Ravi Varman: Difference between revisions

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{{Distinguish|Ravi Varma (disambiguation){{!}}Ravi Varma}}
{{Short description|Indian cinematographer, filmmaker, producer, writer}}
{{for|14th century warrior king of Quilon, Kerala|Ravivarman Kulaśēkhara}}
{{for|14th century warrior king of Quilon, Kerala|Ravivarman Kulaśēkhara}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2018}}
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| imagesize          =  
| imagesize          =  
| caption            = Varman in 2011
| caption            = Varman in 2011
| name              = Ravi Varman
| name              = Ravi Varman  
| birth_date        = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1972|05|09}}
| birth_date        = <!-- must cite published reliable source(s) to verify date of birth -->
| birth_place        = [[Thanjavur]], [[Tamil Nadu]]
| birth_place        = [[Thanjavur]], [[Tamil Nadu]], India
| occupation        = [[Director of photography]], [[Film Director]]
| occupation        = {{Hlist | Cinematographer | filmmaker | producer | writer}}
| death_date        =  
| death_date        =  
| death_place        =  
| death_place        =  
| nationality        = Indian
| othername          =  
| othername          =  
| yearsactive        = 1999—present
| yearsactive        = 1999—present
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}}
}}


'''S. Ravi Varman''' (born 9 May 1972) is an Indian cinematographer, filmmaker, producer and writer. He has predominantly worked in films of Indian languages such as Tamil, Malayalam and Hindi. Known for his realistic and poetic framing sense, Ravi Varman began his career in Malayalam films. He has directed a romantic film in Tamil titled ''[[Moscowin Kavery]]'' and also filmed the music video for the song "[[Bird Flu (song)|Bird Flu]]" by British Tamil songwriter [[M.I.A. (artist)|M.I.A.]].
'''S. Ravi Varman''' [[Indian Society of Cinematographers|ISC]]<!-- must cite published reliable source(s) to verify date of birth --> is an Indian cinematographer, filmmaker, producer and writer. He predominantly works in Tamil, Malayalam, and Hindi film industries. Varman began his career in Malayalam cinema. He directed a romantic film in Tamil titled ''[[Moscowin Kavery]]'' (2010). He is an honorary member of the [[Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences]] (AM-pass).<ref>{{Cite news |last=PTI |date=2024-06-26 |title=Oscars 2025: Shabana Azmi, SS Rajamouli, Ritesh Sidhwani, Ravi Varman among 487 new Academy members |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/shabana-azmi-ss-rajamouli-ritesh-sidhwani-ravi-varman-among-487-new-academy-members/article68334998.ece |access-date=2024-08-19 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> He was awarded the [[National Film Award for Best Cinematography]] for his work in ''[[Ponniyin Selvan: I]]'' (2022).


== Early life ==
== Early life ==
Ravi Varman was born in a village called Poyyoundarkudikkadu near [[Thanjavur]], [[Tamil Nadu]], India. Varman lost his mother at a young age. Just before she died there was a wedding in his neighborhood and his mother's image was accidentally captured by the wedding photographer in one of the photos. Varman went to the studio and asked for a picture to be enlarged and learnt what "out of focus" meant. Thus, he developed an interest in photography and grew up with a passion for watching movies – though at the time, he never considered working in film as a possible career.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://archives.chennaionline.com/interviews/ravivarma.asp |title=Interview with cinematographer Ravi Varman |work=Chennai Online |access-date=2011-05-25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100222071419/http://archives.chennaionline.com/interviews/ravivarma.asp |archive-date=2010-02-22 }}</ref>
Ravi was born in a village named Poyyundarkudikadu near Pattukottai in [[Thanjavur]] district, [[Tamil Nadu]], India.<ref>{{cite interview |last1=Varman |first1=Ravi |interviewer=Malini Mannath |date=21 June 2003 |url=http://archives.chennaionline.com/interviews/ravivarma.asp |title=Interview with cinematographer Ravi Varman |work=Chennai Online |access-date=2011-05-25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100222071419/http://archives.chennaionline.com/interviews/ravivarma.asp |archive-date=22 February 2010 }}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title='I’ll always try out techniques that others avoid': Cinematographer Ravi Varman |url=https://www.theweek.in/theweek/leisure/2024/08/31/national-award-winning-cinematographer-ravi-varman-loves-to-experiment-with-techniques-that-others-avoid.html |access-date=2024-10-21 |website=The Week |language=en}}</ref> Ravi adopted his surname inspired by the Chola kings [[Rajaraja I|Arunmozhi Varman]] and [[Kulottunga I|Kulothunga]] Varman.<ref name=":6">{{Cite news |last=Dundoo |first=Sangeetha Devi |date=2022-10-03 |title=Cinematographer Ravi Varman discusses the visual landscape of Mani Ratnam’s ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/lighting-up-ponniyin-selvan-characters-the-ravi-varman-way/article65965895.ece |access-date=2024-10-24 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> His interest in photography and cinematography developed during his formative years, as he studied the works of painters like [[Rembrandt]] and [[Pablo Picasso|Picasso]].<ref name=":6" />
 
