Ravi Yadav
Ravi Yadav is an Indian cinematographer, best known for Tamil cinema. Ravi Yadav began their career in 1988. With 30 credits to their name, Ravi Yadav remains one of the most prolific and celebrated talents in the industry. Spanning 30+ years, Ravi Yadav's career remains one of the longest and most celebrated in Tamil cinema.
Biography
Ravi Yadav is an Indian cinematographer who has worked across Hindi and Tamil cinema for over three decades, best known for his long-running collaboration with directors Abbas–Mustan on Bollywood thriller films. His most commercially successful work includes Race (2008), which grossed over ₹104 crore worldwide, and its sequel Race 2 (2013), along with Aitraaz (2004) and 36 China Town (2006), all shot for the Abbas–Mustan duo. A graduate of the MGR Film Institute in Chennai, he made his debut on the Tamil film Puthiya Vaanam (1988) without having assisted any other cinematographer, and returned to Tamil cinema decades later with Andhagan (2024). His career spans commercial entertainers, thrillers, and regional productions across Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu industries.
Career Milestones
Film debut as cinematographer in Tamil cinema
View film →Bollywood debut as cinematographer
View film →Breakthrough with Abbas-Mustan thriller, establishing long-term partnership
View film →Major commercial success as DoP on blockbuster action thriller
View film →Continued Abbas-Mustan collaboration on successful franchise sequel
View film →Ravi Yadav by the Numbers
If you watched every Ravi Yadav film back-to-back, you'd be at it for roughly 1 day and 22h. Most-paired with Abbas-Mustan — 4 films together.
Filmography
See all 30 credits →









Collaboration Network
The Constellation
Top 10 most-paired collaborators. Bubble size and line thickness reflect how many films they share with Ravi Yadav.
Career Analytics
Genre Breakdown
Language Distribution
Films by Decade
Top Co-Actors
See all →Ravi Yadav has worked most frequently with Abbas-Mustan (4 films), Abbas Alibhai Burmawalla (3 films), R. K. Selvamani (2 films), Kareena Kapoor (4 films), and Prashanth (3 films).








Legacy & Influence
Ravi Yadav is a recognized figure in the Bhojpuri cinema industry, known for his work as an actor and producer. His career trajectory reflects the growth and commercialization of regional language film industries in India during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. He gained prominence through his performances in numerous Bhojpuri films, contributing to the genre's popularity beyond its traditional geographic audience. His work helped solidify the commercial formulas and star-driven narratives characteristic of modern Bhojpuri cinema. As a producer, he has been involved in several projects that have supported the industry's infrastructure and provided opportunities for other artists. His contributions lie in his sustained presence and participation in an important regional film circuit, aiding in its professionalization and expanded market reach. While not necessarily a pioneering figure in terms of artistic innovation, his career represents the successful enterprise of regional cinema, demonstrating its economic viability and cultural resonance. His filmography, comprising titles typical of the industry's mass entertainment style, has appealed to a dedicated viewership. The impact of such figures is measured in their role in sustaining an industry that provides significant employment and entertainment to a large demographic, often overlooked by mainstream Hindi cinema. His work remains a part of the broader tapestry of India's diverse cinematic landscape.