M. Karnan () (c. 1933 – 13 December 2012) was an Indian cinematographer and director who mainly worked in Tamil cinema.[1] Starting his career as an assistant to V. Ramamurthi, Karnan gradually rose to a full-fledged cinematographer,[2][3] and made a few films based on curry western featuring Jaishankar in the lead.[4] In an interview to Behindwoods, cinematographer Ravi K. Chandran mentioned Karnan as an inspiration and noted the way he made films. He had a very good heart and he was a pure soul . He had helped many in his times.[5] After prolonged illness, he died on 13 December 2012.