ALOYSIUS VINCENT
Vincent was born in 1928 in Calicut, then part of Madras Presidency. He was trained under cinematographer Kamal Ghosh and was initially associated with Gemini Studios. He started his career in Tamil cinema and shot to fame with the Sivaji Ganesan-starrer Uthamaputhiran. Vincent teamed up with C. V. Sridhar in masterpieces such as Kalyana Parisu, Nenjil Or Aalayam, Kaadhalikka Neramillai, Sumaithaangi and Then Nilavu. He then became a freelancer and achieved success in Malayalam and Telugu films. He established himself as one of the leading cinematographers in South India and also earned a name in Hindi films. At a time when cinematography was in its infancy in Indian cinema, he experimented with camera angles and placements. He succeeded in bringing in the kind of visuals that were not seen before in South Indian films. In 2003, the Indian Society of Cinematographers (ISC) awarded him an Honorary Membership, along with K. K. Mahajan and V. K. Murthy.
Vincent has directed around 30 films, mostly in Malayalam. The first Malayalam film he directed, Bhargavi Nilayam (1964), was scripted by renowned writer Vaikom Muhammad Basheer. It is considered one of the all time classics in Malayalam cinema and the soundtrack to this film was also a notable success. Few directors could claim such an impressive list of chart-toppers and some of the Malayalam feature films directed by Vincent are Murappennu, Nadhi, Gandharvakshethram, Thulabharam, Aswamedham, Achani, Anavaranam, Aalmaram, Thriveni, Nagarame Nandi, Abhijathyam, Asuravithu, Kochu Themmadi, Nizhalattam, Chenda, Sreekrishna Parunthu, Priyamulla Sophia, Nakhangal and Theerthayathra. Vincent died on 25 February 2015 at the age of 86. He is survived by his wife and two cinematographer sons–Jayanan Vincent and Ajayan Vincent–and daughters, Sumithra Maria and Snehalatha Marie.
BIO-DATA
DATE OF BIRTH: June 14, 1928
PLACE OF BIRTH: Illykunnu-British Malabar district
FATHER’S NAME: George Vincent (Kadathanadu Kunji Krishnan)
MOTHER’S NAME: Anasthina Vincent
SCHOOL: St.Joseph’s Boys’ High School
COLLEGE: Malabar Christian College
Worked at Chitra Studio, Calicut from childhood. Photo studio owned by George Vincent from 1932 until his death in 1981.
Joined Gemini Studios, Chennai in 1946
ASSISTED: Kamal Ghosh, A. Natarajan, K. Ramnoth (Kalpana)
FILMOGRAPHY
First film as a director: Bhargavi Nilayam (Malayalam) 1964
TELUGU
Chandi Rani 1953
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chandirani
* ing P. Bhanumathi & NTR ( Bharani Pictures ) direction: P. Bhanumathi
Bratuku Teruvu 1953
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bratuku_Teruvu#The_plot
*ing ANR, Savithri, S. V. Ranga Rao Direction: P. S. Ramakrishna
Sontha Ooru 1956
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0292697/
*ing NTR, Raja Sulochana Direction: I. S. S. Moorthy
Illarikam 1959
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illarikam
*ing ANR, Jamuna, Prasad Art Pictures Direction: T. Prakash Rao
Pelli Kanuka 1960
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalyana_Parisu)
*ing ANR, Saroja Devi Direction: C. V. Sridhar
Kulagothralu 1962
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kula_Gotralu)
*ing ANR, Krishnakumari, Prasad Art Pictures Direction: K. Pratyagatma
Letha Manasulu 1966
(http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0234094/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1)
*ing Haranath, Jamuna, G. Varalakshmi. Direction: Krishnan Panju
Bhakta Prahlada 1967
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhakta_Prahlada_(1967_film)
