Actor Thambi Ramaiah’s kind gesture of appreciating ‘Vembu’ cinematographer Kumaran for a never-before visual attempt!

Debut filmmaker Justin Prabhu’s directorial ‘Vembu’ that had its theatrical release recently, has been garnering phenomenal response from all over the places. The film featuring Madras (Johny) fame Hari krishnan and Sheela of Mandela fame has been appreciated for its core theme and presentation.

Marimuthu, Jayarao among others have performed pivotal roles in this movie.

The film with its backdrop set around the current societal scenario deals with the intention of creating awareness about women’s safety, thereby gaining appreciations. The cinematography, handled by Kumaran, has also garnered appreciation for its contribution to the film’s impact.

Sharing his journey in the industry and experience of working in ‘Vembu’, Cinematographer Kumaran says, “Even before I completed my graduation in B.Tech, I got an opportunity work in the film industry. I embarked on my journey as assistant cinematographer to cameraman Vaidhy in the movie ‘Marudhamalai’ and continued to work with him in Malayalam and Kannada movies. Later, I worked in couple of Kannada movies, and worked as ‘Operative Cameraman’ in DOP Velraj sir’s directorial ‘Velai Illa Pattadhaari’.

Later, I became cinematographer through his next directorial ‘Thanga Magan’, and it was my debut film as cinematography and then cranked camera for the film ‘Engamma Rani’.

When I worked in the film ‘Badam Geer’, I happened to meet filmmaker Justin Prabhu, who worked as assistant director in that film. Our friendship and bonding helped us collaborate in this movie. We had discussed many stories, and Vembu was the one to get finalised.

The film was shot in the Krishnagiri region, which is a place most filmmakers don’t usually go to. It looked beautiful and matched the story well. For one scene, we thought it would look nice if it rained. But the area was so remote that we couldn’t even bring in a water tanker to create artificial rain. So we decided to shoot the scene without rain. Surprisingly, it started raining naturally right when we were about to shoot.

We instantly decided to shoot the scene as preplanned under natural rain showers. I felt so blessed during that moment.

It’s truly heartening to hear the positive response from audiences after watching the film. What moved me even more was hearing comments that my visuals carry the signature style of Balu Mahendra sir. While I take it as a great compliment, I also felt a bit nervous being compared to a genius of his stature.

Currently, I have worked a new film ‘Please Open the Door’, which has now become a world record for being the first-ever single shot film with lengthy runtime. It’s getting ready for release. Since we had to shoot the entire film in single shot, it came with many challenges. We brought in some equipment from Bangalore to make sure nothing interrupted the visuals, which became a monstrous challenge during the shoot. I am then working on Kaali Venkat’s next movie, directed by Raghuram.

The other film down the line is another collaboration with Kaali Venkat, which also features Thambi Ramaiah sir in the lead role. Recently, we shot a courtroom scene using two cameras with newfangled technique. The entire crew appreciated me, and especially Thambi Ramaiah sir’s appreciation stating, “I am telling this as a director. In the films I have worked so far, none have made this kind of attempt Kumara.’ He has been consistently speaking about this scene picturing to everyone he meets often. This has blessed me with immense happiness.

My forthcoming film ‘Badam Geer’ is ready for release followed by Sameer Ali Khan’s production and lead role in ‘Tamil Paiyyan Hindi Ponnu’. This film will have beautiful visuals as in 90s Bollywood films. It will be totally in contrast to Vembu movie. Director appreciated me after watching the visuals complimenting that the film doesn’t need DI at all for giving such beautiful visuals.

Furthermore, I am working in another film titled ‘Nadhamuni’, featuring musical score by Isaignani Ilaiyaraaja, directed by Madhavan, which revolves round the cruel issue of child abuses. Big Boss fame Aiswarya Dutta is performing the female lead role in this movie.’