Cinematographer M.J. Radhakrishnan passes away

( Photo: wikimediacommons)


Seven-time Kerala State Film Award winning cinematographer, M.J. Radhakrishnan passed away on Friday evening at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram.

The 60-year-old cameraman suffered a cardiac arrest at his home and passed away while on his way to the hospital.

Having worked as a still photographer, earlier, he went on to work as an associate to renowned cinematographer-director Shaji N.Karun. He had helmed films like Deshadanam, Karunam and Naalu Pennungal. Some of his work has also been screened at several film festivals across the world including the Cannes, Toronto, Chicago, Rhode Island and Rotterdam.

In 1999, his work for the film, Marana Simhasanam ( Throne of Death) won the Caméra d’Or (Golden Camera Award) in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival.

In a career spanning over a quarter of a century, he worked in over 75 films, besides numerous documentaries and also worked with internationally acclaimed film makers like Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Murali Nair, TV Chandran, Dr. Biju, Jayaraj and Renjith.

Radhakrishnan mostly worked on arthouse films and was known for using best, natural lighting styles.

Netaji, country’s first Irula language and Guiness awarded film, was MJ Radhakrishnan’s final cinematic work.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condoled the death of Radhakrishnan and said that the industry has lost a stalwart, reported IANS.