It’s bigger and better

When you get to watch a film by a top-notch cinematographer-turned-director like KV Anand, you can be assured of something that’s totally out-of-the-box. The director’s latest Tamil release, Ko, starring Jiiva, Karthika, Piaa Bajpayee and Ajmal is on its way to a grand success.

“I did my post graduation in visual communication and this movie is a reflection of my life as a photojournalist,” said Anand. In fact, the film-maker has always been fascinated by newspapers. “For instance, if the film’s hero witnesses an accident, the first thing he would do is help the injured person. But for a photojournalist, his first job is to take pictures. Instead of thrusting a sickle in the hero’s hand, I’ve given him a camera,” he explained.

Anand has also incorporated some of his wild experiences while working as a photojournalist. “I remember covering a controversial issue a few years back, after which I was followed by gundas for the pictures I had taken,” he reminisced.

Though the film created quite a stir when Simbu opted out of the lead role, Anand is very impressed with Jiiva. “I approached several actors like Ajith, Vikram, Karthi and Simbu for this story. Though they are my friends, they refused it for different reasons. I didn’t want to compromise on the script. The plot of the film is very crucial for me. I was impressed with Jiiva’s performances in movies like SMS, Ram, Katrathu Tamizh. I knew he would fit in the role perfectly,” he informs.

Keeping in mind the social issues his films carry — Kana Kandaen (water desalination) and Ayan (smuggling) — does Ko also fall into the same bracket? “As a film-maker, I have certain responsibilities. I wouldn’t call this an art film, but a commercial film with a subtle message. This is definitely bigger and better than Ayan,” he says. Anand’s next film Maatraan, starring Suriya, is set to role out in June. So, there’s more good cinema to look forward to.