CV Kumar: Of books, films and passion

CV Kumar has proved his mettle as a producer by consistently delivering hits at the box office. Now, he has turned director with Maayavan starring Sundeep Kishan of Okka Ammayi Thappa fame, Bollywood actor Jackie Shroff, and Lavanya Tripathi in pivotal roles. Kumar tells us, “It’s been a good ride so far. Every stage of ours requires a different version of ourselves. I constantly think of what I can do with every new film. I have been supporting newcomers and promoting new talent and offbeat-fresh cinema. Then, this idea struck me — why not  turn director? On the other hand, it’s all about finding the right team and working with them. I count myself lucky to have been associated with good people in the industry. After all, films are a director’s medium.”

Speaking about Maayavan, Kumar says it’s a murder-mystery thriller. “Sundeep plays a cop and Lavanya plays a psychiatrist in the film. Why I chose Sundeep is that I felt he would be appropriate for this role. He plays a short-tempered police officer. We also managed to rope in Jackie Shroff, who was last seen in the historical fiction flick Kochadaiiyaan. The film needed an actor of his calibre to do justice to the powerful role. He portrays a don-like army officer and a is a part of several high-octane action sequences. We met him in Mumbai sometime back —  and after hearing the narration, he agreed because his character was that good! The film, extensively shot in and around Chennai, also has Daniel Balaji, ‘Mime’ Gopi, Bagavathi Perumal and Jayaprakash,” he explains.

Quiz the Soodhu Kavvum producer about his inspiration, and his prompt reply is — “I have been a voracious reader. Ever since I can recollect, movie watching and reading have been my sources. These have helped me in many ways to conceptualise a core script. I know a bit of sound design and animation work. Script writing has been on my mind for a long time, but only recently got materialised. Also right from the time I entered this industry, I have learnt so much from other technicians. But if you insist that I name them, I’d say Nalan Kumarasamy, Pa Ranjith and Ravikumar, who directed Indru Netru Naalai.”

Maayavan will be jointly produced by his concern Thirukumaran Entertainment, in association with Studio Green Gnanavel Raja.  What’s next? “We are planning to release this film by September. I want to work with more talented artistes,” he concludes. Maayavan will have dialogues  by Nalan Kumarasamy and Ghibran is the music director. Gopi Amarnath cranks the camera.