15 Facts About Chezhiyan

Chezhiyan is an Indian filmmaker and director of photography who works primarily in the Tamil film industry.

Chezhiyan received critical acclaim for his work in Kalloori, Paradesi and To Let.

Chezhiyan was born in Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu, where he did his early schooling.

Chezhiyan's father was an artist who used to draw and would make toys with clays, his mother was a storyteller and a singer.

Chezhiyan completed his diploma in civil engineering from Alagappa Chettiar College in Karaikudi.

Chezhiyan was interested in photography right from his early days and was into drawing and painting.

Chezhiyan worked as an assistant director in the film Thambi.

Chezhiyan then shot the climax and all the songs and worked for the remaining 30 days.

Chezhiyan made his debut as a full-fledged cinematographer with Kalloori.

Chezhiyan then worked in S Shankar's production Rettaisuzhi, in V Gowthaman's Magizhchi and in Seenu Ramasamy's Thenmerku Paruvakaatru, the latter won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil.

Chezhiyan received critical acclaim for his work in Bala's Paradesi and went on to win many awards, including the Best Cinematography Award at the 2013 BFI London Film Festival Awards.

Chezhiyan then worked in the thriller film Sawaari, in Tharai Thappattai, teaming up with director Bala for the second time, and the critically acclaimed film Joker.

Chezhiyan made his directorial debut with To Let and it was produced by his wife Prema under the couple's own production company "La Cinema".

Chezhiyan received the Katha award for his short story Harmoniam in 2004.

Chezhiyan has authored a series of books on cinema titled Ulaga Cinema in Tamil, and the series was published by the Tamil weekly Ananda Vikatan between 2005 and 2007.