Following the loss of his parents, he moved to Chennai at the age of 14.<ref name=":0" /> His career in cinematography began after working as an office boy in a film production company, where he trained under cinematographer [[Ravi K. Chandran]].<ref name=":0" />


== Career ==
== Career ==
He started his career by assisting cinematographer [[Ravi K. Chandran|Ravi K Chandran]]. After working in Malayalam films since 1999 for three years, he worked in [[Bollywood]] for the film ''[[Yeh Dil]]'' in 2003. He later worked in the [[Telugu language|Telugu]] film ''[[Jai (2004 Telugu film)|Jai]]'' and received more offers in [[Hindi language|Hindi]], such as ''[[Armaan (2003 film)|Armaan]]'', ''Bee Busthar'', ''[[Ramji Londonwale]]'', and ''[[Phir Milenge (2004 film)|Phir Milenge]]'', His next project is going to be with Maniratnam.<ref>https://raatnam.com/mani-ratnams-heads-overseas-for-a-marathon-shoot/</ref>
He made his debut as a cinematographer with ''[[Jalamarmaram]]'' (1999) and gained attention with Jayaraj's Malayalam film ''[[Shantham]]'' (2001), earning the 23rd EMI Third Continent Award for Best Cinematography.<ref name=":0" /> After working in Malayalam films since 1999 for three years, he worked in [[Hindi cinema]] for the film ''[[Yeh Dil]]'' in 2003.<ref name=":0" /> He later worked in the [[Telugu cinema|Telugu film]] ''[[Jai (2004 Telugu film)|Jai]]'' and received more offers in [[Hindi language|Hindi]], such as ''[[Armaan (2003 film)|Armaan]]'', ''Bee Busthar'', ''[[Ramji Londonwale]]'', and ''[[Phir Milenge (2004 film)|Phir Milenge]]'', His next project is going to be with Maniratnam.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://raatnam.com/mani-ratnams-heads-overseas-for-a-marathon-shoot/ |title=Mani Ratnam's heads overseas for a Marathon shoot |website=raatnam.com |access-date=23 September 2019 |archive-date=23 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190923110939/https://raatnam.com/mani-ratnams-heads-overseas-for-a-marathon-shoot/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
 
It was not until 2002 when he started to work in [[Tamil language|Tamil]] films, with his first one being [[Susi Ganeshan]]'s ''[[Five Star (film)|Five Star]]''. He continued to work with directors as a cinematographer in Tamil films, including [[S. Shankar]]'s ''[[Anniyan]]'', [[Gautham Vasudev Menon]]'s ''[[Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu]]'', [[K. S. Ravikumar]]'s ''[[Dasavathaaram]]'' and ''[[Villu (film)|Villu]]'', which was directed by [[Prabhu Deva]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/features/Interviews/interview-5/ravi-varman/index.html |title=RAVI VARMAN - The Director, Cinematographer - Sunday special Interview on Dasavatharam Cinematographer Ravi Varman |website=Behindwoods.com |access-date=2011-11-07 |archive-date=5 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120605210922/http://www.behindwoods.com/features/Interviews/interview-5/ravi-varman/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
Ravi Varman has often spoken about the influence of Madras (now Chennai) on his life and career. Arriving in the city as a teenager in search of food and livelihood, he has described Madras as a place that “tested, raised, and shaped” him, comparing it to both a mother and a divine presence that guided his artistic journey.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 August 2025 |title=Madras tested me, raised me, shaped me: Ravi Varman. |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/madras-tested-me-raised-me-shaped-me-ravi-varman/articleshow/123445668.cms |archive-url= |website=The Times of India.}}</ref>


