S. Manikandan

Biography

S. Manikandan is a highly acclaimed Indian cinematographer, predominantly known for his exceptional work in the Tamil and Hindi film industries. With a career spanning several decades, he has established himself as a master of visual storytelling, contributing to numerous commercially successful and critically praised films.

Biography and Early Career:

Born on January 13, 1968, in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India, S. Manikandan developed a keen interest in visual arts early on. He honed his skills in cinematography and made his debut as a Director of Photography (DOP) in 1994 with the Tamil film Adharamam. This marked the beginning of a prolific career that would see him collaborate with some of the biggest names in Indian cinema.

Distinguished Career and Notable Works:

Manikandan's strength lies in his ability to craft captivating visuals that enhance the narrative and mood of a film. He is renowned for his innovative camera work, intelligent use of lighting, and keen eye for detail, which have earned him widespread recognition and numerous accolades.

Some of his most celebrated works include:

• Anniyan (2005): This Tamil psychological action thriller directed by S. Shankar earned Manikandan significant critical acclaim and the Filmfare Award for Best Cinematography. His visually striking work was a key element in the film's success.

• Om Shanti Om (2007): A hugely popular Hindi romantic fantasy film directed by Farah Khan, this film showcased Manikandan's versatility in handling large-scale, vibrant productions. He received a Filmfare nomination for Best Cinematography for this movie.

• Raavan (2010) / Raavanan (2010): Working on both the Hindi and Tamil versions of Mani Ratnam's ambitious action-adventure film, Manikandan's cinematography was praised for its breathtaking portrayal of natural landscapes and intense action sequences. He won the Apsara Award for Best Cinematography for Raavan and was nominated for the Asia Pacific Cine Awards (ASPA).

• Ra.One (2011): This high-budget Hindi superhero film saw Manikandan at the helm of its visual effects-heavy cinematography, for which he won the 9th Annual Central European Bollywood Award (ACEBA-2012) for Best Cinematography.

• Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013): A commercial blockbuster, this romantic comedy showcased his ability to capture youthful energy and picturesque locations with vibrant clarity.

• Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (2015): Another visually grand production, demonstrating his expertise in large-scale set pieces and elaborate sequences.

• Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva (2022): A recent big-budget fantasy adventure film where his cinematography was crucial in bringing the fantastical elements to life.

• Saindhav (2024): His recent work on this Telugu action-drama further highlights his continued relevance and demand in the industry.

Beyond these, Manikandan has an extensive filmography that includes films like Main Hoon Na (2004), Bluffmaster (2006), Khatta Meetha (2010), and various projects in Telugu and Malayalam cinema, such as Mukunda (2014) and the HIT film series.

Legacy and Impact:

S. Manikandan is regarded as one of India's leading cinematographers, celebrated for his ability to seamlessly blend technical prowess with artistic vision. His collaborations with top directors like S. Shankar, Mani Ratnam, Farah Khan, and Ayan Mukerji have resulted in some of Indian cinema's most memorable visual experiences. His work continues to influence aspiring cinematographers and remains a benchmark for excellence in the industry.