National award-winning Tamil director-cinematographer Chezhiyan dies at 57
National Award-winning cinematographer, director and writer R Chezhiyan died in Chennai on Friday after a prolonged illness. Colleagues, actors and fans remembered his realist cinema and lasting contribution to Tamil films.
National Award-winning cinematographer, filmmaker and writer R Chezhiyan died in Chennai on Friday after a prolonged illness. He was 57. Chezhiyan, known for a visual style rooted in realism and strong storytelling, was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Chennai's Taramani and died on Friday morning despite medical care.
Actors, fans and others from the film fraternity remembered his contribution to Tamil cinema in social media posts. Over the years, Chezhiyan built a reputation both behind the camera and in the director’s chair, with work that was widely noted for its realistic and emotionally grounded style.
Born in Sivagangai, Chezhiyan completed an engineering degree before following his passion for photography and cinema. He began his film career as an assistant to cinematographer PC Sreeram and made his debut as an independent cinematographer with Kalloori in 2007. He later worked on films including Rettaisuzhi, Thenmerku Paruvakaatru, Magizhchi, Paradesi and Joker, and went on to become one of the most admired technicians in Tamil cinema.
His work in director Bala’s Paradesi earned him the Best Cinematographer award at the London International Film Festival in 2013. He later moved into direction with To Let, which won the National Film Award and was also appreciated at several international film festivals.
Apart from filmmaking, Chezhiyan was also known as an author. His book Ulaga Cinema was popular among film students and cinema lovers. His writing introduced readers to world cinema, while his films reflected a commitment to realism, emotion and artistic honesty.
Condolences continued to pour in from the Tamil film industry, with many remembering him as a filmmaker dedicated to quality cinema.
National Award-winning cinematographer, filmmaker and writer R Chezhiyan died in Chennai on Friday after a prolonged illness. He was 57. Chezhiyan, known for a visual style rooted in realism and strong storytelling, was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Chennai's Taramani and died on Friday morning despite medical care.
Actors, fans and others from the film fraternity remembered his contribution to Tamil cinema in social media posts. Over the years, Chezhiyan built a reputation both behind the camera and in the director’s chair, with work that was widely noted for its realistic and emotionally grounded style.
Born in Sivagangai, Chezhiyan completed an engineering degree before following his passion for photography and cinema. He began his film career as an assistant to cinematographer PC Sreeram and made his debut as an independent cinematographer with Kalloori in 2007. He later worked on films including Rettaisuzhi, Thenmerku Paruvakaatru, Magizhchi, Paradesi and Joker, and went on to become one of the most admired technicians in Tamil cinema.
His work in director Bala’s Paradesi earned him the Best Cinematographer award at the London International Film Festival in 2013. He later moved into direction with To Let, which won the National Film Award and was also appreciated at several international film festivals.
Apart from filmmaking, Chezhiyan was also known as an author. His book Ulaga Cinema was popular among film students and cinema lovers. His writing introduced readers to world cinema, while his films reflected a commitment to realism, emotion and artistic honesty.
Condolences continued to pour in from the Tamil film industry, with many remembering him as a filmmaker dedicated to quality cinema.
