: Veteran cinematographer A. Vincent, who teamed up with late film director C.V. Sridhar in his masterpieces such as ‘Kalyanaparisu’, ‘Sumai Thangi’, ‘Nenjil Or Aalyam’, ‘Then Nilavu’ and ‘Kathalikka Neramillai’ died here on Wednesday. He is survived by his wife, two cinematographer sons—Jayanan Vincent and Ajayan Vincent—and a daughter
Vincent, born in Calicut, was a product of Gemini Studios and a student of Kamal Ghosh. He dominated the Tamil film world since the 1950s and also became a most-sought-after cinematographer in Telugu and Hindi.
“He had an eye for technical details. As far as I know he was one of the best cinematographers,” said Chitralaya Gopu, who worked in Sridhar’s unit as screenplay writer. Vincent first shot into fame with the release of ‘Uthamaputhiran’ starring Sivaji Ganesan in dual role.
“Even in black and white, one can see his artistic mind,” says Mr Gopu.
Cinematographer Babu said it was Vincent who first proved the importance of camera and its role in making of films and he always experimented with the instrument.
Vincent’s first film with Sridhar was ‘Kalyanaparisu’, a box-office hit known for its fine storyline and melodious songs. His next film was ‘Meenda Sorgham’. While the film was not a success, it was talked about in the industry for its technical aspects introduced by Vincent.
“The portrayal of the song “Sonnathu Neethana Sol Sol” in the film Nenjil Oru Allayam speaks volumes for Vincent’s talents. Long before the arrival of steadicam, he had pictured the scene that will etch in the memory of the audience,” said writer and film director Suka.
Vincent was with Sridhar till ‘Kaathalikka Neramillai’, a romantic -comedy, in which he worked with his assistant P.N. Sundaram.
“After the film he left Sridhar to become a freelancer and achieved great success in Telugu. He also earned a name in Hindi films,” said Mr Gopu.
“It was Vincent who first proved the importance of camera and its role in making of films’’
