B.S. Lokanath – The Silent Sculptor of Indian Cinema!

Popular cinematographer Ravindhar, known for films such as Chinna Thambi, Velaikedachiruchu, Thangamana Raasa, Mr. Madras and Vaimaiye Vellum, and for his association with director K. Balachander’s television productions, has written this deeply personal tribute to B. S. Lokanath

B. S. Lokanath – The Silent Sculptor of Indian Cinema

In this deeply personal tribute, cinematographer Ravindhar remembers B. S. Lokanath, one of the great visual craftsmen of South Indian cinema.

Born in Bengaluru in 1937, Lokanath came to Madras in the late 1950s and became the chief assistant to legendary cinematographer Marcus Bartley at Vijaya Vauhini Studios. Under Bartley, he mastered the discipline of studio cinematography, the art of light and shadow, and the expressive power of chiaroscuro.

Lokанath emerged as an independent cinematographer in 1971 and soon began his celebrated collaboration with director K. Balachander. Together, they transformed the visual language of Tamil cinema. Films such as Arangetram, Sollathaan Ninaikkiren, Aval Oru Thodarkathai, Apoorva Raagangal, Ninaithale Inikkum, Maro Charitra, Varumaiyin Niram Sivappu, Thanneer Thanneer, Thillu Mullu and Ek Duuje Ke Liye showcased his extraordinary ability to turn light, shadow, colour and composition into storytelling tools.

His work on Apoorva Raagangal earned him the National Film Award for Best Black-and-White Cinematography, while his experiments with colour and filters in Ninaithale Inikkum earned him recognition from the Tamil Nadu Government.

Ravindhar recalls witnessing Lokanath’s extraordinary discipline while working as an assistant at Karpagam Studios. His perfectionism extended to every detail—from cleaning lights and positioning cutters to camera markings. Yet behind that strict exterior was a warm and affectionate human being.

Their personal bond grew stronger after Ravindhar helped organise an event honouring ten veteran cinematographers. Lokanath’s simple words of appreciation—“Romba pramadam pannitta Ravi!”—became a cherished moment for Ravindhar.

Another unforgettable memory was their visit to actor Kamal Haasan during the Virumaandi shoot. Seeing his mentor after many years, Kamal Haasan ran towards Lokanath, embraced him and affectionately called him “Guru.” Kamal then recalled an extraordinary incident in which a camera had been completely soaked in seawater during a shoot in Visakhapatnam. Without panic, Lokanath dismantled the camera, dried its delicate components on white cloth spread over the beach sand, cleaned and reassembled it—and managed to resume filming the same day.

Through these memories, Ravindhar portrays Lokanath not merely as a brilliant cinematographer, but as a disciplined craftsman, devoted mentor and humble human being whose contribution to Indian cinema remains timeless.

Lokanath passed away in December 2011, but his legacy continues through the images he created and the generations of filmmakers he influenced. His life stands as a reminder that cinematography is not simply about illuminating a frame—it is about revealing the hidden emotions, struggles and shadows within the human soul.