Cinematographer Faiz Siddik has come a long way in the Malayalam film industry. His work across different genres has earned him recognition for creating distinct visual worlds.At just 18, Faiz was close to becoming a director of photography for a film. However, the project was eventually dropped. Looking back, he believes that setback played an important role in shaping his career.In an exclusive conversation with ETimes, the cinematographer behind ‘Operation Java’ described the experience as an important learning phase.“Looking back, I think it was a blessing in disguise. At 18, I was just a kid with passion but very little experience. If I had done that film, I might have stopped being a student too early. I probably wouldn’t have had the humility to work as an assistant afterwards, and I would have missed years of learning. Missing that opportunity gave me something far more valuable than a credit—it gave me experience.”
How photography led him to cinema
Faiz did not initially plan to become a cinematographer. His interest in visual storytelling began during his childhood.He recalled how his father would bring cameras whenever he returned home from Dubai. Faiz was encouraged to photograph and record family moments.“I never dreamed of becoming a cinematographer. It all started when I was in the third standard. Whenever my father came home on leave from Dubai, he would bring a new camera with him. He always asked me to take photographs because he wanted to preserve our family memories. He would take the films back to Dubai, get them developed, and carefully keep every photograph in albums.Later, when video cameras became common, he would hand the camera to me again and ask me to record our family moments. Looking back, he unknowingly made me his personal photographer and videographer. That’s where my love for visual storytelling began. I later joined film school to study photography, and that’s when I discovered cinematography. It felt like the perfect blend of everything I loved.”
‘The camera only records what you already understand’
Faiz also spoke about the role of film schools and masterclasses in developing a cinematographer. According to him, technical knowledge alone cannot define an artist’s visual identity.“Film schools and masterclasses can teach you the grammar of cinematography, but they can’t give you your voice. That comes from curiosity. I believe a cinematographer should be a student of every department.Learn direction to understand intention, editing to understand rhythm, acting to understand emotion, sound to understand silence, and production design, costume, and music to understand the world you’re creating. The camera only records what you already understand. The more deeply you understand filmmaking as a whole, the more meaningful your images become.”
Why Faiz Siddik avoids a signature style
Faiz has worked on thrillers such as ‘Operation Java’ and ‘Christopher’. He has also explored dramatic projects including ‘Chinna Chinna Aasai’ and ‘Adi’.However, he does not identify himself with one particular genre. He believes every film should have a visual treatment suited to its story.“For me, it’s not about comfort or choosing a favourite genre. Every story deserves its own visual language. I don’t believe a cinematographer should have a signature frame. In fact, I never want someone to look at a frame and immediately say, “This is definitely shot by Faiz Siddik.” If that happens, it may mean I’m repeating myself. My job is not to leave my fingerprint on every film, but to disappear into its world. I want the audience to remember the story and the emotions, not my style. Reinventing myself for every film is what keeps me excited about cinema.”
‘Chinna Chinna Aasai’ and future projects
Faiz is currently receiving appreciation for his visual work in the Indrans-starrer ‘Chinna Chinna Aasai’.His upcoming lineup is equally varied. He is set to work on ‘Merri Boys’, ‘1000 Babies Season 2’ and ‘Operation Cambodia’, the sequel to ‘Operation Java’.“I’m excited about what’s coming next. I’ll be working on ‘Merri Boys’, ‘1000 Babies Season 2’, and ‘Operation Cambodia’ (‘Operation Java 2’). Each project belongs to a different world, and that’s what excites me the most. I’m looking forward to exploring new visual languages and creating something fresh with every film.”
