Legendary Journey: W. R. Subbarao!

Cinematographer- Basavaraj narrates a detailed note on Legendary Cinematographer W. R. SubbaRao Filmic Journey with SICA

SICA is extremely proud to share this writing.

SubbaRao born on 30 – 10 – 1911 in village WATRAP near SRIVILLIPUTHUR In Madurai District. Tamil Nadu. His ancestors from Mysore States migrated to Tamilnadu, some of his relatives reside in Banglore now. SubbaRao use to visit Bangalore very frequently.

His education was up to 9th standard in his Native Village. In school days he used to do drawing & painting very interestingly. He started his career as DRAWING Master at School in SIVAGANGAI.

Later with his elder brother W R Venugopal Rao they shifted to SALEM. Venugopal employed as Manager in Petrol Bunk at Salem Town. At this time SubbaRao was job less, but his brother supported him in all respect.

Director T R Sunderam( Modern Theatre Studio’s Salem owner) who was regular customer for Petrol bunk  observed  Venugopal’s behavior & service and friendly attitude..asked him if any thing he needed as a favor in return W R Venugopal  asked a  Job for his brother  W R SubbaRao got  a job at his studio. ..As apprentice in Studio at Salem.

W R SubbaRao was willing to join the Studio to observe the shooting process…He got interested  more on lighting.

Understanding technique of movie with his own interest he learnt handle other camera like Akeley, Debrie, Askaniya worked in the Studio under the support & super vision of Cameraman Curtzwager &

SubbaRao learned to handle the newly purchased Rolleflex 120 camera under Studio German Cinematographer Herr Bodo Curtzwager..SubbaRao learnt exposure, developing & printing other things interesting he promoted as assist to Cameraman to do lighting, framing & operating the Michael Studio Sound camera at Modern Theatre, Salem.

Eymo 35mm movie a OutDoor film Shooting Camera with portability, Motorized & Hand Keywind drive method. ..was popular to handle shooting outdoors,.on one Full Keywind it will Run 90feet, this was at use  during 1942 at Modern Theatre Salem.

Bhaktha Gowri (alt. Bhaktha Gauri) is a 1941 Tamil language film directed by S. Notani.The film featured S. D. Subbaiah and U. R. Jeevarathinam in the lead roles.& W R SubbaRao debuted  as Cinematographer.

Filmmaker & Director T R Sunderam very much impressed on  SubbaRao learning cinema workflow on his own … He got help from  senior cameraman Bodo Gushwalker who teached trick of cinema photography.

Abhimanyu is a 1948 Tamil-language film produced by Jupiter Pictures and starring S. M. Kumaresan as Abhimanyu, a character from the Mahabharatha. The screenplay was written by A. S. A. Sami, while M. Karunanidhi assisted in the script. This was the second film for Karunanidhi as scriptwriter. The film also starred M. N. Nambiar in a supporting role.W R SubbaRao was in charge of photography section & Cameraman of the film

Kanniyin Kathali (transl. The Maiden’s Lover) is a 1949 Tamil-language romantic comedy film directed by K. Ramnath, who produced it with A. K. Sekhar and wrote the screenplay. An adaption of the play Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare, it stars Madhuri Devi, Anjali Devi and S. A. Natarajan. The film revolves around the twins Adithan and Chandrika, who are separated in a shipwreck. Chandrika falls in love with Prince Vasanthakumar, who in turn is in love with Megala Devi. Upon meeting Chandrika, Megala falls in love with her, thinking she is a man.Kanniyin Kathali was cameraman W R SubbaRao.Film released on 6 August 1949.

Rajakumari (transl. Princess) is a 1947 Tamil language film directed by A. S. A. Sami, starring M. G. Ramachandran (credited as Ramachandar) and K. Malathi.It was photographer was W R SubbaRao. Film released on 11 April 1947.

 Vijayakumari is a 1950 Tamil language film directed by A. S. A. Sami.The film stars K. R. Ramasamy and T. R. Rajakumari.Cameraman W R SubbaRao.

