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Ramachandra Babu

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Nationality
  
Indian

Name
  
Ramachandra Babu

Occupation
  
Cinematographer

Role
  
Cinematographer


Years active
  
1971—present

Spouse
  
K. Lathika Rani

Title
  
ISC

Siblings
  
Ravi K. Chandran

Ramachandra Babu httpsuploadwikimediaorgwikipediacommonsthu

Born
  
December 15, 1947 (age 76) (
1947-12-15
)
Maduranthakam, Tamil Nadu, India

Alma mater
  
Film and Television Institute of India

Relatives
  
Ravi K. Chandran (brother)

Education
  
Film and Television Institute of India

Children
  
Abhishek R.Babu, Abhilash R.Babu

Movies
  
Nirmalyam, Padayottam, Oru Vadakka, Yugapurushan, Swapnadanam

Similar People
  
K G George, John Abraham, Ravi K Chandran, M T Vasudevan Nair, P G Viswambharan

Interview with cameraman of yugapurushan mr ramachandra babu


K. Ramachandra Babu is a Kerala State award-winning cinematographer of over 125 films, out of which most are Malayalam films. He has also worked for films in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Arabic and English languages. He has served as the cinematographer for several documentaries and advertisement films as well.

Contents

Ramachandra Babu Ramachandra Babu Wikipedia

Ramachandra babu on iffk 2015 manorama online


Early life and career

Ramachandra Babu Padayottam In conversation with Cinematographer KRamachandra Babu

Ramachandra Babu was born on December 15, 1947 in Maduranthakam at Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu. After obtaining his B.Sc. (Chemistry) degree from Loyola College, Madras in 1966, he went on to join the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune to study cinematography. In the Institute, he made friends with Balu Mahendra, John Abraham and K.G. George, who would go on to become noted film directors. He obtained his Diploma in Cinema (Motion Picture Photography) in 1971.

Ramachandra Babu httpsuploadwikimediaorgwikipediacommonsaa

He made his feature film debut in 1971 as a cinematographer even before completing his FTII course, for Vidyarthikale Ithile Ithile. It was also the debut film of director John Abraham and writer Azad. Ramachandra Babu became a noted in the industry after he served as the cinematographer for Nirmalyam (1973) and Swapnadanam (1976), which were directorial debuts of M.T. Vasudevan Nair and K.G. George, respectively. All these films were shot in Black & White.

Later career

Ramachandra Babu's first colour film (Eastman Color) was Dweep(1976), directed by Ramu Kariat and it won him his first Kerala State Film Award for Best Cinematography. He went on to win 3 more State Awards for Rathinirvedam (1978) and Chamaram (1980), directed by Bharathan and Oru Vadakkan Veeragadha (1989), directed by Hariharan.

He played a prominent role in ushering in the technical advancements in cinematography into Malayalam cinema. The transition from Black & White to colour aside, he served as the cinematographer for the first CinemaScope film to be shot in South India, Alavuddinum Athbutha Vilakkum (1979), directed by I.V. Sasi. Despite featuring major stars like Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth and Jayabharathi, the film was delayed and another CinemaScope film Thacholi Ambu (1978) was released ahead of it, leaving the latter to be considered as the first CinemaScope film in South India. He was the cinematographer of the first film to be released with 70mm film in Malayalam. The film, Padayottam (1982), directed by Jijo Punnoose was from the production house of Thacholi Ambu, Navodaya. The film was photographed in CinemaScope format and was converted to 70mm blow-up prints with 6-track magnetic stereo sound during post-production.

His noted films include Nirmalyam (1973 – National Award For Best Feature Film, Director : M.T. Vasudevan Nair), Swapnadanam (1975 – Kerala State Film Award for Best Film, Director : K.G. George), Bandhanam (1978 – Kerala State Best Film, Dir : M.T. Vasudevan Nair), Agraharathil Kazhuthai (1978 – Best Tamil Film – National Award, Director : John Abraham), Itha Ivide Vare (Malayalam - 1977 – Dir: I.V. Sasi), Patita (1980 – Hindi, Director: I.V.Sasi), Yavanika (Dir : K.G.George) & Marmaram (Dir : Bharathan), Both Kerala State Best Film Award – 1982, Padayottam (First Malayalam 70 Mm Feature Film, 1982. Dir: Jijo), Pagal Nilavu - (1985 – Tamil, Director : Mani Rathnam), Oru Vadakkan Veera Gaadha (1989 – Malayalam, Director : Hariharan), Aadharam (1992 – Malayalam, Director : George Kithu), Sallapam (1996 – Malayalam, Director :Sunder Das), Ghazal (1993 – Malayalam, Director : Kamal), Kanmadam (1998 – Malayalam, Director : Lohithadas), Beyond The Soul (English – 2003 – Dir: Rajiv Anchal) and Al-boom (Arabic – 2005 – Dir: Khaled Abdul Raheem Al-Zadjali).

