Shamdat Sainudeen

Biography

Shamdat Sainudeen, hailing from Kerala, India, is a celebrated cinematographer and filmmaker known for his contributions to Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and even Arabic cinema. His passion for storytelling and visuals was evident from an early stage, and his career reflects a journey of perseverance, self-learning, and artistic innovation.

Initially dabbling in still photography and wedding shoots, Shamdat pursued filmmaking despite challenges, eventually finding his niche as a cinematographer under the mentorship of renowned cinematographer Ravi K. Chandran. His early projects with Chandran include acclaimed films such as Kandukondain Kandukondain and Dil Chahta Hai. These experiences shaped his technical expertise and creative outlook.

Career in Cinematography
Shamdat debuted as an independent cinematographer with the Telugu film Premayanamaha and the Malayalam movie Krithyam. His career soared with Shyamaprasad's Rithu, earning him critical acclaim for his nuanced and atmospheric visuals. Notable works in Tamil include Uttama Villain (2015) and Vishwaroopam 2 (2018), where he collaborated with Kamal Haasan, solidifying his reputation in the South Indian film industry.

He has also worked on films such as Prasthanam (2010), Marykkundoru Kunjaadu (2010), and Kerala Cafe (2009), showcasing versatility across genres. His work in Arabic cinema, including A Bahraini Tale, further highlights his global reach.

Directorial Debut
In 2018, Shamdat transitioned to directing with Street Lights, starring Mammootty. The crime thriller, released in Malayalam and Tamil, received praise for its storytelling and visuals, reflecting Shamdat's deep understanding of narrative and aesthetics.