Where creativity and technical expertise converge, Vijayan Chandran is making his mark as an aspiring cinematographer. Born in Chepak, Chennai, and raised in the culturally rich neighbourhood of Triplicane, Vijayan’s journey through the world of film has been as challenging as it has been inspiring.
Vijayan’s early years were shaped by personal loss and financial struggle. His father passed away when Vijayan was just 17 and in his first year of college, a blow that significantly impacted his family’s financial stability. Despite these hardships, Vijayan pursued a degree in Business Administration at Mohamed Sathak College, Sholinganallur. His academic path, however, was not his true passion.
The turning point in Vijayan’s life came unexpectedly. During a college outing, Vijayan accompanied a friend to a photoshoot but felt out of his depth when it came to understanding camera settings. His friend, who had a background in visual communication, had to take over the shoot. This moment of embarrassment ignited a fire within Vijayan. He resolved to master every nuance of cinematography, driven by a deep-seated desire to never feel inadequate in the field again.
Determined to turn his newfound passion into a career, Vijayan pursued formal training. He enrolled in a videography course at the National Film Development Corporation, gaining foundational skills that would later prove invaluable. Despite the initial challenge of juggling his education with his burgeoning interest in cinematography, Vijayan’s perseverance began to pay off. After receiving several enticing offers in the IT industry, he made the bold decision to turn them down in favor of pursuing his true passion: cinematography. This choice was driven by his deep-seated love for storytelling through film, an art form he had been fascinated with since childhood.
The real test came when he started working as an assistant to Gopi Sir, an assistant of the renowned cinematographer Balasubramaniyam Sir, on the film Kalangalil Aval Vasantham. Vijayan’s dedication was evident when he arrived at the set at 4 AM, despite the scheduled call time being 5 AM. His commitment stood out, although he was surprised to find that most others arrived closer to the scheduled time. His first salary was modest—350 rupees per day—but it was a crucial step forward.
Vijayan’s journey was not without setbacks. His BBA degree, while valuable, was sometimes viewed as a hindrance in the film industry, leading to rejections. However, a telephonic interview with the senior cinematographer Richard Sir opened new doors. Vijayan’s resilience shone through as he worked on projects alongside Richard Sir, despite a challenging period that included a leg operation which temporarily sidelined him.
The setback did not deter Vijayan. He continued to push forward, joining DOP Gautham Sir, known for his work on Anabelle Sethupathi. His hard work and perseverance were further recognized in his recent involvement as an assistant camera man on the Telugu movie Bakshalamalli and in creating a making video for Deva Sir.
Vijayan Chandran’s filmography is a testament to his growing expertise and determination. His work includes notable films such as Soppana Sundari, Gatta Kusthi, Aaragan, Alien, and Bakshalamalli (Telegug Film). Each project has contributed to his development as a cinematographer, showcasing his evolving skills and dedication to the craft.
As Vijayan continues to navigate the competitive world of Tamil cinema, his story is a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience and passion. From his humble beginnings in Chepak to his growing list of film credits, Vijayan Chandran’s journey is far from over. With each step, he inches closer to realizing his dream of becoming a prominent cinematographer in the Tamil film industry. Yet, his journey also highlights the power of perseverance and the impact of a strong resolve. As Vijayan continues to hone his craft and take on new projects, his story remains an inspiration to aspiring cinematographers and filmmakers alike.
