CHENNAI — National Award-winning cinematographer Ravi Varman, best known for
having shot several landmark films including ace director Mani Ratnam’s magnum
opus ‘Ponniyin Selvan’, has now been inducted into the prestigious American
Society of Cinematographers (ASC).
Ravivarman is only the second Indian cinematographer to
be inducted into this academy. The only other Indian cinematographer who has
been inducted into the ASC is cinematographer Santosh Sivan.
Cinematographers who have won multiple Oscar awards watch
a cinematographer's body of work, assess the quality of the cinematography,
discuss and then collectively grant this recognition.
Ravivarman, who posted pictures of himself at the ASC on
his X timeline, wrote on Wednesday, “I began my career filled with uncertainty.
Life led me to where I am today, and since then, I've been carefully planning
my steps to discover the true meaning and purpose of my life.”
Several film industry professionals have been
congratulating Ravi Varman on his inclusion in the ASC.
Accepting the recognition, Ravi Varman said, "I
would like to convey my heartfelt gratitude to the board of the American
Society of Cinematographers (ASC) for inducting me as a member.
Cinematographers from all over the world dream of joining this association. It
gives me great joy and pride to be included in a platform where the world's
leading cinematographers who have won awards including Oscars are members. I
wholeheartedly thank those who made me realise this dream.”
In the last 25 years, Ravi Varman has shot many films in
Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi and English. He has collaborated with
many great directors of India. Some of the noteworthy films that Ravi Varman
has shot include Mani Ratnam’s ‘Ponniyin Selvan', Shankar’s ‘Anniyan’, Gautham
Menon’s 'Vettaiyaadu Vaidyaadu' and Anurag Basu’s 'Barfi'
