Capturing Cinematic Legacies: film screening!

Capturing Cinematic Legacies: A Glance into the World of Indian Cinematographers

The Southern India Cinematographers’ Association (SICA) recently played host to a captivating event at the Prasad Lab Theatre, where the spotlight shone brightly on the artistry and legacy of Indian cinematographers. On a sunny Sunday morning, the 21st of April 2024, cinephiles gathered in abundance to witness the screening of Hemant Chaturvedi’s masterful docufeature film titled “Chhayaankan- the management of shadows!

The screening was graced by esteemed luminaries of the industry, including the veteran cinematographer V. Ranga, the illustrious DOP Devi Sri Prasad, the Vice President of SICA Nirav Shah, the seasoned operations manager of Prasad Film Lab, Sivaraman, and contemporary directors of photography (DOPs) Sathyan Sooriyan and Shreyas Krishna.

Hemant Chaturvedi, the visionary behind “Chhayaankan,” commenced the event by sharing his profound motivation behind crafting this cinematic masterpiece. He revealed how his journey as a cinematographer led him to recognize the unsung heroes behind the lens—the DOPs whose contributions often went unnoticed. Determined to amplify their voices, Hemant embarked on a quest to immortalize their stories on celluloid.

“Chhayaankan” unfurled as a tapestry of insights, featuring luminaries such as Govind Nihalani, Barun Mukherjee, Nadeem Khan, Jahangir Chowdry, Dilip Dutta, RM Rao, Sunil Sharma, Pravin Bhat, Peter Pereira, Ishwar Bidri, SM Anwar, Baba Azmi, AK Bir, Kamalakar Rao. Who have indelibly shaped Indian cinema. Through candid interviews and unseen footage, the film delved into the triumphs, trials, and timeless moments that define the cinematic journey of these maestros.

Chhayaankan,” unfurls these hidden treasures with unabashed honesty and profound reverence. As the reels roll, the celluloid whispers tales of those who shaped Indian cinema, whose artistry transcends time and space.

Within the frames of “Chhayaankan,” lie untold stories that resonate with the heartbeat of a nation’s cinematic heritage. Cinematographers bare their souls, sharing pivotal moments from their journey—moments that shaped their art, challenged their convictions, and celebrated their triumphs. With the lens as their guide, they navigate the intricacies of opportunity, success, and the delicate dance between vision and reality.

Barun Mukerji’s poignant reflection echoes through the corridors of time: “A cinematographer should have two eyes and a heart.” It encapsulates the essence of their craft—a delicate balance of technical prowess and emotional depth. Through the lens, they perceive the world anew, capturing not just images but emotions, not just light but the very essence of human experience.

“Chhayaankan” is more than a documentary; it’s a journey into the soul of Indian cinema. It peels back the layers of celluloid to reveal the heartbeat beneath—a heartbeat that echoes with the passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment of those who stand behind the camera. From the humble beginnings of 100 ASA film stock to the highs and lows of experimentation, each frame is a testament to their relentless pursuit of perfection.

The film captures moments of revelation and introspection, as cinematographers share their insights into the creative process. It’s a journey into the minds of visionaries, where every frame is a canvas, and every shot is a brushstroke painting the tapestry of cinematic brilliance.

“Chhayaankan” is a celebration of the unsung heroes of Indian cinema, whose contributions have shaped the very fabric of our cultural landscape. It’s a tribute to their artistry, their passion, and their unwavering dedication to the craft. As the credits roll and the lights dim, “Chhayaankan” leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of its audience—a mark that speaks to the power of storytelling, the magic of cinema, and the enduring legacy of those who dared to dream.

In the darkened theater, past and present converged, as the voices of the past guided the aspirations of the future. Through “Chhayaankan,” a thread of continuity was woven, connecting generations of cinematographers in a shared legacy of passion, creativity, and unwavering dedication to the craft.

transcending generations and bridging the chasm between past and present. For the veteran cinematographers, it was a journey back in time—a nostalgic voyage through the annals of Indian cinema. Memories flooded their minds, evoking a sense of pride and reverence for the craft they had dedicated their lives to.

