Chezhiyan, a National Award-winning filmmaker and one of Tamil cinema’s most respected cinematographers, passed away on Friday in Chennai at the age of 57 following a prolonged illness. His passing marks a significant loss to the film industry, where he was widely admired for his artistic vision, intellectual depth, and unwavering passion for cinema.
Born in Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu, Chezhiyan initially pursued a degree in Civil Engineering before finding his calling in films. He trained under acclaimed cinematographer P. C. Sreeram and began his career as an assistant director in Thambi (2006). A turning point came when he took over cinematography mid-way through the project, proving his capability and setting the stage for a remarkable career behind the camera.
He made his independent debut with Kalloori (2007) and went on to shape the visual storytelling of several critically acclaimed films such as Thenmerku Paruvakaatru (2010), Paradesi (2013), Tharai Thappattai (2016), Joker (2016), and Kondraal Paavam (2023). His work on Paradesi earned him international recognition, including the Best Cinematography Award at the BFI London Film Festival.
Chezhiyan later transitioned into direction with To Let (2017), which won the National Film Award for Best Tamil Feature Film, further cementing his reputation as a filmmaker of substance. Beyond feature films, he directed documentaries on A. P. J. Abdul Kalam and writer Jayakanthan, and authored the widely appreciated book Ulaga Cinema, based on his writings about global films.
A committed mentor, Chezhiyan founded The Film School to nurture aspiring filmmakers and recently spearheaded an initiative where 34 of his students directed 34 feature films simultaneously. Known for prioritizing art over remuneration, he often worked on projects without payment, driven purely by his love for cinema and storytelling.
His mortal remains are being taken to Naam Tamilar Katchi headquarters, where members of the film fraternity and the public are expected to pay their respects. He is survived by his wife Prema and daughter Ajitha, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of filmmakers.