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Manoj Kumar Khatoi is a cinematographer whose work bridges the beauty of authentic storytelling and visual depth. With a National Film Award for Budhia Singh – Born to Run starring Manoj Bajpayee, and acclaimed projects like Notebook and The Fame Game with Madhuri Dixit, his career spans from cinematic drama to striking visuals in popular web series. Each project is shaped by Manoj’s attention to mood, tone, and texture, grounding his art in storytelling that resonates.
«Growing up in Konark, Odisha, I was surrounded by nature, with no thought of films or cinematography. I didn’t see a TV until after graduation, but I found myself captivated by the light of sunrises and the landscape around me. Later, in film school at the Biju Patnaik Film and Television Institute, I watched countless movies, but it was the raw, truthful visuals of Pather Panchali that made me think about how images could be so pure and original.
«I spent seven years assisting KU Mohanan, who really simplified things for me. He taught me that good cinematography is about understanding a director’s vision, making lighting feel natural, and respecting the actors’ space.»
«Over time, I developed my philosophy—cinema should be about visual harmony. Lighting, composition, and movement must all serve the story. To me, lighting is an adventure; finding the right direction is essential. A backlight isn’t just about glamour—it needs to match the emotion of the scene. I read scripts deeply, hunting for visual rhythm and connecting every element to tell the story.»
«In 2012, a toothpaste commercial with Madhuri Dixit changed my perspective. I needed a lens to capture the rich tones of Indian skin, so I tested the Cooke S4/i. It felt perfect, and since then, I’ve never looked back. Cooke lenses became my primary choice, deciding only between their spherical or anamorphic lenses depending on the project.
«For Uunchai, where I wanted VFX to blend seamlessly into the environment, I chose the Cooke S7/i lenses. In Khel Khel Mein, which required more depth and drama, the Cooke Anamorphic lens was the ideal choice.
«My go-to focal length is 40mm; it’s versatile enough to handle close-ups, mids, and even wide shots. I shoot daylight at T4 and night scenes one stop under, typically at T2.8. Every story deserves its own visual identity, so I adapt lighting, tone, and composition to bring out the narrative. When I filmed Notebook in Kashmir, I avoided the touristy look and opted for a natural, minimal approach that highlighted the cold, organic beauty of the landscape. The audience appreciated this different perspective.
«Visuals should adapt like regional flavors—each story demands its own look. Cooke lenses offer the freedom to create something fresh and unique for every project, giving each film its distinct voice.»
Manoj Kumar Khatoi’s journey continues to redefine visual storytelling in Indian cinema, offering a unique blend of technical expertise and a deep commitment to the director’s vision. His artistry lies in creating films that feel as natural as they are visually compelling, making each project a testament to his mastery of the craft.
