The Visual Journey of Gessal Sebastian
Success in cinematography is rarely sudden. It grows quietly — through years of observation, technical discipline, creative patience, and an unwavering love for visual storytelling. The journey of Gessal Sebastian, an alumnus of Creative Hut Institute of Photography and Film, reflects exactly that path — one that has now earned him the Asianet Television Award 2026 for Best Cinematographer.
A Strong Foundation at Creative Hut Institute of Photography and Film
Gessal completed his Professional Diploma in Photography and Videography from Creative Hut Institute of Photography and Film in 2014. His time at the institute laid the groundwork for his understanding of composition, lighting aesthetics, framing discipline, and visual narrative structure.
The training was not limited to operating a camera. It involved learning how to read a scene, shape mood through light, manage exposure in complex conditions, and collaborate within a production team. These fundamentals later became the backbone of his professional growth.
Entering the Industry: Learning from the Ground Up
In 2015, Gessal began his career as a Camera Assistant in the Malayalam television serial industry. The early years were dedicated to understanding real production environments — long shooting schedules, location challenges, tight deadlines, and the coordination required between directors, actors, and technicians.
Soon after, he worked as an Assistant Cameraman in four feature films, gaining invaluable exposure to cinematic workflow, advanced lighting setups, lensing strategies, and visual continuity.
Those formative years were demanding — but they sharpened both technical skill and creative instinct.
Debut as a Cinematographer
In 2017, Gessal made his debut as a cinematographer with:
- The bilingual feature film Thigilium
- The Malayalam film Slate
This transition marked an important milestone. Moving from support roles to leading the visual design of a film required not just technical command, but creative confidence.
Selected Works as Director of Photography
Over the years, Gessal Sebastian has contributed as Director of Photography to numerous television and film projects across Malayalam entertainment. Some of his notable works include:
Malayalam Television Fiction
- Chembarathy – Zee Keralam
- Mazha Thorum Munpe – Asianet
- Manathe Kottaram – Zee Keralam
- Ishtam Mathram – Asianet (Pilot)
- Mangalayam – Zee Keralam (Pilot)
- Mayamayooram – Zee Keralam (Pilot)
- Anuraganam Pole – Zee Keralam (Pilot)
- Shyamambaram – Zee Keralam (Pilot)
- Kayyethum Dhoorath – Zee Keralam
- Pookkalam Varavayi – Zee Keralam
- Amma Makal – Zee Keralam
- Seetha – Flowers TV
- Ente Kuttikalude Achan – Mazhavil Manorama
- Nammal Japikkunna Veedu – Mazhavil Manorama
- Rakkuyil – Mazhavil Manorama
(Total contribution: 25+ fiction series in Malayalam television)
Feature Films
Official poster of Kathilium, featuring cinematography by Gessal Sebastian.
- Thigilium (2017) – Bilingual Feature Film
- Slate – Malayalam Feature Film
Digital & Promotional Works
- Network Ident & Branding Shoots
- Jio Hotstar Promotional Campaigns
- OTT Platform Promos
- Television Channel Launch Promos
- Branded Visual Campaigns
Recognition and Awards
Gessal Sebastian receiving the Prem Nazir Suhruthu Samathi Award 2025 in recognition of his contribution to Malayalam television cinematography.
Gessal’s dedication to visual craft has been recognized with several honours:
- Prem Nazir Suhruthu Samathi Award (2025)
- Media City Television Award – Best Cinematographer (2025)
- Asianet Television Award – Best Cinematographer (2026)
Winning the Asianet Television Award 2026 marks a significant milestone in his career. The award stands as recognition of his consistent contribution to the evolving visual language of Malayalam television.
Current Projects
Gessal is currently engaged in pilot shoots and major productions including:
- Mazha Thorum Munpe – Asianet (Written by Joysy)
- Chembarathy – Zee Keralam
- Manathe Kottaram – Zee Keralam
His ongoing involvement in major television networks reflects both industry trust and creative reliability.
A Journey That Inspires
From a diploma student in 2014 to an award-winning cinematographer in 2026, Gessal Sebastian’s journey represents disciplined growth in the visual arts. It demonstrates how strong foundational training, continuous learning, and hands-on industry exposure can shape a sustainable and successful career.
His achievement is not just a personal milestone — it stands as a proud moment for the Creative Hut family and for aspiring cinematographers who dream of making their mark in the industry.