Directors
SANJAY SHETTY
Sanjay Shetty is the Founder, Director at Opticus INC. He has over two decades of experience in the field of direction. Ad-films directed by Sanjay Shetty has been among the finalists at Cannes Lions, winners at Promax-Asia Advertising Awards & Goa Abbey Awards.
Sanjay Shetty also won the National Film Award in the year 2005 for Marathi feature film ‘Uttarayan’ from former president Sri. APJ Abdul Kalam. Sanjay plans to direct his first Hindi feature length film in the near future.
Sanjay Shetty is passionate about fitness and martial arts. He has won the National Kick-Boxing Championship seven times in a row. He also won the World Title at the Mixed Martial Arts World Championship in 2005.
KARTHIK BHAT
Karthik Bhat graduated with a Master’s Degree in Filmmaking from the University of Bristol, U.K and right after worked as a Sound Engineer on the drama series Casualty, for the BBC. He then went on to work as a Sound Engineer and Sound Designer on season one of The Brian Jackson Show. After that, Karthik decided to come back to India and try his hand at Direction. Karthik started off by assisting in the direction department at Opticus INC in 2009.
Karthik’s quick-to-adapt mentality has him keeping pace with the new trends in filmmaking. Films he has directed have been shortlisted at Cannes Lions and have won Brand Equity Jury and Viewer Choice Awards in the recent past. He has directed memorable films for brands like Tanishq, Dunkin-Donuts, TVS Scooty, Britannia, Subway, Park Avenue, Dolby Atmos, McDonalds, Times Network and more.
SHARAN THOMAS
Sharan Thomas is a visionary producer and emerging director who left behind an engineering degree to follow his passion for filmmaking. Starting as an intern, he worked his way up to become an Assistant Director at Opticus INC, collaborating with acclaimed directors like Sanjay Shetty, Punit Malhotra, Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, and Nitesh Tiwari. Today, Sharan is a respected figure in the industry, having produced over 100 films for leading brands like P&G, Axis Bank, Star TV, Sony Entertainment, and more.
Sharan’s journey into directing has further amplified his creative vision, with collaborations that include brands like Olay, Aditya Birla Group, CoverStory, and PNB National Bank. His dedication to storytelling is evident in every project he takes on, from brand commercials to full-length feature films. One of his proudest career moments was producing the BRICS feature film “Half of the Sky,” which was showcased at the prestigious BRICS Film Summit.
A storyteller at heart, Sharan finds inspiration everywhere—from a bustling film set to a brainstorming session with some of the industry’s most innovative brands. Keep an eye on Sharan, because this is just the beginning.
SANDHYA DAISY SUNDARAM
Sandhya Daisy Sundaram, an acclaimed writer-director hailing from Mumbai, India, boasts a stellar career in the entertainment and advertising industries. A distinguished graduate of the esteemed Film and Television Institute of India, Sandhya has left an indelible mark with her versatile talents.
In the world of advertising, Sandhya is renowned for her unique style and innovative approach. She has lent her creative vision to an array of brands, including Whisper, Godrej, Maybelline, Rexona, MuscleBlaze, Too Yumm, and many more. From stylized commercials to soulful documentaries, her diverse portfolio showcases her ability to weave compelling narratives across various genres and formats.
Additionally, she has worked as a writer for esteemed studios like Eros International and Balaji Motion Pictures. Notably, she co-authored the critically acclaimed Applause-Hotstar Series, Criminal Justice Season 1.
SHARAT KATARIYA
Sharat Katariya is a visionary director renowned for his exceptional ability to infuse humor and heart into his projects, making him a master of creating memorable and engaging campaigns. With a career rooted in understanding the essence of storytelling, he has become synonymous with crafting commercials that resonate deeply with audiences.
Sharat’s creative genius lies in his talent for developing relatable and quirky characters that leave a lasting impression. He understands that in the realm of advertising, it’s the characters that drive connection and engagement. Through his keen observation of human behavior and his knack for wit, he brings these characters to life, making them the heart and soul of his campaigns.
His directorial debut, Dum Laga Ke Haisha (2015), stands as a testament to his storytelling prowess. This romantic comedy not only received widespread critical acclaim but also garnered several prestigious awards, including the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi. The film’s success not only cemented Sharat’s reputation as a director to watch but also showcased his ability to blend humor with poignant storytelling.
PUNIT MALHOTRA
Punit Malhotra’s name has seen a mercurial rise since his super hit debut feature film ‘I Hate Luv Storys’ starring Imran Khan and Sonam Kapoor. Punit has been in the spotlight ever since and by the looks of it he is destined to stay there. His filmography also includes ‘Gori Tere Pyaar Mein’ starring Imran Khan and Kareen Kapoor.
Punit’s work for brands such Pantene, Olay, Ariel, Whisper, Snapdeal amongst others has helped him cement his spot in the advertising world. He is young and vibrant and brings in a lot of energy and dynamism to the shoot floor. He specializes in directing films for lifestyle and fashion brands. His flair for storytelling is evident from the feature films that he has done in the past. He is comfortable working with the stars of our film industry and vice-versa.
KARTHIK BHAT
Karthik Bhat graduated with a Master’s Degree in Filmmaking from the University of Bristol, U.K and right after worked as a Sound Engineer on the drama series Casualty, for the BBC. He then went on to work as…
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SANJAY SHETTY
Sanjay Shetty is the Founder, Director at Opticus INC. He has over two decades of experience in the field of direction. Ad-films directed by Sanjay Shetty has been among the…
Read more
SHARAN THOMAS
Sharan Thomas, a visionary producer and emerging director, embarked on his journey in the world of filmmaking after leaving behind his engineering degree. Beginning humbly as an intern, Sharan ascended…
Read more
SANDHYA DAISY SUNDARAM
Sandhya Daisy Sundaram, an acclaimed writer-director hailing from Mumbai, India, boasts a stellar career in the entertainment and advertising industries. A distinguished graduate of the esteemed Film and Television Institute…
Read more
SHARAT KATARIYA
Sharat Katariya is a visionary director renowned for his exceptional ability to infuse humor and heart into his projects, making him a master of creating memorable and engaging campaigns. With…
Read more
PUNIT MALHOTRA
Punit Malhotra’s name has seen a mercurial rise since his super hit debut feature film ‘I Hate Luv Storys’ starring Imran Khan and Sonam Kapoor. Punit has been in the spotlight ever since…
Read more