R. Velraj

Last updated

R. Velraj
Born
Rajamani Velraj

(1969-10-21) 21 October 1969 (age 54)
Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
Nationality Indian
Occupations
Years active2003-present
ParentS Rajamani [1]

Rajamani Velraj is an Indian cinematographer, director and writer who primarily works in Tamil and Hindi cinema. He is well known for his camera work in films like Asuran, Aadukalam, Vada Chennai, Kadaikutty Singam and Komban, and for directing Velaiilla Pattadhari [2] and Thanga Magan. [3]

Contents

Personal life

Rajamani Velraj was born in the village Kootthiyar Kundu near Madurai, Tamil Nadu. He went to PKN Boys Higher Secondary School (Tirumangalam), and studied at Madurai Sourastra College. [2]

Career

Early in his career, he worked as an assistant to ace cinematographer Tirru in several Tamil films. After working with actor Dhanush in Parattai Engira Azhagu Sundaram , Dhanush recommended Velraj for his next film, Polladhavan , directed by then debutant, Vetrimaaran. He won the Vijay Award for Best Cinematographer in 2008. [4] Velraj and Vetrimaaran continued working together, from Aadukalam to their most recent film, Viduthalai Part 1 (2023). He made his directional debut with Velaiilla Pattadhari , starring Dhanush and Amala Paul and with Anirudh as the music director. The film was extremely successful and became a cult film. In 2015, he directed his second film, Thanga Magan . Velraj is a member of the Indian Society of Cinematographers. [5]

Filmography

As cinematographer

YearTitleLanguageNotes
2002 23rd March 1931: Shaheed HindiRa Operator
2003 Supari Hindi
2006 Phir Hera Pheri Hindi
2007 Parattai Engira Azhagu Sundaram Tamil
Polladhavan TamilWinner, Vijay Award for Best Cinematographer [6]
2008Kabhi Bhi Kahin BhiHindi
Malabar Wedding Malayalam
2010 Kandahar MalayalamCollaborated with Ravi Varman
2011 Aadukalam TamilWinner, Filmfare Award for Best Cinematographer – Tamil
Winner, Vikatan Award For Best Cinematographer

(Cameo appearance) [6]

Siruthai Tamil [2]
Engeyum Eppodhum TamilWinner, Vikatan Award For Best Cinematographer [7]
2012 3 Tamil [2]
Savaari Kannada
Leelai Tamil
2013 Naan Rajavaga Pogiren Tamil
Ethir Neechal Tamil
Udhayam NH4 Tamil [8]
Naiyaandi Tamil [9]
2014 Velaiyilla Pattathari TamilDirector (Cameo appearance) [10]
Poriyaalan Tamil(Cameo appearance)
2015 Komban Tamil(Cameo appearance)
Vai Raja Vai Tamil [11]
Paayum Puli Tamil(Cameo appearance)
Thanga Magan TamilDirector (Cameo appearance) [12]
2016 Pugazh Tamil(Cameo appearance) [13]
Marudhu Tamil
2017 Power Paandi Tamil(Cameo appearance) [14]
2018 Kadaikutty Singam Tamil(Cameo appearance)
Vada Chennai Tamil(Cameo appearance) [15]
2019 Dev Tamil
Asuran Tamil(Cameo appearance) [16]
Sangathamizhan Tamil
2021 Pulikkuthi Pandi Tamil [17]
Udanpirappe Tamil [18]
2022 Veerapandiyapuram Tamil [19]
The Legend Tamil [20]
Anel Meley Pani Thuli Tamil [21]
Pettaikaali TamilTV series on Aha Tamil [22]
Kuttram Kuttrame Tamil [23]
2023 Viduthalai Part 1 Tamil [24]
Kathar Basha Endra Muthuramalingam Tamil
2024 Viduthalai Part 2 Tamil

As director

YearTitleLanguageNotes
2014 Velaiilla Pattadhari TamilWinner, Edison Award for Best Debut Director
Nominated, Filmfare Award for Best Director – Tamil
Cameo as Traffic Police
2015 Thanga Magan TamilCameo as Ramalingam

