Vipindas

Vipindas Biography

Vipindas is a highly acclaimed cinematographer of Malayalam cinema who owns more than 200 films in his credit. He has done 203 movies in total in four south Indian languages and created a Guinness record.  He has also directed a few Malayalam movies. Vipindas was a self-made cameraman, who excelled in black and white cinematography in the 70's mostly in Malayalam cinema. This highly acclaimed cameraman cum photographer mostly used natural light for his works, rather than relying on artificial lights. He doesn’t hold any formal training in photography or cinematography, but worked as an assistant for a few movies before turning an independent cinematographer,

As a cinematographer of black and white movies, his best works are for veteran film director I. V. Sasi. Avalude Ravukal is the best instance. Sasi was basically an art director who started his career under Das in Prathidhwani. Chillu, Nirakoottu, Adayaalam, Irupathaam Noottaandu, Oru CBI Diary Kurippu, Thuramukham, Purappadu, Monnam Mura and Kaattathe Kilikkoodu are among his best works. Das had also worked with renowned directors including P A Bakker, Bharathan and Padmarajan.

Vipindas was born in 1938 in Pazhayannoor, Thrissur. At the age of 15, he shifted to Chennai to study photography. He worked as an assistant under Bollywood cinematographer Beevashom for three years. He made his debut as a director cum cinematographer for a Tamil movie titled Talattu. His first Malayalam movie is Prethangalude Thazhvara directed by P. Venu. His association with veteran director I. V. Sasi began with the Malayalam movie, Prathidhwani, and the pair shot to success after the movie, Avalude Ravukal which starred Sasi’s future wife Seema playing the female lead of a prostitute. The controversial movie, though received ‘Adult’s Only’ certificate for its bold theme, achieved cult classic status. Later they worked together in 25 movies.

The controversial movie, Kabani Nadi Chuvannappol also needs special mention. He received Kerala State Film Award for Best Photography for Manimuzhakkam. Thathwamasi was his last work. He passed away in 2011.

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Updated: July 25, 2014