Gnana Shekar V. S.

Gnana Shekar V. S.
Born (1979-02-17) 17 February 1979
CitizenshipIndia
OccupationCinematographer
Years active2010–present

Gnana Shekar V. S ISC. (born 1 June 1979) is an Indian cinematographer and painter. He marked his beginning with his student film titled Tetris[1] which was an official selection at Cinéfondation, Cannes Film Festival.[2] He gained critical recognition from his debut itself, as an independent cinematographer, with Vedam (2010). His work is noted for its realistic approach. In 2017, his work in Gautamiputra Satakarni received accolades and rave reviews for the unique way of painting the canvas of the silver screen using natural flame.

Early life and education

Gnana Shekar's education was an irony. Being the son of a teacher, he never had an experience of schooling. He was a curious kid who picked up on his father's collection of literature. At an early age, his imagination took a swirl when he stumbled upon an illustrated magazine which evoked a sense of visualization in him.

As a fine arts student, he was influenced by great masters such as Vincent van Gogh and Niko Pirosmani, inspiring him to create intense spiritual artworks, in which he married a modernist sense of perspective with an authentic form. Though his first love was painting, later during a course, he wanted to mould his skill into photography.[3]

Art career

Painting the screen apart, Gnana Shekar has another love – painting the canvas. Blessed with a flair for the fine arts, the cinematographer showcased a collection of his works at Park Hyatt Hyderabad on 18 April 2015 and attended by the Art Lovers in the city.[4][5]

Gnana will be exhibiting a new series of his paintings, on faces, in Georgia, where his favourite filmmaker Sergei Parajanov and painter Niko Pirosmani are from.[6]

Gnana Shekar fond of acrylic colours. never uses a paint brush to paint. he paints with a thumb, it makes him feel more connected. He has also begun using computer generated graphic art, using geometric shapes to create a reflection of life.[7]

Filmography

Short films and documentaries

YearFilmDirectorNotes
2005Here Is My NocturneAnirban DuttaScreened in major Indian film festivals. Also been screened as a part of an exhibition on Indian art and popular culture in the Helsinki City art Museum, Finland.[8]
2006TetrisAnirban DuttaOfficial selection at Cinéfondation, Cannes Film Festival 2006
2007SetuShyamal KarmakarOfficial selection at 54th International Short Film Festival, Oberhausen - 2008 and won a special mention.
2007RanuShyamal KarmakarScreened at Mumbai International Film Festival and International Film Festival of Kerala
2014Chronicles of a Temple PainterShravan KatikaneniWon Best Documentary award at IDSFFK - 2014, Thiruvananthapuram

As a cinematographer

YearFilmLanguageNotes
2010VedamTelugu
2011Dhada
VaanamTamil
2012Krishnam Vande JagadgurumTelugu
2014Nuvvala Nenila
2015Malli Malli Idi Rani Roju
Dagudumootha Dandakor
Kanche
Maj Rati KetekiAssamese
2016MajnuTelugu
2017Gautamiputra Satakarni
2018Antariksham 9000 KMPH
2019Manikarnika: The Queen of JhansiHindi
N.T.R: KathanayakuduTelugu
N.T.R: Mahanayakudu
2021Gamanam
2023IB71Hindi
2024 Sheeshmahal Telugu
Manamey
Jithender Reddy
2025 Hari Hara Veera Mallu
Telusu Kada
2026 Nari Nari Naduma Murari

Television

Year Title Network
2025 Mayasabha SonyLIV

References

  1. ↑ "TETRIS - Festival de Cannes".
  2. ↑ "Making empty choices".
  3. ↑ "V.S. Gnana Shekar on Gautamiputra Satakarni and his artistic pursuits - The Hindu".
  4. ↑ "Art up his sleeve - Hyderabad - The Hindu".
  5. ↑ "Exclusive Coverage: Cinematographer Gnana Shekar VS Art Exhibition in Hyderabad".
  6. ↑ "The artistic lensman".
  7. ↑ "Art up his sleeve - Hyderabad - The Hindu".
  8. ↑ "Magic Lantern Movies LLP". Archived from the original on 4 September 2013.