Tamil filmmaker KV Anand dies of cardiac arrest

Well-known Tamil cinematographer-turned-filmmaker KV Anand died around 3 am in Chennai on Friday following a cardiac arrest. He was 54.

Anand started his career as a photojournalist. His first stint in the film industry was as an assistant to cinematographer PC Sreeram.

He made his debut as cinematographer with the Malayalam film Thenmavin Kombath (1994) starring Mohanlal and went on to shoot films across languages.

As a cinematographer, he worked in a few Hindi films such as Doli Saja Ke Rakhna (1998), Josh (2000), Nayak (2001) and Khakee (2004).

Anand made his directorial debut with the 2005 Tamil film Kana Kanden and went on to direct six more films.

He had worked in Suriya in three Tamil films, Ayan (2009), Maattrraan (2012) and Kaappaan (2019), the latter of which was his last project.

Anand’s death sent shockwaves across the Telugu and Tamil film industries. Several of his peers and admirers took to Twitter to pay their respects.

Actor Allu Arjun wrote, “Just woke up to this sad news that Dir KV Anand garu is no more. Wonderful cameraman, brilliant director and very nice gentleman. Sir you will always be remember & missed . Condolences to the near, dear & family. Rest in Peace Sir (sic).”

Music composer Harris Jayaraj, a frequent collaborator, wrote, “Unfortunate and extremely shock to hear this devastating News. RIP my friend KV Anand (sic).”

Actor Allu Sirish wrote, “Shocked to hear about KV Anand Sir's demise. Will fondly remember all my interactions with him. What a sad news to wake up to. Rest in peace sir, you'll be missed (sic).”