Though a [[Tamil people|Tamilian]], it was not until 2002 when he started to work in [[Tamil language|Tamil]] films, with his first one being [[Susi Ganeshan]]'s ''[[Five Star (film)|Five Star]]''. He continued to work with popular directors as cinematographer in Tamil films, including [[S. Shankar]]'s ''[[Anniyan]]'', [[Gautham Menon]]'s ''[[Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu (2006 film)|Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu]]'', [[K. S. Ravikumar]]'s ''[[Dasavathaaram]]'' and ''[[Villu (film)|Villu]]'', which was directed by [[Prabhu Deva]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/features/Interviews/interview-5/ravi-varman/index.html |title=RAVI VARMAN - The Director, Cinematographer - Sunday special Interview on Dasavatharam Cinematographer Ravi Varman |publisher=Behindwoods.com |access-date=2011-11-07}}</ref> Besides feature films, he has credit of working on more than 500 Television Commercials, Music Albums, Short Films and Documentary. Nonetheless, his flair for literature has led him to embark on writing for an on-line literary magazine 'Yavarum kelir' for Tamiz studio.
In 2023, Ravi received his first [[National Film Award for Best Cinematography]] for his work on ''[[Ponniyin Selvan: I]]'', directed by [[Mani Ratnam]]<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2024-08-16 |title=Ponniyin Selvan cinematographer Ravi Varman on winning National Film Award: ‘It has been a long journey’ |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/ponniyin-selvan-cinematographer-ravi-varman-on-winning-national-film-award-it-has-been-a-long-journey-9517695/ |access-date=2024-10-21 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> and was featured in the [[Film Companion|FC-Ormax Power List of Technicians]], recognizing his contributions to the entertainment industry alongside other prominent technicians.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=FC |first=Team |date=2024-07-11 |title=FC-Ormax Power List of Technicians 2024: Ravi Varman |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/power-list-2024/power-list-technicians/fc-ormax-power-list-of-technicians-2024-ravi-varman |access-date=2024-10-21 |website=www.filmcompanion.in |language=en}}</ref> In 2024, Varman directed and co-produced ''Bande Utkala Janani Anthem'', a tourism video promoting the state of [[Odisha]].<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=V |first=Harshini S. |date=2024-02-07 |title=We Want The Lyrics to Narrate The Story: Ravi Varman on Making The Odisha Tourism Video |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/interviews/streaming-interviews/we-want-the-lyrics-to-narrate-the-story-ravi-varman-on-making-the-odisha-tourism-video-pritam-bande-utkala-janani |access-date=2024-10-21 |website=www.filmcompanion.in |language=en}}</ref> The video features music by [[Pritam]] and uses the lyrics of "[[Bande Utkala Janani]]", a patriotic anthem written by Odia poet [[Laxmikanta Mohapatra|Kantakabi Laxmikanta Mohapatra]].<ref name=":4" />
 
After completing ''[[Ponniyin Selvan: I|Ponniyin Selvan]]'', Ravi worked on [[Revathi|Revathy]]’s ''[[Salaam Venky]]'' and resumed post-production on Ratnam's film.<ref name=":6" /> Varman collaborated with [[Kamal Haasan]] once again on ''[[Indian 2]]'', after previously working with him on [[Dasavathaaram]] (2008).<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-07-10 |title=Indian 2 is like our version of a Bond film: Ravi Varman |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/indian-2-is-like-our-version-of-a-bond-film-ravi-varman/articleshow/111623066.cms |access-date=2024-10-21 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> The film is a sequel to ''[[Indian (1996 film)|Indian]]'' (1996)<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /> In 2024, Varman was invited to join the [[Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences]] as part of its 2025 class of new members.<ref>{{Cite news |last=PTI |date=2024-06-26 |title=Oscars 2025: Shabana Azmi, SS Rajamouli, Ritesh Sidhwani, Ravi Varman among 487 new Academy members |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/shabana-azmi-ss-rajamouli-ritesh-sidhwani-ravi-varman-among-487-new-academy-members/article68334998.ece |access-date=2024-10-21 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> He is currently working on the upcoming movie ''[[Love Insurance Kompany]]'', directed by [[Vignesh Shivan]].<ref name=":5">{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2024-07-25 |title=‘Love Insurance Kompany’: Pradeep Ranganathan - Vignesh Shivan film’s first look out |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/love-insurance-kompany-pradeep-ranganathan-vignesh-shivan-films-first-look-out/article68444544.ece |access-date=2024-10-21 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>


