Ravi K. Chandran Biography: Age, Wife, Movies, Net Worth, Height, Career, Awards

Ravi Kunjan Chandran, widely recognized as Ravi K. Chandran, is a distinguished Indian cinematographer and film director renowned for his visually stunning work in Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, and Telugu cinema.

Celebrated for his innovative use of lighting and camera techniques, he has collaborated with acclaimed directors like Mani Ratnam, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and Karan Johar on films such as Dil Chahta Hai (2001), Black (2005), and Kannathil Muthamittal (2002).

Profile

• Full Name: Ravi Kunjan Chandran
• Stage Name: Ravi K. Chandran
• Born: 27, February 1965
• Age: 60 years old
• Birthplace: Maduranthakam, Tamil Nadu, India
• Nationality: Indian
• Occupation: Cinematographer, Film Director
• Height: Unknown
• Parents: Kunjan Pillai, Padmini Amma
• Siblings: K. Ramachandra Babu
• Spouse: Hemalata
• Children: Santhana Krishnan
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $5 million

Early Life and Education

Ravi Kunjan Chandran was born on February 27, 1965, in Maduranthakam, Tamil Nadu, India, to Kunjan Pillai and Padmini Amma, as the youngest of seven children in a Malayali family.

His eldest brother, K. Ramachandra Babu, a noted cinematographer and alumnus of the Pune Film Institute, was a major influence, sparking Ravi’s passion for cinema.

Ravi graduated from A.M. Jain College in Chennai in 1982, though specific details about his degree are not publicly available. His ethnicity is Malayali, and his religious beliefs are not publicly disclosed.

Career

Ravi K. Chandran began his career in 1984 as an assistant cinematographer to his brother, K. Ramachandra Babu, and later worked with Rajiv Menon, honing his technical skills in Malayalam cinema.

His first independent project as a cinematographer was the Malayalam film Kilukkampetti (1991), directed by Shaji Kailas, followed by collaborations on films like Ekalavyan (1993) and The King (1995).

His breakthrough came with the Hindi film Virasat (1997), which earned critical acclaim for its visual richness and established him as a prominent cinematographer. His entry into Tamil cinema with Minsaara Kanavu (1997) further showcased his ability to craft vibrant, story-driven visuals.

Chandran’s work in the 2000s solidified his reputation as a versatile cinematographer capable of handling diverse genres.

His collaborations with Mani Ratnam on Kannathil Muthamittal (2002) and Aayitha Ezhuthu/Yuva (2004) were lauded for their emotional depth and innovative framing.

His cinematography in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Black (2005) earned international recognition, featured in American Cinematographer magazine and the Kodak International Cinematographer Calendar.

Other notable Bollywood works include Dil Chahta Hai (2001), Fanaa (2006), and Saawariya (2007), showcasing his mastery of color, light, and composition. Chandran pioneered the use of advanced equipment in Indian cinema, such as the Akila crane, kino flo lights, and hawk lenses, enhancing the visual appeal of his projects.

He also ventured into Telugu cinema with Bharat Ane Nenu (2018).

Chandran made his directorial debut with the Tamil film Yaan (2014), which received mixed reviews but was praised for its visual presentation.

He returned to directing with the Malayalam remake of Andhadhun, titled Bhramam (2021), starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, which he also shot as cinematographer.

His ongoing collaboration with Mani Ratnam includes the upcoming film Thug Life (2025). Chandran’s work continues to influence Indian cinema through his visually distinctive storytelling and mentorship of emerging cinematographers, including his son, Santhana Krishnan.

His contributions have earned him accolades, including two Filmfare Awards and a Southern Filmfare Award, and he remains an ambassador for Canon Cinema EOS.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @dop007
• Facebook Handle: Ravi K. Chandran
• Twitter Handle: @dop007

Personal Life

Ravi K. Chandran is married to Hemalata and resides in Mumbai with his two sons, one of whom, Santhana Krishnan, is a cinematographer following in his father’s footsteps.

Little is publicly known about his personal life, as Chandran maintains a low profile, focusing primarily on his professional endeavors.

Chandran remains closely connected to his Malayali roots and credits his brother Ramachandra Babu for shaping his career.

Filmography

• Kilukkampetti (1991)
• Virasat (1997)
• Minsaara Kanavu (1997)
• Kandukondain Kandukondain (2000)
• Dil Chahta Hai (2001)
• Kannathil Muthamittal (2002)
• Aayitha Ezhuthu/Yuva (2004)
• Black (2005)
• Fanaa (2006)
• Saawariya (2007)
• Yaan (2014)
• Bharat Ane Nenu (2018)
• Bhramam (2021)

Net Worth

Ravi K. Chandran’s estimated net worth is approximately $5 million. His wealth is primarily derived from his extensive career as a cinematographer across Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, and Telugu films, with high-profile projects commanding significant fees.