15 Great Cinematographers of Tamil Cinema

Today is the World Photography Day and here we bring you the memories of 15 Great Cinematographers of Tamil Cinema who made us understand and explore the art of photography. (We have excluded the legends of the Black & White and Eastman Colour era).

Balu Mahendra

Balu Mahendra is one of the few complete film technicians of Tamil cinema. Before becoming a filmmaker he has done cinematography for many films in Malayalam. Telugu and Tamil languages. He is also the cinematographer of all the film she has directed. He is hailed for bringing out the best visuals with natural lights. Most memorable works- 'Mullum Malarum','Moodu Pani', 'Moondram Pirai'

Ashok Kumar

Ashok Kumar is a National Award winning cinematographer of the 1970s and 1980s era. He was active until late 1990s. He was the go to man for director Mahendran and he has also worked with many other path-breaking directors such as Sridhar, K.Bhagyaraj, Pandiyarajan and P.Vasu. He has also worked with Shankar in 'Jeans'Most memorable works- .'Nenjathai Killadhe' (National Award), 'Johny', 'Jeans'

P.C.Sreeram

Generations of Tamil cinema lovers learned the vitality of cinematography primarily because of this man. He is the first cinematographer from South India to achieve Pan-Indian glory and till date he is one of the most relevant and revered cinematographers in the Indian film industry. More importantly many of today's leading cinematographers were his former proteges. Most memorable works- 'Nayagan' (National Award), 'Alaipayuthey', 'I'

Santhosh Sivan

Santhosh Sivan is the most awarded cinematographer of India. He has won four National Awards for cinematography which is an unbroken record. He has worked with all leading filmmakers in multiple languages across the country. He has carved a niche in commercial as well as off-bear films. He is also the founder member of Indian Society of Cinematographers.Most memorable works- 'Kalapani' (National Award). 'Iruvar' (National Award)', 'Inam'

Thangar Bachan

Before making his directorial debut with 'Azhagi', Thangar Bachan was one of the leading cinematographers of Tamil cinema. He mainly worked in rural subjects and commercial films and he was one of the best in bringing the rural flavour to Tamil films through his natural lights. He also worked on the Biopics Bharathi and Periyar both directed by Gnanarajasekharan. Most memorable works- 'Moghamul', 'Kadhal Kottai', 'Pandavar Bhoomi'

Jeeva

Jeeva is the first person to emerge from P.C.Sreeram's camp. In late 90s and early 2000s he ruled the film industry as a leading cinematographer and predominantly worked in mainstream commercial films with leading directors and heroes. Later he became a director and confined his art with lens for the films he directs. In 2007 he passed away and it is an irreparable loss for Tamil film industry. Most memorable works- 'Indian', 'Aasai', 'Sachien'

Thiru

Having been introduced by Kamal Haasan and worked with the legend in three films including Kamal's official directorial debut 'Hey Ram' is enough to understand the importance as a technician and capability as a lensman. Thiru has also won a National award for his recent work '24' and he is currently part of the ambitious historical fantasy film 'Sangamithra'.Most memorable works- Hey Ram, Lesa Lesa, 24 (National Award),

Rajeev Menon

Rajeev Menon is a technician who has made it to the elite list of great cinematographers with very less number of films. He made his debut in 1991 and till date has done cinematographer for just six films. Out of them, three are with one of India's greatest filmmaker Mani Ratnam. That would speak volumes about his craft. Most memorable works- 'Bombay', 'Guru', 'Kadal'

Ravi.K.Chandran

Ravi.K.Chandran is a cinematographer who is a pioneer in improving the visual quality of films. He is known for presenting a normal scene with immense beauty by his selection of visuals. He is now one of the busiest cinematographers in Bollywood. Most memorable works- ;Kandukondein Kandukondein', 'Kannathil Muthamittal', Black'

Ravi Varman

Ravi Varman and Ravi K.Chandran came into film industry around the same period. Ravi Varman also deserves equal credit for improving the visual standards in Tamil cinema. He is now one of the most sought after cinematographers in Bollywood and he is a technician sought after by leading filmmakers

Today is the World Photography Day and here we bring you the memories of 15 Great Cinematographers of Tamil Cinema who made us understand and explore the art of photography.