I go through some of Santosh Sivan’s cinematography techniques to help you understand his unique style.

Just to be clear: Santosh Sivan changes his style to suit the movies he shoots. The goal of this video and article is to drum up enthusiasm and a yearning to learn more.

Warning: I do not claim this knowledge is 100% accurate. Just think of it as an endorsement of his work. If you want accuracy, look someplace else.

Here’s the video illuminating the cinematography style of Santosh Sivan:

I hope you’ve found this video useful. If I’ve stoked your interest in Santosh Sivan’s work, please watch the movies he shot and check out his interview at the BFI:

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11 replies on “Understanding the Cinematography of Santosh Sivan”

  2. HI, watched the video essay on Santhosh Sivan.
    There is a word you use at 3.53 : “in exterior location he uses …..” Cant make out.
    Would be great if you can mention it as a reply.

    many thanks

      1. at 3.52, the commentary says “at exterior location he uses a “silhouette,” a classical way to add…
        is silhouette the word ?

  3. Iruvar is indeed a wonderful movie which everyone should see. I don’t understand why those kind of classics are not available worldwide, like in a box with the Best of Mani Ratnam for example. My copy is just a downloaded dvd rip, but if I can buy the dvd, I would definitely do that! All the best.

  4. The Mani Ratnam film you mentioned as your favorite Sivan work. Is it Iruvar (1997)? I haven’t seen it and would like to. Do you have an online streamed / downloadable version?

  5. I always got fascinated about santhosh sivan’s work. This info pushing me a lot to know more about his works….thank u so much sareesh.

  6. Thanks for sharing this info and interview on Santosh Sivan. I knew nothing about him or his work and found it very interesting.

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