As actor

Awards

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dhanush</span> Indian actor (born 1983)

Venkatesh Prabhu Kasthuri Raja, known professionally as Dhanush, is an Indian actor, filmmaker, lyricist and playback singer who primarily works in Tamil cinema. Having starred in 50 films over his career, his accolades include four National Film Awards, fourteen SIIMA Awards, eight Filmfare Awards South and a Filmfare Award. One of the highest paid actors in Indian cinema, he has been included in the Forbes India Celebrity 100 list six times.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">G. V. Prakash Kumar</span> Indian composer and actor (born 1987)

G. V. Prakash Kumar is an Indian music composer, playback singer, actor, and film producer known for his work in Tamil cinema. His first film was S Pictures' Veyil (2006) and he gained fame in Tamil films by the early 2010s. He made his debut in acting on 2015 through Darling. He has won one National Award, three Filmfare Awards and three SIIMA Awards in his film career.

<i>Aadukalam</i> 2011 film by Vetrimaaran

Aadukalam is a 2011 Indian Tamil-language drama film directed by Vetrimaran, produced by S. Kathiresan and distributed by Sun Pictures. The film stars Dhanush in the lead role, alongside Taapsee Pannu, Kishore, V. I. S. Jayapalan, Naren Narayanan, and Murugadoss. G. V. Prakash Kumar composed the film score and soundtrack.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vetrimaaran</span> Indian film director, film producer and screenwriter

Vetrimaaran is an Indian film director, film producer and screenwriter who primarily works in Tamil cinema. He is known for his unique filmography with major commercial success and high critical acclaim works. He has won five National Film Awards, three Filmfare South Awards and one Tamil Nadu State Film Award.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kalaipuli S. Thanu</span> Indian film producer and distributor (born 1952)

Kalaipuli S. Thanu is an Indian film producer, director and distributor, known for his films in Tamil cinema. He has produced several films through his two companies, V Creations and Kalaipuli Films International. Many of his films have been commercially successful, three of which are among the top-ten highest grossing Tamil films. He has won two National Film Awards, two Cinema Express Awards and one Filmfare Awards South.

The Vijay for Best Film is given by STAR Vijay as part of its annual Vijay Awards ceremony for Tamil (Kollywood) films.

The Vijay for Best Find of the Year is given by STAR Vijay as part of its annual Vijay Awards ceremony for Tamil (Kollywood) films.

<i>Velaiilla Pattadhari</i> 2014 film by R. Velraj

Velaiilla Pattadhari, popularly referred to as VIP, is a 2014 Indian Tamil-language action drama film written and directed by Velraj, in his directorial debut, and produced by Dhanush, who also enacts in the lead role alongside Amala Paul, Vivek, Saranya Ponvannan, Samuthirakani and Surbhi. It is the predecessor to Velaiilla Pattadhari 2 (2017), which was directed by Soundarya Rajinikanth; replacing Velraj. The film follows Raghuvaran "Raghu," an unemployed graduate, who tries to overcome various obstacles before and after finding employment.

Subramaniam Siva is an Indian film director and actor who works in the Tamil film industry.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dhanush filmography</span>

Dhanush is an Indian actor, film producer, screenwriter and film director known for his work in Tamil cinema. He has also appeared in some Hindi, English and Telugu films. He made his acting debut in 2002 with the coming of age drama, Thulluvadho Ilamai, directed by his father Kasthuri Raja. His role as a mentally-disturbed man in Kaadhal Kondein (2003)—directed by his brother Selvaraghavan—won him critical acclaim. The following year, he starred in Subramaniam Siva's Thiruda Thirudi, a commercial success. This was followed by a series of commercial failures—Pudhukottaiyilirundhu Saravanan (2004), Sulaan (2004) and Dreams (2004). He had two releases in 2005—Devathaiyai Kanden and Adhu Oru Kana Kaalam.

<i>Thanga Magan</i> (2015 film) 2015 Indian film

Thanga Magan is a 2015 Indian Tamil-language coming of age family drama film written and directed by Velraj. Dhanush produced and stars in the film alongside Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Amy Jackson.