With each frame, “Chhayaankan” breathed life into forgotten moments, like whispers from a bygone era. The voices of DOPs narrated sequences immortalized in classics like “Sholay,” painting vivid pictures of camaraderie and creativity. The light men running alongside the train, wielding wooden logs to sculpt shadows; the actors moving in tandem with the lights and camera, creating magic in real-time—these were not just scenes from a film; they were testaments to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of a bygone era.

For the new generation of SICA members, “Chhayaankan” was a revelation—an awe-inspiring journey into the heart of cinematic mastery. As they witnessed the moods of the veterans, their dedication to the craft, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, a newfound sense of reverence took root within them. They marveled at the artistry of their predecessors, realizing that the magic of cinema transcends the boundaries of time and technology.

The screening culminated in a heartfelt standing ovation, a testament to Hemant Chaturvedi’s dedication and artistry. Following this, a felicitation ceremony ensued, honoring the contributions of V. Ranga, Hemant Chaturvedi, Devi Sri Prasad, Sivaraman, Shreyas Krishna, Sathyan Sooriyan, and Nirav Shah.

Treasurer Sakthi Saravanan thanked SICA Vice President Nirav Shah for his efforts to bring this wonderful doccu feature film to SICA members.

The event radiated with the presence of luminaries who have left an indelible mark on the tapestry of Indian cinema. Among them stood the revered cinematographer V. Ranga, whose journey through the annals of cinematic history is as illustrious as it is inspiring. As the guest of honor, V. Ranga graced the occasion with his wisdom and experience, offering a glimpse into the bygone era of filmmaking.

In his address to the audience, V. Ranga embarked on a nostalgic voyage through time, recounting his personal odyssey from the humble confines of the studio to the sprawling landscapes of creativity. With a career spanning decades and a portfolio adorned with timeless classics, V. Ranga regaled the audience with anecdotes that illuminated the challenges and triumphs of a life dedicated to the craft of cinematography.

Devi Sri Prasad, the maestro behind some of South Indian cinema’s important Films, also took center stage to commend Hemant Chaturvedi for his visionary endeavor. With a profound appreciation for the art of storytelling, Devi Sri Prasad articulated his admiration for the documentary, emphasizing how it breathed life into the untold narratives of the cinematic stalwarts featured within.

During his impassioned speech, Devi Sri Prasad reminisced about his own journey alongside the luminaries captured in “Chhayaankan,” evoking memories of his early encounters with the iconic Mitchell camera in 1969. He expressed gratitude to SICA and Nirav Shah for providing a platform to showcase the invaluable contributions of cinematographers to the fabric of Indian cinema.

Sivaraman, the seasoned operations manager of Prasad Film Lab, also shared his insights, underscoring the symbiotic relationship between technology and creativity in the world of cinematography. He lauded Hemant Chaturvedi’s sincere efforts in documenting the legacies of cinematic visionaries, hinting at the filmmaker’s ongoing project dedicated to preserving the heritage of single-screen cinema theatres, Sivaraman also had pride of working as lab technician for the most of the featured Cinematographers in the Chhayaankan.

The event pulsated with energy and enthusiasm as Sathyan Sooriyan and Shreyas Krishna, contemporary masters of the craft, engaged in a dialogue with the audience, unraveling the intricacies of their creative process. Their shared curiosity mirrored the collective sentiment of the audience, eager to unravel the mysteries behind the making of “Chhayaankan.”

In the backdrop of meticulous organization by SICA Executive Committee members, including Cinematographers Loganathan Srinivasan, Moses, Muthukumaran, Govindhakrishnan Rajesh yadav and with Naga Saravanan as the event presenter, “Chhayaankan” emerged not just as a documentary film, but as a testament to the enduring spirit of cinematic storytelling.

Article by

CJ Rajkumar

Author/Cinematographer