The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Seeing through the lens, he creates magic

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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Seeing through the lens, he creates magic

— Photo : SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Ravi K. Chandran with Aamir Khan.

He is part of most of the biggest projects in Bollywood. For South Indian film technicians, it was a matter of pride to see their peer’s work in films such as ‘Black’ and the more recent ‘Saawariya’. Currently working with Aamir Khan on the remake of ‘Ghajini’, he is also part of the upcoming Shah Rukh Khan-starrer ‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’ and will work on his next big film ‘My name is Khan.’ With hands so full , ace cinematographer Ravi. K. Chandran still comes across as a simple, fun-loving, cinema-lover. Meera Srinivasan catches up with him...

“I am basically a hardcore fan of MGR films...Even now I can’t speak Hindi. I speak English on the sets and my assistants help me out when I have to communicate in Hindi,” says Ravi. K. Chandran. Squatting comfortably in his cushy, brown couch, he settles down for the interview at his K.K. Nagar residence.

For the technician who spends most of the year in Bollywood, visits to Chennai are very exciting. He spends his days with his wife and two school-going sons.

His home is, in a sense, understated. Sans fancy furniture or lighting, it bears an artistic look. “I like it this way... it feels like home,” he smiles.

Having started his career as an assistant cameraman in the Malayalam film industry, it meant a lot of hard work before a ‘Kannathil Muthamittal’ in Kollywood, or Bollywood blockbuster ‘Black’ happened.

“Yes, ‘Black’ doesn’t happen overnight. It comes after 20 years of learning from my own mistakes… after a point, you look beyond outdoing a contemporary technician. You want to improve in your performance,” he says. Recently, he completed work for Nandita Das’ directorial debut ‘In such times.’ “It was a lovely experience. Nandita and I have been friends for years and it was really nice working with her.” While Bollywood flicks continue to shine in his brilliant lighting, he hasn’t come Kollywood-ward since ‘Aayuda Ezhuthu’ in 2004. “I did get offers... I got one to work on Shankar’s ‘Robot’, but didn’t have dates. In Bollywood, they plan well ahead and work very fast. I’ve already signed up for films till next year.”

All the same, he keeps track of the films in Kollywood. “I was amazed at films like ‘Paruthiveeran,’ ‘Veyil,’ ‘Katradu Tamil,’ ‘Kadal’... I liked ‘Polladavan’ too.” The camera work for ‘Paruthiveeran’ or ‘Veyil’ was stunning, he remarks. “Rooted in our villages and very real!” Besides training aspiring cinematographers, Mr. Ravi. K. Chandran is considering launching a website that will have details about all his work. “The mistakes we make could be a useful study for others. I want to document contemporary techniques.” Working in commercial hits is one thing, but being part of meaningful cinema is another. “One needs both. You need a home and some basic facilities. But the second category is what keeps the basic cinema-loving, artistic person in you happy,” he notes.

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