His eldest brother, cinematographer Ramachandra Babu,[5] who went to the Pune Film Institute in the seventies was the major influence and inspiration for Ravi.

Latter part time closet painter, Ravi joined his brother as an assistant cinematographer, learning the technical aspects of the job.

[6] In 1984, Ravi started his career working in Malayalam films as an assistant to his brother, cinematographer, Ramachandra Babu ISC and later with his friend Rajiv Menon.

He got his first break as a cinematographer in a Malayalam film Kilukkampetti and worked his way up until he shot the legendary Virasat which won many awards for Ravi.

[citation needed] His best-known works are Virasat, Dil Chahta Hai, Kannathil Muthamittal, Kannezhuthi Pottum Thottu, Black, Fanaa, and Saawariya.