==Awards and honours==
==Awards and honours==
*23rd EME France Film Festival Best Cinematographer Award for ''Santham Malayalam'' (2000)
* [[Filmfare Award for Best Cinematographer – South]] for ''[[Anniyan]]'' (2006)
* [[Filmfare Best Cinematographer Award (South)|Filmfare Best Cinematographer Award]] for ''[[Anniyan]]'' (2006)
* [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Cinematographer]] for ''[[Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu]]'' (2007)
* [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Cinematographer]] for ''[[Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu (2006 film)|Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu]]'' (2007)
* Vikitan Best Cinematography Award (South) for ''[[Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu (2006 film)|Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu]]'' (2007)
* [[ITFA Best Cinematographer Award]] for ''[[Dasavathaaram]]'' (2009)
* [[ITFA Best Cinematographer Award]] for ''[[Dasavathaaram]]'' (2009)
* [[Star Guild Awards]] for Best Cinematography for ''[[Barfi!]]'' (2012)
* [[Star Guild Awards]] for Best Cinematography for ''[[Barfi!]]'' (2012)
* [[Screen Award for Best Cinematography|Screen Awards]] for Best cinematography for ''[[Barfi!]]'' (2012)
* [[Screen Award for Best Cinematography|Screen Awards]] for Best cinematography for ''[[Barfi!]]'' (2012)
* TOIFA Awards for Best Cinematography for ''[[Barfi!]]'' (2012)
* [[IIFA Awards]] for [[IIFA Award for Best Cinematography|Best Cinematography]] for ''[[Barfi!]]'' (2012)
* [[IIFA Awards]] for [[IIFA Award for Best Cinematography|Best Cinematography]] for ''[[Barfi!]]'' (2012)
* [[Zee Cine Award for Best Cinematography|Zee Cine Awards]] for Best cinematography for  ''[[Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela]]'' (2014)
* [[Zee Cine Award for Best Cinematography|Zee Cine Awards]] for Best cinematography for  ''[[Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela]]'' (2014)
*[[Vijay Award]] for Best Cinematography for ''[[Kaatru Veliyidai]]'' (2017)
*[[Vijay Award]] for Best Cinematography for ''[[Kaatru Veliyidai]]'' (2017)
*[[7th South Indian International Movie Awards|SIIMA Award]] for Best Cinematography for ''[[Kaatru Veliyidai]]'' (2017)
*[[7th South Indian International Movie Awards|SIIMA Award]] for Best Cinematography for ''[[Kaatru Veliyidai]]'' (2017)
*[[Filmfare Award for Best Cinematographer – South]] for ''[[Ponniyin Selvan: I]]'' (2023)
*[[Filmfare Award for Best Cinematographer – South]] for [[Ponniyin Selvan: I|''Ponniyin Selvan: II'']] (2024)
*[[National Film Award for Best Cinematography]] for ''[[Ponniyin Selvan: I]]'' (2024)<ref name=":1" />


==Filmography==
==Filmography==
=== As director ===
* ''[[Moscowin Kavery]]'' (2010)
* ''Treasure Music Video'' (2011) ''Also as Cinematographer and Lyricist''


=== As producer ===
=== As producer ===


* ''[[Azhagu]]'' (2010)
* ''[[Vellaiya Irukiravan Poi Solla Maatan]]'' (2015)
* ''[[Vellaiya Irukiravan Poi Solla Maatan]]'' (2015)


