Acclaimed cinematographer, filmmaker and writer R. Chezhiyan passed away in Chennai on Friday after battling a prolonged illness. He was 57.
Chezhiyan had been receiving treatment at a private hospital in Taramani. His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from filmmakers, actors and cinema lovers, who remembered him for his artistic vision and realistic approach to filmmaking.
A native of Sivagangai, Chezhiyan initially pursued engineering before choosing a career in cinema. He trained under renowned cinematographer P. C. Sreeram before making his debut as an independent cinematographer with ‘Kalloori’ in 2007.
His body of work includes critically acclaimed films such as ‘Rettaisuzhi’, ‘Thenmerku Paruvakaatru’, ‘Paradesi’, ‘Magizhchi’ and ‘Joker’. His cinematography in ‘Paradesi’ earned international recognition, including the Best Cinematographer award at the London International Film Festival in 2013.
Chezhiyan later made a successful transition to direction with ‘To Let’, which won the National Film Award and received appreciation at international film festivals.
Beyond filmmaking, he was respected as an author and founder of a film school. His book ‘Ulaga Cinema’ introduced readers to influential works from world cinema and became a valuable resource for aspiring filmmakers and film enthusiasts. His passing marks the loss of a filmmaker whose work left a lasting impact on contemporary Tamil cinema.
