Guru Dutt's 'Kaagaz Ke Phool' (1959) is famed for its pioneering cinematography. Which specific lighting technique, masterfully employed by V.K. Murthy, became synonymous with the film's melancholic mood and characteristically dark, atmospheric visuals, setting a new benchmark for Indian cinema?
Correct: B
V.K. Murthy, Guru Dutt's long-time collaborator, extensively used 'chiaroscuro lighting' in 'Kaagaz Ke Phool'. This technique, characterized by strong contrasts between light and dark, usually bold contrasts affecting a whole composition, was crucial in creating the film's deeply melancholic and dramatic visual style, mirroring the protagonist's inner turmoil and the film's sombre themes. It set a new standard for artistic cinematography in Indian cinema.