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==== Films ====
==== Films ====
{|class="wikitable sortable"
{|class="wikitable sortable"
! Year !! Film !! Language !! Notes
|+ {{sronly|List of Ravi Varman film credits as cinematographer}}
|-
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Title
! scope="col" | Language
! class="unsortable" scope="col" | Notes
|-
|-
| 1999
| 1999
| ''[[Jalamarmaram]]'' || Malayalam  
| ''[[Jalamarmaram]]'' || rowspan="5" | [[Malayalam]]
|
|<ref name=":0" />
|-
|-
| 2000
| rowspan="2" |2000
| ''[[Sathyam Sivam Sundaram (2000 film)|Sathyam Sivam Sundaram]]'' || Malayalam
| ''[[Sathyam Sivam Sundaram (2000 film)|Sathyam Sivam Sundaram]]''  
|
|
|-
|-
| 2000
| ''[[Santham]]''  
| ''[[Santham]]'' || Malayalam
|<ref name=":0" />
|
|-
|-
| 2001
| rowspan="3" |2001
| ''[[Valliettan]]'' || Malayalam
| ''[[Valliettan]]''  
|
|
|-
|-
| 2001
| ''[[Vakkalathu Narayanankutty]]''  
| ''[[Vakkalathu Narayanankutty]]'' || Malayalam
|
|
|-
|-
| 2002
| ''[[Five Star (film)|Five Star]]'' || [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
| ''[[Five Star (film)|Five Star]]'' || Tamil  
|
|
|-
|-
| 2003
| rowspan="4" |2003
| ''[[Yeh Dil]]'' || Hindi  
| ''[[Yeh Dil]]'' || [[Hindi]]
|
|<ref name=":0" />
|-
|-
| 2003
| ''[[Jai (2004 Telugu film)|Jai]]'' || [[Telugu language|Telugu]]
| ''[[Jai (2004 Telugu film)|Jai]]'' || Telugu
|
|
|-
|-
| 2003
| ''[[Armaan (2003 film)|Armaan]]'' || Hindi  
| ''[[Armaan (2003 film)|Armaan]]'' || Hindi  
|
|
|-
|-
| 2003
| ''[[Kilichundan Mampazham]]'' || Malayalam  
| ''[[Kilichundan Mampazham]]'' || Malayalam  
|
|
|-
|-
| 2003
| rowspan="3" |2004
| ''Bee Busthar'' || Malayalam
| ''[[Five by Four]]'' || [[English language|English]]
|
|-
| 2004
| ''[[Five by Four]]'' || English  
|  
|  
|-
|-
| 2004
| ''[[Phir Milenge (2004 film)|Phir Milenge]]'' || Hindi ||
| ''[[Phir Milenge (2004 film)|Phir Milenge]]'' || Hindi  
|
|-
|-
| 2004
| ''[[Autograph (2004 film)|Autograph]]'' || rowspan="2" | Tamil ||
| ''[[Autograph (2004 film)|Autograph]]'' || Tamil  
|Collaborated with [[Vijay Milton]]
|-
|-
| 2005  
| rowspan="2" |2005  
| ''[[Anniyan]]'' || Tamil
| ''[[Anniyan]]''  
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Cinematographer – South]]{{efn|Jointly awarded with [[V. Manikandan]]}}
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Cinematographer – South|Filmfare Award for Best Cinematographer – Tamil]]{{efn|Jointly awarded with [[V. Manikandan]]}}
|-
|-
| 2005
| ''[[Ramji Londonwale]]'' || Hindi  
| ''[[Ramji Londonwale]]'' || Hindi  
|   
|   
|-
|-
| 2006  
| 2006  
| ''[[Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu (2006 film)|Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu]]'' || Tamil  
| ''[[Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu]]'' || rowspan="4" | Tamil  
|[[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Cinematographer]]
|[[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Cinematographer]]
|-
|-
| 2008  
| 2008  
| ''[[Dasavathaaram]]'' || Tamil
| ''[[Dasavathaaram]]''  
|   
|   
|-
|-
| 2009  
| 2009  
| ''[[Villu (film)|Villu]]'' || Tamil
| ''[[Villu (film)|Villu]]''  
|   
|   
|-
|-
| 2010  
| rowspan="2" |2010  
| ''[[Kandahar (2010 film)|Kandahar]]'' || Malayalam  
| ''[[Moscowin Kavery]]'' || Also directorial debut
|Collaborated with [[Velraj]]
|-
| ''[[Kandahar (2010 film)|Kandahar]]'' || Malayalam ||
|-
|-
| 2011  
| 2011  
Line 146: Line 138:
|-
|-
| 2012  
| 2012  
| ''[[Barfi!]]'' || Hindi
| ''[[Barfi!]]'' || rowspan="3" | Hindi
|   
|   
|-
|-
| 2013  
| 2013  
| ''[[Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela]]'' || Hindi
| ''[[Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela]]''  
| [[Zee Cine Award for Best Cinematography|Zee Cine Awards 2014 - Best Cinematography]]
| [[Zee Cine Award for Best Cinematography|Zee Cine Awards 2014 - Best Cinematography]]
|-
| 2014
| ''[[Ugramm]]'' || Kannada
|
|-
|-
| 2015  
| 2015  
| ''[[Tamasha (2015 film)|Tamasha]]'' || Hindi
| ''[[Tamasha (2015 film)|Tamasha]]''  
|
|
|-
|-
| 2017
| rowspan="3" |2017
| ''[[Kaatru Veliyidai]]'' || Tamil
| ''[[Kaatru Veliyidai]]'' || Tamil
|Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards for Best Cinematography
|Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards for Best Cinematography
Line 167: Line 155:
Behindwoods Gold Medal for Best Cinematographer
Behindwoods Gold Medal for Best Cinematographer
|-
|-
| 2017
| ''[[Jagga Jasoos]]'' || Hindi
| ''[[Jagga Jasoos]]'' || Hindi
|Nominated{{em dash}}[[Filmfare Award for Best Cinematography]]
|Nominated - [[Filmfare Award for Best Cinematography]]
|-
|-
| 2017
| ''[[Heartbeats (2017 film)|Heartbeats]]'' || English
| ''[[Heartbeats (2017 film)|Heartbeats]]'' || English
|
|
Line 177: Line 163:
|2018
|2018
|''[[Sanju]]''  
|''[[Sanju]]''  
|Hindi  
| rowspan="2" |Hindi  
|
|-
|-
|2019
|rowspan="2" |2019
|''[[Mission Mangal]]''
|''[[Mission Mangal]]''
|Hindi
|
|
|-
|-
|2019
|''[[Kolaambi]]''  
|''[[Kolaambi]]''  
|Malayalam
|Malayalam
|
|
|-
|-
|{{TBA}}
|rowspan="2" |2022
|style="background:#ffc;" |''[[Bole Chudiyan]]''
| ''[[Ponniyin Selvan: I]]''
|Tamil
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Cinematographer – South|Filmfare Award for Best Cinematographer – Tamil]]
[[National Film Award for Best Cinematography]]<ref name=":1" /><br/>
 
