Meet Kalyan Sura | Writer/ Director/ VFX Supervisor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kalyan Sura and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kalyan, why did you pursue a creative career?
I would have loved to answer this question with a single word like PASSION or CALLING. But in all honesty, that wouldn’t even come close to telling half the story. So, buckle up for the long version…

Pursuing an artistic and creative path was not the result of a single defining moment but rather a series of experiences, encounters, and decisions made with blind faith that ultimately shaped my path. My journey could be traced back to various points in my life, whether it was being mesmerized as a 4-year-old by dinosaurs on the silver screen (eternally grateful to Spielberg!), or spooking myself with a horror story I wrote in middle school or teaching myself animation in college due to a lack of resources.

Storytelling has deep roots in my family. My paternal grandfather narrated the great Indian epic Mahabharata in village temples, and my mother wrote and directed plays during her college years before societal and financial pressures led her to abandon her creative aspirations. Growing up unaware of this heritage, I had the freedom to explore life without expectations, which eventually led me back to storytelling.

Raised in a middle-class family in Hyderabad, India, my childhood in the 90s coincided with the introduction of Cartoon Network, Hollywood movies, and video games into Indian households. As a kid, I filled school books with Pokémon drawings. I reimagined everyday events as scenes from Star Wars and visualized alternate, epic endings. My parents encouraged me to pursue engineering, a common aspiration at the time, but they also valued a well-rounded development that included extracurricular activities, arts, and sports. This blend of academics, video games, cartoons, sports, movies, public speaking, and creative writing competitions laid a diverse foundation for my interests.

My first foray into storytelling occurred in the 2nd grade when my essay about my mother moved my teacher deeply. This early recognition fueled my interest in creative writing, and by the 9th grade, I was representing my school in national creative writing contests. A brief stint in a children’s movie further ignited my passion, although I quickly realized my frustrations with the director (yes, I was a diva!) indicated a deeper desire to control the creative process myself.

In high school, the pressure to excel in math, physics, and chemistry overshadowed my creative pursuits, and after securing admission into one of the most coveted engineering colleges in India, I was en route to a promising future in engineering. That was when things took an ironic turn – while studying to be a Computer Science Engineer, I rediscovered my passion for the arts. I joined the Creative Activities Society, which became my home for four years of undergrad. I wrote, sketched, painted, created wax carvings, and modeled robots using soda cans – all of which aided in my wild creative exploration.

In my freshman year, I learned that my university offered an internship program with DreamWorks Animation, and I was hell-bent on landing it. That dream, however, seemed short-lived as I found animation classes ridiculously expensive and had no resources to fulfill the long list of prerequisites. I dabbled in microprocessors, robotics, and management studies, and in my junior year, to spend more time with my girlfriend (now spouse), I enrolled in her elective class which happened to be about Film Production. From the first day, I fell in love with the camera, the cut and the collaborative process of filmmaking. The class also reignited my passion for animation.
This time I decided to teach myself by following YouTube tutorials and eBooks. As our dorm rooms had sluggish internet connections, I spent my junior year slipping into various engineering labs with fast broadband, to stream Maya, After Effects, and Unity tutorials. Soon, I established myself as the best animator on campus. For my final project in the film class, my three-member team made a short film centered around food wastage in student messes. We shot for four days in wet fields, arid brick kilns, hostel kitchens, and neighboring villages to create a 7-minute film that I edited in After Effects. The film won a few awards, and more importantly, cemented my interest in storytelling.

In my final year, to create an easier path for animation enthusiasts, I instituted a non-credit course in “Fundamentals of 3D Animation,” becoming the first undergraduate instructor to do so. I started blogging, writing short stories, planning out Fantasy novels, and freelancing as an animator. Just before my DreamWorks interview, I suffered a severe injury, but I persevered and was selected for an internship in California. This experience, followed by a position at DreamWorks India, allowed me to work with top animators and further hone my skills. My love for game design and storytelling flourished during this time, leading me to create a 2D platformer and write a thriller novel.

I then decided to get formally trained in filmmaking and got admitted into the University of Southern California (USC). At USC’s famed School of Cinematic Arts, I wrote, directed, and supervised numerous projects, gaining invaluable experience and mentorship. My time there was marked by highs and lows, but the exposure to cutting-edge technology and diverse filmmakers enriched my journey. After a brief stint working on a feature film project in India, I returned to America to work on high-profile Hollywood projects like “Pokémon: Detective Pikachu,” “Men in Black: International,” and “Free Guy.” After working at the top of the VFX industry for several years, I channeled all my learnings into Writing and Directing personal stories across live-action and animation.

