CHENNAI — Famous Tamil camera operator and director R Chezhiyan passed away on Friday morning. He died at a private hospital in Chennai after a long illness. He was 57 years old.
Chezhiyan was well known across Indian cinema for his realistic visual style. He helped create a raw, natural look for modern Tamil films. His work inspired many young directors who wanted to avoid flashy commercial styles.
The filmmaker grew up in Sivagangai. He originally studied engineering but changed paths to follow his love for photography. He started his film career as an assistant to legendary camera master P.C. Sreeram. Later, he made his solo debut with the 2007 movie Kalloori.
Over his career, he worked on major films like Thenmerku Paruvakaatru and Joker. His beautiful camera work on the movie Paradesi won him an international award in London.
Chezhiyan also directed the acclaimed drama To Let. This movie won a prestigious National Film Award and played at many festivals worldwide.
Beyond making movies, he was an accomplished author. His popular book Ulaga Cinema helped Tamil readers learn about international films. Today, many film industry colleagues and fans are sharing tributes online to honor his memory and lasting impact.
