatility is most evident in emotionally-driven dramas like Karda Reh Ardaas and Dil Diya Gallan. While Karda Reh Ardaas revolves around faith, hope, and familial bonds, the challenge was to create serene, spiritually resonant spaces. Temples, prayer halls, and rural homes were designed with a gentle color palette, flowing fabrics, and symbolic elements that reflected the film’s introspective themes.
On the other hand, Dil Diya Gallan demanded a romantic aesthetic, with vibrant cityscapes and intimate interiors. Here, Darshan employed modern design elements blended with traditional Punjabi motifs — colorful rooftops, candle-lit rooms, and flower-laden balconies added emotional weight to every love scene.
From Romance to Thriller: The Grit of Ratsasan
Switching genres, Darshan took on a radically different challenge with Ratsasan, a psychological crime thriller originally made in Tamil and later dubbed in multiple languages. The film's eerie mood required a dark and unsettling environment — cluttered classrooms, abandoned houses, police interrogation rooms, and crime scenes all had to exude tension and suspense.
Darshan’s use of shadowy lighting, muted tones, and controlled spatial design heightened the film’s psychological impact. He built spaces that subtly echoed the protagonist’s emotional state and the sinister undertones of the plot. In a genre where missteps in art direction can dilute the suspense, Darshan’s work stood out as precise, immersive, and chilling.
Saluting Bravery and Sacrifice: The Visual Language of Medal
In the patriotic drama Medal, which follows the journey of a young man who joins the armed forces, Darshan was tasked with portraying military life alongside emotional family narratives. Military camps, training grounds, and bunkers were created with authenticity and rawness. The contrast between the protagonist’s home and the battlefield was also emphasized visually — cozy village homes vs. harsh, disciplined military architecture.
Darshan ensured that each set reinforced the theme of sacrifice and patriotism. Small details like family photos tucked into luggage, rusted lockers, and muddy barracks added layers of realism. Medal was as much a tribute to the Indian soldier as it was a showcase of Darshan’s ability to blend narrative with design.
Love and Light in Bloom: Rose Rozy te Gulab
Darshan’s artistic side took a more poetic turn in the romantic comedy Rose Rozy te Gulab. A visually light-hearted film, it featured whimsical sets, pastel color schemes, blooming gardens, and cozy interiors that mirrored the playful yet heartfelt storyline. The use of floral motifs in both indoor and outdoor settings was symbolic — expressing blossoming love, confusion, and reconciliation.
From rose-filled backyards to dreamy cafés, Darshan’s art direction here was infused with symbolic colors and cheerful details. The visuals became as memorable as the characters themselves.
Period Realism in Saak: Reviving a Forgotten Era
Among Darshan’s most praised works is the period romance Saak, set during the pre-independence era of India. The film demanded a near-complete reconstruction of 1940s Punjab — from mud houses and antique vehicles to lantern-lit homes and traditional wedding setups.
Darshan relied on deep historical research, collaborating with local artisans to recreate handwoven textiles, vintage props, and original tools used in rural Punjab. The wedding mandaps, traditional swings, and narrow village lanes all came together to create a nostalgic yet powerful backdrop for the emotional story. Saak became a visual delight, largely due to the meticulous detailing of its production design.
A Bridge Between Cultures: Cross-Industry Success
Darshan’s adaptability and cultural awareness have enabled him to work across regional industries with ease. While Punjabi cinema remains his core playground, his success in South Indian films like Ratsasan reflects his capacity to understand and interpret different regional aesthetics.
He sees art direction as more than a job — it’s a medium to translate script into soul. Whether designing a wedding in Punjab or a crime scene in Tamil Nadu, Darshan brings the same dedication to authenticity and emotional resonance.
Behind the Sets: Challenges and Innovations
Working as an art director comes with its unique set of challenges — budget constraints, time pressure, location issues, and creative disagreements. However, Darshan thrives under pressure. His problem-solving skills and leadership have made him a favorite among directors and production teams alike.
He also believes in eco-conscious set design, often repurposing materials and minimizing waste on set. In several projects, he has reused parts of sets without compromising on the visual quality — proving that sustainability and creativity can go hand in hand.
The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Darshan?
With his name becoming increasingly well-known in film circles, Darshan is now in talks for several high-budget films and web series. There are whispers of his involvement in an upcoming biopic and a cross-border love story set during partition — both of which would offer rich terrain for his storytelling-through-design.
Darshan also mentors young designers, encouraging them to think beyond decoration and focus on emotion. For him, every set is a canvas, and every film a gallery of moments waiting to be framed.
Conclusion: The Artist in the Shadows, Creating Cinematic Light
In an industry where the limelight often falls on actors and directors, it's artists like Darshan who bring stories to life with color, texture, architecture, and visual poetry. His journey from aspiring designer to one of India’s most respected art directors is a story of persistence, passion, and imagination.
Darshan doesn’t just build sets — he builds experiences. He makes the world on screen believable, relatable, and unforgettable. And in doing so, he reminds us that the magic of cinema lies as much in the background as it does in the foreground.