Soon, I was rewarded for backing myself. My short film “The Lie Game” became the first with an all-South-Asian cast to be distributed by DUST, Youtube’s largest sci-fi channel and my feature screenplay “Memory Lanes” achieved notable recognition. Winning the Netflix-backed Tasveer Film Fund for my short film “Dos Bros Force” was a significant milestone, highlighting my commitment to bringing authentic, diverse stories to the forefront.

My journey was not without its challenges – setbacks, rejections, and moments of self-doubt – but these moments forced me to confront my strengths, and weaknesses, and truly define my purpose. My family has been the single biggest source of hope, joy, and strength and my journey is a testament to their love.

I realize that pursuing a creative career wasn’t just about following my heart; it was about embracing my true self. It was about acknowledging the storyteller within me, who had been waiting patiently to emerge. As I often say, “Stories drive change.” But it’s not just about the stories we tell; it’s about the stories we live. Our lives are a canvas of experiences, emotions, and choices, waiting to be woven into a narrative that inspires and uplifts others. And that’s precisely why I persist on my artistic path – to create a body of work that leaves a lasting impact on my audience, and in doing so, finds its place in the annals of cinematic history.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art reflects the trajectory of my messy, beautiful life – my Indian roots, Western influences, and the intersection of art and science.

Growing up in South India, I was enchanted by the rich mythological tales of my culture and at the same time inspired by Hollywood movies and cartoons. Later, I moved to North India to study Computer Science and eventually landed in the US to pursue filmmaking. This journey, filled with wild, eclectic experiences, shaped my unique perspective. What sets me apart is my ability to channel these multifaceted experiences into authentic, culturally inspired narratives. My stories often touch on love, loss, identity, and memory – fundamental human experiences that transcend borders and cultures. I’m most proud of the way my art has evolved over time, allowing me to explore themes that are both deeply personal and universally relatable.

My professional journey hasn’t been easy. I’ve faced numerous challenges, from transitioning from a technical field to a creative one to navigating the complexities of cultural identity and representation in my work. Self-doubt fueled by rejection and financial uncertainty is a perpetual challenge. However, each obstacle taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, perseverance, and adaptability; I’ve learned that creativity and innovation are not mutually exclusive with discipline and hard work and that staying true to my artistic vision, though challenging, is incredibly rewarding.

One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned is the importance of embracing my dualities. As someone who has lived in multiple countries and cultures, I’ve often felt like an outsider looking in. But instead of trying to fit into a specific mold, I’ve learned to celebrate my differences and use them as a source of inspiration. This duality has allowed me to tap into a unique perspective that is both authentic and innovative.

Throughout my journey, I’ve been fortunate to have supportive people who have encouraged me to pursue my passions – the mentors who guided me, friends who believed in my abilities, and my family who are a constant source of strength and confidence. I’ve learned that surrounding yourself with positive influences is crucial to success.

As for what I want the world to know about my brand and story, it’s simple: I’m committed to creating art that inspires change. Through my films, I aim to spark meaningful conversations, challenge societal norms, and celebrate diversity in all its forms. My brand is built on the principles of empathy, inclusivity, and creativity, and I hope to inspire others to do the same.

Ultimately, my story is one of transformation – from an engineer to an artist, from a struggling writer to an award-winning filmmaker. It’s a testament to the power of perseverance, self-discovery, and the willingness to take risks. As I continue to grow as an artist, I’m excited to share my journey with others and inspire them to embark on their own path of creative exploration. After all, we are not just individuals telling stories; we represent thousands of untold voices across generations, cultures, and continents united by our love for art as a powerful tool for change.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
A day in LA, hhmm…

We’ll probably start the day with a trek to GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY, and follow it up with brunch in BURNBANK (some insane spots there). Then we’d slowly (thanks to LA traffic) make our way to HOLLYWOOD/ HIGHLAND and spend a few good hours there visiting the Dolby Theater, the TCL Chinese, the Walk of Fame, and all the glamor of LA. Grabbing a quick lunch or snack, we’ll make our way to VENICE beach, and then further down to SANTA MONICA for the sunset. We’ll probably end the day down in ARTESIA with some of the best BIRYANI in LA.

If It were a longer trip like a week, then we’d probably add – the LA BREA TAR PITS, GETTY MUSEUM, LACMA, A campus tour of USC (of course!), and the GROVE to our list.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the immense influence of my family, particularly my wife, who not only inspires me every day but was also the catalyst for my entry into the world of filmmaking.

I am also deeply grateful to my mentor, Michael Fink, whose unwavering support has been a constant source of guidance and encouragement throughout my journey in Hollywood.

Lastly, I would like to highlight two organizations that hold a special place in my heart: Tasveer and The Rickshaw Film Foundation. Both have not only supported me as an artist but also continue to champion the cause of South Asian creatives in the entertainment industry, providing opportunities for emerging talents like myself to thrive and showcase our unique perspectives.

Website: https://www.kalyansura.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jk.sura/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jksura/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sjkalyan/