KOCHI: Though the whole industry fondly called him ‘Master’ for his command over his subject cinema, A Vincent considered himself a ‘student’ of the art as he chose to continue the study even during the fag end of his life.
He introduced innovative techniques in cinematography at an age when the Indian cinema was at its cradle. He captured the first crane shot in Neelakkuyil. He also played a big role in taking the camera from the boundaries of studios to the outside world. “He earned the stardom as a cinematographer by competing with the legendary cameramen Marcus Bartly, Adi Irani and P L Roy,” filmmaker John Paul who had a close association with Vincent told Express. “He was instrumental in bringing writers like Basheer and M T Vasudevan Nair into the film world. In fact his first film would have been Murappennu scripted by MT. However, as the financier’s fear of the Valluvanandan slang halted it for a while and it came out as his second movie,” John Paul added.
He was guru to many big names in the industry. “I remember a form filled by director Fazil where he mentioned the name of Vincent Master in place of guru or institution. He could transform Bharathan, who was just a painter into a publicity designer and an art director. Master even gave Bharathan a chance to direct a song sequence in his film Chenda,” recollects John Paul, a long time friend of Bharathan.
“We called him Master because he was a master in all aspects of cinema whether it is the art, music, fight, choreography and cinematography,” said Raju Malliath who produced Sree Krishanaparunth in 1984, one of the last films directed by the veteran director. “It was the second most expensive film made in the year after My Dear Kuttichathan. It took more than a year for planning and execution. During the period, I could experience his dedication and passion towards, he added from the journey to witness the funeral of Vincent.
Nadi, Nizhalaattam, Nakhangal, Nagarame Nandi, Thriveni, Aabhijaathyam, Gandharva Khsethram, Achchani, Vayanandan Thampan and Anaavaranam are some of the other films directed by him.