It is no exaggeration that cinematography, as a distinct art and department, has gained attention and recognition after the advent of Bharathiraja, who revolutionised the visual grammar in cinema. Expressing his gratitude to the deceased legend, cinematographer Ravi Varman said that if not for Bharathiraja, it would not have been possible for him to nurture his tinseltown dreams. "I think he is the first Tamil filmmaker to have popularised the breed of cameraman and cinematographer. I am forever indebted to Bharathiraja sir for that. I too hail from a modest village. It is his success that gave wings to my dreams. I started growing a taste for visual arts watching his films."

Ravi goes on to add that it was Bharathiraja he first wanted to meet upon his arrival in Chennai,, and that when he became a cinematographer, he said little did he know that Bharathiraja was following his work. "I wanted to meet him for a very long time, but for so many reasons, it did not happen. On one fine day, after the release of Ranbir Kapoor's Barfi! I got a call. It was from Bharathiraja sir. As though we knew each other for a very long time, his first words were 'Dei Ravi yaarra nee? Engada irundha ivalo naala' with so much affection. Only then did I realise that he was following my work all along. Another great quality in him is that he respects technicians and considers a Tamil technician winning laurels in a non-Tamil industry as a personal accomplishment."

Ravi carries the regret of not being able to work in a film helmed by Bharathiraja, as he was very close to collaborating with the legend. "This is the biggest regret I carry in my film career. After we met following his call, he congratulated me on Barfi! We met regularly, and he was keen on adding me to his ambitious film Kutra Parambarai, as he felt I was technically sound and at the same time familiar with the milieu. But he decided to move to Annakodiyum Kodiveeranum (Annakodi). I also wanted to work on that, but Bharathiraja sir said he wanted me in a bigger and grander film like Kutra Parambarai. But unfortunately, that didn't happen," he says as he goes on further to add he has a big grouse with Bharathiraja not getting his due in the Indian film industry. "He has done it all. He revolutionised cinema. But I am not satisfied with the respect and recognition he is currently accorded. He has not accomplished or contributed any less than what Satyajit Ray did. I would even rank Bharathiraja above Satyajit Ray in terms of their contributions. But Bharathiraja sir did not get his due."  

Recalling his recent visit to Bharathiraja, Ravi says that he will try to replace Bharathiraja's physical presence with the fond and intimate moments he shared with the doyen. "When I visited him after the demise of Manoj, he held my hand closely and did not let go. I visited him even 10-15 days ago to show him what I was working on currently. He was barely able to speak or even utter 'Ravi,' but he gestured with his hand to say 'super' when I showed my projects. I knew then that Bharathiraja sir would not be among us for long, and I was mentally prepared. It is only the memories of my days with him that will come with me hereafter."

The Indian film industry is in shock and disbelief over the demise of the legendary filmmaker Bharathiraja on Wednesday. He passed away due to ill health and other ailments, at his residence in Chennai. He was 85. It is worth noting that Bharathiraja was facing a bout of ill-health with complaints of respiratory issues. He was hospitalised late last year and was discharged shortly, only to be admitted again a few months later.

Bharathiraja has won six National and State Awards in his career spanning over five decades. Hailed for bringing cinema outside of studios to the verdant rural milieu of Tamil Nadu, he was also a Padma Shri recipient in 2004.