Ravi Varman
- Mar 2, 2024
- 1 min read
Based in Tamil Nadu
Ravi Varman ASC ISC is a cinematographer whose body of work spans from feature films to advertising campaigns that have defined visual storytelling in India.
Known for his painterly, poetic style influenced by masters like Rembrandt and Picasso, Varman has shot commercials for brands including Samsung, Nestlé, Coca-Cola, Lloyd, and Vivo, where his bold use of light, flares, colour, and selective focus has created iconic imagery that resonates with audiences and elevates brand narratives.
His versatility across mediums is reflected in his seamless ability to shift between the demands of advertising and cinema, bringing the same artistry and emotional depth to both.
In cinema, he has shaped the visual identity of films across Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi industries, with notable titles including Autograph, Anniyan, Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu, Barfi!, Tamasha, Ram-Leela, Sanju, Jagga Jasoos, and Mani Ratnam’s magnum opus Ponniyin Selvan (Parts I & II). His work on Ponniyin Selvan: I earned him the National Film Award for Best Cinematography (2022), followed by a Filmfare Award (South) for Ponniyin Selvan: II (2023).
Globally recognised, Varman was inducted into the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) in 2025, only the second Indian to achieve this honour after Santosh Sivan, and is also a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
From intimate documentaries and short films to advertising campaigns and large-scale features, Ravi Varman continues to push the boundaries of visual storytelling, positioning himself as one of the most influential cinematographers in contemporary Indian advertising and cinema.
Social Media Handle:
Instagram - @r_varman_
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