Few cinematographers truly understand cinema: Balu Mahendra

Veteran Tamil cinematographer-turned-director Balu Mahendra feels that although the southern film industry has plenty of cinematographers, very few understand cinema fully.

"Cinematography is not about capturing moving images. It is about teleporting the audience to a world the director intends to take them. This is only possible if one can understand cinema to the fullest and sadly we have very few cinematographers with that ability," Mahendra told IANS.

Who do you consider the best cinematographer?

"Cinematographers such as Chezhiyan and Santosh Sivan are some of the best in the business. Their work is eternal and inspiring," he said.

Mahendra, 73, who started his career as a cinematographer, later turned to direction and made films such as "Sadma", "Sathi Leelavathi" and "Aur Ek Prem Kahani".