The ace cinematographer, Balu Mahendra, recently inaugurated the cinematographers’ section at the Cinema Paradiso, a DVD shop owned by Kadhal Virus hero Richard. The section will have all the DVDs that are required for aspiring cinematographers and for the very experienced as well. He had also imprinted his feet in a cement slab at the shop to mark his presence there on the occasion.

Speaking about his penchant for low lighting effects, which also happens to be his forte, Balu Mahendra said that when God’s gift of natural lighting is not available he uses artificial lighting to show the originality. “I think I have come close to achieving it, but am still to accomplish it in toto.”

He seems to have thoroughly enjoyed the movie Mozhi. On his comments on the movie, he said that it had a right blend of commercial elements and romantic comedy with a social message. “I was affected by it. Kudos to Prakash Raj for producing the movie” he said. Radha Mohan was also appreciated for his excellent direction. Vijay Milton’s work in Kadhal for it naturalness also seems to have captured the attention of Balu Mahendra.

Though he had found Paruthiveeran very loud, the cinematographer liked it for its ethnical value. But then, a village subject has to be so to bring out the essence of the story. “I never trust anybody where cinematography is concerned. Not even my son.” said the Ace director on the go.