Ravi K. Chandran

Early life

Ravi was born as the 7th child in a Malayali family to Kunjan Pillai and Padmini Amma and was brought up in Maduranthakam. His eldest brother, cinematographer Ramachandra Babu, who went to the Pune Film Institute in the seventies was the major influence and inspiration for Ravi. Growing up in the 70s, amidst the new wave of French cinema, names like Truffaut and Gordard became familiar to Ravi when he was very young. Latter part time closet painter, Ravi joined his brother as an assistant cinematographer, learning the technical aspects of the job.

Career

In 1984, Ravi started his career working in Malayalam films as an assistant to his brother and cinematographer, Ramachandra Babu, and later with his friend, Rajiv Menon. He got his first break as a cinematographer in the Malayalam film Kilukkampetti and worked his way up until he shot the legendary Virasat (1997), which won many awards for Ravi. Since then there has been no looking back. He is a pioneer in using new equipment and cameras in the Indian film industry like the akila crane, kino flo lights, mole beams, hawk lenses, sky panels, celeb lights, and space lights. His work in Black (2005) was featured in an American cinematographer's magazine. Kodak international cinematographer calendar, and the cover of the ALEXA camera brochure.

His best-known works are Virasat, Dil Chahta Hai (2001), Kannathil Muthamittal (2002), Kannezhuthi Pottum Thottu, Black, Fanaa (2006), and Saawariya (2007). Ravi is also an ambassador for the Canon Cinema EOS.

Ravi's first Telugu film was with the Mahesh Babu starrer Bharat Ane Nenu. He later worked on Bheemla Nayak.

He has collaborated with director Mani Ratnam for the films like Kannathil Muthamittal, Aayutha Ezhuthu / Yuva (2004), and Thug Life (2025).

Directorial debut

Ravi's directorial debut was the 2014 Tamil film Yaan.

Personal life

Ravi is the younger brother of K. Ramachandra Babu, who himself is a noted cinematographer. He is married to Hemalata and currently resides in Mumbai with his two sons. One of his sons, Santhana Krishnan, also followed his father's footsteps as a cinematographer.

Filmography

As cinematographer

As director

Awards and nominations

;Filmfare Awards/Filmfare Awards South

• 1998: Best Cinematographer - Virasat
• 2002: Best Cinematographer – Tamil - Kannathil Muthamittal
• 2006: Best Cinematographer - Black

;Star Screen Awards

• 2002: Nominated, Star Screen Award for Best Cinematography - Dil Chahta Hai

;Zee Cine Awards

• 2004: Nominated, Zee Cine Award for Best Cinematography - Yuva
• 2004: Nominated, Best Cinematography - Calcutta Mail

;Vijay Awards

• 2011: Nominated, Vijay Award for Best Cinematography - 7 Aum Arivu

References

References

1. (2012-10-06). "Ravi K Chandran's Moroccan dreams". [[The Times of India]].
2. (2014-09-29). "Direction has been on my mind for long: Ravi K. Chandran".
3. "Creativity is a key for innovative cinema – Ravi K Chandran".
4. Dundoo, Sangeetha Devi. (3 March 2022). "Ravi K Chandran discusses the visual style of 'Bheemla Nayak' and how he tries to bring something new to a remake". The Hindu.
5. V, Harshini S.. (2024-06-21). "I Can't Even Drive A Car, But I Know How To Shoot Films: Ravi K Chandran".
6. Team, AnimationXpress. (2020-07-21). "Ravi K. Chandran on films, crew and the journey so far at AMS 2020 -".
7. S, Harikumar J.. (2020-07-22). "Cinematography is about telling stories: Ravi K Chandran". The Hindu.
8. "''Ravi K. Chandran''".
9. (2012-09-03). "Why ace cinematographer Ravi K Chandran turned director". rediff.com.
10. V, Harshini S.. (2024-06-21). "I Can't Even Drive A Car, But I Know How To Shoot Films: Ravi K Chandran".
11. (2014-09-30). "Ravi K Chandran Interview: The Master Of Light".
12. Subramanian, Karthik. (2011-10-29). "Fame by frame". The Hindu.
13. (12 March 2018). "A notable debut by Santhana Krishnan Ravichandran".
14. Subramanian, Anupama. (2018-10-09). "Ravi Chandran confirms Will Smith's Indian debut".
15. (2019-06-16). "Adithya Varma teaser: Dhruv Vikram looks convincing as the high-functioning alcoholic surgeon".
16. Galani, Sagar. (2020-05-05). "Mrs. Serial Killer: Unintentionally Funny".
17. (2020-08-16). "On David Dhawan's birthday, BTS pic from 'Coolie No 1' featuring Varun Dhawan-Sara Ali Khan in candid moment goes viral".
18. Anand, Shilpa Nair. (2021-10-06). "Cinematographer Ravi K Chandran turns Malayalam film director with ‘Bhramam’ starring Prithviraj". The Hindu.
19. Dundoo, Sangeetha Devi. (2022-03-03). "Ravi K Chandran discusses the visual style of ‘Bheemla Nayak’ and how he tries to bring something new to a remake". The Hindu.
20. (2024-12-13). "Cinematographer Ravi K Chandran international cast for Pawan Kalyan’s 'OG'". The Times of India.