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Chezhiyan, National Award-Winning Filmmaker and Cinematographer, Dies at 57; Tamil Industry Mourns the Immense Loss

On Friday, National Award-winning Tamil cinematographer Chezhiyan died in Chennai at 57 following a prolonged illness, marking the end of a career that shaped contemporary Tamil cinema through realism and visual storytelling.
Before directing, Chezhiyan worked as a cinematographer on acclaimed films Thenmerku Paruvakaatru, Paradesi, and Joker before earning a National Award for his 2017 directorial debut, To Let.
His minimalist approach in To Let eschewed background music, reflecting a commitment to realistic cinema. The film won the Golden Bengal Tiger award at the 23rd Kolkata International Film Festival, including a ₹7 lakh prize.
Born in Nattarasankottai, Sivaganga, the former engineering student dedicated himself to teaching through The Film School, training many aspiring filmmakers; more than 30 now work in the industry.
Kannan, former editor of the Vikatan Group, described Chezhiyan as 'meticulous in his work and, above all, a wonderful human being.' Beyond filmmaking, he authored a series on world cinema for Ananda Vikatan.

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Chezhiyan, National Award-winning filmmaker and cinematographer, dies at 57; Tamil industry mourns the immense loss

Chezhiyan was 57 at the time of his passing and had been undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Chennai's Taramani area in recent weeks.

3 days ago·New Delhi, India

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India TV News

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National Award-winning Tamil cinematographer R Chezhiyan dies at 57

National Award-winning Tamil cinematographer R Chezhiyan died at 57 after a prolonged illness. Known for his acclaimed work in Tamil cinema, his passing has left the film industry mourning.

4 days ago·India

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Indian Express

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National Award-winning cinematographer R Chezhiyan dies at 57

National Award-winning cinematographer, filmmaker, and author R Chezhiyan passed away in Chennai on Friday morning after a prolonged illness, at the age of 57

4 days ago·Mumbai, India

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Outlook India

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Filmmaker And Cinematographer Chezhiyan Dies In Chennai At 57

National Award-winning cinematographer and filmmaker Chezhiyan passed away in Chennai at 57 after a prolonged illness.

4 days ago·New Delhi, India

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India Today

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National award-winning Tamil director-cinematographer Chezhiyan dies at 57

National Award-winning cinematographer, director and writer R Chezhiyan died in Chennai on Friday after a prolonged illness. Colleagues, actors and fans remembered his realist cinema and lasting contribution to Tamil films.

4 days ago·India

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Latestly

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R Chezhiyan, National Award-Winning Filmmaker of ‘To Let,’ Dies at 57 in Chennai | 🎥 LatestLY

National Award-winning filmmaker R Chezhiyan, director of 'To Let' and acclaimed cinematographer, passed away at 57 in Chennai on July 10, 2026. The Tamil film industry mourns the loss of a visionary known for realistic storytelling and visual artistry. 🎥 R Chezhiyan, National Award-Winning Filmmaker of ‘To Let,’ Dies at 57 in Chennai.

4 days ago·Mumbai, India

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