Meet Ujjwal Bhatnagar, FX Artist at Atomic Arts India.
With a keen eye for detail and a deep love for cinematic chaos — fire, water, smoke, and destruction — he breathes life into every scene he touches.
His journey into FX was driven by a fascination with how the impossible becomes believable on screen. What sets him apart isn’t just the tools he uses, but the intent behind every element he creates — always aiming to support the story, never just for spectacle. Calm, curious, and quietly brilliant, Ujjwal is a core part of the magic that happens behind the scenes at Atomic.
How did you get started in the field of visual effects?
Back in college, I was fascinated by Hollywood movies and the incredible visual effects behind them. That fascination turned into a passion, leading me straight into the world of VFX.
The main values of Atomics are creativity, innovation, collaboration and compassion. Which one do you most identify with?
Creativity and collaboration, hands down! FX is all about bringing a creative vision to life, and working as a team helps refine ideas and push boundaries.
How do you keep morale high on tough days? Any secret rituals or activities?
I remind myself why I chose VFX in the first place. Looking back at my progress and past projects always keeps me motivated.
Favorite work ritual?
I start my day by planning my tasks, it helps me stay focused and efficient.
If you had to name a colleague who inspires you, who would it be?
There are so many, but if I had to pick one—it’s Prathamesh Wayangankar. His dedication and innovative approach to FX are truly inspiring.
If you had a magic wand for one day, what’s one thing you would change about your job?
I’d make FX simulations and render instantaneously,no more waiting for hours!
Can you tell us about one of your favorite shots? Why is it so special to you, and how did you contribute to it?
One of my most memorable shots was from The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare—a ship burning and sinking into the ocean. It was my first big production shot, and I was responsible for all the FX elements. A challenging but memorable experience!
What is something about you that people might be surprised to know?
I originally wanted to pursue a completely different career. But once I discovered VFX, I knew this was where I belonged.
What do you like most about Bangalore/Mumbai/London?
Mumbai is a VFX hub! The energy and opportunities here make it an amazing place to grow in the industry.
Outside of your work in the VFX industry, what are some of your hobbies or interests?
I love watching VFX-heavy movies and have a deep interest in finance and investment strategies.
What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had or the strangest thing that has happened to you at work?
I once spent weeks refining a shot, going through multiple supervisor corrections. Then, out of nowhere, the client review came in, and the shot got cut. It was a strange and unexpected lesson in the learning of this industry!
Describe our office culture using only movie titles.
Mission: Impossible sounds perfect because we make the impossible happen every day!
What is your most favourite Superhero character? If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?
Iron Man, his intelligence and creativity are unmatched! If I had a superpower, I’d love to control both my mind and time, creating extraordinary things with just my thoughts.
What’s the funniest or most memorable mistake you’ve made at work?
Once while rushing for my hometown but before leaving I submitted two low-res FX sims and set a high-res sim to run overnight (without checking the details). The next day, I got a call: the sim was still running, and the system had crashed!
Lesson learned: always double-check before hitting “run.”
Describe our approach to deadlines using a movie title.
Fast & Furious because things really speed up as deadlines approach!
If you could switch jobs with anyone in the company for a day, who would it be and why?
I’d love to step into the role of my 3D HOD for a day, just to understand the pressure and responsibilities they handle.
Lesson learned: always double-check before hitting “run.”