Suraj Kurade

Biography

Suraj Kurade is a highly regarded Indian Director of Photography (DOP) and cinematographer based in Mumbai, known for his versatile work across feature films, commercials, and music videos. He has carved a niche for himself with his technical expertise, artistic eye, and specialization in challenging filming techniques, particularly underwater and high-speed motion photography.

Early Life and Training:

Suraj Kurade's passion for visuals began early, influenced by his father, a photographer. This initial spark led him to freelance for various magazines and newspapers. His formal training in cinematography came from the prestigious VGIK (Gerasimov Institute of Cinematography), which he entered in 1998 and graduated from in 2003. This rigorous education laid the foundation for his technical proficiency and artistic development.

He gained invaluable practical experience working as a camera operator at Genesis Films, where he learned from the "father of ad-films in India," Prahlad Kakkar. He also headed Genesis Films' camera technical department and spent seven years managing/operating a Photosonics™ camera, specializing in high-speed film capture. His experience extends to operating cameras on numerous underwater shoots, including high-speed capture.

Career Highlights and Diverse Filmography:

Kurade's career as a DOP has seen him contribute to a wide array of projects, demonstrating his adaptability across genres. He has also served as an associate DOP to prominent cinematographers like Amalendu Chaudhary, Vishnu Rao, the late Bobby Singh (on films like Queen), Ravi Varman (on Barfi), Mujahid Raza, and Priya Seth (on Airlift).

As a full-fledged Director of Photography, Suraj Kurade has been instrumental in shaping the visual language of numerous Gujarati films, establishing himself as a sought-after talent in the regional industry. His filmography includes:

• Chor Bani Thangaat Kare (2017): A comedy family drama.
• Reva (2018): A critically acclaimed drama.
• Sharato Lagu (2018)
• Family Circus (2018)
• Bau Na Vichar (2019)
• Miranda House (Konkani & Marathi, 2019): A thriller, showcasing his work in multiple regional languages.

• Luv Ni Love Storys (2020)
• Safalta 0KM (2020)
• Dhuandhaar (2021)
• Naadi Dosh (2022)
• Gajab Thai Gayo! (2022)
• Prem Prakaran (2022)
• Fakt Mahilao Maate (2022)
• Hu Ane Tu (2022)
• 21 Divas (2023)
• Meera (2023)
• Tari Sathe (2023)
• Sanghavi & Sons (Upcoming, 2025)

Beyond feature films, Suraj Kurade is a prolific cinematographer for commercials and music videos, showcasing his versatility in crafting compelling visuals for shorter formats as well. He is particularly known for his ability to capture both artistic and technically sound visuals, even in extreme conditions.

Suraj Kurade continues to be an active force in Indian cinema, bringing his profound technical expertise, extensive experience, and artistic vision to every project he undertakes.