Sabu Cyril


Sabu Cyril is an Indian film production designer and member of Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, who is considered to be one of the most celebrated art directors in the country. Having worked in 115 feature films and 2000 ad films, he has won 4 National Film Award for Best Production Design, 4 State awards, 6 Filmfare Award for Best Art Direction, 5 International Indian Film Academy Awards(IIFA), among many other awards. His works which won him international recognition.Enthiran Robo, Baahubali: The Beginning,''Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, RRR''.

Early life and education

Cyril was born as Sebastian Vincent Cyril in the hill station of Valparai, Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu. He completed his schooling in Asan Memorial in Chennai; he graduated from the Government College of Fine Arts, Chennai, formerly Government School of Arts and Crafts, Chennai). It was his grandfather, George Vincent, who first called him as 'Sabu'. George Vincent was known for opening the first photography studio in Malabar, Kozhikode, called Chitra Studio. His son, A. Vincent, Sabu's uncle, was a reputed cinematographer and director in South Indian cinema. Vincent's sons, Jayanan Vincent and Ajayan Vincent, who are both cinematographers, are Sabu's cousins.
It was probably his proximity to nature, wildlife, and cinema that subconsciously helped Sabu develop an affinity to the world of aesthetics and design. Ever since he was a child, Sabu was always interested in knowing how things work and how this can be applied in everyday life. This curiosity drew him to the world of physics and chemistry, which helped him develop a scientific and practical outlook to problem-solving. Sabu started his career as a graphic designer and illustrator. It was only as a favour to a friend that he entered a film set. Circumstance and chance made Sabu an art director on his first ever film. He believed that he could rise to the challenge because of his inclination towards science and art, it may seem as if he was destined to be a production designer all along.

Career

From 1982 to 1988, he was a freelance graphics designer for companies such as Welcomgroup Hotels, the Taj Group of Hotels, and Madura Coats. In 1988, he began his art director career, and has directed more than 2,500 advertisements, 3 teleserials and 115 feature films in Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada and designed several stage shows. In 1996, he directed the stage design for the Miss World beauty pageant. He also worked as one of the 2nd unit Art Directors in the 1990 film Iyer the Great.

Filmography

As art director

Malayalam

Iyer the Great Amaram Uncle Bun Adwaytham Mahanagaram Dhruvam Minnaram Thenmavin Kombath Pavithram Sainyam Maanthrikam Kaalapani Chandralekha Kannezhuthi Pottum Thottu Megham Raakilipattu Kakkakuyil Kilichundan Mampazham Magic Magic 3D Aakasha Gopuram Oru Marubhoomikkadha Kolaambi

Hindi

Muskurahat Gardish Virasat Saat Rang Ke Sapne Kabhi Na Kabhi Doli Saja Ke Rakhna Major Saab Pukar Hey Ram Hera Pheri Raja Ko Rani Se Pyar Ho Gaya Aśoka Bas Itna Sa Khwaab Hai Yeh Teraa Ghar Yeh Meraa Ghar Om Jai Jagadish Hungama Khushi Main Hoon Na Yuva Hulchul Phir MilengeKuchh Meetha Ho Jaye Garam Masala Kyon Ki Chup Chup Ke Malamaal Weekly Jaan-E-Mann Bhagam Bhag Welcome Dhol Guru Bhool Bhulaiyaa Om Shanti Om Mere Baap Pehle Aap Aladin De Dana Dan Billu Khatta Meetha Bumm Bumm Bole Aakrosh Tees Maar Khan Ra.One Tezz Kamaal Dhamaal Malamaal Son of Sardaar Rangrezz Himmatwala Run Bhola Run Krrish 3 Final Cut of Director Shivaay Saaho Bhooth Bangla
  • ''Haiwaan''

Tamil

Kalaignan Pudhiya Mugam Paasamalargal Kannathil Muthamittal Citizen Thamizhan Panchathantiram Iyarkai Boys Lesa Lesa Ayutha Ezhuthu Anniyan Kanchivaram Enthiran Yaan Lingaa

Telugu

Gandeevam Devi Putrudu Baahubali: The Beginning Baahubali 2: The Conclusion Saaho RRR

Kannada

Cheluvi

As actor

Tamil

Vikram

Malayalam

Awards

;National Film Awards
;Nandi Awards
;Kerala State Film Awards
;Tamil Nadu State Film Awards
;Filmfare Awards
;Filmfare Awards South
;Vijay Awards
;International Indian Film Academy Awards
;South Indian International Movie Awards
;Global Indian Film Awards
;Kerala Film Critics Association Awards
;International Tamil Film Awards
  • 2003 – Best Art Director – Boys
;Asianet Film Awards
;Kerala Film Journals' Awards
;Kerala Janakiya Awards
;Kaumudi Awards
;Other awards