So far well-known cinematographers have done very well as filmmakers. And the national award-winning K.V. Anand is not going to let them down with "Kanaa Kandein".

After watching the film, one can confidently say he has done as well as his predecessors though he reaches nowhere near the mark set by Santosh Sivan. Anand's is not an art film like "The Terrorist", but a commercial venture with songs and fights.

Yet it is all done in style.

"Kanaa Kandein" is a romantic thriller. The film is about three young people - Bhaskar (Srikanth), Archana (Gopika) and Madan (Prithviraj).

Bhaskar is a PhD scholar from the Anna University who has developed a new, efficient and cheap technique to desalinate water. He is such an idealist that he does not want to sell his idea for money but wishes to set up a plant for the benefit of humanity. To his credit, the filmmaker makes him seem believable.

Bhaskar's friend-turned-wife Archana introduces Bhaskar to her college-mate Madan, a successful businessman. Madan agrees to help him start a factory by lending money.

The first half of the film is mainly about the romance between Archana and Bhaskar, and the director has created some enjoyable love scenes. The uninhibited interaction between the two actors makes the scenes a treat to watch. The on-screen chemistry between Srikanth and Gopika is simply marvellous.

It is in the second half that the suave and sophisticated Madan changes colour. He becomes a villain trying to get his money back from the couple.

It is to Anand's credit that he has created a different villain - a young, handsome one, dressed like a true businessman, perhaps for the first time. With Madan showing his true colours, the film changes track and turns into a thriller.

Hats off to the director, for making the thrills continue till the last moment.

As far as performances go, it is Malayalam actor Prithviraj (who makes his debut in Tamil with this film) who walks away with all the accolades.

Prithviraj's role is so differently and strongly etched that the audience falls in love with him. Gopika looks stunning without makeup and acts really well. Srikanth has also done well.

Music by Vidyasagar and the picturisation of the songs by Anand are superb.

Anand can take pride in the fact that he has made an intelligent thriller.