Born in the vibrant town of Pattukottai in the Tanjavore district of Tamil Nadu, Prabu Rhagav’s passion for cinema began at an early age, fueled by an unwavering admiration for the charismatic actor Thalapathy Vijay. This admiration ignited a dream in him—a dream to be part of the film industry in any capacity. With a heart full of ambition, Prabu Rhagav embarked on a journey that would lead him to become a respected cinematographer.
After completing his engineering degree in 2011 Tanjavore, Prabu Rhagav made the bold decision to move to Chennai in 2012, a city pulsating with cinematic energy. Determined to hone his craft, he enrolled in a one-year cinematography course at the Chennai Film Institute. His dedication was palpable, as he spent the following year seeking opportunities to break into the industry.
Prabu Rhagav’s big break came when he joined forces with cinematographer Shanmuga Sundaram (Sami) as an assistant cameraman on the film Aandavan Kattalai (Vijay Sethupathi Starrer). This experience allowed him to learn the ropes and further develop his skills. He soon caught the eye of cinematographer Karthik Thillai, with whom he worked as an associate cameraman on three films. This collaboration was instrumental in shaping Prabu Rhagav’s artistic vision and technical prowess.
His first project as a cinematographer was the horror film Pizza 3, produced by CV Kumar. Although venturing into the horror genre posed challenges, Prabu Rhagav embraced the opportunity and delivered a visually stunning film that garnered acclaim. Following this success, he worked on notable projects like Saba Nayagan, starring Ashok Selvan, as well as Weapon and Indra, featuring Vasanth Ravi. Across these films, Prabu Rhagav’s cinematography was celebrated for its creativity and emotional depth.
Describing himself as soft-spoken and easy to get along with, he attributes his achievements to divine grace. “I am handling the camera to capture moments, but without God’s grace, I am nothing,” he often reflects. With a heart full of gratitude and an unwavering spirit, Prabu Rhagav continues to illuminate the world of cinema through his lens, one frame at a time. His journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the belief that dreams can indeed become reality.
