Harshhik S Suraiya of Vanilla Films launches Studio Zuno

After nearly a decade of shaping some of India’s most memorable commercials, ad film director Harshhik S Suraiya is entering a new chapter, with a nameplate of his own. On August 1st, he officially launches Studio Zuno, a full-service production company based in Mumbai. With this move, Suraiya signals a renewed creative vision and an ambition to craft bold, distinctive narratives for brands that demand more than just noise.

Studio Zuno arrives with a clear mandate: to tell stories that are sharp, simple, and unforgettable. “In a world full of distractions, be sharp and simple,” Suraiya said, reflecting a creative philosophy that has guided his career, and one he now aims to institutionalise through Zuno.

Suraiya is no stranger to the advertising world. Over the past eight years, he has built a solid reputation as director and co-founder at Vanilla Films, delivering a portfolio that spans multiple industries and tone registers, from emotional storytelling to visually driven humour. Stepping down from Vanilla Films, with Zuno, Suraiya is going solo and diving into a more expansive role, which involves not just directing, but leading a creative ecosystem.

“The goal with Zuno is to create path-breaking work that feels fresh, something that blows people’s minds but also stays with them,” he explained. That balance between innovation and emotional resonance is what he hopes will differentiate the output of the studio, both within India and beyond.

Backing Suraiya on this new journey is long-time collaborator Milin Shah, who continues as producer on board. The creative duo is keen to build on their past synergy while embracing new formats and brand voices. While Studio Zuno, which has an incredible branding design created by Brijesh Parmar, is anchored in commercial advertising, Suraiya hints at future explorations that could include digital-first narratives and cross-cultural storytelling.

The timing could not be more apt. As agencies and brands look to cut through a fragmented, scroll-happy media environment, there is a growing appetite for production partners who can bring craft, clarity, and emotional intelligence to the table. Studio Zuno aims to fill that space with work that is as strategic as it is cinematic.

With the launch of Studio Zuno, Suraiya is doing more than just rebranding; he is reframing what it means to tell a powerful story in today's adscape. For marketers and creative leaders looking for a new yet familiar perspective, this studio could be the one to watch.