INTERVIEW: ‘The Family Star’ is about the family values we have forgotten, says cinematographer KU Mohanan

And now, he is excited to be part of yet another Telugu venture — Vijay Devarakonda’s The Family Star. Mrunal Thakur plays the female lead in it.

The movie is directed by Parasuram Petla and produced by Dil Raju and Shirish under the banner of Sri Venkateswara Creations.

Ahead of the film’s release on 5 April, cinematographer KU Mohanan spoke to the media in Hyderabad on Wednesday, 27 March, about his experience of being part of The Family Star.

Giving every Family their Star ✨

Every family will have a guaranteed reason to cheer & celebrate 🫰🏻#FamilyStarTrailer out on 28th March ❤️‍🔥#FamilyStar#FamilyStarOnApril5th @TheDeverakonda @Mrunal0801 @ParasuramPetla #KUMohanan @GopiSundarOffl @SVC_official @TSeries… pic.twitter.com/q47ciTBDFd

— Sri Venkateswara Creations (@SVC_official) March 26, 2024

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‘Cinematography needs visual and aesthetic sense’

Cinematographer KU Mohanan debuted in Telugu with ‘Maharshi’. (Instagram)

KU Mohanan learnt cinematography at the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune. While he had formal training in handling cameras, he says he learnt a few more things about cinematography after watching world cinema.

“I have been watching Telugu movies for years. I used to watch Krishna’s films and mythological movies. Since films are always larger-than-life, we expect visuals to be more natural. Hence, cinematography is a skill that needs aesthetic and visual sense. We apply these depending on the project,” he explained.

The cinematographer disclosed that he uses new equipment only if necessary. “I’m usually told what kind of visuals are expected in a film and never about the lenses or cameras. It is up to me.”

Mohanan described The Family Star as a beautiful movie which revolves around a middle-class man. What the protagonist (Vijay Deverakonda) does for his family is what the Telugu film is all about.

“We shot the movie in a colony set. I ensured that the visuals reflected the natural flow of the story. There are no drone shots or unnecessary elevations. We used natural lighting,” he said.

The DoP hastened to add that the audience would see a middle-class family that feels like theirs. “Director Parasuram created the background in a simple setup. Vijay Deverakonda and Mrunal Thakur supported me a lot. Film is teamwork so artists and other crew support each other.”

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‘Family Star is an Indian family story’

Vijay Deverakonda and Mrinal Thakur at the recently held Amazon Prime event. (X)

KU Mohanan defined Vijay Deverakonda as a natural actor. He said Vijay delivered a subtle performance in The Family Star without any drama.

He also revealed that The Family Star will talk about the family values we have forgotten over the period.

“We only have nuclear families now. There are no family reunions. This movie discusses our old family values. It is an Indian family story and a good love story, too,” he pointed out.

Director Parasuram tried something new with The Family Star while including commercial elements.

“I can’t imagine how big a success this movie will be. There are times when ordinary films became blockbusters and when excellent films flopped,” he quipped.

As regards his actor-daughter Malavika, the DoP said, “My daughter Malavika made a name for herself. I never recommended her name. Pa Ranjith-Viram’s Thangalaan will bring a good name to her.”

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