The Tamil film industry is mourning the loss of one of its most respected creative voices. National Award-winning filmmaker, cinematographer and writer Chezhiyan passed away in Chennai on Friday following a prolonged illness. He was 57. His passing marks the end of an extraordinary journey that saw him redefine visual storytelling while inspiring countless aspiring filmmakers through his work and mentorship.
Born in Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu, Chezhiyan’s path to cinema was anything but conventional. After completing a degree in Civil Engineering, he chose to follow his passion for filmmaking and trained under acclaimed cinematographer P. C. Sreeram. His first brush with cinematography came during Seeman’s Thambi (2006), where he initially worked as an assistant director. When the film’s cinematographer exited after nearly two months of shooting, Seeman entrusted Chezhiyan with the camera, a decision that proved to be the turning point of his career.
His breakthrough as an independent cinematographer arrived with Balaji Sakthivel’s Kalloori (2007), a film that immediately established him as a distinctive visual stylist. Over the next decade, Chezhiyan built an impressive body of work across films such as Rettaisuzhi, Magizhchi, Thenmerku Paruvakaatru, Paradesi, Tharai Thappattai, Joker, and Kondraal Paavam. His cinematography was celebrated for its understated realism, natural lighting, and emotional depth, earning him widespread acclaim from filmmakers and audiences alike.
Among his many achievements, Paradesi (2013) remains one of his defining works. The film won him the Best Cinematography Award at the BFI London Film Festival, further cementing his reputation as one of Tamil cinema’s finest visual storytellers. His work consistently demonstrated that striking imagery could emerge from simplicity rather than spectacle.
A filmmaker, writer and mentor who shaped future storytellers
Chezhiyan expanded his creative horizons by stepping into direction with To Let (2017), a deeply moving drama about a middle class family’s struggle to find a home. The film received widespread critical acclaim and went on to win the National Film Award for Best Tamil Feature Film at the 65th National Film Awards. It also earned him the Best Cinematographer honour at the Milan International Film Festival, making it one of the most celebrated chapters of his career.
His contributions extended beyond feature films. Chezhiyan directed documentaries on former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam and acclaimed Tamil writer Jayakanthan. A passionate student of cinema, he also authored Ulaga Cinema, a compilation of his widely read essays on world cinema that first appeared in Ananda Vikatan. His literary interests were equally recognised, with his short story Karmoniyam receiving the Katha Award.
Perhaps his most enduring contribution came through education. Believing that cinema should be shared rather than guarded, Chezhiyan founded The Film School to train aspiring filmmakers. In one of his most ambitious initiatives, he recently guided 34 students to simultaneously direct 34 independent feature films, a project that reflected both his faith in young talent and his commitment to nurturing the future of Tamil cinema.
Colleagues often described Chezhiyan as an artist who valued cinema above commercial considerations. He was known to work on several films without insisting on remuneration, choosing projects based on creative conviction rather than financial gain. That generosity, coupled with his intellectual curiosity and artistic integrity, earned him immense respect within the industry.
Chezhiyan’s mortal remains are being taken to Seeman’s Naam Tamilar Katchi headquarters in Chennai, where members of the film fraternity, admirers and the public are expected to pay their final respects. He is survived by his wife Prema and daughter Ajitha. As Tamil cinema bids farewell to one of its most thoughtful craftsmen, his films and the many students he mentored will continue to keep his vision alive.
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