Velraj

Rajamani 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. 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 (2011) as police inspector Poriyaalan (2014) Velaiilla Pattadhari (2014) Komban (2015) Paayum Puli (2015) Thanga Magan (2015) Ithu Namma Aalu (2016) Pugazh (2016) Pa. Pandi (2017) Kadaikutty Singam (2018) Vada Chennai (2018) 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.