Renowned cinematographer Anand Krishnan, popularly known as Babu, passed away at the age of 88 due to age-related health issues. He breathed his last at a private hospital in Chennai, where he had been undergoing treatment.
Babu was one of Tamil cinema’s leading cinematographers during the 1970s and 1980s. He worked extensively with legendary actors including M.G. Ramachandran (MGR), Sivaji Ganesan, Rajinikanth, and Kamal Haasan. He is especially remembered for his long-standing collaboration with director S.P. Muthuraman, having worked on 45 of his films.
Some of his most iconic works include ‘Murattu Kaalai,’ ‘Paayum Puli,’ ‘Sakalakala Vallavan,’ and ‘Thoongathey Thambi Thoongathey.’ His cinematography played a vital role in defining the visual language of commercial Tamil cinema during his era.
Babu’s notable collaborations with Rajinikanth include ‘Priya,’ ‘Murattu Kaalai,’ ‘Sri Raghavendra, ‘Aarilirunthu Arubathu Varai,’ ‘Nallavanukku Nallavan,’ ‘Paayum Puli,’ ‘Pudhu Kavithai,’ ‘Kazhugu,’ and ‘Pokkiri Raja.’ He also worked on Kamal Haasan’s popular films such as ‘Sakalakala Vallavan’ and ‘Thoongathey Thambi Thoongathey.’
Apart from Tamil, Babu also contributed to Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi cinema. His last film as a cinematographer was the 2001 devotional film ‘Thaali Kaatha Kaali Amman.’
He lived with his family in Abhiramapuram, Chennai. He is survived by his two sons, Vishwanath and Sridhar. Members of the film industry have expressed their condolences over his passing, paying tribute to his legacy and contribution to Indian cinema.