Directed by Raw Mango founder Sanjay Garg, the film captures the spirit of Diwali through light, dance and Indian textile traditions
India | Nov 06: Apple launches “Step Into the Light,” a new Shot on iPhone film created for Diwali in collaboration with Raw Mango, a contemporary Indian fashion brand best known for its innovations, sharp cultural commentary and deeply considered takes on Indian textiles. The film was shot entirely on iPhone 18 Pro.
Directed by Raw Mango founder Sanjay Garg, the film captures how India looks during the festival of light, set at Tijara Fort, a restored 19th-century royal palace in Rajasthan. Actor Juhi Chawla also features in the film, adding to its celebration of Diwali through light, dance and Indian cultural expression.
“Diwali, for me, is the biggest festival of the year,” says Sanjay Garg, founder of Raw Mango. “It represents a change in weather where we welcome winter in the company of people we love.”
Built around the refrain of a folk interpretation of Anu Malik’s iconic ’90s song “roop suhana lagta hai” (“this form looks beautiful”), the film celebrates light on the year’s darkest night. Through dance, it captures the move from darkness into light, stepping out in your most vibrant, beautiful form.
Founded in 2008 by textile designer Sanjay Garg, Raw Mango creates conversations in textile and culture through saris, garments, experiences, spaces and objects. The collaboration comes as the brand steps onto the global stage, following its first international runway show at London Fashion Week earlier this year. The wardrobe brings together textile traditions from across the subcontinent, from Mashru to Varanasi brocades to Chanderi in hues that harmonize with the colors of the iPhone 18 Pro.
With light at the centre of Diwali, the film was shot in low light to showcase the most advanced camera Apple has ever made. The 48MP Fusion Main camera on iPhone 18 Pro brings variable aperture to iPhone for the first time, with six laser-cut blades that automatically adjust for depth of field and lighting. Combined with a new sensor, it delivers better low-light photography, intelligently widening the aperture to ƒ/1.48 for impressive low-light shots. Smart focus tracking locks onto each performer and keeps them in sharp focus as they move through highly synchronised choreography by the Big Dance Centre troupe, blending traditional and contemporary elements.
Smart focus tracking uses on-device intelligence to let you lock onto a performer and keep them in focus, even if they leave and re-enter the frame as they move through highly synchronised choreography by the Big Dance Centre troupe, which blends traditional and contemporary elements.
The film debuts November 4 on Apple’s global Instagram and Apple India’s YouTube channel, ahead of Diwali. A behind-the-scenes film, available 11.4 on Instagram Stories, shows Garg at work on set using iPhone 18 Pro.
