Award-winning director-cinematographer Chezhiyan no more

Chezhiyan’s minimalist approach to filmmaking was evident in To Let, in which he deliberately chose not to use background score, despite music being an integral element of Tamil cinema

Updated - October 26, 2026 05:30 pm IST - CHENNAI

Director Chezhiyan. File | Photo Credit: M. Samraj

Award-winning filmmaker and cinematographer R. Chezhiyan, best known for his critically acclaimed film To Let, died at 57 after a prolonged illness. He was a member of the International Institute of Film Culture (IIFC).

To Let, which poignantly portrayed the ordeal of a lower middle-class family searching for a rented house, struck a chord with audiences and critics alike. It won the Best Film award in the Indian Language Competition section at the 23rd Kolkata International Film Festival. The award comprised the Golden Bengal Tiger trophy, a cash prize of ₹7 lakh, and a certificate.

Published - July 10, 2026 11:06 am IST

Tamil cinema / Tamil Nadu / entertainment award / entertainment (general) / arts, culture and entertainment / cinema

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