After Chaarulatha, here comes another story on conjoined twins.

Tamil film, Maattrraan’ directed by K.V. Anand will have Surya playing conjoined twins, Akilan and Vimalan. This is the fifth time the actor is playing a dual role. Anand who is working with Surya for the second time after Tamil film, ‘Ayan,’ said that his film was not inspired from any Hollywood film.

“Actually, the idea came to me while reading a story on Siamese twins, Bunker Brothers, Chang and Eng, featured in a national geographic magazine.”

That was four years ago.

“It was fascinating to know about these two who braved all odds, even got married to two different women and sired children,” continued Anand who won a national award as cinematographer for Malayalam film, ‘Thenmavin Kombath.’

“One of them even committed adultery,” he added.

“But my story is not related to them.”

Praising Surya for his dedication to the twin roles, Anand, who has worked with Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan, said, “Surya is one actor who will gladly go for another take whenever I suggested.”

The film promises breathtaking visuals, including a song sequence shot in Norway.

Kajal Agarwal plays Surya’s the love interest in the film.

“She is an intelligent girl and quick at grasping the narrative. She plays an urban educated girl, which is of significance and not mere arm candy.”

Bollywood actor Sachin Khedekar plays the twins’ father.

For one whose love affair with the camera began in his teens, when his mother gave him a Yashica camera. Anand worked for a couple of Tamil magazines as photo-journalist before joining noted cinematographer, P.C. Sreeram as assistant.

“Films happened accidentally when Sreeram asked me to join him on the sets of Tamil film, ‘Gopura Vasalile.”

Priyadarshan’s ‘Thenmavin Kombath’ was the big break opening doors into other languages as cinematographer including Bollywood films namely ‘Josh,’ and ‘The Legend of Bhagat Singh.’

Anand turned director in 2005 with ‘Kana Kandein,’ introducing Malayalam actor Prithviraj in an unusual role — a suave villain. His next film ‘Ayan’ was a blockbuster. ‘Ko,’ his last venture besides grossing box office collections brought home awards in different categories.

“I have known them since my photo-journalist days. We are like brothers,” said Anand who cites Polish director Keislovsky’s Three Colours, Satyajit Ray’s The Music Room and Aravindan’s Chidambaram as influences.

Any plans to remake ‘Maattrraan in Hindi?

“I have no plans of doing the same film in B’town. We put in tremendous effort which is tough to repeat. It has been exhausting and was made possible due to Surya’s sincerity and cooperation. We may dub it though.”

The Telegu dubbed version of ‘Maattrraan’ is ‘Brothers.’ While Surya has dubbed in Telegu for Vimalan’s character, his brother Karthi has lent his voice for Akilan, to distinguish between the two brothers.

Maattrraan releases in India on October 12.