Madhu Ambat is an Indian cinematographer who predominately works in Malayalam and Tamil-language films apart from a few English, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali and Sanskrit films.[1] With a career spanning over 40 years, he is one of the most prolific cinematographers in Indian cinema.[2] He is best known for his work in films such as Amaram, Anjali, and Makaramanju. He currently resides in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He has won the National Film Award for Best Cinematography thrice. He is a member of the Indian Society of Cinematographers (ISC).[3]
Madhu's father, K. Bhagyanath, resigned as a Professor of English to be a full-time magician. Bhagyanath was also an amateur photographer. Bhagyanath and his wife Sulochana believed that one should take the profession one liked best. Madhu got admission to IIT and at the same time, he was selected in Pune Film Institute. Despite all hindrances from their relatives, Madhu's parents allowed him to join the Film institute, and he sustained the faith of his parents in him by achieving a gold medal at the institute. All these helped Madhu take cinematography as his profession. Madhu, who started his career with a documentary for famous director Ramu Kariat, has been a cinematographer for over 250 films.[4] His younger sister is the renowned actress and dancer Vidhubala.[3]
In 2003, he completed 1:1.6 An Ode to Lost Love, his debut film as a director.[5][6][7][8]
