This filmmaker’s workspace in Mumbai echoes the raw, authentic flavour of his creations

Anomalia Studio LLP and Atelier X Architects have steered this narrative towards an impactful aesthetic using a striking colour and undulating forms.

Curated by: Rupali Sebastian
Photographs: Yadnyesh Joshi; courtesy Anomalia Studio & Atelier X Architects

This office serves as the headquarters for a film production house helmed by prolific writer, director and producer, whose filmography features authentic stories set in raw landscapes. The workspace resonates this identity and weaves a compelling story through the textural landscapes.

Approaching the 10th floor office, the transparency of the glass partition draws one’s gaze into the space and onto the sinuous panelling in the waiting lounge. The office basks in a deep mahogany colour forging an intriguing identity for the space. Originating at the bare ceiling slab, the deep mahogany colour gently trickles down onto the walls, storage units, screens and flooring.

The linearity of the space governs the layout of the functions. Tucked behind a perforated screen is the reception that looks onto the waiting area. The snug discussion table facilitates spontaneous conversations and brief one-on-one meetings. The micro-concrete finish of the flooring depicts a stark transition from light to dark grey, which further climbs the wall and creates well-defined zones within the office.

Clad in acoustical panelling, the editing room forms the powerhouse of the project, while the adjacent meeting room forms the heart as the hub for team meetings, screenplay discussions, auditions and dialogue rehearsals. The mahogany red-stained micro-concrete flooring infuses a touch of drama into the minimalist aesthetic. The grey terrazzo table top in the meeting room, workstations and cabins complement the textural palette of the space. Writable surfaces in the form of back-painted glass in the meeting room and workstation area encourage team-work and collaboration.

The director’s cabin, at the rear end of the office features grid panelling as a backdrop to the terrazzo desk. The office for the production house presents itself as a business card for the clients with an architecture that is expressive, opinionated and bold.

Fact file

Project: Mahogany Bay
Location: Mumbai
Area: 700 sq ft
Principal architects: Saumil Nagar (Atelier X Architects) and Bhakti V Loonawat and Suyash Sawant (Anomalia Studio LLP)