R. Velraj

Rajamani Velraj is an Indian cinematographer, director and writer who primarily works in Tamil and Hindi cinema. He is well known for his camera work in films like Asuran, Aadukalam, Vada Chennai, Kadaikutty Singam and Komban, and for directing Velaiilla Pattadhari and Thanga Magan.

Personal life
Rajamani Velraj was born in a village called Kootthiyar Kundu near Madurai, Tamil Nadu. He went to PKN Boys Higher Secondary School (Tirumangalam), and studied at Madurai Sourastra College.

Career
Early in his career, he worked as an assistant to ace cinematographer Tirru in several Tamil films. After working with actor Dhanush in Parattai Engira Azhagu Sundaram, Dhanush recommended Velraj for his next film, Polladhavan, directed by debutant, Vetrimaaran. He won the Vijay Award for Best Cinematographer in 2008. Velraj and Vetrimaaran continued working together, from Aadukalam to their most recent film, Viduthalai Part 1. He made his directional debut with Velaiilla Pattadhari, starring Dhanush and Amala Paul and with Anirudh as the music director. The film was extremely successful and became a cult film. In 2015, he directed his second film, Thanga Magan. Velraj is a member of the Indian Society of Cinematographers.

As actor

 * Poriyaalan (2014)
 * Kaalidas (2019)
 * Asuran (2019)
 * Udanpirappe (2021)
 * Kuttram Kuttrame (2022)
 * Viduthalai Part 1(2023)

Awards

 * Vijay Award for Best Cinematographer for Pollathavan (2007)
 * Filmfare Award for Best Cinematographer – South for Aadukalam (2011)
 * SIIMA Award for Best Cinematographer for Aadukalam (2011)
 * SIIMA Award for Best Debut Director for Velaiyilla Pattathari (2014)
 * SIIMA Award for Best cinematographer for Asuran (2019)
 * Vikatan Cinema Awards for Best cinematographer for Viduthalai Part 1 (2023)