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K. V. Anand

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Karimanal Venkatesan Anand (30 October 1966 – 30 April 2021) was an Indian cinematographer, film director and photojournalist, worked mainly in the Tamil film industry. After a short period as a journalist, he became a cinematographer in the early 1990s, working on about fifteen films in the Southern and Hindi cinema industries. Anand won the National Film Award for Best Cinematography for his debut film as a cinematographer, Thenmavin Kombath. In 2005, Anand turned film director with the critically acclaimed Kana Kandaen. He was a founding member of the Indian Society of Cinematographers (ISC).[3]

K. V. Anand
Born
Karimanal Venkatesan Anand[1]

(1966-10-30)30 October 1966[2]
Madras, Madras State, India
Died30 April 2021(2021-04-30) (aged 54)
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Alma materDG Vaishnav College, Arumbakkam, Chennai
Occupation(s)Cinematographer, Film director, Writer, Photographer
Years active1994–2021
SpouseSasikala [citation needed]
AwardsNational Film Award for Best Cinematography (1994)

Early life

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Anand was born in Chennai, in the state of Tamil Nadu in India on 30 October 1966 to Karimanal Munuswamy Venkatesan and Anusuya Venkatesan.[4] His childhood days were spent in Pulicat. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in Physics from DG Vaishnav College in June 1986, followed by a master's degree in Visual Communications from Loyola College, Chennai.[5] During his college days Anand participated in annual trekking expeditions in the Himalayas. His exploratory trips to various remote locations in India triggered his passion for photography. Anand participated in inter-collegiate, state and national level photography contests. His visual images earned him numerous photography awards.[6]

Career

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Photo journalist (1988–1992)

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Anand worked as a freelance photo journalist for leading newspapers and magazines such as Kalki, India Today, Illustrated Weekly, Aside and other national publications.[4] Within a short period of time, his photos were published in more than 200 magazine covers and had taken photos of 10 Chief Ministers in close quarters. Anand continued to freelance in industrial photography, advertisements and cover pages for fictional Tamil novels.[7][8]

Cinematographer

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Anand met cinematographer P. C. Sreeram and expressed his interest to work for him as an assistant. He joined him, serving as an apprentice for Sreeram's film such as Gopura Vasalile, Amaran, Meera, Devar Magan and Thiruda Thiruda. He had initially joined as the sixth assistant to Sreeram when Jeeva, another prominent figure in cinematography was the first assistant to Sreeram.[9] When director Priyadarshan had approached P. C. Sreeram to work on his Malayalam film, Thenmavin Kombath (1994), he was unavailable and thus recommended Anand to be given the opportunity.[8] The film received positive reviews and Anand won the National Film Award for Best Cinematography for his debut venture, with the award committee noting he showed "outstanding cinematography executed with sincerity, imagination and flexibility".[10] Anand's first Tamil film was the romantic drama Kadhal Desam (1996), which also won critical acclaim for showcasing Chennai in a futuristic mould. He also then teamed up with director Shankar for the production of the political thriller Mudhalvan (2000), winning appreciation for his experimental camera ramping and the general grandeur.[11]

Anand has wielded the camera for 14 films in languages including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Hindi. His final work as a cinematographer came with Sivaji (2007), the Rajinikanth-starrer directed by Shankar, the most expensive Tamil film ever made at the time of release.[7][12]

Film director

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Anand turned a film director with Kana Kandaen (2005), a thriller film starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, Srikanth and Gopika. The film opened to favourable reviews from critics, with a reviewer from Rediff.com noting "Anand has succeeded in making an extremely watchable, highly thrilling film with a 'different' story".[13][14] Despite the success of the film, Anand opted to return to cinematography to fulfil commitments for Rajinikanth's Sivaji (2007) directed by Shankar, which became the most expensive Tamil film ever made at the time.[7][12]

