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Award-winning filmmaker and cinematographer R. Chezhiyan, best known for his critically acclaimed film To Let, died after a prolonged illness. He was a member of the International Institute of Film Culture (IIFC).
To Let, which poignantly portrayed the ordeal of a lower middle-class family searching for a rented house, struck a chord with audiences and critics alike. It won the Best Film award in the Indian Language Competition section at the 23rd Kolkata International Film Festival. The award comprised the Golden Bengal Tiger trophy, a cash prize of ₹7 lakh, and a certificate.
Chezhiyan’s minimalist approach to filmmaking was evident in To Let, in which he deliberately chose not to use background score, despite music being an integral element of Tamil cinema. In an interview with The Hindu after winning the Kolkata award, he said: “As we move closer towards realistic cinema, the first element to make an exit is music.”
A native of Nattarasankottai in Sivaganga district, Chezhiyan was an engineer by training before taking up cinematography. He began his career under renowned cinematographer P.C. Sriram and went on to carve a distinct identity in the film industry. As a cinematographer, he worked on acclaimed films such as Thenmerku Paruvakaatru, Paradesi, and Joker before making his mark as a director.
“His knowledge of cinema and filmmaking was extraordinary. I persuaded him to write a series on world cinema for Ananda Vikatan, which was later published as a book. He was meticulous in his work and, above all, a wonderful human being,” said R. Kannan, former editor of the Vikatan Group.
Beyond his work behind the camera, Chezhiyan was widely respected as a mentor. Through The Film School, he trained scores of aspiring filmmakers, many of whom have gone on to establish themselves in the industry.
“He was a great mentor. Through The Film School, he trained many young people, and more than 30 of them are now working in the film industry,” Mr. Kannan said.
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