Veteran cinematographer and filmmaker KV Anand passed away in the early hours of Friday after a cardiac arrest in Chennai. According to reports, he suffered from COVID-19 complications. He was 54. Born in 1966, Kumar Venkatesan Anand began his career as a photojournalist for several newspapers and magazines. He then switched to cinematography when he had the opportunity to work under cinematographer PC Sreeram for a few films. He also worked on a number of TV serials and advertisement films other than a few feature films.
His career in the film industry began as a cinematographer in 1994 with Malayalam movie Thenmavin Kombath for which he won the National Film Award for Best Cinematography, "in recognition of the outstanding cinematography executed with sincerity, imagination and flexibility." The award citation further noted, "Fluid camera movements, praise compositions and use of light are the highlights of this visual experience."
Anand also worked as a cinematographer with directors like Shankar, in critically acclaimed movies like Mudhalavan in 2000 and later on Rajinikanth-starrer Sivaji in 2007.
In 2005, he turned director with his debut film Kana Kandaen and later went on to direct Ayan, with Suriya in the lead role, which was a highly successful film.
He also directed films like Ko, Maattrraan and Kavan, working with actors like Dhanush and Vijay Sethupathi. Ko and Kavan were based on his experiences as a journalist.
His last film was Kaappaan with Suriya and Mohanlal in 2019, which revolves around an organic farmer and a Special Protection Group (SPG) officer (played by Suriya) and the Prime Minister of India, played by Mohanlal.
Anand is the founding member of the Indian Society of Cinematographers (ISC). Following his death, condolences began pouring in on social media.
Just unbelievable!! #RIP #KVAnand pic.twitter.com/GDQ6fXeEAg
— KhushbuSundar (@khushsundar) April 30, 2021
Legendary Film-maker #KVAnand ( Aged 54 years ) passes away today early morning at 3 AM due to cardiac arrest
— RIAZ K AHMED (@RIAZtheboss) April 30, 2021
May His Soul rest in peace #RIPKVAnand sir pic.twitter.com/XYnVpusc2K
We've lost a wonderful creator. #KVAnand sir may you rest in peace.
— Gautham Karthik (@Gautham_Karthik) April 30, 2021
My condolences to the family... pic.twitter.com/kx6re0jpv7
unfortunate and extremely shock to hear this devastating News. RIP my friend KV Anand. #SunNews #TimesofIndia
— Harris Jayaraj (@Jharrisjayaraj) April 30, 2021
#Ayan and #Ko are my all-time favorite films of #KVAnand. Can be watched on any given day, Ayan had one of the best action episodes in Tamil. #Ko is a riveting political thriller. A big loss.
— Rajasekar (@sekartweets) April 30, 2021
This is unbelievable & shocking. What's happening in this world?
— Dr. Dhananjayan G (@Dhananjayang) April 30, 2021
Such a fine gentleman, a wonderful human being & a great friend. #KVAnand sir, Life it's not fair to you.
I am heartbroken.#RIPKVAnand sir. You will be badly missed by all of us pic.twitter.com/RQ71vx72pu