Chezhiyan Passes Away At 57: National Award-Winning Filmmaker And Cinematographer Dies In Chennai

Chezhiyan Passes Away: National Award-winning filmmaker and acclaimed cinematographer Chezhiyan has passed away at the age of 57. According to a report by Deccan Chronicle, Chezhiyan died on Friday, July 10, in Chennai after a prolonged illness. His death marks the end of a career that spanned cinematography, filmmaking, writing, and documentary production, leaving a lasting contribution to Tamil cinema.

Chezhiyan was widely known for his work behind the camera in several critically appreciated films and later established himself as a filmmaker. Over the years, he earned recognition for his cinematography in films such as Kalloori (2007), Paradesi (2013), and Joker (2016), while his directorial venture To Let went on to receive the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil.

Chezhiyan's Film Career And Notable Works

Chezhiyan entered the film industry as an apprentice under noted cinematographer P. C. Sreeram. He initially worked in different capacities before receiving an opportunity to handle cinematography during the production of Thambi (2006), where he completed portions of the film after the original cinematographer exited the project. He was subsequently credited as an additional cinematographer on the film.

His breakthrough as a full-fledged cinematographer came with Kalloori in 2007. The film received positive critical attention, and Chezhiyan's visual style was widely noticed. He later worked on films including Rettaisuzhi, Magizhchi, and Thenmerku Paruvakaatru, the latter winning the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil.

Chezhiyan's work on Bala's Paradesi brought him further acclaim. The film earned him several honours for his cinematography, including recognition at both domestic and international award platforms. He subsequently served as cinematographer for films such as Tharai Thappattai, Sawaari, Joker, Kondraal Paavam, and Ajayan Balavin Mylanji.

In 2017, Chezhiyan made his directorial debut with To Let, a film inspired by real-life experiences that followed the struggles of a lower-middle-class family searching for a rented home. Produced by his wife Prema under their banner La Cinema, the film received critical appreciation and won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil at the 65th National Film Awards.

Beyond feature films, Chezhiyan also worked on documentaries and short films. Apart from filmmaking, Chezhiyan was also recognised for his literary work. He received the Katha Award for his short story Harmoniam in 2004. He also authored the Ulaga Cinema (World Cinema) series in Tamil, which was published in the weekly magazine Ananda Vikatan between 2005 and 2007.

His passing has prompted condolences from members of the film fraternity and admirers of his work.