DOP KU Mohanan is recognized as one of the top Indian cinematographers. Along with Bollywood super hits like Don, Talash, and Andhadhun, he also provided cinematography for Mahesh Babu’s Maharshi in Telugu. KU Mohanan’s latest movie in Telugu is with hero Vijay Devarakonda’s “Family Star”. Produced by star producers Dil Raju and Shirish under the banner Sri Venkateswara Creations, the film is directed by Parasuram Petla. Vasu Varma is acting as the creative producer of this movie. Mrunal Thakur acted as the heroine. The movie “Family Star” is going to get a grand theatrical release on 5th April. In this background, cinematographer KU Mohanan shared his experience of working on the film.
“I learned about cinematography in film school. All I have to do with the camera is formal training. I learned some more things by watching World Cinema. I have been watching Telugu movies for many years. At that time I used to watch Krishna’s films and mythological films. All of us are basically commercial, larger than life movies. That’s why we want visuals to be more natural in terms of cinematography. Since cinematography is a skill, it has an aesthetic sense. There is a visual sense. We apply it depending on the project and film. I use new equipment for films only if it is necessary. I never tried to say that I used this new lens and got this new camera. They tell me to take only what kind of visuals are required for that film and what equipment is required for it.
“Family Star” movie is a beautiful movie. A story of a middle-class man. What he did for the family is with a good message. We shot in the colony set. I have made the visuals to reflect how natural the story and characters are. No drone shots. No unnecessary visual shots were taken for the family star. The lighting is natural too. But while watching the movie, the visuals look as beautiful as they should be. If we see a middle-class house on the screen..it seems like our house. Director Parasuram has created the background of this movie in a simple setup. Vijay and Mrunal supported me a lot. Film is teamwork so artists and other crew support each other.”
He continued, “Family Star is a movie that talks about family values which we are neglecting. Entire India has become nuclear families. Family reunion is not happening. This is a movie that discusses about our old family values in such a time. An Indian family story. It also has a good love story. Director Parasuram has made this movie with clear ideas. Tried something new. He also showed commercial elements in it. Parasuram felt happy with my working style. I can’t imagine how big a success this movie will be. Because the audience cannot predict how a film will be received. There are times when some ordinary films become blockbusters and there are times when excellent films flop.”
“I previously worked in SVC company. Dil Raju’s production is known to be a good production house. It is a pleasure to work in this banner. Vijay Deverakonda is a natural actor. There is no big drama in his performance. I like Vijay’s performance.
“My daughter Malavika has made a name for herself. I have not recommended her name for any movie. If you think it is not correct to do so. She has to prove her talent as an actress. Thangalan movie made by Pa Ranjith with Vikram will bring a good name to Malavika. I have worked for the movie ‘The Goat Life Aadu Jeevitham.’ But the shooting of that film took a long time, so I came out of that project.”