*ing S. V. Ranga Rao, Anjali Devi Direction: Chitrapu Narayana Rao
Soggadu 1975
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soggadu_(1975_film)
*ing Sobhan Babu, Jayasudha, Jayachitra (Suresh Productions) Direction: K. Bappaiah
Babu 1975
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babu_(1975_film)
*ing Sobhan Babu, Vanisri, Lakshmi (Maruti Pictures) Direction: K. Raghavendra Rao
Jyothi 1976
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jyothi_(1976_film)
*ing Murali Mohan, Jayasudha, Gummadi (Annapurna Cine Arts) Direction: K. Raghavendra Rao
Secretary 1976
*ing ANR, Vanisri (Suresh Productions) Direction: K. S. Prakash Rao
Prema Lekhalu 1977
(http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0258045/fullcredits?ref_=tt_ql_1)
*ing Murali Mohan, Anant Nag, Jayasudha & Deepa (Annapurna Art Pictures) Direction: K. Raghavendra Rao
Adavi Ramudu 1977 C’Scope
*ing NTR, Jayaprada, Jayasudha. Direction: K. Raghavendra Rao
Gadusu Pillodu 1977
*ing Shobhan Babu, Direction. K. Bappaiah
Radhakrishna 1978
(http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0258071/fullcredits)
*ing Shobhan Babu, Jayaprada Direction: K. Raghavendra Rao
Rajaputhra Rahasyamu 1978
*ing NTR, Jayaprada, Jamuna. Direction: S. D. Lal
K D No.1 1978
*ing NTR, Anjali Devi, Jayasudha. Direction: K. Raghavendra Rao
Ashajyothi 1981
*ing Murali Mohan, Sujatha Direction: T. Prakash Rao
Alludugaru 1990
*ing Mohan Babu, Shobana Director: K. Raghavendra Rao
Naari Naari Naduma Murari 1990
*ing Balakrishna, Shobana, Direction: A. Kothandarami Reddy
Aapathbandavudu 1992
*ing Chiranjeevi, Meenakshi Seshadri Director: K. Vishwanath
Allari Priyudu 1993
*ing Rajasekhar, Ramya Krishnan Direction: K. Raghavendra Rao
Sagarakanya, Sahasaveerudu
*ing Venkatesh, Shilpa Shetty Direction: K. Raghavendra Rao
Dharmakshetram 1992
*ing Balakrishna, Divya Bharathi Direction: A. Kothandarami Reddy
Aswamedham 1992
*ing Balakrishna, Shobhan Babu, Meena Direction: K. Raghavendra Rao
Major Chandrakanth 1993
*ing NTR, Mohan Babu Direction: K. Raghavendra Rao
Bobbili Simham 1994
*ing Balakrishna, Roja, Meena Direction: A. Kothandarami Reddy
Annamaya 1997
*ing Nagarjuna, Ramya Krishnan, Direction: K. Raghavendra Rao
Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari (Special Effects)
Govinda Govinda (Special Effects)
Mayuri (Special effects)
TAMIL
Films done as an assistant cinematographer with Kamal Ghosh & K. Ramnoth
Chandralekha 1948
*ing M. K. Radha, Ranjan, T. R. Rajakumari Direction: S. S. Vasan
Gnanasoundari 1948
*ing T. R. Mahalingam, M. V. Rajamma Director: Murugadasan
Kalpana 1948
*ing Uday Shankar, Amala Shankar
Apoorva Sahodharargal 1949
*ing M. K. Radha, P. Bhanumathi Direction: Acharya
Mangala 1950
*ing NTR, P. Bhanumathi Direction: S. S. Vasan
Avvaiyaar 1951
*ing K. B. Sundarambal, Gemini Ganesh Direction: Kothamangalam Subbu (thambu – c v ramakrishnan)
As operative cameraman with Kamal Ghosh,
Kathal/Prema 1952
*ing ANR, P. Bhanumathi, Direction: P. S. Ramakrishna Rao
Kalyanam Pannipaar 1952
*ing Gemini Ganesh, Savithri Direction: L. V. Prasad
Paradeshi 1953
*ing ANR, Anjali Devi, Sivaji Ganesan, Direction: L. V. Prasad
Poongothai 1953
*ing ANR, Anjali Devi, Sivaji Ganesan, Direction: L. V. Prasad
Paropakaaram 1953
*ing Direction: Kamal Ghosh
As an independent Cinematographer:
Amara Deepam 1956
*ing Sivaji Ganesan, Padmini Direction: T. Prakash Rao
Yaar Paiyan 1957
*ing Gemini Ganesh, N. S. Krishnan Direction: T. R. Raghunath
Uttamaputhiran 1958
*ing Sivaji Ganesan, Padmini Direction: T. Prakash Rao
Kalyana Parisu 1959
*ing Gemini Ganesh, B. Saroja Devi, ANR, Direction: C. V. Sridhar
Meenda Sorgam 1960
