P. S. Nivas : a legend
Feb 01 2021
Legendary cinematographer P. S. Nivas passed away this morning February 1st 2021. He is aged 75.
Born in Kozhikode Nivas graduated from the St. Joseph college Devagiri and went on to do a diploma in motion picture photography from the Institute of Film Technology, Adayar, Madras. He started his film career as an operative camera man in Malayalam film kuttyedathi (1971).
Then he went to become frontline cinematographer his Black and white cinematography in Malayalam film Mohiniattam(1976) gained attention and won National award for best cinematography.
P. S. Nivas apart from being a cinematographer also Directed and produced films.
His cinematography got widespread appreciation from all quarters for the film 16 vayathinile.. Which changed the scenario of Tamil cinema.
His association with Director Bharathiraja brought some kinetic visuals never before in Indiana Cinema.
Nivas shot 16 vayathinile completely on village outdoors with ORWO film stock. His color reproduction and natural skintone was on high order. Especially day for night effect was so perfectly done. His camera moves panning along with zoom in and zoom out was stunning.
Nivas low key lighting with use of strong colored gel for the crime thriller Sigappu Rojakkal is important one. Hand held cinematography for the final sequences is also breath taking.
Nivas backlighting technique at the outdoor cinematography is another important one to be admired.
SICA president P. C. Sreeram said Nivas was early influencers in his life towards art of cinematography, especially when he joined Adyar film Institute he could remember Nivas visuals had huge impact on him and everywhere during late 70’s.
Nivas did cinematography most of the languages in Indian Cinema.
His use of wide lens in Telugu film and K. Viswanath master piece Saagara Sangamam for Bharatha natiya sequence is another classical example.
His filmography
Source Wikipedia.
As cinematographer
Malayalam
- Sathyathinte Nizhalil
- Sindooram
- Madhuram Thirumadhuram
- Mohiniyaattam
- Sankhupushpam
- Rajaparambara
- Sooryakanthi
- Pallavi
- Rajan Paranja Kadha
- Padmatheertham
- Velluvili
- Lisa (1978)
- Sarppam
- Maanyamahaajanangale
- Veendum Lisa
- Ayushman Bhava
Tamil
- 16 Vayathinile (1977)
- Kizhake Pogum Rail (1978)
- Sigappu Rojakkal (1978)
- Ilamai Oonjal Aadukirathu (1978)
- Puthiya Vaarpugal (1979)
- Niram Maaratha Pookkal (1979)
- Kallukkul Eeram (1980)
- Enakkaga Kaathiru (1981)
- Nizhal Thedum Nenjangal (1981)
- Kozhi Koovuthu (1982 film) (1982)
- Thanikattu Raja (1982)
- Kokkarakko (1983)
- My Dear Lisa (1987)
- Sembakame Sembakame (1988)
- Enga Ooru Mappillai (1989)
- Ooru Vittu Ooru Vanthu (1990)
- Pass Mark (1994)
- Sevvanthi (1994)
Telugu
Hindi
As director
- Kallukkul Eeram (1980)
- Enakkaga Kaathiru (1981)
- Nizhal Thedum Nenjangal (1982)
- Sevvanthi (1994)
P. S. Nivas imagery will be remembered forever. SICA pays rich tribute to this legendary cinematographer.
CJ Rajkumar
Author/ Cinematographer.