Kumki and Mynaa | Shooting on an elephant | Untold stories | M Sukumar | Cinematographer | DOP

🎬 M. Sukumar (Part 2) – The Untold Stories Behind Kumki, Mynaa & More | Journey with Ananya Bhat

After an emotional, inspiring first chapter with cinematographer M. Sukumar, we continue the journey into the world behind Tamil cinema’s most breathtaking frames.
Watch Part 1 here 👉    • "Mynaa bus accident is unforgettable" | M ...  

In Part 2, Sukumar goes deeper into the stories, instincts and magical moments behind films like Kumki, Mynaa, Kayal, Thalaivan Thalaivi, and his experiences with legendary filmmakers such as Prabhu Solomon, SS Rajamouli, Mani Ratnam, Shankar, KV Anand, and Rajeev Menon.
From elephants on set to miracle shots… from unexpected risks to unforgettable praise… this is a rare conversation where craft meets emotion, instinct meets intuition, and cinema meets soul. 🎥🌿

🌟 About M. Sukumar
M. Sukumar is one of Tamil cinema’s most respected cinematographers, known for shaping visual masterpieces like Mynaa, Kumki, Kayal, Dhool, Gilli, Aazhagiya Tamizh Magan, Nerukku Ner, Bhairava, Samurai, Rhythm, and more.

He has collaborated with top stars — Vijay, Ajith, Vikram, Suriya, Shriya Saran, Jyothika, Vijay Sethupathi, Nithya Menen — and visionary filmmakers like Prabhu Solomon, KV Anand, Rajeev Menon, SS Rajamouli, Mani Ratnam, and Shankar.

His journey from a still photographer to a master cinematographer is a lesson in humility, risk, talent and incredible visual storytelling.

🌿 Episode Summary – What to Expect in Part 2
In this chapter, Sukumar shares the pure magic and madness of shooting Kumki, including unbelievable moments with elephants, miracle visuals, emotional memories, and the deep trust director Prabhu Solomon places on his cinematographer.

He opens up about
⭐ the elephant Manickam’s surprising personality,
⭐ accidental moments that became iconic shots,
⭐ mad elephant encounters,
⭐ the famous butterfly-on-the-face story,
⭐ and whether Kumki 2 is really happening.

He also recalls being mistaken for Jeeva, his crush on cinematography greats like KV Anand, Rajiv Menon, his favourite films, and whether he prefers SS Rajamouli or Mani Ratnam.
This episode is filled with wisdom, humour, rare stories, and the heart of a man who truly lives for cinema.

🕒 Chapters & Highlights
0:59 – 🎥 My favourite cinematographer – did you know?
1:48 – 😄 They called me Jeeva! – why I felt happy
3:06 – 🎞️ My favourite cinema – the films that shaped him
4:12 – 🎬 SS Rajamouli or Mani Ratnam? – who should I choose?
5:53 – 🌿 Kumki began with Mynaa – unexpected origin story
7:34 – 🐘 Shooting on an elephant – real cinema at its rawest
9:44 – 🤗 Manickam the elephant – the friend on set
10:08 – 😂 Elephant as assistant – funny moments you won’t believe
11:01 – 🐘 He likes girls more than men – his secret!
13:49 – 💥 Mad elephant experiences – risky but unforgettable
14:14 – ❤️ Elephants care more than humans – emotional truth
15:13 – 💸 Kumki budget story – what we actually did
16:28 – 🦋 Butterfly on face – the iconic spontaneous shot
18:19 – 🎥 Prabhu Solomon gives space – why their bond works
19:04 – ✨ Unforgettable experience – a moment etched forever
20:05 – 🙏 Prabhu sir praised it a lot – heartfelt gratitude
20:37 – ❓ Kumki 2 happening? – his answer
21:12 – 🌌 His ultimate wish – surprising & beautiful

🎧 Why You Should Watch This Episode
This part is a MUST-WATCH if you love:
🎥 Visual storytelling & cinematography
🐘 Kumki, Mynaa & Prabhu Solomon’s style of filmmaking
⭐ Stories of Vijay, Ajith, Suriya, Vikram & top technicians
🎬 SS Rajamouli / Mani Ratnam / Shankar inspirations
🌿 Nature-based filmmaking, realism & survival stories
💛 Honest conversations with zero filters
📚 Behind-the-scenes insights for aspiring filmmakers

🎤 About Journey with Ananya Bhat
Hosted by National Award-winning singer Ananya Bhat, Journey with Ananya Bhat from Swan Studios brings raw, meaningful and inspiring conversations with the most interesting storytellers of the South — actors, singers, directors, writers, technicians and creators.

🎬 Credits – A Swan Studios Original
Host – Ananya Bhat
Guest – M. Sukumar
Concept – Ananya Joisa & Vinay Parthasarathi
Direction – Santhosh Sagar
Cinematography – Nagesh V Acharya
Editing – Vashi Geetha
Theme Music – Keerthan
Vocals – Samvatsara
Flute – Dr. Gajanan Sabhahit
Recording – Riyo Antony
Studio – Sai Shruthi Studios

⚠️ Copyright Notice
© 2025 Swan Studios. All rights reserved. Unauthorized copying, reproduction or re-uploading is strictly prohibited.

🔍 Keyword List (Episode Mentions)
SSRajamouli or Mani Ratnam, Shankar, Nerukku Ner, Kuruvi, Bhairava, Azhagiya Tamizh Magan, Gilli, Vijay, Kaaki Sattai, Maan Karate, Darling Dambakku, Jeeva, KV Anand, Rajiv Menon, Bairava, Vikram, Suriya, Ajith, Jeans, Minsara Kanavu, Bombay, Aasai, Shriya Saran, Arjun Jyothika, Dhool, King, Thiruda Thirudi, Malai, Rhythm, Samurai, Vijay Sethupathi, Nithya Menon, Thalaivan Thalaivi, Prabhu Solomon.