<i>Velaiilla Pattadhari 2</i> 2017 film by Soundarya Rajinikanth

Velaiilla Pattadhari 2 is a 2017 Indian Tamil action comedy film directed by Soundarya Rajinikanth. It is a sequel to the 2014 film Velaiilla Pattadhari and has Dhanush, Amala Paul, Vivek, Hrishikesh, Saranya Ponvannan, and Samuthirakani reprising their roles, while Kajol plays an antagonistic role, marking her return to Tamil cinema after 20 years, with her last film being Minsara Kanavu (1997). Ritu Varma was recast as Anita, earlier played by Surbhi, which marks her debut in Tamil cinema. Some of Dhanush's scenes were partially reshot in Telugu. Its music was composed by Sean Roldan.

<i>Asuran</i> (2019 film) 2019 Indian film

Asuran (transl. Demon) is a 2019 Indian Tamil-language period action drama film directed by Vetrimaaran and produced by Kalaipuli S. Thanu. It is based on the novel Vekkai (transl. Heat) by Poomani. The film stars Dhanush, along with Manju Warrier, Ken Karunas, and Teejay Arunasalam. G. V. Prakash Kumar composed the film's music. The cinematography was handled by Velraj, with editing by R. Ramar.

<i>Viduthalai Part 1</i> 2023 Indian Tamil period crime thriller film

Viduthalai is a 2023 Indian Tamil-language period crime thriller film directed and co-produced by Vetrimaaran, who co-wrote the screenplay with B. Jeyamohan, under Grass Root Film Company and RS Infotainment. It is the first of a two-part adaptation of the short story Thunaivan (transl. Companion) by Jeyamohan. Set in 1987, the film follows a constable, who is recruited to arrest the leader of a separatist group. The ensemble cast includes Soori, Vijay Sethupathi, Bhavani Sre, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Rajiv Menon, Ilavarasu, Balaji Sakthivel, Saravana Subbiah, Chetan, Munnar Ramesh, and Pavel Navageethan.

<i>Aadukalam</i> (soundtrack) 2010 soundtrack album by G. V. Prakash Kumar

Aadukalam (transl. Playground) is the soundtrack album for the Tamil film of the same name directed by Vetrimaaran. The film featured music composed by G. V. Prakash Kumar in his second collaboration with Vetrimaaran and Dhanush after Polladhavan (2007), and its soundtrack album features seven tracks; four songs, two rap numbers and an instrumental. Lyrics for the songs were written by Snehan, Ekadesi, Yugabharathi, V. I. S. Jayapalan and Yogi B. The album distributed by Sony Music India was released on 1 December 2010.

<i>Asuran</i> (soundtrack) 2019 soundtrack album by G. V. Prakash Kumar

Asuran (transl. Demon) is the soundtrack album composed by G. V. Prakash Kumar for the 2019 Indian Tamil-language film of the same name written and directed by Vetrimaaran, which stars Dhanush and Manju Warrier. The soundtrack album which had seven songs written by Ekadesi, Yugabharathi, Eknath and Arunraja Kamaraj, was consisted to be a mix of raw folk elements with the approach of international music and had begun production during March 2019 and completed within that August. The soundtrack album was launched on 2 September 2019, at Prasad Studios in Chennai, with a simultaneous release through YouTube and digital platforms. The album received mostly positive reviews from critics and audience and fetched accolades at various ceremonies.

<i>Viduthalai Part 2</i> 2024 Indian Tamil period crime thriller film

Viduthalai Part 2 is a 2024 Indian Tamil-language period crime thriller film directed and co-produced by Vetrimaaran, who co-wrote the screenplay with B. Jeyamohan, under RS Infotainment and Grass Root Film Company. A direct sequel to Viduthalai Part 1 (2023), it is the second of a two-part adaptation of Jeyamohan's short story Thunaivan. It follows a police constable's conflict with the leader of a separatist group. Soori, Vijay Sethupathi, Manju Warrier, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Bhavani Sre, Rajiv Menon, Ilavarasu, Balaji Sakthivel, Saravana Subbiah, Chetan and Munnar Ramesh reprise their role from the first film.

