SANTOSH SIVAN

Santosh Sivan – The Master Cinematographer and Filmmaker

Santosh Sivan is one of India’s most celebrated cinematographers, directors, and producers. He has worked across Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, and international cinema, known for his visual storytelling, poetic frames, and artistic use of light and colors.

Early Life and Background

  • Full Name: Santosh Sivan
  • Born: 8 February 1964, Haripad, Kerala, India
  • Occupation: Cinematographer, Film Director, Producer
  • Industry: Indian Cinema (Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, and Hollywood)
  • Style: Visually poetic films, historical epics, social dramas
  • Key Collaborations: Mani Ratnam, Priyadarshan, Rajiv Menon, Shaji N. Karun, Asoka, Roja, Dil Se, Iruvar

Santosh Sivan was the first Asian to be inducted into the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC).

Notable Films by Santosh Sivan

As a Cinematographer (Iconic Visuals in Indian Cinema)

  1. Perunthachan (1990) – A Malayalam classic with stunning frames.
  2. Roja (1992) – A game-changer in Indian cinematography, directed by Mani Ratnam.
  3. Thalapathi (1991) – A visually rich Tamil gangster drama, starring Rajinikanth.
  4. Iruvar (1997) – A political drama inspired by real-life Tamil Nadu leaders, known for its cinematography.
  5. Dil Se (1998) – The famous train song “Chaiyya Chaiyya” was shot by him.
  6. Asoka (2001) – A grand historical drama starring Shah Rukh Khan.
  7. Ravanan (2010) / Raavan (2010) – A visually stunning film based on Ramayana.

As a Director (Critically Acclaimed Films)

  1. Halo (1996) – A touching children’s film.
  2. The Terrorist (1997) – An internationally acclaimed film based on Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination, praised by John Malkovich.
  3. Asoka (2001) – A Bollywood historical epic starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor.
  4. Before the Rains (2007) – A Malayalam-English bilingual film.
  5. Urumi (2011) – A historical adventure film starring Prithviraj, Arya, and Genelia.
  6. Mohanlal’s Jack and Jill (2022) – A sci-fi thriller.

Awards & Recognition

🏆 14 National Film Awards (in cinematography and direction)
 🏆 Filmfare Awards South (Best Cinematography)
 🏆 ASC (American Society of Cinematographers) Honor
 🏆 International Awards at Cannes, Busan, and Toronto Film Festivals

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS : 

YOUTUBE : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z32rEGL9o4U&pp=ygUqbWFsYXlhbGFtIGRpcmVjdG9yIFNhbnRvc2ggU2l2YW4gYmlvZ3JhcGh5

INSTAGRAM : https://www.instagram.com/santoshsivanasc.isc/

FACEBOOK : https://www.facebook.com/santoshsivanofficialpage/

TWITTER : https://x.com/santoshsivan