The best 20 Cinematographers in Tamil Cinema
It was Thomas Edison who first patented the kinetoscope in 1891 which included nearly all the essential features of the modern cine - camera. Four years later, the Lumiere brothers launched the cinematographe, wherein films were projected onto a big screen. And in this manner, modern cinema was born. Cinematography is the art of making films and it is the cinematographer's job to bring the director's vision to life. As an art form, cinematography has taken huge technological strides and making magic on the screen with the help of a camera has never been easier or more exciting. Our cinematographers have the distinction of being able to hold their own with the best from around the globe.
Let us take a look at the current top 20 cinematographers in Tamil.
Rankings based on:
- Past projects
- Future projects
- Market value
- National acclaim
20. MS Prabhu
Ayan and Ek Deewana Tha are recent examples of the fine work executed by MS Prabhu. He will wield his magic again for Gautham Menon's Neethane En Ponvasantham.
19. Arthur A Wilson
Arthur A Wilson has had quite a run in Kollywood. Naan Kadavul, Imsai Arasan 23am Pulikesi and Anbe Sivam are few of his highly appreciated projects.
18. Sakthi Saravanan
He is a regular in Venkat Prabhu's team and has proved his proficiency in Saroja, Goa and Mankatha. He presently has Venkat Prabhu's Biriyani in hand.
17. PS Vinod
PS Vinod has done some stellar work which is evident in his films - Raktha Charithra, Aaranya Kaandam and the Telugu movie Panjaa. His next project is Ajith's upcoming movie with Vishnuvardhan. Aaranya Kaandam in particular really boosted this cinematographer to the next level.
16. NK. Ekambaram
Ekambaram, who shot to fame with his work in Iyarkai has been behind the lens for Jananathan's E, Susi Ganesan's Kandasamy and many more commercial extravaganzas. He is presently working on a couple of Hindi films.
15. Balasubramaniam
Balasubramaniam's cinematography in Nootrenbathu came in for a lot of praise. The Rules Kidayaadhu song was an amazing piece of work particularly. He also did the cinematography for 2012's biggest hit till date, OKOK.
14. Madhi
Madhi has done some good work in the course of his career. Veyil, Paiyaa, Naan Mahan Alla and Shaitan are particularly noteworthy.
13. Velraj
Velraj grabbed eyeballs with his excellent cinematography in films like Aadukalam, Engeyum Eppothum and 3. Naan Rajavaga Pogiren is his next venture. His association with Vetrimaaran has been mutually beneficial for both.
12. Manoj Paramahamsa
Films like Eeram, Vinnaithaandi Varuvaya, Nadunisi Naaygal and Nanban boast the excellent cinematography of Manoj Paramahamsa. Currently he is in a small break.
11. Tirru
Tirru made a name for himself recently with Kanchivaram, Tezz and Aakrosh. He has also been roped in for Krrish 3. He was first noted in the early part of the 21st century for Kamal films like Hey Ram and Aalavandhan.
10. Ravi Varman
Ravi Varman is a cinematographer par excellence and films like Dasavatharam, Autograph, Vettaiyadu Vilaiyadu established his dominance in the field. Barfee starring Ranbir Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra and Ileana is his current project. The trailer has already made a huge buzz thanks to Ravi's delightful frames.
9. Ramji
Ramji made an impact with his camera work in Ameer films like Raam, Paruthiveeran and also in Selvaraghavan films such as Aayirathil Oruvan and Mayakkam Enna. His next film is Irandam Ulagam again with Selvaraghavan.
8. Rathnavelu
Rathnavelu is one of the leading cinematographers in the South and he has worked on projects like Vaaranam Aayiram and Enthiran. Upcoming projects for Rathnavelu are David and Haridas.
7. R.D. Rajasekhar
Rajasekhar has done some fine work in blockbuster films like Minnale, Kaakha Kaakha, Ghajini and more recently the action packed Billa 2.
6. Nirav Shah
In recent years, Nirav Shah has gained a reputation for excellence and his work in blockbuster films like Dhoom, Dhoom 2, Pokkiri, Madrasapattinam, and Deiva Thirumagal has won him accolades. Shah is working on Thaandavam currently.
5. V Manikandan
V Manikandan won acclaim for his cinematography in Om Shanthi Om, Main Hoon Na, Ra One, Raavan, and Anniyan. The Tamil industry expects more from this promising DOP. Hope he does more projects here.
4. Ravi K Chandran
Ravi K Chandran is a veteran cinematographer and has been churning out exemplary work since 1992. He is truly a Pan - Indian artiste as he has established himself in the regional languages as well as in Bollywood. His enviable resume includes Koi Mil Gaya, Black, Ghajini and My Name is Khan. Currently he is directing a film titled Yaan with Jiiva in the lead.
3. Rajiv Menon
Rajiv Menon is famed for his innovative cinematography. His best work is evident in films like Bombay and Guru. Upcoming films include biggies like Kochadaiyaan and Kadal. The ace cinematographer is also known for his aesthetic direction skills.
2. Santosh Sivan
Santosh Sivan needs no introduction as his impressive body of work speaks for itself and his ability to weave magic with his lens is the stuff of legend. As a cinematographer he has won four National awards for his films - Dil Se, Iruvar, Kaalapaani, and Perumthachan. The ace cinematographer is currently cranking the camera for Vijay's Thuppakki.
1. PC Sreeram
PC Sreeram is considered by many to be one of the best cinematographers in the business. He has won the National award for Nayagan. His next big project is I with Shankar and Vikram. His minimal use of light is his calling-card and he has given rise to a whole bunch of talented DOPs in the Indian film industry.



























