Chandran – Story Board Artist

Where stories come to life on screen, one name has started to shine brightly among the stars—Chandran, a talented storyboard artist hailing from Thiruchangode in Namakkal District, Tamil Nadu. A graduate of Chennai’s Egmore Government college of fine Arts, Chandran completed his studies in 2012, but even during his college days, he was already carving out a niche for himself in the industry.

Chandran’s journey as a storyboard artist began not just as a pursuit of passion but also as a means of survival. While many students focus solely on their academic endeavors, Chandran embraced the dual role of student and professional, working diligently to establish himself. Chandran’s journey into storyboard artistry began with a simple fascination for line drawings. “People around me were doing colours, but I was more interested in line drawing,” he shares. This choice has proven fruitful, as the demand for skilled storyboard artists has surged in recent years, transforming a role that was once overlooked by producers into a crucial element of film pre-production.

Storyboard artists like Chandran work closely with directors and cinematographers, gathering inputs and creating visual narratives that lay the groundwork for the entire filmmaking process. This collaborative effort is essential, especially when the art direction team is busy on location.

His storyboards grace over 45 Tamil and 10 Hindi movies, including notable projects like Raatchasan, and Dabangg. Chandran’s big break came with the film Maragathanaanayam, a project that not only showcased his talent but also marked his entry into the industry with a bang. His work received accolades, paving the way for future opportunities. Inspired by renowned storyboard artist Thansekaran, Chandran found his footing in a field that thrives on creativity and innovation.

In today’s digital age, technology plays a significant role in art creation. Chandran has embraced advanced devices and software for his storytelling, yet he holds a special reverence for traditional hand-drawing techniques. “Manual drawing is the best,” he insists, reflecting on the days when he relied solely on his hands to create vivid imagery. This blend of modern tools and time-honored skills sets him apart in a competitive landscape.

Chandran’s work extends beyond the silver screen, embracing print media and illustration projects like Comic Rewind for The Hindu Tamil newspaper. “Storyboarding isn’t just about sketching scenes; it’s about understanding the essence of storytelling within the confines of each frame. The responsibility of storyboard artists has now increased,” he emphasises, underlining the evolving role of storyboard artists in modern filmmaking.

Chandran’s talent has garnered recognition in various films, notably Maveeran and Harkara, where his storyboard work was met with widespread acclaim. His contributions to the animation book for Varuthapadatha Valibar Sangam also showcase his versatility and ability to adapt his skills across different mediums. From crafting Christopher’s look in the Tamil movie Raatchasan to contributing to a National Award-winning film called Tolet by Chezhiyan, Chandran’s experiences reflect a deep understanding of cinematic storytelling

Throughout his journey, Chandran has emphasized the role of friendship and support in achieving one’s goals. He believes that surrounding oneself with the right people can make all the difference. “If you have the correct friends, you will definitely achieve your goals,” he shares, underscoring the significance of collaboration in the creative process.

As one of the very few storyboard artists in the South, as he continues to push the boundaries of storytelling through his art, he inspires aspiring artists and filmmakers alike. In a world where every frame tells a story, Chandran is undeniably one of the storytellers shaping the future of Indian cinema.