Anand then collaborated with AVM Productions and Suriya in Ayan (2009), an action entertainer set on the backdrop of the Indo-African drug smuggling trade.[15] In order to prepare the script, Anand did a lot of research and is said to have spoken to a lot of custom officers to understand the modus operandi of smuggling.[16][17] The film opened in April 2009 to positive reviews, and became one of the year's highest-grossing Tamil language films.[18] A critic from Rediff.com called the film a "must-watch" adding "what gets you by surprise is the thread of logic that laces practically every encounter, and the way Anand's screenplay covers all the angles".[19] A reviewer from Sify.com stated "Anand pushes the commercial cinematic envelope and brings a savvy freshness in treatment and packaging hitherto unexplored in Ayan".[20]

His third directorial venture, Ko (2011), narrated the tale of photojournalists caught up in a political corruption scandal. Starring Jiiva, Ajmal Ameer, Karthika Nair and Piaa Bajpai, the film also received a positive from film critics and the box office. A reviewer from The Hindu described the film as a "tale with a realistic twist" and mentioned that Anand "strikes gold with Ko". The critic added "blending the commercial with the realistic is a challenge, but Anand proves adept at it."[21] Likewise, The Times of India noted "With Ko, director Anand gives notice of his immense talent once again, making a movie that is all set to lord over the box office this summer".[22]

Anand worked with Suriya again in Maattrraan (2012), and was inspired to make the film after watching a documentary about the conjoined twins Chang and Eng Bunker. While preparing the script, he worked closely with a team of doctors to ensure the medical condition of open-heart transplant, as shown in the film, could be showcased as realistically as possible.[11] He later made a mythical thriller film, Anegan (2015) starring Dhanush, and another political thriller film, Kavan (2017), with Vijay Sethupathi.[23][24] His final film Kaappaan (2019), starring Mohanlal, Suriya and Arya told the tale of a Special Protection Group (SPG) officer who protects the Prime Minister.[25]

Style of working

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Anand collaborated with composer Harris Jayaraj, editor Anthony and the writer duo Subha for several of his ventures, describing them as "constant fixtures". While noting he shared a good rapport with Jayaraj, he stated that Anthony is like his "alter ego" and "his biggest critic", with the pair often working closely during the post-production stages of films.[11] He met the writer duo Suresh and Bala of Subha, during his stint as a photo journalist with the magazine, India Today. Actor Jagan has a part in most of his films. Despite being a cinematographer himself, Anand opted not to wield the camera for his directorial ventures and actively tried to select different cinematographers for each of his projects, like Soundararajan, M. S. Prabhu, Richard M. Nathan, Om Prakash and Abinandhan Ramanujam.[26][27][28][29]

During the script-writing process, Anand often finished up to six drafts, though he mentioned he rarely "lock[s] his script", suggesting it was always open to changes for improvisations on the shooting spot. He often rephrased dialogues, and sometimes invented titles during the drafting process, being constantly on the lookout for short and crisp titles. His titles are usually in Chaste Tamil, such as Kana Kandaen, Ayan, Ko, Anegan and Kavan.[11][23]

Death

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Anand died in Chennai in the early hours of 30 April 2021 following a cardiac arrest.[30] At the time, he was tested positive for COVID-19.[31]

Filmography

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Source(s):[6][32][33]

