National Award winning Tamil filmmaker and cinematographer Chezhiyan has passed away. On his demise, many film personalities and political leaders including Vijay Sethupathi and Varalakshmi Sarathkumar have expressed deep grief on social media and paid tribute to him.
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [भारत]July 10 (ANI): Award winning Tamil filmmaker and cinematographer Chezhiyan has passed away, leaving the Tamil film industry and his fans in deep grief. As soon as the news of Chezhiyan’s demise broke, politicians, actors, filmmakers and many other colleagues from the industry paid heartfelt tributes to him on social media.
Film personalities expressed grief
Condoling the demise of the filmmaker, actor Vijay Sethupathi wrote, “May your soul rest in peace, Chezhiyan sir.”
Rest in peace, Chezhiyan sir 💔 pic.twitter.com/MDQ61l7QIn
— VijaySethupathi (@VijaySethuOffl) July 10, 2026
Actress Varalakshmi Sarathkumar reminisced about working with the late cinematographer and wrote, “It’s very sad to hear such news these days… @Rchezhi he was the nicest human being and a great cinematographer.. I have very fond memories of our working together in #tharatappatai and #kondralpavaam, he always supported me and encouraged me.. you will be missed sir.. very much by me.” More!!”
It’s very sad to be hearing the news these days … @Rchezhi he was the nicest human being and such an amazing cinematographer.. I have such fond memories of us working in #tharathapappatai and #kondralpavaam he was always there supporting me and always cheering me on.. you will be… pic.twitter.com/yVal6D7FYX
(@varusarath5) July 10, 2026
Filmmaker Sasikumar said in his tribute, “A good cinematographer doesn’t just create scenes; he also gives life to emotions. Our deepest tribute to Chezhiyan sir, who protected this art his entire life #RIPChezhiyan.”
“अन्ला न्लाली आप्तिवारोर छेविणें हैं भावनाल्य लौसी; भावनायों गूम जोवन दोवार्वार.
— M.Sasikumar (@SasikumarDir) July 10, 2026
Actor Kyle Devraj expressed deep grief over the demise of his old friend Chezhiyan. “#Chezhiyan is my friend. Village companion. The life partner who took me on the train while going to Chennai for cinema. I don’t know how to express my condolences to his family,” he wrote.
#சிழ்யம் my friend. दूर दोझयन. When I went to Chennai for cinema, I boarded the train. I don’t know how to console his family. – Director #பேரரசு உவுக்கம் @GovindarajPro @ARASUPERARASU #Chezhiyan #RIPChezhiyan pic.twitter.com/XWcgZiriGZ
— Actor Kayal Devaraj (@kayaldevaraj) July 10, 2026
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi also paid tribute to the ex and sent her deepest condolences to the bereaved family. “Deeply saddened by the demise of Tamil film cinematographer and director Sri Chezhiyan. As the director of the National Award-winning film ‘Too Late’ and as a trainer who encouraged and guided the young generation of creative artistes through his film workshops, he played a vital role in opening the doors of world cinema to readers on the Tamil public platform through his writings. I express my deepest condolences to his family, the film fraternity and his readers,” she wrote.
தமிழ் film director திரு. The news of his disappearance is very sad. National Award winning director of the film Tolet, through his film பிருதாயம் பருத்தாளிரு மூருதுித்து பிரிரியி பிரிசாசாவும் through his film பெருத்திரம்… pic.twitter.com/kSCF756bGK
— Kanimozhi (கணம்மோழ்) (@KanimozhiDMK) July 10, 2026
Who was Chezhiyan?
Chezhiyan, a well-known face of the Tamil film industry, died in Chennai on Friday. He was known for his work in films like ‘Kallori’, ‘Pardesi’ and ‘Too Late’. ‘Too Late’, directed by Chezhiyan, won the Best Feature Film award at the 65th National Film Awards. (ANI)
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