A lover of cinematography, one of the best elements of the visual media. I believe that everything - the written, the felt, even dreams can be effectively conveyed visually. I have learnt that we can arouse strong feelings by using technology in every which way possible. My dream to capture different emotions and innovative stories of cinema through my camera and my journey is towards this goal.
My journey began in 2000 as a student journalist/photographer for the esteemed publication ‘Ananda Vikatan’. From there I went on learn about the art of cinema from the connoisseurs of tamil cinema including B.Kannan, B.Lenin, C.J. Rajkumar, Dwarakanath and Siddharth. I have also been heavily involved in some high-profile projects including ‘Bommalattam’, ‘Autograph’, ‘Yaradi nee Mohini’, ‘Varalaru’ and ‘Kanavu Meipadavendum’.
In 2009 I got my first big break as a cameraman for Rajesh Lingam’s ‘Pugaipadam’. Following that came my next venture Nanda Periyasamy’s ‘Maththi Yosi’. My cinematography was appreciated and received critical acclaims. Recend works are 'Thottal Thodarum', 'Azhgu Kutti Chellam’, ’Sutti’ and 'Buddhan Yesu Gandhi'
Shooting my 6th Film. Throughout all this, I was always looking out for something more.
A canvas that could take my visual story-telling to the next level.
It has been a rhetoric request from friends who frequent my blog for the cinematography related articles to conduct focused training workshops on the nuances of this art.
I have been writing a Tamil blog for past six years, about Cinematography. It’s a one & only Tamil Blog which speaks the Creative and Technical aspects of Cinematography.
‘Azhagu Kutti Chellam’ is a 2016 Tamil film written and directed by Charles. The film features an ensemble cast including Akhil, Karunas, Suresh and John Vijay, while Ved Shankar composes the film's music. Produced by Anthony, best known for directing the television chat show Neeya Naana.
'Thottal Thodarum' is a 2015 Tamil romantic thriller film written and directed by noted critic and writer Cable Sankar. The film features Thaman Kumar and Arundhati in the lead roles, while Vincent Asokan plays a supporting role. It was released on 23 January 2015.
‘Maathi Yosi’ is a 2010 Indian Tamil-language drama film written and directed by Nandha Periyasamy and music by Guru Kalyan. Starring Harish, Kanchivaram fame Shammu along with newcomers Gopal, Alex and Lokesh in the lead roles.
'Pugaippadam' is a 2010 Indian Tamil-language memoir-drama film written and directed by newcomer Rajesh Lingam, starring Priya Anand of Vaamanan fame along with 6 newcomers, namely Amzath Khan, Harish, Sivam, Nandha, Mrinalini and Yamini, in lead roles.
Nila Nila Odi Vaa is a 2018 Indian Tamil language vampire based romantic comedy thriller web series. It is hosted by Viu, a video on demand digital distribution platform. The web series is directed by Nandhini JS and produced by Viu and Make Believe Productions.
‘Vijay Armstrong makes a mark with his cinematography. This is a simple movie filmed at regular locations and indoors but you sense an aesthetic appeal with the colours used and the lighting’
‘Azhagu Kutti Chellam’
‘Vijay Armstrong has done a cool job with the camera in the number of car chase scenes that the story demands. His work is also neat in one roof top chase sequence featuring Thaman and a mercenary who tries to kill Arundhati. The numerous scenes featuring the lead pair have also been shot at close-ups to capture the mood and expressions well’
‘Thottal Thodarum’
‘Cinematographer Vijay Armstrong indulges in an interesting interplay of dark and light tones’
‘Maathi Yosi’
‘கரடுமுரடான காடுமேடுகளில் தானும் ஒரு கதாப்பாத்திரமாக அலைஞ்சிருக்கு விஜய் ஆம்ஸ்ட்ராங்கின் கேமரா, சென்னையின் புறநகர் பகுதிகளிலும் கிராமத்தினுடைய அடர்ந்த வெளிகளிலும் நிரந்தரமாக பதிஞ்சுகிடக்கிற வறுமையை எதார்த்தமாக பதிவுசெய்திருக்கிறார் ஒளிப்பதிவாளர்’
‘Maathi Yosi’
‘One facet that uplifts the movie in many places is the great cinematography and wonderful depiction of beautiful Kodaikanal’
‘Pugaippadam’
‘The extensive kidnapping sequence in the 2nd half involving the school kids, followed by a little chase with a policeman, is the film's best sequence. DoP Vijay Armstrong's work and the edits for this sequence are engaging and involve us in the proceedings.’
‘Azhagu Kutti Chellam’
Painting, music and travel are some of my other interests. Reading is one of my other passions. I believe that there are a lot of stories out there that need to be told. I have always found that there is a huge gap between the literary world and tamil cinema. I strongly side with the faction that wishes to bridge this gap.
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