Santosh Thundiyil


Santosh Thundiyil is an Indian cinematographer. He is known for films such as Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Devadoothan, Krrish, Pinjar, Rowdy Rathore and Jai Ho.

Early life and education

Santosh grew up in the town of Changanacherry in Kerala. He completed his schooling at Sacred Heart English Medium School and graduated with a degree in chemistry from St. Berchmans College, Changanacherry. In 1994, he earned a postgraduate diploma in cinematography from the Film and Television Institute of India in Pune. As a student, he was selected to represent Asia at the second European Seminar for Student Directors of Photography, held at the National Film School in Budapest, Hungary.

Career

Santosh has assisted directors of photography such as Govind Nihlani, Venu and Binod Pradhan and has a number of commercials and documentary films to his credit. He received further training under cinematographers Billy Williams and Dean Cundey during the European Seminar for Student Directors of Photography. He is a visiting professor at the Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai and his alma mater, the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune.

Filmography

YearTitleLanguageNotes
2025Telugu
Malayalam
2025Hisaab BarabarHindi
2024Kartam BhugtamHindi
2019SettersHindi
2018PengalilaMalayalam
2018NeeraliMalayalam
2018Welcome to New YorkHindi
2016RustomHindi
2014Jai HoHindi
2013Jayantabhai Ki Luv StoryHindi
2012Rowdy RathoreHindi
2011Patiala HouseHindi
2010Tere Bin LadenHindi
2010Pyaar ImpossibleHindi
2009LuckHindi
2008Aakasha GopuramMalayalam
2008Tipu Kanan Tipu KiriMalay
2006PalunkuMalayalam
2006KrrishHindi
2005KaalHindi
2005Waqt: The Race Against TimeHindi
2004Rok Sako To Rok LoHindi
2003PinjarHindi
2000Tera Jadoo Chal GayaaHindi
2000DevadoothanMalayalam
1999Hello BrotherHindi
1998Kuch Kuch Hota HaiHindi
1998PranayavarnangalMalayalam

Awards and nominations

Screen Awards
Asianet Film Awards
  • 2006 - Best Cinematographer Award - Palunku
  • 2008 - Best Cinematographer Award - Aakasha Gopuram
Filmfare Award