Noted Tamil film cinematographer Ravi Varman has achieved a career milestone as he obtained the membership of the reputed American Society of Cinematographers (ASC).

Sharing the news, the Ponniyin Selvan DOP wrote, "I began my career filled with uncertainty. Life led me to where I am today, and since then, I've been carefully planning my steps to discover the true meaning and purpose of my life." (sic)

Wishes are pouring in from fans and from the members of the film fraternity.

Ravi, who was born in Thanjavur's Pattukottai, was mentored by cinematographer Ravi K Chandran. His interest in photography and cinematography is said to have been inspired by the works of painters like Rembrandt and Picasso.

Among the accolades he received are the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Cinematographer for Kamal Haasan-Gautham Vasudev Menon's Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu (2007) and the National Film Award for Best Cinematography for Ponniyin Selvan: I (2024).

Making his debut with the Malayalam film Jalamarmaram in 1999, he has been a part of several hits like Autograph (2004), Anniyan (2005), Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu (2006), Barfi! (2012), Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (2013) and the two Ponniyin Selvan films (Part 1 in 2022 and Part 2 in 2023).

He also directed a film Moscowin Kavery in 2010.