National Award-winning filmmaker and noted cinematographer Chezhiyan passed away on Friday in Chennai. He was 57. Chezhiyan reportedly breathed his last after suffering from a prolonged illness.
Born in Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu, Chezhiyan completed a degree in Civil Engineering before entering the film industry as an apprentice to acclaimed cinematographer PC Sreeram. Chezhiyan began working as an assistant director on Thambi (2006). When the film's original cinematographer exited the project after nearly 60 days of shooting, director Seeman entrusted Chezhiyan with the responsibility of taking over the cinematography, marking a significant turning point in his filmmaking journey.
He later made his full-fledged debut as an independent cinematographer with Balaji Sakthivel's Kalloori (2007). Over the years, he crafted the visual language of several critically acclaimed films, including Shankar's production Rettaisuzhi (2010), Magizhchi (2010), Thenmerku Paruvakaatru (2010), Paradesi (2013), Tharai Thappattai (2016), Joker (2016), and Kondraal Paavam (2023). Paradesi earned him the Best Cinematography Award at the 2013 BFI London Film Festival Awards.
Chezhiyan made his directorial debut with To Let (2017), which won the National Film Award for Best Tamil Feature Film at the 65th National Film Awards. The film also earned him the Best Cinematographer Award at the Milan International Film Festival.
Beyond feature films, Chezhiyan directed documentaries on former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam and celebrated writer Jayakanthan. His widely read series on world cinema, originally published in Ananda Vikatan, was later compiled into the book Ulaga Cinema. He also received the Katha Award for his short story Karmoniyam.
A passionate mentor, Chezhiyan founded The Film School, an institute dedicated to training aspiring filmmakers. Through the school, he recently launched an ambitious initiative in which 34 of his students simultaneously directed 34 independent feature films, reflecting his commitment to nurturing a new generation of filmmakers.
Widely regarded as one of Tamil cinema's most intellectually driven cinematographers, Chezhiyan was admired not only for his artistic vision but also for his generosity. He was known for never making remuneration a priority and had worked on several films without accepting payment, driven solely by his love for cinema.
Chezhiyan's mortal remains are currently being taken to Seeman's Naam Tamilar Katchi headquarters, where members of the film fraternity, colleagues, admirers and the public are expected to pay their final respects.
Cheziyan is survived by his wife Prema and daughter Ajitha.