Vijayakumari

Theatrical release poster

Directed by

A. S. A. Sami

Thirumbi Paar (transl. Look Back!) is a 1953 Tamil-language film starring Sivaji Ganesan, P. V. Narasimha Bharathi, Pandari Bai, Krishna Kumari and Girija in the lead roles. Produced and directed by T. R. Sundaram of Modern Theatres, the film was written by Former CM Shri M. Karunanidhi

Cameraman W R SubbaRao

Marmayogi (transl. The Mysterious Sage) is a 1951 Tamil-language swashbuckler film directed by K. Ramnoth and produced by M. Somasundaram. An adaptation of the novel Vengeance by Marie Corelli.The film was shot simultaneously in Hindi as Ek Tha Raja (transl. Once There Was A King). It stars M. G. Ramachandar, Anjali Devi and Madhuri Devi, with S. V. Sahasranamam, Serukalathur Sama (playing the title role), N. Seetharaman, S. A. Natarajan, M. N. Nambiar and M. Pandari Bai in supporting roles.W R SubbaRao was Cameraman.

Marmayogi film.

Production Company Jupiter Pictures ..kannagi is a 1942 Indian Tamil-language epic film directed by R.S Mani based on one of The Five Great Epics of Tamil Literature. Cinematographer Marcus Bartley

Alibabavum 40 Thirudargalum (transl. Alibaba and the Forty Thieves) is a 1956 Tamil-language fantasy swashbuckler film directed and produced by T. R. Sundaram of Modern Theatres. The film stars M. G. Ramachandran and P. Bhanumathi, with K. Sarangapani, P. S. Veerappa, K. A. Thangavelu, M. N. Rajam, Sushila, Vidhyavathi, and M. G. Chakrapani in supporting roles. 1st Color move from South India, on Gevatcolour Negative by Cinematographer W R SubbaRao

After completed .all commitment of Modern Theatre Studio’s Salem. W R SubbaRao decided to work as Independent Freelance Cinematographer in Film industry. So he Shifted to Madras with luggage by Train. He accidentally meets his future producer at Madras Central Station.

W R SubbaRao join hands with B R Panthulu as director M V Rajamma as Producer

When Mr. W. R. Subbarao decided to work as a freelance cameraman, he left to Madras from Salem by Blue mountain express. The next day when Mr. W. R. Subbarao was getting down from the compartment at Central station, Mr. B. R.Banthalu who was returning from 1st class compartment of the same train. Accidently Mr.Banthalu’s luggage and Mr. W. R. Subbarao’s luggage (while getting down from the compartment) clashed on the platform . That was the first meeting of both the people unknowingly of their Train Journey.

It was Mr. B. R.Bantulu who guided Mr. W. R. Subbarao to Royapettah Woodlands hotel, put him in a cottage on his (Mr. B. R. Bantulu) own expense until Mr. Subbarao found a place in Adanja Mudali St., Mandaveli.

Thus he became a famous freelance cameraman with the companion of Mr. Banthalu.

Rest is what Mr. Subbarao has shown his ability.

Jupitar Somasundaram & R S Mani directed & produced a Tamil film ” Kannaki “at Modern Theatre Studio’s, Salem…Film cinematographer was Marcus Bartley.

In the film a sequence of punishing Kovalan, by the way of snatching his head.This is supposed to be done by Trick camera work. Till Bartley never do such specialized work, being job of specialist. W R SubbaRao was a studio’s functionary by then. Rao well trust & trained by Ellie’s R Duncan’s & group. Producer requested SubbaRao to do favors filming  tricks work. Rao did it in fantastic way. Shots are well balanced, sequence were of remarkable his jobs identity. W R SubbaRao was A Principled Gentleman, because of that.He advices Marcus Bartley Cameraman to execute the Trick job with his Ideology & Supervision. When the film released Press & Public Appreciate camera work. W R SubbaRao refuses to Mark His Name as Special Effects Cameraman. This is Because Mr Marcus Bartley. A WILL KNOW & RENOUNCED CINEMATOGRAPHER BY THEN & HE WAS NOT INTERESTED HIS NAME INCLUDE OR REGISTERED IN OTHER COMPANY FILM, OTHER THAN MODERN THEATERS STUDIO’S.

