ONE LONG Shot

A WIDE-ANGLE CHAT WITH THE SOUTH INDIAN CINEMATOGRAPHER VIDHU AYYANNA ON THE OBSCURE POWER OF CINEMATOGRAPHY

- ISHWARIYA KRISHNAN

Cinematographers can wield as much power over a film as directors do. Cinematography is one of the most mysterious aspects of filmmaking. Here is the journey of cinematographer Vidhu Ayyanna, who rose from a non-cinematic background to work with many notable directors.

All the films you worked with ended up as a hit. How do you choose your script? When we watch a film, we may have certain expectations. When I read a script or a draft, my instincts kick in, and I visualise them, which is how I know if it will work or not. I choose some films and few films choose me. That's how magic worked out for me.

Which was the first film that chose you?

The film Meyaadha Maan chose me. I was on the verge of quitting and desperately needed a break at the time. I wanted to make my first film, and I was working on it. I was previously working with YouTube channels when director Rathna Kumar approached me for that film. I took the risk and put all of my creativity into that film.

When did you decide that you wanted to pursue a career in cinematography?

I've always wanted to be a filmmaker. During my school days, I fantasised about becoming one. When I finished my bachelor's degree in visual communication, I realised how difficult it is to make a living as a director in the industry. I wasn't sure what my living situation would be if I pursued a career in direction, so I decided to learn a skill that would provide me with a basic necessity. That's how I learned about cinematography. The next visual narrator after a director is a cinematographer, but if cinematography doesn't work out, I had a backup plan to pursue photography and make wedding films for a living.

Struggles you faced in your 15 years journey.