R. Velraj

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 • Aadukalam • Poriyaalan (2014) • Velaiilla Pattadhari (2014) • Komban • Paayum Puli (2015 film) • Thanga Magan (2015 film) • Ithu Namma Aalu as uncredited (2016) • Pugazh • Pa. Pandi • Kadaikutty Singam • Vada Chennai • Kaalidas (2019) • Asuran (2019) • Udanpirappe (2021) • Kuttram Kuttrame (2022) • Viduthalai Part 1(2023) • Viduthalai Part 2 (2024) ==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) • Tamil Nadu State Film Award : Best Cinematographer (2018) for Vada Chennai & Kadaikutty Singam. == References==