National Award-winning cinematographer PS Nivas passes away

PS Nivas, the National award-winning cinematographer, passed away earlier today. The 75-year-old cinematographer, who won the National Award for the 1976 Malayalam film, Mohiniyattam, has also directed and produced multiple films. 

The acclaimed cinematographer began his career as an assistant to veteran cinematographer Ashok Kumar. He went on to work in many path-breaking films in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi cinema. Born in Kozhikode, Nivas graduated from the St Joseph college, Devagiri, and went on to do a diploma in motion picture photography from the Institute of Film Technology, Adayar, Madras. 

Known for his work in filmmaker Bharathiraja's initial few films, their collaboration began with the latter's debut, 16 Vayathinile. They went on to work in films like Kizhakke Pogum Rail, Sigappu Rojakkal, Solva Sawaan, Niram Maaradha Pookal, Puthiya Vaarpugal and Red Rose. Nivas has also worked in acclaimed films like Nizhal Nijamagiradhu, Sagara Sangamam, and Vayasu Pilichindi. 

As a director, Nivas introduced Bharathiraja as an actor in Kallukul Eeram. He also made films like Enakkaga Kaathiru, Nizhal Thedum Nenjangal, and Sevvanthi.

Expressing his condolences, cinematographer-filmmaker PC Sreeram, who credits Nivas as an early influencer to his craft, tweeted, "The man who shot 16 Vayathinile for Bharathiraja and opened up a whole new avenue of visual narration for Indian Cinema, particularly the Tamil film industry - Nivas has left us with a lot to cherish. May his soul rest in peace."