Renowned cinematographer A Vincent passed away in Chennai this morning. A source close to the family revealed that Vincent, who was 85, succumbed to age-related ailments.
In an illustrious career spanning over five decades, Vincent worked in more than 170 films, and directed some of those himself. In Tamil, his popular works include Kalyana Parisu, Nenjil Oor Aalayam, Then Nilavu, Kadhalikka Neramillai, Bhaktha Prahlada, and Enga Veetu Pillai. Vincent was a close associate of director CV Sridhar and handled the camera for most of his celebrated films.
According to The Hindu, Vincent was one of the first to explore zoom-shots in India, when zoom lens wasn’t available in the country. In an interview to the National daily, Vincent said that he borrowed a zoom lens from a French visitor, to film a scene involving Sivaji Ganesan and Padmini in Uthama Puthiran. When the film was sent to the Kodak Lab in London, the technicans were astonished to watch the scene that proved Vincent’s prowess.
As a cinematographer, Vincent had also worked with three actors-turned-chief ministers – MGR, NTR, and Jayalalithaa.
Besides wielding the camera for other south Indian language films, Vincent directed over 30 movies.
Vincent’s camerawork in Bhaktha Prahlada, Kadhalikka Neramillai and Enga Veetu Pillai were particularly applauded.
In an earlier interview to Silverscreen.in, veteran actress Sachu, who played an important role in Vincent’s Kadhalikka Neramillai, said that the entire unit had to put in immense effort to ensure that they looked good in the movie. “Because it was the first Eastman colour film. But, we all could relax because we knew Vincent was handling the camera. He chose beautiful colours for all the ladies. I was not a heroine then. Despite that, he treated me like one and showed me aesthetically on screen.” She remembered Vincent as a thorough and creative cinematographer.
Image courtesy: The Hindu