A cinematographer, also known as a director of photography, is a key creative professional in the Indian film industry. The cinematographer is responsible for capturing the film’s visual language and works closely with the director to create a coherent visual narrative that supports the story being told. The cinematographer must have a thorough understanding of photographic equipment and lighting techniques, and a creative vision for using these tools to create a specific look for the film.
Filmmakers in India play a key role in producing films in multiple languages including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and others. Some of India’s most celebrated filmmakers have worked on cult films that have garnered national and international acclaim.
Here are some of the best cinematographers in India.
- Anil Mehta
Mehta is known for Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003), Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001) and Highway (2014). He is amongst the top 25 cinematographer in India. - K. K. Senthil Kumar
KK Senthil Kumar is known for RRR (2022), Baahubali: The Beginning (2015), Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017) and Eega (2012) - Sudeep Chatterjee
Sudeep Chatterjee is known for Brahmastra (2022), Bajirao Mastani (2015), Padmaavat (2018) and Let’s Go! India (2007). - Santosh Sivan
He is a cinematographer and director, known for Ashoka the Great (2001), Halo (1996) and The Terrorist (1998). - Ravi K. Chandran
He is an Indian cinematographer, and director known for his works in Tamil cinema, Malayalam cinema and Bollywood. He is amongst the top 25 cinematographer in India. He is the founding member of the Indian Society of Cinematographers (ISC). His most recognized works are Minsaara Kanavu (1997), Kandukondain Kandukondain (2000). - Sunil Patel
He is known for Bachna Ae Haseeno, Ready, Murder 3, Bang Bang and many others. He is amongst the top 25 cinematographer in India. - Ravi Varman
S. Ravi Varman, ISC (born 3 May 1972) is an Indian cinematographer, filmmaker, producer and writer. He has predominantly worked in films of Indian languages such as Tamil, Malayalam and Hindi. Known for his realistic and poetic framing sense, Ravi Varman began his career in Malayalam films. - Swapnil S. Sonawane
Swapnil is widely known for his work on Sacred Games, India’s first Netflix Original. He debuted with director Pan Nalin’s feature documentary Faith Connection. Swapnil then went on to work independently on popular documentary shows like Dewarists – Season One. He is amongst the top 25 cinematographer in India. - Binod Pradhan
Binod Pradhan is known for Devdas (2002), Color It Yellow (2006) and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013) - Jay Ojha
Jay Oza is known for Gully Boy (2019), Toofaan (2021) and Jodhaa Akbar (2008). He is amongst the top 25 cinematographer in India.
- C. Sreeram
P.C. Sreeram was born on January 26, 1956 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. He is a cinematographer and director, known for Nayakan (1987), 13B: Fear Has a New Address (2009) and Ishq (2012). - Rajiv Menon
Rajiv Menon, Founder of “Rajiv Menon Productions”, born in Kerala, joined the Film and Television Institute of Chennai in 1981, to study cinematography. In 1984, he went to America to train under cinematographer Garret Brown, best known for his invention of the Steadicam. - Tirru
S. Tirru is known for 24 (2016), Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007) and Kanchivaram (2008). - Nirav Shah
Nirav Shah is known for Dhoom 2 (2006), 2.0 (2018) and Dhoom (2004). - Manikandan
He is known for Main Hoon Na (2004), Anniyan (2005) and Om Shanti Om (2007). - D. Rajasekhar
R.D. Rajasekhar is known for Kaakha..Kaakha: The Police (2003), Imaikkaa Nodigal (2018) and Ghajini (2005). - Rajeev Ravi
Rajeev Ravi is an Indian cinematographer, director, and producer from Kochi, Kerala. He’s best known for his work in Hindi and Malayalam films.[1] After graduating from Film and Television Institute of India, Pune in 1997, he started his career by assisting in the Malayalam film, Pranayavarnangal (1998). He is amongst the top 25 cinematographer in India. - Avik Mukhopadhyay
Avik Mukhopadhyay is known for Sardar Udham (2021), Teenkahon (2014) and Gulabo Sitabo (2020). - Nikhil S. Praveen
Nikhil S. Praveen is an Indian cinematographer. The Kottayam native made his debut with the 2017 film Bhayanakam directed by Jayaraj for which he received Best Cinematography award at the 65th National Film Awards. He is amongst the top 25 cinematographer in India.
- Supratim Bhol
Supratim Bhol is an Indian cinematographer known for his works in Hindi cinema and Bengali cinema. Supratim graduated from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) and debuted as an independent cinematographer with the film Colours of Innocence (2016). - Girish Gangadharan
Girish Gangadharan ISC is an Indian cinematographer known for his work in Malayalam and Tamil films. He is the recipient of National Film Award for Best Cinematography[1] for his work in the 2019 film Jallikkattu. - Sudhir Palsane
Sudhir Palsane is known for Baby (2015), Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001) and M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016). - Ashish Vaidya
Ashish Vaidya is known for Tunka Tunka (2021), Batch 2013 (2022) and Rakkhosh (2019).
- R. Rathnavelu
R.Rathnavelu aka Randy is an acclaimed Indian cinematographer with a body of work that reflects his penchant for innovation and challenge. He is known for Enthiran. He is amongst the top 25 cinematographer in India.
- Jomon T. John
Jomon T. John is known for Charlie (2015), Ennu Ninte Moideen (2015) and Sooryavanshi (2021).
(Disclaimer): The intention of writing this article is to give recognition to some of the prominent cinematographers in India. The list is not in any particular order.
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