2012 Tamil Movie Award - Best Cinematographer
Tamil Cinema has always been known for producing some of the best technicians in India, especially top notch cinematographers. This year is no different with Tamil cinema continuing to be a breeding ground for some exceptional talents. Here is our ranking of top 10 cinematographers of 2012
1. M. Sukumar [Kumki]
Almost every critic unanimously recognized Sukumar's cinematography in Kumki. After Myna and Kumki, Sukumar is now considered a specialist in shooting under risky terrains under natural/low light conditions. Some of the pristine locations in Kumki were breathtakingly shot. Sukumar is 2012's best cinematographer in Tamil cinema for stunning compositions and exceptional hardwork involved in shooting under extremely challenging conditions
2. Vijay Milton [Vazhakku Enn 18/9]
Vijay Milton shot Vazhakku Enn with a digital camera [Canon 5D]. The angles and hand-held movements imparted a sense of vulnerability and candid look to the story. The movie had a lot of visual cues throughout the proceeding. Read more about visual story-telling of Vazhakku Enn
3. Balasubramaniem [OKOK, Neerparavai]
It has been an exceptional year for Balasubramaniem with his work being recognized in two diametrically different style movies that he worked this year. Neerparavai is one of year's most disciplined cinematography with strict adherence to lighting continuity (probably aimed at national award). On the other hand, he went for an unbridled commercial style in Oru Kal Oru Kannadi, which helped provide the rich-look of the movie relative to its budget.
4. KK Senthil Kumar [Naan Ee]
It must have been a tough task for Senthil Kumar to understand Rajamouli's vision and translate it to reality. Senthil Kumar played the bridge between the director and computer graphics department as many of the shots must have been cranked with a lot of imagination and creativity using macro lens. The result was so convincing that everybody rooted for the little bug.
5. Sounder Rajan [Maattrraan]
Sounder Rajan played a pivotal role in making sure Suriya's looked convicing as conjoined twins. Sounder Rajan with help from his mentor pushed cinematic boundaries by successfully executing motion capture technology for the first time in Indian cinema. The USSR portions involving file Olympics scenes were matched well. His beautiful picturization of Norway locations in Nani Koni song also made the viewers take notice.
6. Santhosh Sivan [Thuppakki]
Santosh Sivan's fast paced working style was instrumental in shooting at busy real locations in Mumbai. Santhosh's contribution could be appreciated during the the racy 12-for-12 encounter sequence. He provided two distinct styles in the movie (love portions with Kajal and anti-terrorism scenes). He ensured Vijay looked stylish and dynamic in his role. The master cinematographer is ranked a bit lower than one may expect because he had a number of clash cinematographers filling his shoes (e.g., Nutty for "Vennilave" song).
7. Gopi Amarnath [Pizza]
Gopi Amarnath's role in the success of Pizza cannot be underestimated. The cinematographer was able to make this low budget 1.5 Crore movie, match up to that of regular mainstream movies. Gopi's work looked confident as many of the scenes were shot with the help of just a torch light. The cameraman deserved kudos for imparting fear in viewers' minds with his creative lighting techniques, uncanny angles and fluid camera movements.
8. Nirav Shah [Kadhalil Sodhapuvadhu Yeppadi, Vettai, Thaandavam]
Apart from cranking the camera, Nirav Shah's was also one of the co-producers in Kadhalil Sodhapuvadhu Yeppadi. Nirav Shah excelled in his unobtrusive story-telling camerawork in KSY. In Vettai, his shot compositions in "Thaiya thakka thakka" song were recognized. Nirav's work in Thaandavam looked rich, despite appearing to be a bit rushed.
9. R.D. Rajasekhar [Billa-2]
RD Rajasekhar's cinematography was probably one of the few highlights of Billa-2. The veteran cameraman shot the movie with Red Epic camera, 5k resolution. The tone and hue of Billa-2 were consistent throughout and the cinematography was termed by critics and fans as international quality.
10. Manoj Paramahamsa [Nanban]
Shankar had to snatch Manoj Paramahamsa from Gautham Menon to work for Nanban. The VTV cameraman did a neat job in Nanban and ensured Vijay looked fresh as a college student. Only downside is that the cinematographer had to stay extremely loyal to the original version in most of his shot which curtailed his creativity.