Murugan Chellappa, a talented and passionate Cinematographer, hails from the scenic town of Ambasamuthiram in Tirunelveli. Raised in Coimbatore, Murugan’s early years were marked by a fascination with photography, especially wildlife photography. His proximity to the hill station of Ooty provided the perfect canvas for his creativity, allowing him to capture stunning images of mountain landscapes. His deep connection with nature and the art of photography had eventually set the stage for his career in the world of cinema.
Murugan moved to Chennai in 2011, eager to explore the opportunities in the Tamil film industry. He began his career as an Assistant Director, a position that helped him understand the intricate aspects of filmmaking. His big break came in 2015 when he worked as an Assistant Director on his Brother Ramu Chellappa’s debut directorial film “Enkitta Mothathe”. This film, produced by Eros International, was released in 2018, marking Murugan’s initial step into the industry.
After this experience, Murugan transitioned into cinematography by joining with the Cinematographer Krishna Vasanth as an Assistant Cameraman. Together, they worked on notable projects such as the G.V. Prakash Kumar starrer “Enaku Innoru Per Irukku” and Silambarasan’s “AAA” (Anbanavan Asaradhavan Adangadhavan), further solidifying his skills behind the camera.
Following his work with Krishna Vasanth, Murugan teamed up with cameraman Selvakumar and worked on actor Vimal’s “Kanni Raasi” movie, which allowed him to explore new dimensions in cinematography. His journey didn’t stop there—Murugan also ventured into the Malayalam film industry, expanding his knowledge and expertise across different regional cinema styles.
Murugan Chellappa’s long-standing passion for cinematography culminated in his first film as a lead cinematographer, “Tik Tok”, featuring Rajaji as the hero and Priyanka Mohan as the heroine. Directed by his brother, Ramu Chellappa, this film marked a significant milestone in Murugan’s career, allowing him to showcase his unique visual storytelling style. His close collaboration with his brother also demonstrated the synergy and shared passion between the two siblings, paving the way for future projects.
In addition to his cinematography work, Murugan is currently involved in several projects. He is the Associate Director of a web series titled “Om Kaali Jai Kaali”, starring actor Vimal and directed by Ramu Chellappa, which is being produced by Disney + Hotstar. His versatility as both a Cinematographer and an Associate Director has allowed him to contribute to different facets of filmmaking.
In 2020, Murugan also began exploring scriptwriting. After three years of hard work, he has completed his first script and is planning to take it to the floors by December. This new endeavor highlights his desire to push boundaries and make his mark not only behind the camera but also as a storyteller. He is a humble and down-to-earth person, known for his friendly nature and strong belief that “English is not a knowledge; English is a medium to speak,” reflecting his grounded approach to life and communication.
Murugan Chellappa’s journey in the film industry continues to evolve, with two more cinematography projects in progress. His blend of technical expertise, creative vision, and dedication to storytelling make him a rising star in Tamil cinema. As he embarks on new projects, both behind the camera and as a writer, the future looks bright for this talented Cinematographer and Film-maker.
Murugan’s journey from the picturesque hills of Coimbatore to the fast-paced world of Chennai’s cinema has been one of passion, perseverance, and artistic growth. His contributions to Tamil cinema, both present and future, are sure to leave a lasting impact on the industry.