G. K. Vishnu is an Indian cinematographer who predominantly works in the Tamil film industry.

<i>Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam</i> 2024 Indian film

Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam is an upcoming Indian Tamil-language coming-of-age romantic comedy film co-written, directed, and produced by Dhanush, jointly with Kasthuri Raja and Vijayalakshmi Kasthuri, under Wunderbar Films and RK Productions (P) Ltd. It stars an ensemble cast of Pavish, Anikha Surendran, Priya Prakash Varrier, Mathew Thomas, Venkatesh Menon, Rabiya Khatoon, and Ramya Ranganathan.

References

  1. ↑ The Times of India (5 July 2020). "Cinematographer-director Velraj's father passes away" . Retrieved 24 July 2022.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Cinema cinema!". The Hindu. 31 July 2014. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 30 January 2023.
  3. ↑ Kumar, Karthik (17 December 2015). "Five Reasons Why You Don't Wanna Miss Dhanush's Thanga Magan". TheQuint. Retrieved 30 January 2023.
  4. ↑ "A reluctant director". The Hindu. 19 July 2014. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 30 January 2023.
  5. ↑ "Acclaimed cinematographer Velraj gets the prestigious ISC recognition". www.zoomtventertainment.com. Retrieved 30 January 2023.
  6. 1 2 Kumar, Pradeep (16 February 2019). "The Usual Suspects: Dhanush, Vetrimaaran and R Velraj". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 30 April 2023.
  7. ↑ "Engeyum Eppodhum". Deccan Herald. 24 September 2011. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
  8. ↑ "NH4: Take this route". The Hindu. 20 April 2013. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 30 April 2023.
  9. ↑ "Dhanush Helped With Script, Says Vellai Illa Pattathari Director". NDTV.com. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
  10. ↑ "A reluctant director". The Hindu. 19 July 2014. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 30 April 2023.
  11. ↑ "'Vai Raja Vai' gearing up for April 24". The Times of India. ISSN   0971-8257 . Retrieved 30 April 2023.
  12. ↑ ""It was all Dhanush"". The Hindu. 19 December 2015. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 30 April 2023.
  13. ↑ "Surbhi: My role in Pugazh a reflection of my real self | India.com". www.india.com. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
  14. ↑ "Dhanush Tweets First Look of Power Paandi, His Debut as Director". NDTV.com. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
  15. ↑ "Blow for Dhanush's Vada Chennai: Amala Paul exits after Vijay Sethupathi". Hindustan Times. 19 April 2017. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  16. ↑ Kumar, Pradeep (16 February 2019). "The Usual Suspects: Dhanush, Vetrimaaran and R Velraj". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  17. ↑ "'புலிக்குத்தி பாண்டி' ஃபர்ஸ்ட் லுக் வெளியீடு". Hindu Tamil Thisai (in Tamil). Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  18. ↑ The Hindu Net Desk (5 October 2021). "Jyotika: 'Udanpirappe is special, as it shows the strength of a woman's silence'". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  19. ↑ "Veerapandiyapuram Movie Review: An uninventive, dull revenge drama". Cinema Express . Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  20. ↑ "The Legend gets U/A certficate". Cinema Express . Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  21. ↑ Sudevan, Praveen (18 November 2022). "'Anel Meley Pani Thuli' movie review: Andrea excels in a gritty crime drama about sexual assault". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  22. ↑ IANS. "Vetri Maaran's Jallikattu-Based Series 'Pettaikaali' To Stream From Diwali". Outlook India. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  23. ↑ "Kuttram Kuttrame Movie Review: Jai, Harish Uthaman shine in Susienthiran's return to form". Cinema Express . Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  24. ↑ "Vijay Sethupathi begins dubbing for Viduthalai". OTTPlay. Retrieved 30 January 2023.
  25. ↑ "The 59th Idea Filmfare Awards 2011(South)". The Times of India . 8 July 2012. Archived from the original on 4 July 2013.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.