Time and again, cinematographers have taken up new challenges and risen beyond their confines in Kannada Cinema
Cinematographers are known to be a director's best aid and perhaps the biggest voices of reason on any film set. The sheer depth of their contribution to any project often goes unnoticed but those around them would certainly be privy to the talent and skill they possess. And the concept of a cinematographer taking up the directorial role isn't uncommon across World Cinema and many Indian technicians too (the likes of Santhosh Sivan, Balu Mahendra, or Kannada's own Karm Chawla) have donned the creative hats to further enunciate their grip on the craft of filmmaking. So, let's take a quick look at those cinematographers in Kannada cinema who have turned directors at some points in their respective careers. Here we go:
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R.N.K. Prasad
Son of R. Nagendra Rao, one of the most instrumental forces behind Kannada Cinema's being, R.N.K. Prasad was always destined to be a craftsman. He began working alongside his father as a cinematographer in 1957 and went on to shoot some of the most iconic films of the time that include the likes of 'Naandi' and Kanagal's 'Belli Moda'. Taking after his father, R.N.K Prasad directed his first and only film 'Naguva Hoovu' in 1971 before returning to cinematography and an occasional foray into acting - Mr. Prasad has acted in films like 'Nayakan' and 'Michael Madana Kama Rajan'. His brothers R.N. Jayagopal and R.N. Sudarshan too are well-known figures of Kannada Cinema.
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S.V. Srikanth
Known as the master of trick photography, S.V. Srikanth boasted of a technical finesse that came to the fore in films like 'Babruvahana', 'Edakallu Guddada Mele', 'Gejje Pooje', and others. Srikanth turned director for the very first time in 1971 with the film 'Thande Makkalu' and would direct 'Kasthuri Vijaya' in 1975 post which he never returned to the creative helm for reasons unknown. He also produced a few films in collaboration with Dr. Rajkumar's co-brother, Jayaram, but remained a dedicated cinematographer throughout. S.V. Srikanth's work with Puttanna Kanagal is perhaps the highlight of his long and illustrious career.
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S. Ramachandra
Regarded as the founding stone of the new wave in Kannada cinema, S. Ramachandra has authored a number of brilliant and poignant films with his camera. He was an alumnus of the revered FTII and forayed into cinema under the tutelage of U.M.N Sharif on 'Vamsha Vriksha'. Thus began a grand career that includes significant collaborations with the likes of Girish Kasaravalli, B.V. Karanth, and Shankar Nag - Mr. Ramachandra is said to have worked with 40 debutant directors in his lifetime. S. Ramachandra went to write, direct, and shoot 'Sakshi' in 2002 for television.
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B.C. Gowrishankar
One of the foremost technicians of Kannada Cinema, B.C. Gowrishankar has been a towering figure in the shaping of the industry. He has collaborated with the likes of Shankar Nag, Singeetham Srinivas Rao, and many other stalwarts to produce some of the finest work of the past - 'Minchina Ota', 'Pushpak', and 'Om' to name a few. Mr. Gowrishankar would take a directorial role in 1987 and directed three films in the process including 'Aata Bombata' starring Shankar Nag. His daughter is the popular actor and reality show judge Rakshitha.
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S. Krishna
The man who's responsible for the breathtaking visuals captured in 'Mungaru Male', S. Krishna later turned a successful director with the Yash-starrer 'Gajakesari'. Krishna would follow it up with 'Hebbuli' and 'Pailwaan', both starring Kiccha Sudeep, and is currently in the middle of rendering a spy version of Puneeth Rajkumar with his upcoming espionage thriller.
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