Santosh Sivan’s muse: These Malayalam songs captured by the filmmaker is a treat to the soul!

‘As poignant as a poem’ or ‘as stimulating as a song’, how should one describe ace cinematographer and filmmaker Santhosh Sivan’s magnificent visuals? One of the few from Indian cinema to have made it to the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC), Sivan surely gives a ‘Midas touch’ to all projects he signs for. His fascination for paintings, especially for the works of Raja Ravi Varma has helped him in drawing images with lights and shades. Also, his way of using colours and composing a frame makes him stand out in the crowd. Here’s taking a look at some Malayalam songs captured by the miraculous creator, Santosh Sivan. These songs are sure to make you fall in love with the art of cinema.

Santosh Sivan is a mastero in creating an amusing symmetry while composing the frames. He exactly knows how to make his subject standout and 'Nenchil Kanchabaanam' song from the 1993 movie 'Gaandharvam' is proof. Using props including the mirror in the song to getting the leads in a single frame is yet another interesting creation from the lensman. Also, he has his own ways of using the backlight to give a definition to his subjects.

(Image courtesy: Youtube)

Santosh Sivan is a magician in all its true sense. He knows how to create captivating visuals and leave his audience spellbound. The song 'Sreeragamo' from 'Pavithram' is full of beautiful frames. The camera has a sync with the song and the movements of the characters. Be it the shot of showing actor Shobana’s face in the ripples of the pond or actors Shobana and Mohanlal showing some dance moves on the bed, the song will immediately grasp one's attention.

(Image courtesy: Youtube)

Yes, silhouettes are always poise. And Santosh Sivan is a master in it. The song begins with a beautiful silhouette of Tabu running off from Mohanlal. Shot in the backdrop of a sunset the visuals will steal away your heart. Also, the cinematographer knows how to play with lights. From lighting the scene to making his subjects pop with the backlight, the song is a treat for the eyes.

(Image courtesy: Youtube)

Santosh Sivan is a fan of Raja Ravi Varma paintings. And when he was about to make a romantic drama with fantasy elements in it, the lensman decided to recreate some of the paintings. Santosh Sivan was both the cinematographer and director of 'Anandhabhadram'. Most of the shots in the song 'Pinakkamano' begin with a wooden frame with the subject within the frame, resembling a Ravi Varma painting and later interacting with the second character. Ravi Varma's paintings like 'Woman holding a fruit', 'Nair lady adorning her hair', 'Hamsa Dhamayanthi', 'The Milkmaid', and many others are recreated in the song.

(Image courtesy: Facebook)

Yet another spectacular creation by Santosh Sivan. He is both the director and lensman for the movie. 'Aaro Nee Aaro' song is splendid with super slow motions. Featuring Prithviraj Sukumaran and Genelia D'Souza, the song is rich with beautiful frames and breathtaking compositions. The song is undeniably one of the best songs in Malayalam.

(Image courtesy: Youtube)