*ing Gemini Ganesh, Padmini Direction: C. V. Sridhar
Vidi Velli 1960
*ing Sivaji Ganesan, B. Saroja Devi Direction: C. V. Sridhar
Yellorum Innattu Mannar 1960
*ing Gemini Ganesh, B. Saroja Devi Director: T. Prakash Rao
Punar Jenmam 1961
*ing Sivaji Ganesan, Padmini Direction: R. S. Mani
Nenjil Oor Aalayam 1961
*ing Muthuraman, Kalyan Kumar, Devika Direction: C. V. Sridhar
Then Nilavu 1961
*ing Gemini Ganesh, Vyjayanthimala Direction: C. V. Sridhar
Sumaithangi 1962
*ing Gemini Ganesh, Devika, Direction: C. V. Sridhar
Policekaran Magal 1962
*ing Muthuraman, K. Balaje, Vijayakumari Direction: C. V. Sridhar
Nenjam Marapadillay 1963
*ing Kalyan Kumar, Devika Direction: C. V. Sridhar
Kadalikka Neramillai 1964
*ing Ravichandran, Muthuraman, Kanchana Direction: C. V. Sridhar
Enga Veetu Pillai 1965
*ing MGR, M. N. Nambiar Direction: T. Chanakya
Engalukkum Kalam Varum 1967
*ing Padmini, Nagesh, Direction: A. Vincent
Adimai Penn 1969 partly photographed
*ing MGR, Jayalalitha Direction: K. Shankar
Thunaivan 1969 ( Special Effects)
* ing AVM Rajan, Baby Sridevi Direction: M. A. Thirumugham
Thulabharam 1969
*ing AVM Rajan, Sarada, Muthuraman Direction: A. Vincent
Iru Veedugal 1970
*ing Ravichandran, Sowcar Janaki Direction: A. Vincent
Gowravam 1970
*ing Sivaji Ganesan, Pandari Bai, Direction: Vietnam Veedu Sundaram
Iru Dhruvam 1971
*ing Sivaji Ganesan, Muthuraman, Padmini Direction: S. Ramanathan
Savaley Samaley 1971
*ing Sivaji Ganesan, Jayalalitha, Direction: Malliyam Rajagopal
Vasantha Maligai 1973
*ing Sivaji Ganesan, Vanisri, Direction: K. S. Prakash Rao
Akkaraipachai 1974
*ing Jaishankar, Lakshmi, Ravichandran Direction: N. Venkatesh
Thirumangalyam 1974
*ing Jayalalitha, Muthuraman Direction: A. Vincent
Avan Oru Sarithiram 1975
*ing Sivaji Ganesan, Manjula, P. Bhanumathi
Direction. K. S. Prakash Rao
Rojavin Raja 1976
*ing Sivaji Ganesan, Vanisri Direction: K. Vijayan
Naam Pirandha Mann 1977
*ing Sivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesh, Kamalahasan, Nagesh, K. R. Vijaya
Direction: A. Vincent
Illamai Kolam 1979
*ing Suman, Radhika, Pratap Pothen Direction: N. Venkatesh
Anandakummi 1983
*ing Aswini, Direction: Gokulakrishna
Gnanaparavai 1991
*ing Sivaji Ganesan, Manorama Direction: Vietnam Veedu Sundaram
MALAYALAM
Neelakuyil 1954
*ing Satyan, Miss Kumari Direction: P. Bhaskaran, Ramu Kariat
Mudiyanaya Puthran 1961
*ing Satyan, Direction: Ramu Kariat
Moodupadam 1963
*ing Satyan, Ambika Direction: Ramu Kariat
Bhargavi Nilayam 1964
*ing Prem Nazir, Madhu, Vijayanirmala
Direction: A. Vincent
Thacholi Othenan 1964
*ing Satyan, Ambika. Direction: S. S. Rajan
Murappennu 1965
*ing Prem Nazir, Madhu, Jyothilakshmi. Direction: A. Vincent
Rajamalli 1965
*ing Prem Nazir, Adoor Bhasi. Direction: R. S. Prabhu
Kunjali Marakkar 1966 (some supervision)
*ing Prem Nazir, Kottarakara Sreedharan Nair, P. J. Antony. Direction: S. S. Rajan
Nagarame Nanni 1966
*ing Prem Nazir, Usha Nandini, Madhu, K. P. Ummer. Direction: A. Vincent
Thulabharam 1967
*ing Prem Nazir, Madhu, Sarada, Sheela. Direction: A. Vincent
Aswamedham 1968
*ing Satyan, Prem Nazir, Sheela, Madhu. Direction: A. Vincent
Asuravithu 1968
*ing Prem Nazir, Sarada, P. J. Antony. Direction: A. Vincent
Aalmaram 1969
*ing Prem Nazir, Madhu, Sheela. Direction: A. Vincent
Nadhi 1969
*ing Prem Nazir, Madhu, Sarada, P. J. Antony. Direction: A. Vincent
Triveni 1970
*ing Prem Nazir, Satyan, Sarada. Direction: A. Vincent
Nizhalaatam 1970
*ing Prem Nazir, Sheela, Thikkurissi. Direction: A.Vincent
Aabhijathyam 1971
*ing Madhu, Sarada, Thikkurissi. Direction: A. Vincent
Dharmayuddham 1972
*ing Prem Nazir, Adoor Bhasi, Nanditha Bose & Srividya.
