'Sukumar tries to emphasize visually': Cinematographer Rathnavelu shares about working style in Ram Charan's 'Peddi'
ETimes | May 14, 2026 8:39 PM CST
Renowned cinematographer Rathnavelu recently worked on the upcoming film ‘ Peddi ’, starring Tollywood star Ram Charan in the lead role. The film is directed by Buchi Babu Sana and backed by Sukumar . Recently, Rathnavelu spoke about working with Sukumar again after many successful films together.
Rathnavelu talks about his experienceAccording to a report by Cinema Express, Rathnavelu shared that Sukumar always tries to tell stories visually instead of depending solely on dialogues. He shared that many directors explain everything through long dialogues, which makes things difficult for cinematographers. He said Sukumar gives more space for visuals and emotions through camera work.
Speaking about Sukumar’s filmmaking style, Rathnavelu said, “There are 90% directors who try to say everything in dialogue. Within so many dialogues, a cinematographer has to make the film look good, convey the tone, and mood.”
He further added, “With Sukumar, I have that big advantage because he also tries to emphasize visually. That is where cinematographers, especially Indian cinematographers, don't have the scope to deliver some extra visuals, that's what I feel.”
About the use of light in the filmRathnavelu also shared some details about the visual design used for Ram Charan’s role in ‘Peddi.’ He revealed that one particular lighting shot was used carefully to show the hero’s community background in the story.
He said, “There is only one shot of straight hard light falling on his back to reveal the hero’s community”
He also explained that the film touches on untouchability and social issues. Instead of focusing only on faces, the camera sometimes follows objects like glasses and pots to silently show the emotions and discrimination in the story. “I don't want to emphasize, but I thought that is also a point because it's written in the story. Even when he was with Jagapathi Babu, untouchability is there. So instead of putting the camera on the face or going for the midshot, the camera will follow the glass or pot or whatever. There is how we need to, as a cinematographer, try to tell a story from a story point of view,” he said.
Speaking about ‘Peddi,’ the film is a sports action drama and also features Janhvi Kapoor , Shiva Rajkumar, Divyenndu, Jagapathi Babu and Boman Irani.
Rathnavelu talks about his experienceAccording to a report by Cinema Express, Rathnavelu shared that Sukumar always tries to tell stories visually instead of depending solely on dialogues. He shared that many directors explain everything through long dialogues, which makes things difficult for cinematographers. He said Sukumar gives more space for visuals and emotions through camera work.
Speaking about Sukumar’s filmmaking style, Rathnavelu said, “There are 90% directors who try to say everything in dialogue. Within so many dialogues, a cinematographer has to make the film look good, convey the tone, and mood.”
He further added, “With Sukumar, I have that big advantage because he also tries to emphasize visually. That is where cinematographers, especially Indian cinematographers, don't have the scope to deliver some extra visuals, that's what I feel.”
About the use of light in the filmRathnavelu also shared some details about the visual design used for Ram Charan’s role in ‘Peddi.’ He revealed that one particular lighting shot was used carefully to show the hero’s community background in the story.
He said, “There is only one shot of straight hard light falling on his back to reveal the hero’s community”
He also explained that the film touches on untouchability and social issues. Instead of focusing only on faces, the camera sometimes follows objects like glasses and pots to silently show the emotions and discrimination in the story. “I don't want to emphasize, but I thought that is also a point because it's written in the story. Even when he was with Jagapathi Babu, untouchability is there. So instead of putting the camera on the face or going for the midshot, the camera will follow the glass or pot or whatever. There is how we need to, as a cinematographer, try to tell a story from a story point of view,” he said.
Speaking about ‘Peddi,’ the film is a sports action drama and also features Janhvi Kapoor , Shiva Rajkumar, Divyenndu, Jagapathi Babu and Boman Irani.
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