Nominated -[[16th Asian Film Awards|16th Asian Film Award]] for Best Cinematography
|-
| ''[[Salaam Venky]]''
|Hindi
|Hindi
|
|
|-
|-
|2022
|rowspan="2" |2023
|style="background:#ffc;" | ''[[Ponniyin Selvan (upcoming film)|Ponniyin Selvan]]'' {{dagger|alt=Films that have not yet been released}}
|''[[Ponniyin Selvan: II]]''
|Tamil
| rowspan="4" |Tamil
|Post-production
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Cinematographer – South|Filmfare Award for Best Cinematographer – Tamil]]
|-
| ''[[Japan (2023 film)|Japan]]''
|<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-08 |title=Karthi praises Ponniyin Selvan cinematographer Ravi Varman for enhancing Japan’s quality: ‘He worked tirelessly on Indian 2, Japan in tandem’ |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/karthi-praises-ponniyin-selvan-cinematographer-ravi-varman-enhancing-japan-quality-indian-2-9018801/ |access-date=2024-10-21 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>
|-
| 2024
| ''[[Indian 2]]''
|<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |date=2024-07-05 |title=DOP Ravi Varman calls working with Kamal Haasan an incredible experience |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/dop-ravi-varman-calls-working-with-kamal-haasan-an-incredible-experience/articleshow/111511245.cms |access-date=2024-10-21 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
|-
|rowspan="1" |2025
| {{pending film|italic=no| ''[[Love Insurance Kompany]]'' }}
|<ref name=":5" />
|}
|}


===As guest cinematographer===
===As guest cinematographer===
{|class="wikitable sortable"
{|class="wikitable sortable"
! Year !! Film !! Language !! Notes
|+ {{nowrap|{{sronly|List of Ravi Varman film credits as guest cinematographer}}}}
|-
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Film
! scope="col" | Language
! class="unsortable" scope="col" | Notes
|-
|-
| 1999
| 1999
| ''[[Vaalee (1999 film)|Vaali]]'' || Tamil
| ''[[Vaalee (1999 film)|Vaalee]]'' || rowspan="3" | [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
|
|
|-
|-
| 2001
| 2001
| ''[[Minnale]]'' || Tamil
| ''[[Minnale]]''  
|2 songs  
|2 songs  
|-
|-
| 2011
| 2003
| ''[[7aum Arivu]]'' || Tamil
| ''[[Boys (2003 film)|Boys]]''
| 1 Song
|
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2011
| ''[[Bodyguard (2011 Hindi film)| Bodyguard]]'' || [[Hindi]]
|
|-
| ''[[7 Aum Arivu]]'' || Tamil
| "O Ringa Ringa" song
|-
| 2014
| ''[[Ugramm]]'' || [[Kannada]]
|
|-
| 2024
| ''[[Crew (film)|Crew]]'' || Hindi
| 1 song
|-
|-
|}
|}
===As partial cinematographer===
* ''[[Indian 2]]'' (for only 1 schedule)
==== Music videos ====
* "[[Bird Flu (song)|Bird Flu]]" by [[M.I.A. (artist)|M.I.A.]] (2007)
*"[[Aarachar]]" by Thaikkudam Bridge (2016)
===Documentaries===
* ''Child Environment''
== Legacy<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/ravi-k-varman-on-how-he-become-a-cinematographer-and-why-mani-ratnam-is-his-favourite-director-7275941.html|title=Ravi K Varman on how he become a cinematographer, and why Mani Ratnam is his favourite director-Entertainment News , Firstpost|date=3 September 2019}}</ref> ==
Ravi Varman is one of the finest cinematographer in [[India]]. Top stars like [[Shah Rukh Khan]] are ready to adjust their dates to work with Ravi.
SRK also advised his son Aryan to start his career by assisting Ravi Varman. He also directed a film ([[Moscowin Kavery]]).The film wasn't a great success at box office but the heroine he introduced, found her way to fame ([[Samantha Akkineni|Samantha]]).


