Renowned cinematographer Rathnavelu, who has worked with Sukumar in many films, is now working on Sukumar’s production Peddi, the Ram Charan starrer actioner which will release on June 4. The film, directed by Buchi Babu Sana, also features Janhvi Kapoor, Divyenndu, and Jagapathi Babu among others. The cinematographer recently spoke about working with Sukumar, his cinematic style for Peddi, and more.
In an official statement, Rathnavelu praised the Pushpa filmmaker for his visual storytelling, adding, “There are 90% directors who try to say everything in dialogue. Within so many dialogues, a cinematographer has to make the film look good, convey the tone, and mood. It's a very tricky thing, especially in South Indian cinema. With Sukumar, I have that big advantage because he also tries to emphasize visually. That is where cinematographers, especially Indian cinematographers, don't have the scope to deliver some extra visuals, that's what I feel.”
Talking about filming for Peddi, Rathanavelu shared, “There is only one shot of straight hard light falling on his back to reveal the hero’s community. I don't want to emphasize, but I thought that is also a point because it's written in the story. Even when he was with Jagapathi Babu, untouchability is there. So instead of putting the camera on the face or to go the mid shot, the camera will follow the glass or pot or whatever. There is how we need to, as a cinematographer, try to tell a story from a story point of view.”
Rathnavelu and Sukumar have collaborated on films like Arya (2004), Jagadam (2006), 1: Nenokkadine (2014), Kumari 21F (2015), and Rangasthalam (2018).
