Behind The Glitter ✨ Maruti Unkal - Team Lead

Get ready to dive into the magical world of Thelma the Unicorn through the eyes of Maruti Unkal, Team Lead from Bangalore!

Can you introduce yourself and elaborate on your role in Thelma the Unicorn?

I’m Maruti Unkal, and I had the pleasure of working as the character modeler and blend shape artist for Thelma the Unicorn. My role involved bringing our characters to life in 3D, making sure they looked stunning from every angle and could express a full spectrum of emotions. It was an amazing experience to bring such vibrant characters to life!

Did you read the book before working on the film?

I did not have the chance to read the book initially, but once I found out I would be working on the project, I eagerly immersed myself in gathering all the information I could find online. I explored summaries, watched numerous YouTube videos, and quickly fell in love with the narrative and its characters. The more I learned, the more excited I became to bring this magical world to life.

What were the main artistic and technical challenges?

The main artistic challenge was accurately translating 2D concept art into a 3D model while preserving the character’s distinctive traits and personality. Additionally, it involved creating facial blend shapes to ensure the characters were expressive and lifelike.

What is your favorite character and sequence?

My favourite characters are Otis and Reggie. Otis is the epitome of a true friend, believing in and supporting Thelma just as she is, while Reggie’s innocence adds a special charm. As for my favourite sequence, it’s definitely “Fire Inside”. That scene truly ignites the fire within, capturing the essence of determination and passion.

A final word?

have always dreamed of working in the movie industry, and Thelma the Unicorn was my first opportunity to make that dream a reality. I was incredibly excited to be part of this project. It was challenging but also immensely fun, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

I want to extend my gratitude to every member from Montreal, Bangalore, and Paris who worked on this project. From the creatives to the leads, supervisors, and production team, everyone played an indispensable role in bringing this project to life.

Fun Fact: While working on the film, I had a vivid dream where Thelma was singing a song in my mother tongue, Kannada! This dream left a strong impression on me and even inspired some of the creative decisions I made during the project.