Awards

  • Kerala State Film Award for Best Cinematography
  • 1976 - Dweepu
  • 1978 - Rathinirvedam
  • 1980 - Chamaram
  • 1989 - Oru Vadakkan Veeragadha
  • Cinema Masika Award (1973) : Nirmalyam
  • Rangam Magazine Award (1977) : Itha Ivide Vare
  • Kerala Film Critics Award (1981) : Nidhra
  • Film Fans Association Award (1981) : Yavanika
  • Nana Film Weekly Award (1982) : Yavanika
  • Film Arts Club Cochin Award (1989) : Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha
  • Film Arts Club Cochin Award (1994) : Ghazal
  • Johnsons Asianet Film Award (1998) : Kanmadham
  • SICA Lifetime Achievement Award (2008)
  • Kala Keralam Award (2008)
  • Kerala Film Critics Award (2009) : Kadaksham
  • Vayalar Samskarika Vedi Award (2010) : Yugapurushan

    • Positions held

    The positions held by Ramachandra Babu in various organisations and award committees include:

  • Chairman – Technical Committee, India International Film Festival 1997
  • Member – Technical Committee, International Film Festival of Kerala, 1999
  • Jury – Kerala State Television Awards Committee 1998
  • Jury – Padmarajan Film Award Committee 1998
  • Jury – Asianet Film Awards Committee 2002
  • Jury – John Abraham Film Award Committee 2003
  • Resource Person - MACTA Chalachitra Kalari
  • Jury - SICA Awards for Malayalam Films 2002
  • Exec. Committee Member – Kerala Chalachitra Academy 2003
  • Jury - Aravindan Puraskaram 2004
  • Jury - Mathrubhoomi Film Awards, 2003
  • Jury - SICA Awards for Malayalam Films 2006
  • Jury - J. C. Daniel Award for outstanding contribution to Malayalam cinema 2009
  • President – Indian Society of Cinematographers
  • Vice Chairman - Malayalam Cine Technicians Association
  • General Secretary - Malayalam Cine Technicians Association
  • President - MACTA Cinematographers' Union
  • Vice President - MACTA Federation
  • President - MACTA Federation

    • Filmography

    The list of films for which Ramachandra Babu served as the director of cinematography:

