Film director and cinematographer K.V. Anand passed away today (30th April) in Madras due to cardiac arrest following COVID-related compliations. He was 54. He suffered a heart attack at around 3 a.m. today in hospital. His last rites were performed at the Besant Nagar crematorium in Madras.
His sudden demise has sent shock waves in the Tamil and Hindi film industries. He had directed Tamil films and cinematographed Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Hindi films. Among the films directed by him were Kana Kandaen, Ayan, Ko, Maattrraan, Anegan, Kavan and Kaappaan. Among the Hindi films cinematographed by him were Josh, Nayak, Khakee and The Legend Of Bhagat Singh.
Anand started his career as a photo journalist. He then assisted noted cinematographer P.C. Sreeram who recommended his name as an independent cinematographer when Priyadarshan approached him (Sreeram) for Thenmavin Kombath (1996; Malayalam) but he was too busy. Anand won the National Award for best cinematography for his first film. He went on to shoot films in various languages including Minnaram (Malayalam), Punya Bhoomi Naa Desam (Telugu) and Kadhal Desam (Tamil). He was director Shankar’s favourite cameraman after they collaborated for the first time in political drama Mudhalvan (1999; Tamil). Later, Anand also shot Shankar’s Boys (2003; Tamil) and Sivaji: The Boss (2007; Tamil).
Besides being a brilliant cameraman and filmmaker, he was also a fine human being.