Shivaramaiah Ramachandra Aithal (Kannada: ಶಿವರಾಮಯ್ಯ ರಾಮಚಂದ್ರ ಐತಾಳ; 16 November 1948 – 10 January 2011),^[2] popularly known as S. Ramachandra, was a National Award winning Indian cinematographer. In 2006, he was honoured with Lifetime Contribution to Kannada Cinema Award at the Karnataka State Film Awards. He was recognised as a gifted cinematographer and as a force behind the offbeat films in Kannada cinema.^[3]

After securing fifth rank in the Pre-University Course, Ramachandra went to the National Film and Television Institute in Pune to learn Cinematography. Upon returning he worked as the Assistant Cameraman for U.M.N. Sharif, who shot Vamsha Vriksha directed by Girish Karnad and B.V. Karanth. It was during the shooting of Vamsha Vriksha that P.V. Nanjaraja Urs, who identified Ramachandra's talent, asked him to work for his feature film "Sankalpa" which was Ramachandra's first venture as an Independent Cinematographer.^[2] He later worked with B.V. Karanth for the Award Winning film Chomana Dudi.^[1] He also worked in commercial films with directors like Nagabharana and K.V.Jayaram.^[1]

S. Ramachandra's work in films directed by Girish Kasaravalli brought him accolades. His association with Girish Kasaravalli began with the National Award winning film Ghatashradhdha. Later he worked on Akramana, Mane, Kraurya, Naayi Neralu, Hasina and Gulabi Talkies.^[1]

He was the President of Karnataka Cinematographer's Association for nearly a decade, where he worked to secure the future of Cinematographers of the Kannada Film Industry^[4]

He was a founding member of Chitrasamuha, a filmmakers' platform for appreciation of cinema aesthetics and he remained an active contributor until his death.^[4]

Following quotes are about S. Ramachandra and his work.

"Ramachandra was the founding stone of the new wave of cinema. He worked enthusiastically with new directors."

— Girish Kasaravalli^[5]

"He did not profess an alternate cinema openly but supported a large number of filmmakers to look for alternate ways of making cinema both in content and construction."

— N. Vidyashankar, Festival Director, Bangalore International Film Festival^[6]

"He remained dedicated to the cause of the New Wave in Kannada cinema and was instrumental in positioning Karnataka on the world map of meaningful cinema. He facilitated many young film-makers and first-time producers to meet each other on a common platform, willingly sharing his technical expertise and accumulated experience with them. Among the 70-odd films that he authored with his camera, he must have been responsible for no less than 40 debutant directors."

— G.S. Bhaskar, noted Cinematographer^[4]

• 1977: National Film Award for Best Cinematography for Rishya Shringa
• 2006: Lifetime Contribution to Kannada Cinema Award
• Karnataka State Film Award for Best Cinematography
  • 1972–73: Sankalpa
  • 1976–77: Rushya Shringa
  • 1978–79: Grahana
  • 1989–90: Mane

S. Ramachandra was suffering from cancer. He was admitted to the Bangalore Institute of Oncology where he was pronounced dead on 10 January 2011.^[3]

Chitra Varsha: Cinematography of Ramachandra, a year long festival of his films was organised by Chitra Samuha and K. V. Subbanna Aptha Samuha in 2011.^[7]

At least one film 'Thallana' is dedicated to him.^[8]