Cinematographer PS Nivas, famed for his work in Tamil films such as 16 Vayathinile (1977) and Sigappu Rojakkal (1978), passed away in Kerala on February 1. According to reports, the veteran cinematographer and director was undergoing treatment for prolonged illness at the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital for over a month. He was 73.

Nivas has also worked in Malayalam films such as Mohiniyaattam (1976), and in Telugu films like Nimajjanam (1979) and Sagara Sangamam (1983), with the latter being an early milestone in actor Kamal Haasan’s career. The legendary cinematographer, born in Kerala’s Kozhikode, made his debut as an independent cinematographer in the 1975 black and white Malayalam film, Sathyathinte Nizhalil, directed by Babu Nanthankode.

For his work in Mohinyaattam, he was awarded the  National Film Award for Best Cinematography (Black and White). He was also awarded the Nandi Award for Best Cinematographer for the Telugu film, Nimajjanam. Nivas had also worked in a few Hindi films.

Director Bharathiraja, who has worked with Nivas in many of his films from the 70s and the 80s, including Kizhakke Pogum Rail and Niram Maaradha Pookkal, shared his condolences on Twitter. “He was part of my film journey from 16 Vayadhiniley for five consecutive films. A great cinematographer of the Indian film industry. His demise shocks me,” he wrote.

என் திரைப் பயணமான
16 வயதினிலே முதல்
தொடர்ந்து ஐந்து வெற்றிகளுக்கு துணை நின்ற பெரும் படைப்பாளி,
இந்திய திரை உலகின் மிகச்
சிறந்த ஒளிப்பதிவாளர்,
என் நண்பன் திரு. நிவாஸ்
மறைவு அதிர்ச்சியளிக்கிறது
ஆழ்ந்த இரங்கல்கள்.

பாராதிராஜா pic.twitter.com/0gVZNeGxI3

— Bharathiraja (@offBharathiraja) February 1, 2021

In fact, in Kallukul Eeram, the film in which Nivas made his debut as a director, Bharathiraja played a pivotal role. Nivas also did the cinematography in this film, which had Ilaiyaraaja as the music composer. Nivas has directed four films, including Enakkaga Kaathiru, Nizhal Thedum Nenjangal and Sevvanthi.

Following the news of his demise, condolences came pouring in on Twitter.

Legendary Cinematographer P S Nivas, No More :-( #RIP

— Venkatesh A R (@arvenky2) February 1, 2021

Noted Cinematographer/Director/Producer #Nivas passes away in Calicut. One of my earliest influencers. Worked in hindi, tamil & Malayalam. Best known for his work with #Bharatiraja starting with #16vayathinilae #omshantihttps://t.co/LqWpAkZQIG

— Sangeeth Sivan (@sangeethsivan) February 1, 2021