Sabu Cyril-Cedar Herald Index

Sabu Cyril is an Indian film production designer. Having worked in 116 feature films and 2500 ad films. He has won four National Film Award for Best Production Design, four state awards, six Filmfare Award for Best Art Direction (including south), five International Indian Film Academy Awards, and many other awards. His work in Enthiran won him international recognition. Over the years, he has emerged to be the most celebrated art director in the country.

Early life and education

Known as Sabu Cyril today, he was born Sebastian Vincent Cyril in the hill station of Valparai(Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu), and completed his schooling in Asan Memorial (Chennai). He graduated from the Government College of Fine Arts, Chennai (formerly Government School of Arts and Crafts, Chennai). It was his grandfather George Vincent who first called him 'Sabu'. George Vincent was known for opening the first photography studio in Malabar, Kozhikode, called Chitra Studio. His son (Sabu’s uncle), Mr. A. Vincent was a reputed cinematographer and director in the South Indian Film Industry. It was probably his proximity to nature, wildlife and cinema that subconsciously helped Sabu develop an affinity to the world of aesthetics and design. Ever since he was a child, Sabu was always interested in knowing how things work and how this can be applied in everyday life. This curiosity drew him to the world of physics and chemistry, which helped him develop a scientific and practical outlook to problem-solving. Sabu started his career as a graphic designer and illustrator. It was only as a favour to a friend that he entered a film set. Circumstance and chance made Sabu an Art Director on his first ever film. Sabu believes that he could rise to the challenge because of his inclination towards science and art, it may seem as if he was destined to be a Production Designer all along.

Sabu Cyril

Career

From 1982 to 1988, he was a freelance graphics designer for companies such as Welcomgroup Hotels, the Taj Group of Hotels, and Madura Coats. In 1988, he began his art director career, and has directed more than 2,500 advertisements, 3 teleserials and 115 feature films in Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada and designed several stage shows. In 1996, he directed the stage design for the Miss World beauty pageant. He also worked as one of the 2nd unit Art Directors in the 1990 film Iyer the Great.

Sabu Cyril

Filmography

As actor

Tamil

Vikram (1986) Enthiran (2010)

Sabu Cyril

Malayalam

Aquarium (2022)

As Art Director

Malayalam

Iyer the Great (1990) Amaram (1991) Uncle Bun (1991) Adwaytham (1991) Mahanagaram (1992) Dhruvam (1993) Minnaram (1994) Thenmavin Kombath (1994) Pavithram (1994) Sainyam (1994) Maanthrikam (1995) Kaalapani (1996) Chandralekha (1997) Kannezhuthi Pottum Thottu (1999) Megham (1999) Raakilipattu (2000) Kakkakuyil (2001) Kilichundan Mampazham (2003) Magic Magic 3D (2003) Aakasha Gopuram (2008) Oru Marubhoomikkadha (2011) Kolaambi (2019) Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea (2021)

Hindi

Muskurahat (1992) Gardish (1993) Virasat (1997) Saat Rang Ke Sapne (1998) Kabhi Na Kabhi (1998) Doli Saja Ke Rakhna (1998) Major Saab (1998) Pukar (2000) Hey Ram (2000) Hera Pheri (2000) Raja Ko Rani Se Pyar Ho Gaya (2000) Aśoka (2001) Bas Itna Sa Khwaab Hai (2001) Yeh Teraa Ghar Yeh Meraa Ghar (2001) Om Jai Jagadish (2002) Hungama (2003) Khushi (2003) Main Hoon Na (2003) Yuva (2004) Hulchul (2004) Phir Milenge Kuchh Meetha Ho Jaye (2005) Garam Masala (2005) Kyon Ki (2005) Chup Chup Ke (2005) Malamaal Weekly (2006) Jaan-E-Mann (2006) Bhagam Bhag (2006) Welcome (2007) Dhol (2007) Guru (2007) Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007) Om Shanti Om (2007) Mere Baap Pehle Aap (2008) Aladin (2009) De Dana Dan (2009) Billu (2009) Khatta Meetha (2010) Bumm Bumm Bole (2010) Aakrosh (2010) Tees Maar Khan (2010) Ra.One (2011) Tezz (2012) Kamaal Dhamaal Malamaal (2012) Son of Sardaar (2012) Rangrezz (2013) Himmatwala (2013) Run Bhola Run (2013) Krrish 3 (2013) Final Cut of Director (2016) Shivaay (2016) Saaho (2019)

Tamil

Kalaignan (1993) Pudhiya Mugam (1993) Paasamalargal (1994) Kannathil Muthamittal (2001) Citizen (2001) Thamizhan (2002) Panchathantiram (2002) Iyarkai (2003) Boys (2003) Lesa Lesa (2003) Ayutha Ezhuthu (2004) Anniyan (2005) Kanchivaram (2008) Enthiran (2010) (also cameo appearance as Shah, Mr.Bohra's agent/translator) Yaan (2013) Lingaa (2014) Sometimes (2016)