Ravi Varman

Cinematographer

Indian Poyyoundarkudikkadu, near Tanjore (Thanjavur), Tamil Nadu, India

Quick Info

ProfessionCinematographer
NationalityIndian
Date of Birth10/05/1972
Age54 years
BirthplacePoyyoundarkudikkadu, near Tanjore (Thanjavur), Tamil Nadu, India

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Bio/Wiki

S. Ravi Varman ISC is one of India's most acclaimed cinematographers, filmmaker, producer, and writer. He predominantly works in Tamil, Malayalam, and Hindi film industries and has built a career spanning over two decades with a filmography of 35+ films and over 400 commercials. Known for his versatility and poetic visual rhetoric, Varman is recognized for his evocative visual storytelling and dedication to transforming each frame into a work of art, inspired by natural lighting and classical painters.

Physical Stats & More

Height165 cm
Weight65 kg
Eye ColorBlack
Hair ColorBlack

Educational Qualification(s)

Education7th Pass

Relationships & More

Marital StatusMarried

Family

SpouseHis wife is an engineer.
Children
  • Arjith
  • One (Name
  • )
FatherHis father was a politician who died soon after his birth.
MotherHis mother was a homemaker who passed away when he was 12 years old.

Career

DebutFilm: Jalamarmaram (1999)
Awards, Honours, Achievements
  • The best cinematography award at the 23rd International Cannes Film Festival in France for Jayaraj's Malayalam film Shantham
  • Filmfare Award for Best Cinematographer โ€“ South for Anniyan
  • Best Cinematographer award at the Tamil Nadu State Film Awards for Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu
  • ITFA Best Cinematographer Award for Dasavathaaram
  • Best Cinematography awards at many awards shows like Star Guild Awards, Screen Awards, TOIFA Awards, and IIFA Awards for Barfi
  • Zee Cine Awards for Best cinematography for Ramleela
  • Best Cinematography award at many awards shows like Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards, Vijay Awards, SIIMA Awards, and Behindwoods Gold Medals for Kaatru Veliyidai
  • Power award for Best Cinematography for Jagga Jasoos
  • The Most Admired Global Indian 2020 award by Passion Vista
  • Best Cinematographer award for Ponniyin Selvan: I at MGR Sivaji Academy Awards
  • Best Cinematographer (Tamil) at the 11th South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA) for the film โ€˜Ponniyin Selvan: Iโ€™ in September 2023
  • National Film Award for Best Cinematography for Ponniyin Selvan: I (2022)
  • Kalaimaamani Award from the government of Tamil Nadu
  • Honorary member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
  • Member of the American Society of Cinematographers
  • Member of the Indian Society of Cinematographers
  • Featured in the FC-Ormax Power List of Technicians (2023)
  • 23rd EMI Third Continent Award for Best Cinematography for Shantham (2001)
  • Best Cinematography awards at Star Guild Awards, Screen Awards, TOIFA Awards, and IIFA Awards for Barfi (2012)
  • Best Cinematography award at Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards, Vijay Awards, SIIMA Awards, and Behindwoods Gold Medals for Kaatru Veliyidai
  • Invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as part of its 2025 class of new members (2024)
Notable Works
  • Shantham (2001)
  • Yeh Dil (2003)
  • Dasavathaaram (2008)
  • Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu (2007)
  • Barfi (2012)
  • Ramleela
  • Tamasha
  • Jagga Jasoos
  • Kaatru Veliyidai
  • Ponniyin Selvan: I (2022)
  • Indian 2 (2023)
  • Salaam Venky (2023)
  • Bole Chudiyan (2023)
Directorial Works
  • Moscowin Kavery (2010)
  • Bande Utkala Janani Anthem (2024)

Some Lesser Known Facts

1. Ravi Varman, an Indian cinematographer, began his career in South Indian films and later worked on multiple Bollywood projects.
2. He is a self-taught cinematographer who innovated new techniques for filming scenes.
3. Varman attended a Tamil-medium government school until 7th grade but had to leave due to financial constraints.
4. When Varman was 12, he survived a suicide attempt after the death of his mother.
5. Following challenging times, he relocated to Chennai and found employment as a waiter.
6. Varman bought his first camera, self-taught photography by studying books.
7. His career in the film industry started as an assistant to various cinematographers.
8. In 1999, he debuted as a cinematographer in the Malayalam film Jalamarmaram.
9. Having worked on numerous films, Varman has garnered multiple awards for his cinematography skills.
10. He adopted the surname 'Varman' in admiration of the Chola dynasty rulers.
11. Varman has collaborated on over 500 ad campaigns featuring notable cricketers and celebrities.
12. He directed a romantic film in Tamil titled Moscowin Kavery (2010).
13. Varman bought his first camera and self-taught photography by studying books.
14. Varman's filmography spans over two decades with work across Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, and English language films.
15. He collaborated with Kamal Haasan on both Dasavathaaram (2008) and Indian 2 (2023).
Information on this page is collected from public sources and may not be 100% accurate. Report an error
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