Rajiv Menon is spelling magic on ZEE5 with his movies that are visual treats in storytelling with an emotional range. There seems to be art, music, and deep human connection all blended very well. Be it heartwarming drama or breathtaking visuals, the impact his films can have on you is spectacular.
If meaningful cinema is your flavour, enjoy movies by Rajiv Menon on ZEE5. So, which gem will you watch first on ZEE5?
Viduthalai Part 2
Viduthalai Part 2 by Vetrimaaran is a sequel to Viduthalai Part 1 that carries forward the long story of revolutionary leader Perumal ‘Vaathiyaar’ (Vijay Sethupathi). Rajiv Menon is playing the role of A. Subramaniyan, Chief Secretary of the Government of Tamil Nadu, in Viduthalai Part 2 on ZEE5. His character broadens and enriches the tale by adding weight to the more personal details and textures of the political dimensions.
Chaitanya
It is a Telugu action movie that features Nagarjuna and Gautami as the main leads. The movie is produced under the direction of Prathap K. Pothan. Moreover, this is the very first Telugu film done by one of the illustrious cinematographers, Rajiv Menon. Menon described the project as “physically and mentally relieving” by stating that “the very tiring sequences of boats and motorcycles involved were physically demanding.”
Bombay
Rajiv Menon’s cinematography for the Mani Ratnam film “Bombay” (1995) played a role in making the romantic film‘s very strong story much more intense. The effect of visual storytelling, particularly during the riot scenes, infused depth and reality into the emotionality of the film. Menon himself has said that “Bombay” was a watermark in his career.
Harikrishnans
In Harikrishnans, the highly regarded cinematographer and director Rajiv Menon proved his mettle by acting in the character Guptan, one of the major characters whose strange death propels the plot. Shared with the brooding Mammootty and the debonair Mohanlal, Menon’s contribution to the story enhanced this riveting comedy movie.
Morning Raga
“Morning Raga” (2004), directed by Mahesh Dattani, is an Indian English-language musical drama that interweaves the skilful thread of Carnatic music and its relevance with contemporary themes. The work of the esteemed cinematographer academician Rajiv Menon, who is a master of visual storytelling, was like a brush on the canvas of this seemingly lesser but equally important narrative. Rajiv Menon has served as a cinematographer in this drama movie and has succeeded in providing its amazing visual aesthetics.
Guru
The film “Guru” (2007), directed by Mani Ratnam, involves Rajiv Menon’s brilliant cinematography, adding much depth and visual beauty to the film in which Abhishek Bachchan played the lead role. This is done with stunning frames very much in the story, making every shot more powerful. Having earlier worked on Bombay (1995), Menon brings his magic once more to Guru, undoubtedly making it an audiovisual treat for the connoisseurs.
Kadal
Directed by Mani Ratnam in 2013, Kadal highlights the cinematography of Rajiv Menon. After the great collaboration in Bombay and Guru, this reunion was a perfect setting for Menon to portray coastal landscapes and elevate some more layers of the story of this action movie. He won the Best Cinematographer award at the 8th Vijay Awards. Manon’s visual narration in Kadal serves as an assertion of his cinematic craftsmanship.
Cheluvi
It is a Hindi-language movie produced under the direction of Girish Karnad. The movie features Sonali Kulkarni as the titular character and narrates the story of a woman capable of transforming into a tree that bears effulgent flowers. Rajiv Menon as cinematographer has worked as a cinematographer in Karnad and done a tremendous job in the movie
Sarvam Thaala Mayam
“Sarvam Thaala Mayam,” a Tamil musical drama undertaken direction by Rajiv Menon, tells the story of Peter, a Dalit mridangam maker’s son, on his quest to learn the mridangam under his guru and against the streams of social justice. In his direction, he masterfully threads together issues of caste and tradition.
Weapon
In the 2024 Tamil action thriller Weapon, Rajiv Menon shines as Dev “DK” Krishnav, a demarcated and revered leader of Black Society’s Division 9. The character played by Menon really adds an enigmatic intensity to the film alongside Sathyaraj and Vasanth Ravi. An exhilarating action with a different storyline makes Weapon one to look out for in the thriller genre.
Watching films made by Rajiv Menon is almost like watching joyous, beautiful poetry created by his creative genius to stir the heart and soul. The visionary presentation, heart-rendering music, and profound story of these creations give one memorable experience of cinema.
So, are you ready to enjoy the endless entertainment? Come on in.