==Notes==
==Notes==
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==External links==
==External links==
* {{Official website|http://www.ravivarmandop.com}}
* {{IMDb name|0890061}}
* {{IMDb name|0890061}}
 
{{Filmfare Award for Best Cinematographer – South}}{{Tamil Nadu State Film Award Best Cinematography}}
{{Tamil Nadu State Film Award Best Cinematography}}


{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Varman, Ravi .S}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Varman, Ravi}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Cinematographers from Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Cinematographers from Tamil Nadu]]
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[[Category:Filmfare Awards South winners]]
[[Category:Filmfare Awards South winners]]
[[Category:People from Thanjavur district]]
[[Category:People from Thanjavur district]]
[[Category:Tamil film cinematographers]]
[[Category:Tamil cinematographers]]
[[Category:Tamil Nadu State Film Awards winners]]
[[Category:Tamil Nadu State Film Awards winners]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian photographers]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian photographers]]
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[[Category:Tamil film directors]]
[[Category:Tamil film directors]]
[[Category:1972 births]]
[[Category:1972 births]]
[[Category:IIFA Utsavam winners]]

Latest revision as of 09:37, 14 January 2026


For 14th century warrior king of Quilon, Kerala, see Ravivarman Kulaśēkhara.

Ravi Varman
Varman in 2011
Born
Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
Occupation
  • Cinematographer
  • filmmaker
  • producer
  • writer
Years active1999—present

S. Ravi Varman ISC is an Indian cinematographer, filmmaker, producer and writer. He predominantly works in Tamil, Malayalam, and Hindi film industries. Varman began his career in Malayalam cinema. He directed a romantic film in Tamil titled Moscowin Kavery (2010). He is an honorary member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AM-pass).[1] He was awarded the National Film Award for Best Cinematography for his work in Ponniyin Selvan: I (2022).

Early life[edit | edit source]

Ravi was born in a village named Poyyundarkudikadu near Pattukottai in Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, India.[2][3] Ravi adopted his surname inspired by the Chola kings Arunmozhi Varman and Kulothunga Varman.[4] His interest in photography and cinematography developed during his formative years, as he studied the works of painters like Rembrandt and Picasso.[4]

Following the loss of his parents, he moved to Chennai at the age of 14.[3] His career in cinematography began after working as an office boy in a film production company, where he trained under cinematographer Ravi K. Chandran.[3]

Career[edit | edit source]

He made his debut as a cinematographer with Jalamarmaram (1999) and gained attention with Jayaraj's Malayalam film Shantham (2001), earning the 23rd EMI Third Continent Award for Best Cinematography.[3] After working in Malayalam films since 1999 for three years, he worked in Hindi cinema for the film Yeh Dil in 2003.[3] He later worked in the Telugu film Jai and received more offers in Hindi, such as Armaan, Bee Busthar, Ramji Londonwale, and Phir Milenge, His next project is going to be with Maniratnam.[5]

It was not until 2002 when he started to work in Tamil films, with his first one being Susi Ganeshan's Five Star. He continued to work with directors as a cinematographer in Tamil films, including S. Shankar's Anniyan, Gautham Vasudev Menon's Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu, K. S. Ravikumar's Dasavathaaram and Villu, which was directed by Prabhu Deva.[6]

Ravi Varman has often spoken about the influence of Madras (now Chennai) on his life and career. Arriving in the city as a teenager in search of food and livelihood, he has described Madras as a place that “tested, raised, and shaped” him, comparing it to both a mother and a divine presence that guided his artistic journey.[7]

In 2023, Ravi received his first National Film Award for Best Cinematography for his work on Ponniyin Selvan: I, directed by Mani Ratnam[8] and was featured in the FC-Ormax Power List of Technicians, recognizing his contributions to the entertainment industry alongside other prominent technicians.[9] In 2024, Varman directed and co-produced Bande Utkala Janani Anthem, a tourism video promoting the state of Odisha.[10] The video features music by Pritam and uses the lyrics of "Bande Utkala Janani", a patriotic anthem written by Odia poet Kantakabi Laxmikanta Mohapatra.[10]

After completing Ponniyin Selvan, Ravi worked on Revathy’s Salaam Venky and resumed post-production on Ratnam's film.[4] Varman collaborated with Kamal Haasan once again on Indian 2, after previously working with him on Dasavathaaram (2008).[11][12] The film is a sequel to Indian (1996)[11][9] In 2024, Varman was invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as part of its 2025 class of new members.[13] He is currently working on the upcoming movie Love Insurance Kompany, directed by Vignesh Shivan.[14]

Awards and honours[edit | edit source]

Filmography[edit | edit source]

As producer[edit | edit source]

As cinematographer[edit | edit source]

Films[edit | edit source]

