Soothing nature: Indian waterfalls
Cinematography and writing for Medicinal Media by Maitreya Kukarni
From a remote and magical natural landscape in India, Medicinal Media cinematographer Maitreya Kukarni brings us the seasonal Kataldhar waterfall.
Maitreya describes the process for us in his harrowing and inspiring report from the road:
I traveled to the scene by car, including 8-9 km off-road to the starting point of the trail. Driving was a bit challenging. I reached the last road by 5am and started hiking. With camera, tripod, lens, extra battery packs, and provisions, the total weight must have been 20 kg (44 lbs). Going in on an early weekday had an advantage for its isolation and quiet. That was also a risk factor if something happened to me while trekking.
Upon arrival, I set up my camera in the shade of a stone to prevent the misty winds from fogging the lens. I wrapped the camera with polythene to protect it from water. In mid-July, when I filmed, the monsoon was at its peak, but fortunately, there was no rain for the whole day. The wind was very strong, however, and was pushing the waterfall toward me. I was dripping wet within a few minutes of reaching the waterfall.
Already exhausted as I was just beginning to film, I thought I should eat my chicken and rice, but it was contaminated, and the nearest food stall would be an impossible 10km hike and 10km drive away. So, it would be a fasting day for me — no food, and also no digital distractions, as I was now also hours away from any reception. Eventually, and to my surprise, this pushed me to actually enjoy the moment… to feel present as I hadn’t in a long time. 100% natural, fresh, cold, wet therapy. We live in a world full of distractions. This experience gave me the chance to hear myself and process many thoughts which I had been running from.
