Ravi Varman

S. Ravi Varman ISC is an Indian cinematographer, filmmaker, producer and writer. He predominantly works in Tamil, Malayalam, and Hindi film industries. Varman began his career in Malayalam cinema. He directed a romantic film in Tamil titled Moscowin Kavery. He is an honorary member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AM-pass). He was awarded the National Film Award for Best Cinematography for his work in Ponniyin Selvan: I (2022).

Early life Ravi was born in a village named Poyyundarkudikadu near Pattukottai in Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, India. Ravi adopted his surname inspired by the Chola kings Arunmozhi Varman and Kulothunga Varman. His interest in photography and cinematography developed during his formative years, as he studied the works of painters like Rembrandt and Picasso.

It was not until 2002 when he started to work in Tamil films, with his first one being Susi Ganeshan's Five Star. He continued to work with directors as a cinematographer in Tamil films, including S. Shankar's Anniyan, Gautham Vasudev Menon's Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu, K. S. Ravikumar's Dasavathaaram and Villu, which was directed by Prabhu Deva.

Ravi Varman has often spoken about the influence of Madras (now Chennai) on his life and career. Arriving in the city as a teenager in search of food and livelihood, he has described Madras as a place that “tested, raised, and shaped” him, comparing it to both a mother and a divine presence that guided his artistic journey.

In 2023, Ravi received his first National Film Award for Best Cinematography for his work on Ponniyin Selvan: I, directed by Mani Ratnam and was featured in the FC-Ormax Power List of Technicians, recognizing his contributions to the entertainment industry alongside other prominent technicians. In 2024, Varman directed and co-produced Bande Utkala Janani Anthem, a tourism video promoting the state of Odisha. The video features music by Pritam and uses the lyrics of "Bande Utkala Janani", a patriotic anthem written by Odia poet Kantakabi Laxmikanta Mohapatra. The film is a sequel to Indian (1996) He is currently working on the upcoming movie Love Insurance Kompany, directed by Vignesh Shivan.

Awards and honours Filmfare Award for Best Cinematographer – South for Anniyan (2006) Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Cinematographer for Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu (2007) ITFA Best Cinematographer Award for Dasavathaaram (2009) Star Guild Awards for Best Cinematography for Barfi! (2012) Screen Awards for Best cinematography for Barfi! (2012) IIFA Awards for Best Cinematography for Barfi! (2012) Zee Cine Awards for Best cinematography for Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (2014) Vijay Award for Best Cinematography for Kaatru Veliyidai (2017) SIIMA Award for Best Cinematography for Kaatru Veliyidai (2017) Filmfare Award for Best Cinematographer – South for Ponniyin Selvan: I (2023) Filmfare Award for Best Cinematographer – South for Ponniyin Selvan: II (2024) National Film Award for Best Cinematography for Ponniyin Selvan: I (2024) 2024 Indian 2

Love Insurance Kompany As guest cinematographer + Year Film Language Notes 1999 Vaalee Tamil 2001 Minnale 2 songs 2003 Boys 2011 Bodyguard Hindi 7 Aum Arivu Tamil "O Ringa Ringa" song 2014 Ugramm Kannada 2024 Crew Hindi 1 song