The setting of a film is not just where the story takes place—it shapes the mood, influences character decisions, and impacts the plot. A well-crafted setting makes the audience feel like they are part of the world, helping them connect with the story on a deeper level.

Think of the setting as an invisible storyteller—it doesn’t speak, but it guides the audience’s emotions, expectations, and experiences throughout the film.

Before writing a story, it’s important to establish where and when it happens. The setting should be:

✔ Specific: Is it set in a big city, a small town, or a remote village? Does it take place in a single house, across multiple locations, or in different time periods?

✔ Detailed: The more vivid the world, the more immersive the story becomes. What does the place look like? What kind of people live there? What is the weather like?

✔ Time-Relevant: A film set in the 1970s will have a different tone compared to a film set in the present day. Time influences culture, technology, and even the way characters interact with each other.

By defining these aspects, the setting becomes more than just a background—it becomes a key part of the story.

The setting should not feel like a separate element—it should naturally influence the events of the story. The way characters behave, the obstacles they face, and the choices they make are often shaped by their surroundings.

For example, a character living in a crowded city might experience constant noise, chaos, and opportunities, whereas a character in a quiet, isolated village might deal with loneliness, lack of resources, and a slower pace of life.

A strong setting can also introduce conflicts and challenges. If a story takes place in an area controlled by corrupt officials, the main character may struggle to seek justice. If the film is set in an unfamiliar or dangerous environment, the protagonist may have to find ways to survive.

In this way, the setting is not just where the story happens—it actively shapes what happens.

For a film to stand out, its setting should feel fresh and engaging. This doesn’t mean it has to be a completely new location—it can be a familiar place shown in a new or unexpected way.

✔ Adding Personality to the Location: Even a simple setting, like a small café or a narrow street, can feel special if it has unique details—like a musician playing outside every evening or an old man who always sits by the window.

✔ Creating a Mood: A setting can influence the emotional tone of the film. A brightly lit, colorful town might make a story feel warm and hopeful, while a dark, abandoned house might create tension and mystery.

✔ Making It Feel Real: The best settings feel lived-in—places where people have real routines, habits, and traditions. The more authentic a setting feels, the easier it is for the audience to believe in the story.

A great setting does more than just hold the story—it breathes life into it. It influences emotions, builds atmosphere, and adds meaning to the characters’ experiences.

Before finalizing a setting, ask yourself:

✔ Would the story feel the same if it took place somewhere else?

✔ Does the setting help create challenges or opportunities for the characters?

✔ Will the audience remember this world even after the film ends?

If the answer is yes, then you have created a setting that is truly powerful and meaningful.

Location: Pune – A City of Contrasts

The story unfolds in Pune, a city blending old-world charm with urban modernity. Pune isn't the obvious choice for a dark thriller—and that's precisely why it works. Its familiar yet unpredictable nature, rich with art, music, and quiet sophistication, creates the perfect backdrop for a story about hidden truths.

The setting of Andhadhun masterfully juxtaposes contrasts—light against dark, elegance against violence, reality against illusion.

✔ Daytime Pune radiates safety and artistry—mirroring Akash's life before the murder.

✔ Nighttime Pune descends into a shadowy realm of crime and deception.

✔ Indoor Spaces become stages—where Akash performs blindness while others perform innocence.

✔ The Piano serves as both sanctuary and witness to murder.

Like Andhadhun's narrative itself, Pune presents a deceptively simple facade that masks layers of hidden secrets. 🎹🔪