Year Film Language Cinematographer Director Actor Role Notes
1992 Meera Tamil No No Yes Vikram's friend (uncredited)
1994 Thenmavin Kombath Malayalam Yes No No National Film Award for Best Cinematography
Minnaram Malayalam Yes No No
1995 Punya Bhoomi Naa Desam Telugu Yes No No
1996 Kadhal Desam Tamil Yes No No
1997 Nerukku Ner Tamil Yes No No
1998 Doli Saja Ke Rakhna Hindi Yes No No
1999 Mudhalvan Tamil Yes No No
2000 Josh Hindi Yes No No
2001 Nayak: The Real Hero Hindi Yes No No
2002 Virumbugiren Tamil Yes No No
The Legend of Bhagat Singh Hindi Yes No No
2003 Boys Tamil Yes No No 1 song only
2004 Khakee Hindi Yes No No
Ghilli Tamil Yes No No 1 song only
Chellamae Tamil Yes No No
2005 Kana Kandaen Tamil No Yes No
2007 Sivaji: The Boss Tamil Yes No Yes Guest appearance
2009 Ayan Tamil No Yes No
2011 Ko Tamil No Yes No
2012 Maattrraan Tamil No Yes Yes Guest appearance
2015 Anegan Tamil No Yes No
2017 Kavan Tamil No Yes Yes Tea seller
2019 Kaappaan Tamil No Yes No

Awards

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Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
1994 Thenmavin Kombath National Film Award for Best Cinematography Won [10]
1996 Kadhal Desam Screen Award for Best Cinematography Won

[34]

2000 Josh Screen Award for Best Cinematography Won

[34]

2002 The Legend of Bhagat Singh SICA Award for Best Cinematography Won

[34]

2007 Sivaji Filmfare Award for Best Cinematographer – Tamil Won

[35]

2009 Ayan Filmfare Award for Best Director – Tamil Nominated

[34]

2011 Ko Filmfare Award for Best Director – Tamil Nominated

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2012 Maattrraan SIIMA Award for Best Director Nominated

[34]

Legacy

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Cinematographers, Writers & Directors such as S. Soundararajan, Richard M. Nathan, P. Chelladurai, Deekay & R. M. Muthu Ganesan had worked as assistant, associate directors & assistant cinematographers.

