Director KV Anand dies at 54 in Chennai

Noted director and cinematographer KV Anand breathed his last today at around 3 am in Chennai. According to publicist Riaz Ahmed, Anand suffered a massive cardiac arrest. He was 54. KV Anand's sudden passing away has come as a huge shock to the Tamil film fraternity and his followers. Condolences are pouring in from all quarters for the technician.

KV ANAND DIES AT 54

KV Anand was known for directing racy action thrillers such as Ko, Ayan and Anegan. He suffered a massive cardiac arrest this morning and breathed his last. Reportedly, he felt a sharp pain in his chest last night and drove the car all by himself to the hospital nearby. However, he passed away at around 3 am.

Anand started his career as a freelance photojournalist and contributed to many leading magazines. In the 90s, he met cinematographer PC Sreeram and expressed his desire to work with him. He then worked as an assistant cinematographer in films such as Gopura Vasalile, Amaran, Devar Magan and Thiruda Thiruda.

It was in 1994, KV Anand made his debut as a cinematographer in director Priyadarshan's Thenmavin Kombath. He also won National Film Award for Best CInematography for his work in the film. His first Tamil film was Kadhal Desam in 1996.

Some of his hit films as a cinematographer are Nerukku Ner, Mudhalvan, Boys and Sivaji: The Boss, among others.

Anand gained enough experience as a photojournalist and cinematographer and then decided to turn director. In 2005, he made Kana Kandaen. Though the film failed to fetch positive reviews, Anand was determined to continue. His second directorial venture, Ayan starring Suriya and Tamannaah became a huge blockbuster. In 2009, Ayan was the highest-grossing Tamil film. KV Anand continued his winning streak with Jiiva's Ko as well.

However, his subsequent films, Maattrraan, Anegan and Kavan received mixed reviews. KV Anand's last directorial venture was Kaappaan, which starred Suriya, Mohanlal, Arya, Sayyeshaa and Poorna.

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