Date:09/10/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/10/09/stories/2007100961870800.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

J.C. Daniel Award presented

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: The prestigious J.C. Daniel Award - the highest honour instituted by the Kerala government for lifetime contribution to the growth and development of Malayalam cinema -was on Monday presented to cinematographer Mankada Ravi Varma, 81, trusted lieutenant to veteran filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan.

Cultural Affairs Minister M.A. Baby formally presented the award carrying a cash prize of Rs.1 lakh, statuette and citation to the cinematographer, who is largely confined to his Kodambakkam residence these days owing to a combination of illness and age.

The Adoor-Ravi Varma combine has produced several defining films in Malayalam cinema such as Swayamvaram, Kodiyettam, Elipathayam, Mathilukal and Kathapurushan.

Ravi Varma had also teamed up with G. Aravindan for Uttharayanam and P.N. Menon for Olavum Theeravum. Mr. Baby said the cinematographer conjured a canvas of visual poetry.

Actor Kamal Haasan said it was heartening to note that Malayalam film awards were crossing borders and was given to an artiste settled in Chennai.