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**Summary:**

Cinematographer Ravi K. Chandran discusses his work on the Telugu action drama “They Call Him OG,” starring Pawan Kalyan, and his ongoing work on the Tamil film “Parasakthi.” Chandran highlights the retro aesthetic of “OG,” inspired by 1990s Bombay, and Kalyan’s willingness to experiment with a darker palette and less traditional mannerisms. He compares the fan frenzy surrounding South Indian superstars like Kalyan to that of Bollywood stars. Chandran also discusses his past collaborations with directors like Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Mani Ratnam, emphasizing his desire to bring something new to each project. He touches on the importance of natural light and test shoots in achieving his vision. Finally, Chandran reflects on the evolution of Indian cinema’s visual language and his own approach to avoiding creative comfort zones.

**News Article:**

**Retro Revival: Ravi K. Chandran on Filming ‘They Call Him OG’ and the Allure of South Indian Superstars**

**Hyderabad, October 3, 2025** – Celebrated cinematographer Ravi K. Chandran is basking in the glow of the reception to his latest work, the Telugu action drama “They Call Him OG,” starring Pawan Kalyan. Speaking from the sets of his current project, Sudha Kongara’s Tamil film “Parasakthi” starring Sivakarthikeyan, Chandran revealed insights into the film’s retro aesthetic and the unique star power of Pawan Kalyan.

“OG,” directed by Sujeeth, is holding strong in its second week, and Chandran credits the film’s visual appeal to a collaborative effort, including AS Prakash’s production design and the costume design by Darshan Jalan and Neelanchal Kumar Ghosh. Set in 1990s Bombay, the film boasts a distinctive 1980s-inspired retro look, with Chandran and Sujeeth consciously opting for a darker palette than typically seen in Pawan Kalyan films.

“Initially, some were skeptical if the darker palette would appeal to the audiences,” Chandran admitted. “Sujeeth and I were confident.”

Chandran, whose illustrious career includes films like “Black,” “Dil Chahta Hai,” and multiple collaborations with Mani Ratnam, noted the distinct “mania” surrounding South Indian superstars like Kalyan. “Pawan Kalyan’s political presence further amplifies the frenzy.”

He explained how Kalyan was willing to push boundaries, embracing the darker aesthetic and experimenting with his on-screen persona. Chandran shared anecdotes about filming key scenes, highlighting Kalyan’s dedication and intuitive understanding of light and framing.

Chandran also drew parallels between “OG” and acclaimed Hollywood films, citing the example of the James Bond film “Skyfall,” where the collaboration between arthouse cinematographer Roger Deakins and director Sam Mendes resulted in stunning visuals and an Academy Award nomination.

Looking back on his career, Chandran emphasized the importance of continuous evolution and experimentation, citing his diverse collaborations and his commitment to making each film visually memorable.

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