Quick Facts
Biography
Santosh Thundiyil is one of the most celebrated and famous contemporary Indian cinematographers, with more than six block busters and lots of artistic films in his profile. He is best known for films like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), Devadoothan (2000), Krrish (2006), Pinjar (2003), Rowdy Rathore (2012) and Jai Ho (2014).
Early life and education
Santosh grew up in the town of Changanacherry in Kerala. He was a student of Sacred Heart English Medium School and graduated in chemistry from St. Berchman's College, Changanacherry. Santosh did his post graduate diploma in cinematography from the prestigious FTII, Pune in India in 1994. As a student, he was selected for representing Asia in the second European seminar for student directors of photography conducted in the National Film School,Hungary in Budapest, under Oscar-winning British Cinematographer billy williams (Gandhi) Dean Cundey.
Career
Santosh, who has assisted renowned directors of photography like Govind Nihlani, Venu and Binod Pradhan, also has a number of commercials and documentary films to his credit. He is trained under Oscar winning Billy Williams (Gandhi) and Dean Cundey (Jurassic Park) representing the country in the second European Seminar for Student Directors of Photography. Now as he continues his profession he is also a visiting Professor in countless prestigious National Institutes like Indian Institute of Technology,MUMBAI (IIT MUMBAI) and Film and Television Institute of India, Pune (FTII, Pune).
Filmography
- MSG: The Warrior Lion Heart (2016)
- Rustom (2016)
- Jai Ho (2014)
- Jayantabhai Ki Luv Story (2013)
- Rowdy Rathore (2012)
- Patiala House (2011)
- Tere Bin Laden (2010)
- Pyaar Impossible (2010)
- Luck (2009)
- Aakasha Gopuram (2008)
- Palunku (2006)
- Krrish (2006)
- Kaal (2005)
- Waqt: The Race Against Time (2005)
- Rok Sako To Rok Lo (2004)
- Pinjar (2003)
- Tera Jadoo Chal Gayaa (2000)
- Devadoothan (2000)
- Hello Brother (1999)
- Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)
- Pranayavarnangal (1998)
Awards and nominations
Filmfare Award
- 2012 - Filmfare Award for Best Cinematographer -Rowdy Rathore Nomination
Asianet Film Awards
- 2008 - Best Cinematographer Award -Aakasha Gopuram
- 2006 - Best Cinematographer Award -Palunku