R Chezhiyan, National Award-Winning Filmmaker of ‘To Let,’ Dies at 57 in Chennai
National Award-winning filmmaker R Chezhiyan, director of 'To Let' and acclaimed cinematographer, passed away at 57 in Chennai on July 10, 2026. The Tamil film industry mourns the loss of a visionary known for realistic storytelling and visual artistry.
Chennai is mourning the loss of a cinematic visionary, R Chezhiyan, the National Award-winning filmmaker, cinematographer, and author, who breathed his last in the city on Friday, July 10, 2026. He was 57 years old. Chezhiyan's distinguished career, marked by a commitment to realism and impactful visual storytelling, leaves an indelible void in contemporary Tamil cinema. Maniesh Paul’s Mother Urmil Paul Dies at 77; Actor’s Team Issues Statement.
Filmmaker Chezhiyan Passes Away in Chennai
According to a News18 report, R Chezhiyan had been undergoing treatment for an extended health condition at a private hospital in Taramani, Chennai. Despite receiving medical care, he succumbed to his illness on Friday morning. His untimely demise has prompted a widespread outpouring of tributes from across the Tamil film industry, with actors, filmmakers, and fans remembering his artistic vision and profound influence on Indian cinema. His mortal remains are being taken to Seeman's Naam Tamilar Katchi headquarters, where members of the film fraternity and the public are expected to pay their final respects.
More About Chezhiyan
Born in Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu, Chezhiyan initially pursued a degree in Civil Engineering before dedicating himself to his passion for photography and filmmaking. He began his journey in the film industry under the mentorship of celebrated cinematographer PC Sreeram.
Chezhiyan made his debut as an independent cinematographer with Balaji Sakthivel's Kalloori in 2007, swiftly establishing himself as a respected visual storyteller in Tamil cinema. His cinematography was lauded for its naturalistic style and emotional depth. Over the years, he lent his visual expertise to several critically acclaimed films.
Notable Works as Cinematographer:
- Kalloori (2007)
- Rettaisuzhi (2010)
- Magizhchi (2010)
- Thenmerku Paruvakaatru (2010)
- Paradesi (2013)
- Tharai Thappattai (2016)
- Joker (2016)
- Kondraal Paavam (2023)
He transitioned into directing with his much-acclaimed film To Let (2017), a poignant portrayal of a lower-middle-class family's ordeal in searching for a rented house. The film garnered significant recognition, winning the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil at the 65th National Film Awards. To Let also secured him the Best Cinematographer Award at the Milan International Film Festival.
Beyond filmmaking, Chezhiyan was also an accomplished author, known for his widely read series on world cinema, Ulaga Cinema, which was originally published in the Tamil weekly Ananda Vikatan and later compiled into a book. He also directed documentaries, including those on former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam and celebrated writer Jayakanthan. He received the Katha Award for his short story Harmoniam in 2004. Chinese Actor Jin Ze Dies at 33; Agency Confirms News and Requests Privacy.
Chezhiyan is survived by his wife, Prema, who also produced To Let under their banner "La Cinema," and their daughter, Ajitha. His contributions to cinema, both behind the camera and in the director's chair, will continue to inspire aspiring filmmakers for generations to come.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 10, 2026 03:39 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
