I just never focus my camera on cleavages: Rathnavelu

The ace cinematographer was also part of the recently released small budget film Kumari 21F. He shares a good rapport with director Sukumar and the two had earlier worked together in three films.

“Before I accept a film, I first listen to the complete script and then I discuss it with the director and others. I liked the script of Kumari 21F; it was very bold and different. That’s why, I decided to work on this film,” he says.

“Though there are a few adult dialogues and scenes, I wanted to show the romantic scenes in a poetic manner,” he says.

“That’s why, we got some appreciation for this film. I never agree to focus my camera on the cleavage of the lead actress or anyone. And when a director goes overboard, I caution them. Luckily, I have worked with all the good directors who never show actresses in that manner,” says Rathnavelu.

The cameraman has been working for the last three decades in South India in films like Sethu, Nanda, Arya, Robot and 1 Nenokkadine. “I usually work on only one film at a time despite getting multiple offers from big stars,” he says.

Rathnavelu feels that the cameraman’s job is the most difficult part in the film. “Many think that when a film’s shooting is completed, it is over. But the actual work starts as he sits in post-production till the print releases. My involvement will be six months before the film’s shooting starts till the end. I prepare myself as I do a lot of workshops, discussions and make-up tests for the actors before the film,” he says.

This exercise gives him the positive and negative points of an actor or actress. “I did make-up tests for Allu Arjun, Mahesh and Rajinikanth. I told Rajini sir that this test is not for you, this is for me. It is easy to work with superstars because they respect the technician a lot. These make-up tests allow me to show the actors beautifully,” says Rathnavelu.

“The cinematographer is involved in all departments. I suggested brown costumes for Rajini sir in Lingaa and he immediately agreed. Even in Robot, I suggested black outfits for Chitti because it was a negative character and silver outfits for the scientist because I wanted to show them according to their characters,” he says.

He says that they had selected another actress initially for Kumari 21F. “We shot for one day and we were convinced that something was wrong somewhere. Then we went for Hebah Patel as we had seen her film Ala Ela. I did a make-up test for her. I also suggested a few changes like hair, costumes, etc. I asked her to wear only shorts and changed her hairstyle,” he says.

About the rape scene in the film, he says, “We discussed a lot about it. Some suggested that it was not necessary, but Sukumar wrote it in a good manner and we didn’t go overboard.”

He is currently working for Mahesh’s upcoming film Brahmotsavam. After this, he wants to work in an international film. “I had an offer last year, but it didn’t work out. Now, the offer has come again. It is an international project that will be shot in England. It’s not a Hollywood film, but an English film. I want to cross borders and go to the next level,” he says.

The cinematographer says that his 13-year-old son is interested in painting. “He clicks many pictures with his camera, but he is more into painting. At the age of nine, he had a painting exhibition. I told him to continue painting and not take up cinematography,” says Rathnavelu.