Royal and Warm Indian Video Color Grading

This Indian Fine Dining Color Finishing project for Shamiyana required a sophisticated approach to color management. The brand represents heritage, royalty, and grand hospitality, so the visual language had to reflect "opulence" without crossing into oversaturation. The primary objective was to transform the raw footage into a rich, warm tapestry that highlights the intricate interior design and the complexity of the cuisine.

Managing Warmth & Gold Tones Indian fine dining venues often feature heavy gold accents, wood paneling, and warm chandelier lighting. In DaVinci Resolve, my first challenge was managing this warmth. If pushed too far, the image becomes "muddy" and orange; if cooled down, it loses its welcoming vibe. I used careful split-toning to keep the mid-tones (where the atmosphere lives) warm and golden, while subtly cooling the deep shadows to create color separation and depth. This ensures the gold decor glistens without tinting the entire image sepia.

Food Enhancements & Spices Indian cuisine relies on distinct spice colors—turmeric yellow, chili red, and saffron orange. I utilized secondary color corrections (HSL qualifiers) to target these specific hues on the plate. By boosting the luminance and saturation of the food independently of the environment, I ensured the dishes popped against the dark, moody tables settings. This creates immediate appetite appeal while maintaining the dramatic lighting of the venue.

Contrast & Polish To achieve the final "Cinematic" polish, I applied a soft roll-off to the highlights to handle the glare from the crystal chandeliers and cutlery. I deepened the black levels to create a sense of mystery and intimacy, essential for a luxury dining experience. The result is a cohesive, high-end look that feels both grand and inviting.