List of Ravi Varman film credits as cinematographer
Year Title Language Notes
1999 Jalamarmaram Malayalam [3]
2000 Sathyam Sivam Sundaram
Santham [3]
2001 Valliettan
Vakkalathu Narayanankutty
Five Star Tamil
2003 Yeh Dil Hindi [3]
Jai Telugu
Armaan Hindi
Kilichundan Mampazham Malayalam
2004 Five by Four English
Phir Milenge Hindi
Autograph Tamil
2005 Anniyan Filmfare Award for Best Cinematographer – Tamil[lower-alpha 1]
Ramji Londonwale Hindi
2006 Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu Tamil Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Cinematographer
2008 Dasavathaaram
2009 Villu
2010 Moscowin Kavery Also directorial debut
Kandahar Malayalam
2011 Badrinath Telugu
2012 Barfi! Hindi
2013 Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela Zee Cine Awards 2014 - Best Cinematography
2015 Tamasha
2017 Kaatru Veliyidai Tamil Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards for Best Cinematography

Vijay Award for Best Cinematographer Behindwoods Gold Medal for Best Cinematographer

Jagga Jasoos Hindi Nominated - Filmfare Award for Best Cinematography
Heartbeats English
2018 Sanju Hindi
2019 Mission Mangal
Kolaambi Malayalam
2022 Ponniyin Selvan: I Tamil Filmfare Award for Best Cinematographer – Tamil

National Film Award for Best Cinematography[8]

Nominated -16th Asian Film Award for Best Cinematography

Salaam Venky Hindi
2023 Ponniyin Selvan: II Tamil Filmfare Award for Best Cinematographer – Tamil
Japan [15]
2024 Indian 2 [11]
2025 Love Insurance Kompany Not yet released [14]

As guest cinematographer[edit | edit source]

List of Ravi Varman film credits as guest cinematographer
Year Film Language Notes
1999 Vaalee Tamil
2001 Minnale 2 songs
2003 Boys
2011 Bodyguard Hindi
7 Aum Arivu Tamil "O Ringa Ringa" song
2014 Ugramm Kannada
2024 Crew Hindi 1 song

Notes[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Jointly awarded with V. Manikandan

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ PTI (26 June 2024). "Oscars 2025: Shabana Azmi, SS Rajamouli, Ritesh Sidhwani, Ravi Varman among 487 new Academy members". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
  2. ↑ Varman, Ravi (21 June 2003). "Interview with cinematographer Ravi Varman". Chennai Online (Interview). Interviewed by Malini Mannath. Archived from the original on 22 February 2010. Retrieved 25 May 2011.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 "'I'll always try out techniques that others avoid': Cinematographer Ravi Varman". The Week. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Dundoo, Sangeetha Devi (3 October 2022). "Cinematographer Ravi Varman discusses the visual landscape of Mani Ratnam's 'Ponniyin Selvan'". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
  5. ↑ "Mani Ratnam's heads overseas for a Marathon shoot". raatnam.com. Archived from the original on 23 September 2019. Retrieved 23 September 2019.
  6. ↑ "RAVI VARMAN - The Director, Cinematographer - Sunday special Interview on Dasavatharam Cinematographer Ravi Varman". Behindwoods.com. Archived from the original on 5 June 2012. Retrieved 7 November 2011.
  7. ↑ "Madras tested me, raised me, shaped me: Ravi Varman". The Times of India. 16 August 2025.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 "Ponniyin Selvan cinematographer Ravi Varman on winning National Film Award: 'It has been a long journey'". The Indian Express. 16 August 2024. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 FC, Team (11 July 2024). "FC-Ormax Power List of Technicians 2024: Ravi Varman". www.filmcompanion.in. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 V, Harshini S. (7 February 2024). "We Want The Lyrics to Narrate The Story: Ravi Varman on Making The Odisha Tourism Video". www.filmcompanion.in. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 "DOP Ravi Varman calls working with Kamal Haasan an incredible experience". The Times of India. 5 July 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  12. ↑ "Indian 2 is like our version of a Bond film: Ravi Varman". The Times of India. 10 July 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  13. ↑ PTI (26 June 2024). "Oscars 2025: Shabana Azmi, SS Rajamouli, Ritesh Sidhwani, Ravi Varman among 487 new Academy members". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 "'Love Insurance Kompany': Pradeep Ranganathan - Vignesh Shivan film's first look out". The Hindu. 25 July 2024. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  15. ↑ "Karthi praises Ponniyin Selvan cinematographer Ravi Varman for enhancing Japan's quality: 'He worked tirelessly on Indian 2, Japan in tandem'". The Indian Express. 8 November 2023. Retrieved 21 October 2024.

External links[edit | edit source]

Template:Filmfare Award for Best Cinematographer – South

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