Ravi K. Chandran is an Indian cinematographer and film director who predominantly works in Hindi, Malayalam, and Tamil-language cinema.[1][2] His career began in 1991 with the Malayalam film Kilukkampetti. He is the founding member of the Indian Society of Cinematographers (ISC) and has won two Filmfare Awards and one Southern Filmfare Award.[3][4]
Ravi K. Chandran | |
|---|---|
 Chandran in November 2012 | |
| Born | 1960 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation(s) | Director of Photography, Film Director |
| Years active | 1992 - present |
| Relatives | Ramachandra Babu (brother) |
Early life
editRavi was born as the 7th child in a Malayali family to Kunjan Pillai and Padmini Amma and was brought up in Maduranthakam. His eldest brother, cinematographer Ramachandra Babu, who went to the Pune Film Institute in the seventies was the major influence and inspiration for Ravi. Growing up in the 70s, amidst the new wave of French cinema, names like Truffaut and Gordard became familiar to Ravi when he was very young. Latter part time closet painter, Ravi joined his brother as an assistant cinematographer, learning the technical aspects of the job.[5]
Career
editIn 1984, Ravi started his career working in Malayalam films as an assistant to his brother, cinematographer, Ramachandra Babu ISC and later with his friend Rajiv Menon. He got his first break as a cinematographer in a Malayalam film Kilukkampetti and worked his way up until he shot the legendary Virasat which won many awards for Ravi. Since then there has been no looking back. He is a pioneer in using new equipment and cameras in the Indian film industry like the akila crane, kino flo lights, mole beams, hawk lenses, sky panels, celeb lights, and space lights. His “BLACK" movie was featured in an American cinematographer's magazine. Kodak international cinematographer calendar, and the cover of the ALEXA camera brochure.[citation needed]
His best-known works are Virasat, Dil Chahta Hai, Kannathil Muthamittal, Kannezhuthi Pottum Thottu, Black, Fanaa, and Saawariya.[6][7] Ravi is also an ambassador for the Canon Cinema EOS.[8]
Ravi's first Telugu film was with the Mahesh Babu starrer Bharat Ane Nenu. He later worked on Bheemla Nayak.[4]
He has collaborated with director Mani Ratnam for the films like Kannathil Muthamittal, Aayutha Ezhuthu, Yuva and now is working on Thug Life (2024 film).[8]
Directorial debut
editPersonal life
editRavi is the younger brother of K. Ramachandra Babu, who himself is a noted cinematographer.[10] He is married to Hemalata and currently resides in Mumbai with his two sons. One of his sons, Santhana Krishnan, also followed his father's footsteps as a cinematographer.[11]
Filmography
editAs cinematographer
editAs director
edit| Film | Year | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yaan | 2014 | Tamil | Directorial debut |
| Bhramam | 2021 | Malayalam | Remake of Andhadhun |
Awards and nominations
edit- 1998: Best Cinematographer - Virasat
- 2002: Best Cinematographer – Tamil - Kannathil Muthamittal
- 2006: Best Cinematographer - Black
- 2002: Nominated, Star Screen Award for Best Cinematography - Dil Chahta Hai
- 2004: Nominated, Zee Cine Award for Best Cinematography - Yuva
- 2004: Nominated, Best Cinematography - Calcutta Mail
- 2011: Nominated, Vijay Award for Best Cinematography - 7aum Arivu
References
edit- ^ "Ravi K Chandran's Moroccan dreams". The Times of India. 6 October 2012. Archived from the original on 30 October 2012. Retrieved 26 November 2012.
- ^ "Direction has been on my mind for long: Ravi K. Chandran". The Indian Express. 29 September 2014. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
- ^ "Creativity is a key for innovative cinema – Ravi K Chandran". opinionexpress.in. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
- ^ a b c Dundoo, Sangeetha Devi (3 March 2022). "Ravi K Chandran discusses the visual style of 'Bheemla Nayak' and how he tries to bring something new to a remake". The Hindu – via www.thehindu.com.
- ^ Team, AnimationXpress (21 July 2020). "Ravi K. Chandran on films, crew and the journey so far at AMS 2020 -". Retrieved 1 February 2023.
- ^ "Ravi K. Chandran". Sify. Archived from the original on 24 October 2003. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
- ^ "Why ace cinematographer Ravi K Chandran turned director". rediff.com. 3 September 2012. Retrieved 26 November 2012.
- ^ a b V, Harshini S. (21 June 2024). "I Can't Even Drive A Car, But I Know How To Shoot Films: Ravi K Chandran". www.filmcompanion.in. Archived from the original on 6 July 2024. Retrieved 6 July 2024.
- ^ "Ravi K Chandran Interview: The Master Of Light". Silverscreen India. 30 September 2014. Retrieved 6 July 2024.
- ^ Subramanian, Karthik (29 October 2011). "Fame by frame". The Hindu. Chennai, India.
- ^ "A notable debut by Santhana Krishnan Ravichandran". The New Indian Express. 12 March 2018.
- ^ Features, C. E. (6 September 2024). "Siju Wilson and Balu Varghese's Pushpaka Vimanam gets a release date". Cinema Express. Retrieved 7 September 2024.