Prakash Rudra

Prakash Rudra: A Cinematic Journey from Chennai to the Spotlight

Prakash Rudra, a name, had humble beginnings that shaped his passion and dedication to the art of filmmaking. He is from Chennai, Prakash’s early life was rooted in a family that valued education. His father, a respected School principal, instilled in him a love for learning. Despite excelling academically and completing his degree in Computer Science from DG Vaishnav College in Chennai, Prakash harbored a dream that was very different from his academic path — a dream to work in cinema.

From IT to Film: A Leap of Faith

While his peers were navigating corporate careers, Prakash found himself working in the IT field after graduation. But the gravity of cinema was too strong to resist. One fateful day, he made the bold decision to leave his stable IT job and pursue his passion. It was a decision that would change the course of his life.

Prakash’s entry into the film industry came with the help of his friend, Vignesh R Buddha, who referred him to a senior cinematographer, Mr. N. Shanmuga Sundaram Sir (known as Shammy sir in the industry). This was the beginning of a decade-long collaboration that would deeply influence Prakash’s career.

Prakash joined as an assistant to Shammy sir, a calm and composed mentor whose artistic and technical guidance helped Prakash hone his craft.

 Learning Under the Guidance of Mr.N.Shanmuga Sundaram (Shammy Sir)

For nearly ten years, Prakash worked alongside Shammy sir on various film projects. His passion for cinematography was fueled by Shammy sir’s work ethic, wisdom, and serene approach to life. As Prakash fondly recalls, he could talk about his mentor for hours, learning new techniques and understanding the subtleties of storytelling through visuals. Under Shammy sir’s guidance, Prakash began his journey in the world of film, starting with short films, which allowed him to experiment with his style and sharpen his skills.

Prakash’s dedication and discipline didn’t go unnoticed. He became a trusted first assistant cinematographer on multiple high-profile projects, with his name appearing in the credits of notable films such as Yaagavarayinum Na Kaaka (2015), Aandavan Kattalai (2016), Chakravyuha (2016), and 96 (2018), among others. His work on these films, especially in terms of lighting, established him as a promising upcoming cinematographer in the Tamil and Kannada film industries.

A Simple, Grounded Approach

Despite his success, Prakash has remained remarkably humble and down-to-earth. Known for his punctuality, helping nature, and unpretentious attitude, he continues to focus on the art of filmmaking rather than monetary gain. His friends and colleagues in the industry describe him as a sincere and hardworking individual who always prioritizes the project over personal fame. Prakash’s journey is a testament to the idea that success in cinema doesn’t come from seeking fame or fortune, but from a deep, unrelenting passion for storytelling and a willingness to learn and grow.

A Cinematographer’s Growing Portfolio

Prakash’s work as a cinematographer spans across various genres, from commercial hits to creative experiments in both Tamil and Telugu cinema. As an associate cinematographer, he worked on Shaitan (2023), a web series on Hotstar, and the upcoming Sidda Lokam Ela Undhi Nayna (2024), among other projects. His involvement in films such as Thalli Pogathe, Kutty Story (2021), and Godfather (2020) further showcased his versatility and technical acumen.

In 2023, Prakash took a significant leap forward when he became the Director of Photography for Kottravai, a film produced by the legendary producer Mr.CV Kumar sir. The project, which is currently in post-production, marks Prakash’s debut as a lead cinematographer. His long-awaited journey as the principal DOP for a feature film is a milestone that not only reflects his talent but also his perseverance.

His latest venture, CAN (2024), currently in post-production, directed by Mr. Adams, promises to be another testament to his evolving expertise in the craft. Additionally, Prakash is currently working on two untitled films, showcasing his ever-expanding reach in the film industry.

A Multifaceted Talent: From Cinematography to DI Colour Grading

Prakash Rudra is a talented professional in the field of film photography and film processing. In short, his passion is film photography, a profession he loves deeply. Personally, he is attached to the traditional methods of film roll processing and cinematography, which he finds unique and lovable.

Beyond cinematography, Prakash has developed expertise as a Digital Intermediate (DI) colourist, a role he has excelled in since 2012. In this capacity, Prakash brings the final touch to the visual aesthetics of films, ensuring that every frame is perfectly polished and artistically enhanced. His work in colour grading has contributed to the overall look of numerous films, helping to elevate their visual appeal.

Prakash’s involvement in government documentaries has also played a significant role in shaping his understanding of visual storytelling. He finds these projects to be both rewarding and soulful, allowing him to explore unique subjects and deliver powerful narratives through visuals. These experiences, he notes, have enriched his skill set, offering him a fresh perspective on the art of cinematography.

A Friend to the Industry

Throughout his career, Prakash has maintained strong bonds with his colleagues and friends in the industry. His journey reflects the power of camaraderie and mentorship. From his friendship with Mr.N. Shanmuga Sundaram to his collaboration with other talented professionals like Mr.Prabu Raghav, Prakash has built a reputation as someone who values relationships as much as his work.

His willingness to help others, share knowledge, and support emerging talent speaks volumes about his character. Prakash’s humble nature, combined with his unyielding dedication to his craft, makes him not only a respected cinematographer but also a beloved figure in the industry.

As Prakash Rudra continues to make strides in the world of cinematography, his story serves as an inspiration to those who dream of making it in the world of cinema. With exciting projects on the horizon and a growing body of work that speaks for itself, Prakash is undoubtedly a name to watch in the coming years.

For Prakash, the journey is far from over — it’s just the beginning of what promises to be an extraordinary career in the world of cinema.