    1. Vidyarthikaley Ithile, Ithile (Malayalam -1972) - Dir: John Abraham
    2. Ragging (Malayalam -1973) - Dir: N.N.Pisharody
    3. Manassu (Malayalam -1973) - Dir: Hameed Kakkassery
    4. Nirmalyam (Malayalam -1973) - Dir: M.T.Vasudevan Nair
    5. Agnipushpam (Malayalam -1976) - Dir: Jesey
    6. Srishti (Malayalam -1976) - Dir: K.T.Muhammed
    7. Swapnadanam (Malayalam -1976) - Dir: K.G.George
    8. Rajankanam (Malayalam -1976) - Dir: Jesy
    9. Dweep (Malayalam -1977) - Dir: Ramu Kariat
    10. Amme Anupame (Malayalam -1977) - Dir: K.S.Sethumadhavan
    11. Veedu Oru Swargam (Malayalam -1977) - Dir: Jesey
    12. Itha Ivide Vare (Malayalam -1977) - Dir: I.V.Sasi
    13. Sneha Yamuna (Malayalam -1977) - Dir: Balthazar
    14. Tholireyi Gadichinthi ( Telugu -1977) - Dir: K.S.Rami Reddy
    15. Randu Lokam (Malayalam -1977) - Dir: Sasi Kumar
    16. Rathinirvedam (Malayalam -1978) - Dir: Bharathan
    17. Agraharathil Kazhuthai (Tamil - 1977) - Dir: John Abraham
    18. Ekaakini (Malayalam -1978) - Dir: G.S.Pannikker
    19. Vadakakkuoru Hrudayam (Malayalam -1978) - Dir: I.V.Sasi
    20. Onappudava (Malayalam -1978) - Dir: K.G. George
    21. Mannu (Malayalam -1978) - Dir: K.G. George
    22. Bandhanam (Malayalam -1978) -Dir: M.T. Vasudevan Nair
    23. Udhayam Kizhakkuthanne (Malayalam -1978) - Dir: P.N. Menon
    24. Nakshatrangale Kaaval (Malayalam -1978) - Dir: K.S. Sethumadhavan
    25. Allavudeenum Albuthavilakkum (Malayalam -1979) - Dir: I.V. Sasi
    26. Allavudeenum Arputhavilakkum (Tamil-1979) - Dir: I.V. Sasi
    27. Orey Vaanam Orey Bhoomi (Tamil -1979) - Dir: I.V. Sasi
    28. Devathai ( Tamil - 1979) – Dir: P.N.Menon
    29. Ezham Kadalin Akkare (Malayalam -1979) Dir: I.V. Sasi
    30. Vilkanundu Swapnangal (Malayalam -1980) Dir:- M Azad
    31. Chamaram (Malayalam -1980) - Dir: Bharathan
    32. Sisirathil Oru Vasantham (Malayalam -1980) - Dir: Keyar
    33. Patita ( Hindi - 1980) - Dir: I.V. Sasi
    34. Mela (Malayalam -1980) - Dir: K.G. George
    35. Savithri ( Tamil - 1980) - Dir: Bharathan
    36. Nidhra (Malayalam -1981) - Dir: Bharathan
    37. Manian Plilla Adhava Manian Pilla ( Malayalam -1981) - Dir: Balachandra Menon
    38. Kolangal (Malayalam -1981) - Dir: K.G. George
    39. Yavanika (Malayalam - 1982) - Dir: K.G. George
    40. Palangal (Malayalam -1982) - Dir: Bharathan
    41. Aalolam (Malayalam -1982) - Dir: Mohan
    42. Padayottam (Malayalam - 1982) - Dir: Jijo
    43. Marmaram (Malayalam -1982) - Dir: Bharathan
    44. Vaarikkuzhi (Malayalam -1982) -Dir: M.T. Vasudevan Nair
    45. Innallengil Naale (Malayalam -1982) - Dir: I.V. Sasi
    46. Sandhyakku Virinja Poovu (Malayalam -1983) - Dir: P.G. Viswambharan
    47. Eettillam (Malayalam -1983) - Dir: Fazil
    48. Pin Nilavu (Malayalam -1983) - Dir: P.G.Viswambharan
    49. Sagaram Santham (Malayalam -1983) - Dir: P.G. Viswambharan
    50. Marakkukila Orikkalum (Malayalam -1983) - Dir: Fazil
    51. Onnu Chirikku (Malayalam -1983) - Dir: P.G. Viswambharan
    52. Onnanu Nammal (Malayalam -1984) - Dir: P.G. Viswambharan
    53. Aadaminte Variyellu (Malayalam -1984) - Dir: K.G. George
    54. Unaroo (Malayalam -1984) - Dir: Mani Rathnam
    55. Oru Kochu Katha Aarum Parayatha Katha (Malayalam -1984) - Dir: P.G. Viswambharan
    56. Vellarikka Pattanam ( Malayalam – 1985) - Dir: Thomas Berly
    57. Paadum Vanampadi ( Tamil - 1985) - Dir: Jayakumar
    58. Pagal Nilavu ( Tamil - 1985) - Dir: Mani Rathnam
    59. Ivvide Ee Theerathu (Malayalam -1985) - Dir: P.G.Viswambharan
    60. Ee Lokam Ivvide Kure Manushyar (Malayalam -1985) - Dir: P.G. Viswambharan
    61. Deivathayorthu (Malayalam -1985) - Dir: R. Gopi
    62. Ithile Iniyum Varu (Malayalam -1986) - Dir: P.G. Viswambharan
    63. Mandhira Punnagai ( Tamil - 1986) - Dir: Tahmizh Azhagan
    64. Ennu Nathante Nimmi (Malayalam -1986) - Dir: Sajan
    65. Achuvettente Veedu (Malayalam -1988) - Dir: Balachandra Menon
    66. Kanakambarangal (Malayalam -1988) - Dir: N. Sankaran Nair
    67. Puravrutham (Malayalam -1988) - Dir: Lenin Rajendran
