National award-winning Tamil filmmaker R Chezhiyan dies

Renowned Tamil filmmaker and cinematographer R. Chezhiyan died on Friday, July 10, 2026, in Chennai after a prolonged illness. He was 57 years old. His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the Indian film industry, which remembered him as a master of realistic storytelling and a respected mentor.

Chezhiyan was widely recognized for his directorial debut, the 2017 film To Let, which won the National Film Award for Best Tamil Feature Film. The film, praised for its moving portrayal of a middle-class family's struggle to find a home, also earned him the Best Cinematographer Award at the Milan International Film Festival and won the Best Film award in the Indian Language Competition section at the 23rd Kolkata International Film Festival. Known for his minimalist approach, Chezhiyan deliberately chose not to use a background score in To Let, a notable departure in a film industry where music is traditionally integral.

Born in Sivaganga district, Chezhiyan was an engineer by training before shifting to cinematography. He began his career as an assistant to acclaimed cinematographer P.C. Sriram and made his independent debut as a cinematographer with the 2007 film...