SICA New office bearers swearing in ceremony 2026!

SICA | A New Chapter in Cinematography

Swearing-In Ceremony of the Newly Elected Office Bearers 2026–2029

The Southern India Cinematographers’ Association (SICA) held the swearing-in ceremony of its newly elected office bearers for the 2026–2029 term on Sunday, 1 November 2026, at the Prasad Lab Preview Theatre, Saligramam, Chennai.

Organised by PRO Nikil Murugan and anchored by Archana Chandhoke, the ceremony brought together eminent personalities from the film fraternity. Hon’ble Thiru. Rajmohan Arumugam, Minister for School Education, Tamil Development and Information, Government of Tamil Nadu, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Thiru R. K. Selvamani, President of FEFSI, and Hon’ble Justice M. Govindaraj, Chief Election Officer of SICA, were present. Thiru Loyola Mani made a surprise appearance, adding a special touch to the evening.

The Hon’ble Minister presented certificates to the newly elected office bearers, led by President S. Saravanan, General Secretary A. Ramesh Kumar and Treasurer M. Vetrivel. The new leadership also includes Vice Presidents R. Diwakaran and S. Loganathan, and Joint Secretaries Kumar J. Laxman, S. Seviloraja and N. Velrajan.

The 15-member Executive Committee comprises nine active members—S. Arul Vincent, M. Madheshwaran, R. S. Saravanan, J. Gopinath, Rajesh Yadav, K. Ravi Shankaran, A. Shakthivel, D. Srinivasan and G. Ravindranath; three associate members—S. Arunkumar, R. Muthukkumaran and S. S. S. Ravi Maran Shivan; and three TV media members—Arunmozhi Varman, Kalyana Sundaram (A) Akilan and K. Ramesh.

The ceremony was attended by distinguished personalities including

* Thiru. G. K. M. Tamilkumaran – President, Tamil Film Producers Council

* Thiru. T. Siva – General Secretary, Tamil Film Producers Council

* Thiru. Dhananjayan – Treasurer, Tamil Film Producers Council

* Thiru. Manoj Paramahamsa – Chairman, M.G.R. Government Film and Television Institute

* Thiru. D. Ramakrishnan – General Manager, NFDC

* Thiru. B. N. Swaminathan – Treasurer, FEFSI

* Thiru. S. P. Senthilkumar – Treasurer, FEFSI

* Thiru. Cheran – President, South Indian Film Writers Association

* Thiru. R. V. Udayakumar – General Secretary, Tamil Film Directors Association

* Thiru. Perarasu – Treasurer, Tamil Film Directors Association

* Thirumathi Khushbu Sundar – President, Small Screen Producers Association

* Thiru. Udhayashankar – President, Tamil Nadu Small Screen Producers Association

Senior film personalities Nassar, Khushbu Sundar, Ravi Kottarakkara and T. Siva conveyed their best wishes to the newly elected team, though they were unable to attend in person.

All the speakers appreciated SICA’s rich legacy and its continued efforts to strengthen the cinematographers’ fraternity. Director Vikraman shared personal shooting experiences and expressed his appreciation for President S. Saravanan’s leadership and commitment.

The remarkable contribution of cinematographer P. C. Sreeram to Indian cinema was celebrated by the guests. The Hon’ble Minister recalled his own six-month association with Sriram during a production, highlighting the cinematographer’s stature and enduring influence.

General Secretary A. Ramesh Kumar’s pioneering contribution through Oomai Vizhigal, particularly its trendsetting introduction of Cinemascope, was acknowledged. Known as a man of few words, his contribution to Tamil cinema received special appreciation. Treasurer M. Vetrivel’s organisational skills, dedication and commitment to the successful conduct of the ceremony were also widely commended.

VERKALAI THEDI | SICA

A major highlight of the evening was the announcement teaser of VERKALAI THEDI (வேர்களைத் தேடி), a landmark initiative spearheaded by the newly elected SICA office bearers under President S. Saravanan.

The project aims to document the lives, artistic journeys, experiences and enduring contributions of legendary cinematographers who have shaped Indian cinema. It seeks to preserve the stories, artistic vision and invaluable legacy of the masters behind the lens for future generations.

The announcement teaser was presented on the auditorium’s LED screen, receiving enthusiastic applause from the audience. The initiative represents a meaningful journey towards preserving the history of cinematography and celebrating the artists who have given Indian cinema its visual identity.

Honouring the roots. Preserving the legacy. Celebrating the art of cinematography.

The ceremony reflected the unity and collective spirit of the film fraternity, reaffirming SICA’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of cinematographers, strengthening professional relationships and inspiring future generations.

Honouring the legacy. Strengthening the fraternity. Inspiring the future of cinematography.

SICA | Members’ Welfare Memorandum

President of SICA, Mr. S. Saravanan, presented a memorandum of requests to the Hon’ble Minister Thiru. Rajmohan, seeking the welfare and betterment of SICA members.

In response, the Hon’ble Minister assured that the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru. Joseph Vijay’s government, would extend its support towards the welfare of SICA members.

A positive step towards safeguarding the interests and welfare of the cinematographers’ fraternity.

SICA | Acknowledgement of Gratitude address was given by Vice President Diwakaran 

The Southern India Cinematographers’ Association (SICA) extends its heartfelt gratitude to the following individuals and organisations for their invaluable support, dedication and contribution towards the successful conduct of the Swearing-In Ceremony of the Newly Elected Office Bearers for the term 2026–2029.

Chief Election Officer 

Hon’ble Justice M. Govindaraj

Election Officers

Thiru K.V.Kanniyappan

Thiru K..R.Murthy

Thiru  R.Devi Prasad

– Mr. Jagadeesh – For coordinating all communication with the Ministry and facilitating the arrangements.

– Ms. Archana Chandhoke – For hosting the entire event with grace and professionalism.

– Mr. V. Prabhakar, Writers Union – For his valuable assistance in scripting *Verkalai Thedi.

– Mr. T. N. B. Kathiravan, Dubbing Union – For his support and cooperation.

– Mr. Umesh, Podium Lights & Sound – For providing the complete truss, lighting and sound arrangements.

– Mr. Sundaresan, Fast Media – Fo comprehensive event coverage and online vision mixing.

– Mr. Senthil, Star Pro FX – For the LED screen arrangements and cold pyrotechnics.

– Mr. Murali, VJ – For coordinating and delivering the visuals displayed on the LED screen.

– Mr. Jitendran – For his contribution as editor.

– *PIXR Studio  – for their valuable creative and technical support

– Mr. Siva, R K Vision – For his support and contribution to the event.

– Mr. Nikil Murugan, PRO – For organising and coordinating the event with dedication and commitment.

SICA sincerely appreciates the time, effort, professionalism and goodwill extended by everyone involved. Their collective contribution played an important role in making the ceremony a memorable and successful occasion.

Thank you for standing with SICA and supporting the cinematographers’ fraternity.

With gratitude,

The Newly Elected Office Bearers

Southern India Cinematographers’ Association.

Article drafted by

CJ Rajkumar

Author/ Cinematographer