References

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  1. ^ "Director and Cinematographer KV Anand Passes Away at 54, Tollywood Pays Tribute". News18. 30 April 2021. Archived from the original on 30 April 2021. Retrieved 30 April 2021.
  2. ^ "Anand K. V. - Profile". TamilNadu Film Directors Association. 2012. Archived from the original on 30 October 2012. Retrieved 5 April 2017.
  3. ^ "Veteran cinematographer and 'Ayan' director KV Anand passes away in Chennai". News minute. 30 April 2021. Archived from the original on 30 April 2021. Retrieved 30 April 2021.
  4. ^ a b Codingest. "Noted Tamil director KV Anand passes away". NTV Telugu. Retrieved 1 May 2021.[permanent dead link]
  5. ^ "Profile of Director K. V. Anand - Tamil Movie Data Base of Tamilstar.com". profile.tamilstar.com. Archived from the original on 1 May 2021. Retrieved 1 May 2021.
  6. ^ a b "K.V. Anand (The legend) - Movies, Biography, News, Age & Photos". BookMyShow. Archived from the original on 30 April 2021. Retrieved 30 April 2021.
  7. ^ a b c kavitha (1 May 2021). "KV Anand: Kollywood's self-deprecating, down-to-earth director". The Federal. Archived from the original on 1 May 2021. Retrieved 1 May 2021.
  8. ^ a b "தமிழ் நடிகர்கள் கேட்டு போய் விட்டார்கள்!" (PDF). Kalki (in Tamil). 2 January 2005. pp. 40–42. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
  9. ^ "South holds sway". www.webpage.com. Archived from the original on 22 December 1996.
  10. ^ a b "42nd National Film Festival - 1995" (PDF). Directorate of Film Festivals. New Delhi: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. 1995. pp. 40–41. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 5 April 2017.
  11. ^ a b c d "Man of the Moment: The KV Anand Interview". Silverscreen.in. 15 July 2014. Archived from the original on 29 December 2014. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
  12. ^ a b "Sivaji -- the Boss". The Hollywood Reporter. 27 July 2007. Archived from the original on 1 May 2021. Retrieved 1 May 2021.
  13. ^ "Kana Kandein rocks!". www.rediff.com. Archived from the original on 1 May 2018. Retrieved 30 April 2021.
  14. ^ "Refreshing dream". The Hindu. 20 May 2005. Archived from the original on 30 April 2021. Retrieved 30 April 2021 – via www.thehindu.com.
  15. ^ "K.V. Anand – The Director, Cinematographer – Sunday special Interview on Ayan Director – Tamil Movies". Behindwoods.com (Interview). Retrieved 9 November 2011.
  16. ^ Udhav Naig (5 November 2014). "Balancing box office formula with substance". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 1 May 2021. Retrieved 30 April 2021.
  17. ^ S. Aishwarya (12 August 2010). "Cinematographer's dream role". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 30 July 2023. Retrieved 30 April 2021.
  18. ^ "Suriya – Prince of Chennai Box Office". Sify. 10 July 2009. Archived from the original on 14 July 2009. Retrieved 9 November 2011.
  19. ^ "Ayan is a must-watch". www.rediff.com. Archived from the original on 22 September 2020. Retrieved 30 April 2021.
  20. ^ "Ayan". Sify. 3 April 2009. Archived from the original on 1 May 2021.
  21. ^ "Tale with a realistic twist". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 24 April 2011. Archived from the original on 25 January 2013.
  22. ^ "Ko". The Times of India. 23 April 2011. Archived from the original on 29 January 2016. Retrieved 30 April 2021.
  23. ^ a b Ramanujam, Srinivasa (30 April 2021). "From 'Ayan' to 'Anegan': How KV Anand picked unique Tamil titles for his films". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 30 April 2021. Retrieved 1 May 2021.
  24. ^ "Tamil Director and Cinematographer KV Anand Passes Away Following Heart Attack". www.news18.com. 30 April 2021. Archived from the original on 1 May 2021. Retrieved 1 May 2021.
  25. ^ Adivi, Sashidhar (14 September 2019). "Suriya, Mohanlal were picture perfect: K V Anand". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 1 May 2021. Retrieved 1 May 2021.
  26. ^ Richard M Nathan Talks About KV Anand and 'KO' videos - IndiaGlitz.com, archived from the original on 1 May 2021, retrieved 1 May 2021
  27. ^ "Unwavering focus". The Hindu. 22 October 2016. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 21 June 2021. Retrieved 1 May 2021.
  28. ^ "BREAKING: A HUGE CHANGE IN SURIYA-KV ANAND'S FILM". Behindwoods. 16 August 2018. Archived from the original on 15 December 2018. Retrieved 1 May 2021.
  29. ^ "Soundararajan". nettv4u. Archived from the original on 1 May 2021. Retrieved 1 May 2021.
  30. ^ "Director and cinematographer K.V. Anand no more". The Hindu. 30 April 2021. Archived from the original on 30 April 2021. Retrieved 30 April 2021.
  31. ^ "KV Anand was Covid positive, mortal remains taken directly to crematorium". India Today. 30 April 2021. Archived from the original on 30 April 2021. Retrieved 30 April 2021.
  32. ^ "Gone too soon, KV Anand and his memorable films!". Sify. 30 April 2021. Archived from the original on 30 April 2021. Retrieved 1 May 2021.
  33. ^ "ஒரே வாரத்தில் மொத்த படமும் விற்க காரணமாக இருந்த போஸ்டர் - PRODUCER Thenappan CHAI WITH CHITHRA - 4". YouTube. 23 March 2021. Archived from the original on 30 July 2023. Retrieved 26 November 2021.
  34. ^ a b c d e f "Goodbye KV Anand...Popular Tamil director KV Anand passes away in Chennai at 54!". The New Stuff. 30 April 2021. Archived from the original on 2 May 2021. Retrieved 2 May 2021.
  35. ^ "K. V. Anand Awards: List of awards and nominations received by K. V. Anand | Times of India Entertainment". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 1 May 2021. Retrieved 1 May 2021.
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