Santosh Rai Pathaje

Biography

Santosh Rai Pathaje is an Indian cinematographer and filmmaker primarily active in the Kannada film industry, also known as Sandalwood. Born in the coastal town of Kaaniyur, near Puttur in Karnataka, he completed his schooling at St. Aloysius College in Mangalore. Initially pursuing a degree in journalism, he later shifted his focus to filmmaking, earning a diploma in cinematography from the Government Film and TV Institute in Bangalore. He was part of the first batch of cinematography students when the institute moved to its new campus at Hesaraghatta.

Career

Santosh Rai Pathaje began his career in the Kannada film industry with the 2009 film Josh, where he served as the cinematographer. He has since worked on several notable films, showcasing his versatility and skill in visual storytelling. Some of his significant works include:

Chowka (2017): An action drama that revolves around four ambitious individuals who end up in jail.

Lakshmana (2016): A film that blends elements of action and drama.

John Jani Janardhan (2016): A film that explores themes of friendship and love.

Love U Alia (2015): A romantic drama that delves into the complexities of relationships.

Dev S/O Mudde Gowda (2012): A romantic comedy that loosely inspired by the Bollywood film Wake Up Sid.

In addition to his work as a cinematographer, Santosh has also ventured into directing. He directed the 2007 film Savi Savi Nenapu, a romantic drama that explores themes of love and loss.

Style and Influence

Known for his aesthetic sensibilities, Santosh Rai Pathaje's cinematography is often described as luxurious and glossy. Critics have noted that if the photography of a Kannada movie appears visually appealing, Santosh is likely behind it. His work is characterized by a keen eye for detail and a strong sense of visual storytelling, which has earned him recognition in the industry.

Recent Work

As of late 2023, Santosh Rai Pathaje has been involved in several projects, including:

Sugar Factory (2023): A film that showcases his continued commitment to high-quality cinematography.

Trivikrama (2022): A film that further solidifies his reputation in the industry.

The Story of Raygada (2025): An upcoming project that has generated anticipation among fans and critics alike.