Vishnu Ravi Raj (born August 10, 1994, in Kollam, Kerala, India) is an Indian filmmaker, writer, and cinematographer known for his emotionally resonant and visually driven storytelling. Based in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, he has established himself as a promising independent filmmaker in the Indian short film circuit, earning recognition at international film festivals for his unique cinematic voice. Vishnu began his creative journey during his college years, discovering filmmaking as both an artistic expression and a personal calling. His background in engineering helped him develop a disciplined approach to visual storytelling, blending technical precision with emotional depth. Over the years, he has written, directed, and produced multiple short films that explore human emotions, existential themes, and visual experimentation. His breakthrough short film “Tape” (2018) — a 12-minute horror-thriller told entirely without dialogue — showcased his talent for pure visual narration and mood-based storytelling. The film gained selections in several international film festivals, including the Asian Peace Film Festival (Pakistan), London International Motion Picture Awards, The Lift-Off Sessions (UK), First-Time Filmmaker Sessions, and Forenzo Serra Film Festival (Italy). “Tape” was noted for its minimalist style, haunting atmosphere, and universal appeal across languages. Following this, Vishnu continued to work on experimental projects such as “Veluppanum Karuppanum” (2022) and “Ulladakkam”, further exploring visual metaphors, contrast, and emotional subtext. His works often blend realism with introspection, focusing on the silent spaces between characters and the world they inhabit. In addition to direction and writing, Vishnu has extensive experience as a cinematographer, having worked independently on numerous short films, advertisements, and creative projects across India. His cinematography is characterized by expressive lighting, fluid camera movement, and a deep sensitivity to natural elements a reflection of his personal connection to travel and nature. Beyond cinema, Vishnu is also a storyteller at heart a traveler, writer, and creative thinker exploring the intersection of filmmaking, photography, and philosophy. He believes that storytelling transcends boundaries and seeks to capture the universal emotions that connect humanity. His creative vision is rooted in visual poetry, spirituality, and human resilience. As of now, Vishnu Ravi Raj continues to work on independent film and visual art projects, aiming to build a body of work that bridges cinematic art with deeper human experiences. “The only thing that lightened up me to live is my passion — that is filmmaking.” — Vishnu Ravi Raj

Filmography