    68. Oozham (Malayalam -1988) - Dir: Harikumar
    69. Mattoral (Malayalam -1988) - Dir: K.G.George
    70. Kadhal Enum Nadhiyinile (Tamil - 1989) - Dir: M.K.I Sukumaran
    71. Oru Vadakkan Veera Gaadha (Malayalam -1989) - Dir: Hariharan
    72. Utharam (Malayalam -1989) - Dir: Pavithran
    73. Ashokante Aswathikuttikku (Malayalam -1989) - Dir: Vijayan Karot
    74. Brahma Rakshass (Malayalam -1990) - Dir: Vijayan Karot
    75. Ee Kannikoodi ( Malayalam – 1990 ) – Dir: K.G. George
    76. Radha Madhavam (Malayalam -1990) - Dir: Suresh Unnithan
    77. Manamadha Sarangal (Malayalam – 1991) - Dir: Baby
    78. Mukha Chitram (Malayalam -1991) - Dir: Suresh Unnithan
    79. Kadinjool Kalyanam (Malayalam -1991) - Dir: Rajasenan
    80. Neelagiri (Malayalam -1991) - Dir: I.V. Sasi
    81. Irikku M.D. Akathundu ( Malayalam - 1991) Dir: P.G. Viswambharan
    82. Aadharam (Malayalam -1992) - Dir: George Kithu
    83. Ponnurukkum Pakshi (Malayalam -1992) - Dir: Vaisakan
    84. Ente Ponnu Thampuran - (Malayalam -1992) - Dir: A.T. Abu
    85. Mugamudra (Malayalam -1992) - Dir: Ali Akbar
    86. First Bell ( Malayalam -1992 ) - Dir: P.G. Viswambharan
    87. Savidham (Malayalam - 1992) - Dir: George Kithu
    88. Soorya Gayathri (Malayalam -1992) - Dir: Anil
    89. Venkalam (1993) - Dir: Bharathan
    90. Aalavattom (Malayalam -1993) - Dir: Raju Ambharan
    91. Pravachakan (Malayalam -1993) - Dir: P.G. Viswambharan
    92. Ghazal (Malayalam -1993) - Dir: Kamal
    93. Bandhukkal Sathrukkal (Malayalam -1993) - Dir: Sreekumaran Thampi
    94. Bhoomi Geetham (Malayalam -1993) - Dir: Kamal
    95. Kudumba Visesham (Malayalam -1994) - Dir: Anil - Babu
    96. Nandhini Oppol (Malayalam -1994) - Dir: Mohan Kupleri
    97. Gamanam (Malayalam -1994) - Dir: Sreeprakash
    98. Sargavasntham (Malayalam -1995) - Dir: Anil Das
    99. Samudhayam (1995) - Dir: Ambili
    100. Thovala Pookkal (Malayalam -1995) - Dir: Suresh Unnithan
    101. Sallapam (Malayalam - 1996) - Dir: Sunder Daas
    102. Harbour (Malayalam -1996) - Dir: Anil - Babu
    103. Kungumacheppu (Malayalam -1996) - Dir: Thulasi Das
    104. Kudamattom (Malayalam -1997) - Dir: Sundar Daas
    105. Kaarunyam (Malayalam -1997) - Dir: Lohita Das
    106. Hrishyashringan (Malayalam -1997) - Dir: Suresh Unnithan
    107. Kanmadam (Malayalam -1998) - Dir: Lohita Das
    108. Ilavankodu Desam (Malayalam -1998) - Dir: K.G.George
    109. Aakasha Ganga (Malayalam -1999) - Dir: Vinayan
    110. Saaphalyam (Malayalam -1999) - Dir: G.S.Vijayan
    111. English Medium (Malayalam -1999) - Dir: Pradep Chokli
    112. Varnakkazhchagal (Malayalam -2000) - Dir: Sunder Daas
    113. Puthooram Puthri Unniyarcha (Malayalam -2002) - Dir: P.G.Viswambharan
    114. Nakshatra Kannulla Rajakumaran
    115. Vanundoru Rajakumari (Malayalam -2002) - Dir: Rajasenan
    116. Beyond The Soul (English - 2003) - Dir: Rajiv Anchal
    117. Swapnam Kondu Thulabharam (Malayalam - 2003) - Dir: Rajasenan
    118. Kanninum Kannadikkum (Malayalam - 2004) - Dir: Sunder Daas
    119. Agni Nakshatram ( Malayalam – 2004 ) – Dir: Kareem
    120. Kalyana Kurimanam (Malayalam – 2005 ) – Dir: Udaya Kumar
    121. Udayon (Malayalam – 2005) – Dir: Bhadran
    122. Mayookham (Malayalam – 2005) – Dir: Hariharan
    123. Al Boom (Arabic – 2006) Dir: Khalid Al Zadjali
    124. Bharathan (Malayalam -2007) - Dir: Anil Das
    125. Mizhigal Saakshi (Malayalam - 2008) - Dir: Ashok R Nath
    126. Pagal Nakshatrangal (Malayalam - 2008) - Dir: Rajeevnath
    127. Yugapurushan (Malayalam - 2010) - Dir: R. Sukumaran
    128. Kadaksham (Malayalam - 2010) - Dir: Shashi Paravoor
    129. Inganayum Oraal (Malayalam) - Dir Kabeer Raother
    130. Pirate's Blood (English) - Dir: Mark Ratering
    131. Venshankpol (Malayalam) - Dir: Ashok R Nath

    Unreleased films

    1. Kaadhal Viduthalai (Tamil) - Dir: Jayakumar
    2. Puthiya Swarangal (Tamil) - Dir: Vijayan
    3. Puthu Mazhathullikal (Malayalam) – Dir: Raghavan
    4. Kavaadam (Malayalam) – Dir: K.R.Joshi

    References

    Ramachandra Babu Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA