SICA event: State Govt Awards / 65mm Camera!

🎖️ SICA Felicitation Function – A Landmark Evening of Craft, Technology & Legacy

The Southern  India Cinematographers’ Association (SICA) function turned into a truly memorable evening at Prasad Lab Theatre — celebrating excellence in cinematography across television, short films and feature cinema, while also opening an exciting new technological chapter for working cinematographers.

It was not just an awards ceremony — it was a rare convergence of award-winning artists, legendary mentors and next-generation cinema technology under one roof.

The function opened with a dignified welcome address by President A Karthikraaja welcomed gathering, General Secretary Ilavarasu and treasurer Sakthi Saravanan were in the stage to receive award winners.

The event was moderated by CJ Rajkumar author/ Cinematographer

They were felicitated and honoured by an inspiring panel of senior legends, led by:

P. C. Sreeram

K. R. Murthy

S. Ashokrajan

Muneer Ahamed

C. S. Ravi Babu

R. Devi Prasad

K. V. Kanniyappan

Their presence gave the ceremony an emotional depth — bridging generations of Tamil and Indian cinematography

Tamil Nadu State Film Awards – Best Cinematography, along with a special honour for Best Film.

The complete list of honoured cinematographers reflected nearly a decade of visual excellence — from long-running television narratives to technically ambitious feature films.

The gathering of so many award winners in a single evening created an atmosphere of collective pride and professional solidarity among SICA members.

Here is the official list of DOPs who received the Tamil Nadu State Government – Best Cinematography (Feature Film) awards (as honoured in your SICA function):

🎬 Tamil Nadu State Film Awards – Best Cinematography

(Feature Films only)

1. 2016 – M. Balasubramaniem 🎥 Kathakali

2. 2017 – Chelladurai 🎥 Thiruttu Payale 2

3. 2018 – R. Velraj 🎥 Vada Chennai

4. 2019 – Theni Eswar 🎥 Peranbu

5. 2020 – N. K. Ekambaram 🎥 Ka Pae Ranasingam

6. 2021 – Richard M. Nathan 🎥 Maanaadu

7. 2022 – Arthur A. Wilson 🎥 Iravin Nizha

🎬 Tamil Nadu State Television Awards – Best Cinematography

R. K. Vickiraman – Tamarai (2015)

S. Seenivasan – Priyamanaval (2016)

S. Parthiban – Thaai Veedu (2017)

U. K. Senthil Kumar – Nandini (2018)

M. Ananthappan – Yaaradi Nee Mohini (2019)

R. Saravanan – Bharathi Kannamma (2020)

Saleem Bilal – Chithiram Pesuthadi (2021)

K. Kesavan – Maari (2022)

Tamil Nadu State Short Film Awards – Best Cinematography
B. N. Pragadeesh Jaananu – A Message from the Future (2019–2020)
M. C. Dharun Kumar – Azhagi (2020–2021)

Special Mention

Best Film: Tolet – R Chezhiyan

Best Actor: Santhosh Sreeram

🚀 Technology Showcase – Blackmagic URSA Cine 17K & Thalia Lenses

A major highlight of the event was the hands-on demonstration of the newly introduced Blackmagic URSA Cine 17K cinema camera, paired with Thalia cinema lenses.

The camera system was presented through the support of:

R. Velraj, RCS Raj Cine Service

This showcase immediately became the centre of attention among senior and young cinematographers alike.

🔍 Why the URSA Cine 17K impressed the community

The Blackmagic URSA Cine 17K introduces a new large-format imaging platform with a 65 mm class sensor, offering:

Extremely wide field of view without forcing ultra-wide lenses

Natural perspective and spatial separation

Exceptional image magnification control

Large-format aspect ratio flexibility

Remarkable high-resolution capture suited for future-proof theatrical mastering

When paired with Thalia lenses, the system delivered:

Clean edge-to-edge coverage on large-format sensors

Controlled contrast and elegant highlight roll-off

A natural cinematic rendering suitable for both theatrical and premium streaming workflows

🎯 Field-of-View & Format – What truly excited cinematographers

The strongest discussion point among the members was not merely resolution.

Cinematographers were deeply engaged in evaluating:

how the 65 mm format alters spatial perception,

how subject-to-background relationships feel more immersive,and how large-format framing changes blocking and camera movement language.

Many members were actively testing:

practical field-of-view equivalence

foreground-background compression

and composition behaviour across different focal lengths.

This became a genuine learning zone rather than a simple product display

🎥 Industry Perspective & Professional Validation

Nirav Shah offered high praise for the new camera system, specifically highlighting:the extraordinary detail retention,

refined image quality for large-screen exhibition,

and the improved color science, especially considering the camera’s efficient and manageable file sizes.

🏛️ A Packed Hall – Strong SICA Member Participation

The event witnessed large attendance from SICA members, reinforcing the growing interest in:next-generation camera systems,large-format cinematography,and evolving production technologies.

The packed theatre reflected a strong professional culture — where learning, experimentation and artistic dialogue continue beyond individual projects.

An Afternoon that Celebrated Both Legacy and the Future.

Article drafted by

CJ Rajkumar

Author/ Cinematographer