R. Rathnavelu is an Indian cinematographer who works predominantly in Tamil and Telugu films.

His work in films such as Sethu, Nandha, Vaaranam Aayiram, Enthiran, 1: Nenokkadine, Rangasthalam and Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy garnered recognition.

[3][4] Rathnavelu graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics and completed a three year Diploma in Film Technology in cinematography from the M.G.R.

Government Film and Television Training Institute.

He went on to assist cinematographer Rajiv Menon, for Mani Rathnam's Bombay.