Direction: A. Vincent
Gandharva Kshetram 1972
*ing Prem Nazir, Madhu, Sarada. Direction: A. Vincent
Theerthayatra 1972
*ing Madhu, Sarada, Jayalakshmi, Direction: A. Vincent
Chenda 1973
*ing Madhu, Srividya. Direction: A. Vincent
Achani 1973
*ing Prem Nazir, Nanditha Bose, Sujatha. Direction: A. Vincent
Nakhangal 1973
*ing Madhu, K. R. Vijaya, Raghavan, Jayabharathi. Direction: A. Vincent
Priyamulla Sophia 1974
*ing Prem Nazir, Priyamalini, K. P. A. C. Lalitha. Direction: A. Vincent
Anaavaranam 1976
*ing Sathar, Ranichandra, Janardhanan. Direction: A. Vincent
Agninakshatram 1976
*ing Lakshmi, Mohan, Direction: A. Vincent
Aanapachan 1978
*ing Prem Nazir, Sheela, Jayan. Direction: A. Vincent
Vayanadan Thampan 1978
*ing Kamalahasan, Latha, Shobha. Direction: A. Vincent
Theeram Thedunna Thira 1983
*ing Prem Nazir, Mammootty, Mohanlal, Ambika. Direction: A. Vincent
Ponnum Poovum 1983
*ing Sukumaran, Mammootty, Menaka. Direction: A. Vincent
Pournami Raavil 1985
*ing Vijayendra Ghatge, Anuradha. Direction: A. Vincent
Kochu Themmadi 1986
*ing Mammootty, Vijayavani. Direction: A. Vincent
HINDI
Amar Deep 1958 Director: T. Prakash Rao
*ing Dev Anand, Vyjayanthimala
Nazrana 1961 Director: C. V. Sridhar
*ing Raj Kapoor, h yVyjayanthimala
Dil Ek Mandir 1963 Director: C. V. Sridhar
*ing Rajendra Kumar, Raaj Kumar, Meena Kumari
Meherban 1967
*ing Sunil Dutt, Nutan, Ashok Kumar Direction: A. Bhim Singh
Madhavi 1970
*ing Sanjay Khan, Pran, Direction: T. Chanakya
Ek Nari Ek Brahmachari 1971
*ing Jeetendra, Mumtaz, Shatrughan Sinha Direction: T. Chanakya
Prem Nagar 1974
*ing Rajesh Khanna, Hema Malini Direction: K. S. Prakash Rao
Bandish 1981
*ing Rajesh Khanna, Hema Malini, Tanuja Direction: K. Bappaiah
Mahaan 1982
*ing Amitabh Bachchan, Waheeda Rehman, Parveen Babi, Zeenat Aman
Direction: S. Ramanathan
NATIONAL AWARDS
1954 Best feature film ‘Neelakuyil’
1965 Second best feature film ‘Murappennu’.
1966 Best feature film ‘Moodupadam’
1969 Second Best feature film ‘Thulabharam’
STATE AWARDS
1969 Best Director (Nadhi)
1974 Best Cinematographer Prem Nagar (Hindi)
POSTS HELD IN ASSOCIATIONS / UNIONS
Past President of Southern India Cinematographers Association, Chennai.
Past President of South Indian Film Directors Association, Chennai.
Past Director, Kerala State Film Development Corporation, Trivandrum.
Former Examiner, Film & Television Institute of Tamil Nadu, Chennai.
Visualizer / Cinematographer – World Tamil Conference in Chennai 1969
FAMOUS PERSONALITIES WHO WORKED WITH HIM: DIRECTION / CAMERAMAN
P. N. Sundaram, Director/Cinematographer
P. Bhaskara Rao, Cinematographer
A. Venkat, Cinematographer
K. S. Prakash Rao, Director/Cinematographer
Melattoor Ravi Varma, Director
P. Stanley, Director/Producer
S. Navakanth, Cinematographer
V. Jayaram, Cinematographer
Jayanan Vincent, Cinematographer
Ajayan Vincent, Cinematographer
Shekar. V. Joseph, Cinematographer