This is incident told by PL Nagappan a Mitchell Camera Assist, Modern Theatre Studio’s, Salem, to S Palaniappan., Director

Sabaash Meena (transl. Bravo Meena) is a 1958 Tamil-language comedy film produced and directed by B. R. Panthulu. The film stars Sivaji Ganesan, B. Saroja Devi, Chandrababu and Malini, with Panthulu and S. V. Ranga Rao in supporting. Cameraman W R SubbaRao

Veerapandiya Kattabomman (transl. Kattabomman, the Brave Warrior) is a 1959 Indian Tamil-language biographical war film produced and directed by B. R. Panthulu. The film stars Sivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan, Padmini, S. Varalakshmi, and Ragini, with V. K. Ramasamy and Javar Seetharaman in supporting roles.A landmark in W R SubbaRao camera Work as cameraman

School Master is a 1958 Kannada language film, produced and directed by B. R. Panthulu. The film starred B.R. Panthulu himself in the lead role along with Dikki Madhava Rao, M. V. Rajamma, Udaykumar, Sivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan and B. Saroja Devi in important roles. It was the first Kannada film to complete a Silver Jubilee Celebration. This film had its children’s dance drama in Gevacolor, taken by cinematographer W. R. Subba Rao.

Karaikkal Ammaiyar is a 1973, Tamil Saiva mythological film, written and directed by A. P. Nagarajan and produced by EVR Films. The film’s soundtrack was composed by Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan. The film stars Lakshmi, who played the younger-age Punithavathi role, and K. B. Sundarambal, who played the old-age role—as the title characters, W R SubbaRao Cameraman work very much impressive job in the film.

Kitturu Chennamma is a 1961.Kannada-language historical drama film directed and produced by B. R. Panthulu. It stars B. Saroja Devi as Kittur Chennamma, an Indian freedom fighter who led an armed rebellion against the British East India Company in 1824, and died in captivity in 1829.

Kulamagal Radhai (transl. Radhai, the homely one) is a 1963 Tamil-language romance film directed and written by A. P. Nagarajan and produced by Spider Films. It is based on the novel Vaazhvu Engey, by Akilan.Cameraman W R SubbaRao

Navarathri (transl. Nine nights) is a 1964 Tamil-language drama film written, produced and directed by A. P. Nagarajan. The film stars Sivaji Ganesan and Savithri. It was the 100th film of Ganesan and is well known for his nine distinct roles.Cameraman W R SubbaRao done wonderful lighting Mask & extremely fine camera Work. The film become a blockbuster at the box-office, running for over 100 days in all over Tamilnadu.

Rajaraja Cholan is a 1973 Indian Tamil-language biographical film directed by A. P. Nagarajan and written by Aru Ramanathan. Based on Ramanathan’s play of the same name about the life of the Chola king Rajaraja I, the film stars Sivaji Ganesan in the title role and was the first Tamil CinemaScope film. It was Photography by W R SubbaRao.Released on 31 March 1973, and ran for over 100 days in theatres.

Agathiyar is a 1972 Tamil-language Hindu mythological film written, directed, and produced by A. P. Nagarajan. The soundtrack was composed by Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan. The film stars Sirkazhi Govindarajan playing the main character, T. R. Mahalingam, A. V. M. Rajan, Kumari Padmini, R. S. Manohar, Suruli Rajan, Manorama and Sridevi were in supporting roles. This film ran for 100 days and won widespread appreciation. Excellent camera work from W R SubbaRao cameraman

Apna Desh (transl. Our country) is a 1972 Hindi-language action drama film, produced by A.V. Subramaniam and T.M.Kittu and directed by Jambu.

Film shooting of ” Agasthyar ” Tamil – 1972.cameraman W R SubbaRao, artist Laxmi, Sirkazhi Govindarajan, Director A P Nagarajan & asst director Dasharathan.

Sri Krishna Leela (transl. The Play of Lord Krishna) is a 1977 Tamil-language Hindu mythological film, written and directed by A. P. Nagarajan.The film was produced by R. M. Subramaniam, with W R SubbaRao as Cameraman.

In year 1968 W R SubbaRao had a chance to direct Raj Kumar Udaya Kumar & Jayanthi in film ” Simha Sapna ” only film in Kannada, Directed & also he did Cinematography for Producer S Bhavanarayana. Under Gowri Art Films Banner.

Wonderful Cinematographer with great & dedicated hard working, truly efficient imagination, according to the demands of his director as per the choice of thoughts & Subjects needs. W R SubbaRao used to execute lighting style & place his camera angles, such a way to enhance the value of the Film & to Impact the Audience rightly. His Cinematography was highly appreciable. Also, WR S trained many Cameraman like , Karnan, S S Lal, his son WR Chandran and many more. All his associates have made Very Dignified Job & kept up his name as a great cameraman ,.

It is Small information of the Greatest Legendary Cinematographer & a gentleman W R SubbaRao.

Thank you Kumar W S & S Palaniappan, Director. Thank you All

B. S. Basavaraju cameraman