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Rajamani Velraj, also professionally known as R. Velraj and Velraj, is an Indian cinematographer, director and writer who primarily works in Tamil and Hindi cinema. He is known for his long-standing collaborations with Vetrimaaran and M. Muthaiah.

Personal life

Rajamani Velraj was born in the village Kootthiyar Kundu near Madurai, Tamil Nadu. He went to PKN Boys Higher Secondary School (Tirumangalam), and studied at Madurai Sourastra College.

Career

Early in his career, he worked as an assistant to cinematographer Tirru in several Tamil films. After working with actor Dhanush in Parattai Engira Azhagu Sundaram, Dhanush recommended Velraj for his next film, Polladhavan, directed by then debutant, Vetrimaaran. He won the Vijay Award for Best Cinematographer in 2008. Velraj and Vetrimaaran continued working together, from Aadukalam to their most recent film, Viduthalai Part 1 (2023). He made his directional debut with Velaiilla Pattadhari, starring Dhanush and Amala Paul and with Anirudh as the music director. The film was extremely successful and became a cult film. In 2015, he directed his second film, Thanga Magan. Velraj is a member of the Indian Society of Cinematographers.

Filmography

As cinematographer

As director

As actor

• Poriyaalan (2014)
• Kaalidas (2019)
• Asuran (2019)
• Udanpirappe (2021)
• Kuttram Kuttrame (2022)
• Viduthalai Part 1(2023)

Awards

• Vijay Award for Best Cinematographer for Pollathavan (2007)
• Filmfare Award for Best Cinematographer – South for Aadukalam (2011)
• SIIMA Award for Best Cinematographer for Aadukalam (2011)
• SIIMA Award for Best Debut Director for Velaiyilla Pattathari (2014)
• SIIMA Award for Best cinematographer for Asuran (2019)
• Vikatan Cinema Awards for Best cinematographer for Viduthalai Part 1 (2023)

References

1. The Times of India (5 July 2020). "Cinematographer-director Velraj's father passes away". Retrieved 24 July 2022.
2. ^ "Cinema cinema!". The Hindu. 31 July 2014. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 30 January 2023.
3. "A reluctant director". The Hindu. 19 July 2014. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 30 January 2023.
4. "Acclaimed cinematographer Velraj gets the prestigious ISC recognition". www.zoomtventertainment.com. Retrieved 30 January 2023.
5. ^ Kumar, Pradeep (16 February 2019). "The Usual Suspects: Dhanush, Vetrimaaran and R Velraj". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
6. "Engeyum Eppodhum". Deccan Herald. 24 September 2011. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
7. "NH4: Take this route". The Hindu. 20 April 2013. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
8. "Dhanush Helped With Script, Says Vellai Illa Pattathari Director". NDTV.com. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
9. "A reluctant director". The Hindu. 19 July 2014. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
10. "'Vai Raja Vai' gearing up for April 24". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
11. ""It was all Dhanush"". The Hindu. 19 December 2015. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
12. "Surbhi: My role in Pugazh a reflection of my real self | India.com". www.india.com. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
13. "Dhanush Tweets First Look of Power Paandi, His Debut as Director". NDTV.com. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
14. "Blow for Dhanush's Vada Chennai: Amala Paul exits after Vijay Sethupathi". Hindustan Times. 19 April 2017. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
15. Kumar, Pradeep (16 February 2019). "The Usual Suspects: Dhanush, Vetrimaaran and R Velraj". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
16. "'புலிக்குத்தி பாண்டி' ஃபர்ஸ்ட் லுக் வெளியீடு". Hindu Tamil Thisai (in Tamil). Retrieved 25 April 2023.
17. The Hindu Net Desk (5 October 2021). "Jyotika: 'Udanpirappe is special, as it shows the strength of a woman's silence'". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
18. "Veerapandiyapuram Movie Review: An uninventive, dull revenge drama". Cinema Express. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
19. "The Legend gets U/A certficate". Cinema Express. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
20. Sudevan, Praveen (18 November 2022). "'Anel Meley Pani Thuli' movie review: Andrea excels in a gritty crime drama about sexual assault". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
21. IANS. "Vetri Maaran's Jallikattu-Based Series 'Pettaikaali' To Stream From Diwali". Outlook India. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
22. "Kuttram Kuttrame Movie Review: Jai, Harish Uthaman shine in Susienthiran's return to form". Cinema Express. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
23. "Vijay Sethupathi begins dubbing for Viduthalai". OTTPlay. Retrieved 30 January 2023.
24. "The 59th Idea Filmfare Awards 2011(South)". The Times of India. 8 July 2012. Archived from the original on 4 July 2013.

External links

• R. Velraj at IMDb

• Cinematographers from Tamil Nadu
• Living people
• People from Madurai district
• 1969 births
• Tamil film cinematographers
• Filmfare Awards South winners