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{{short description|Indian filmmaker (born 1963)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=March 2018}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Rajiv Menon
| image = Rajiv Menon at Kanika Dhillon's The Dance of Durga Book Launch.jpg
| image_size =
| caption =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1963|4|20}}
| birth_place = [[Kochi]], [[Kerala]], India
| alma_mater = [[Madras Film Institute]]
| occupation = [[Director of Photography]], [[Cinematographer]], [[Film Director]], [[Educator]], [[Screenwriter]]
| spouse = Latha Menon
| mother = [[Kalyani Menon]]
| landscape =
}}
'''Rajiv Menon''' (born 20 April 1963) is an Indian filmmaker who has worked as a [[film director|director]] and [[cinematographer]] in several Indian regional film industries. After making his breakthrough as a film cinematographer with [[Mani Ratnam]]'s drama ''[[Bombay (film)|Bombay]]'' (1994), Menon has continued to collaborate with Ratnam on other projects including ''[[Guru (2007 film)|Guru]]'' (2007) & ''[[Kadal (2013 film)|Kadal]]'' (2013). He has also directed 2 critically acclaimed Tamil films, ''[[Minsara Kanavu]]'' (1997) and ''[[Kandukondain Kandukondain]]'' (2000), winning a [[Filmfare Award for Best Director – Tamil|Filmfare Award]] for the latter.<ref name="sudhishkamath">{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/look-whats-brewing/article4348055.ece|title=Look what's brewing|author=Sudhish Kamath|work=The Hindu}}</ref><ref name="thehindu.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/profile/author/rajiv-menon/|title=rajiv menon|work=The Hindu}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/05/05/stories/2006050502280200.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070309144309/http://www.hindu.com/2006/05/05/stories/2006050502280200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2007-03-09 |title=Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Study at Rajiv Menon's institute |date=2006-05-05 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=2012-02-04}}</ref> After a sabbatical, Menon returned to directing with ''[[Sarvam Thaala Mayam]]''.

Away from films, Menon is a leading Indian advertising director, and runs Rajiv Menon Productions and Mindscreen Film Institute, which supplies equipment for documentaries, advertising films and cinemas.<ref name="indiatimes.com">{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/I-have-6-scripts-that-are-ready-Rajiv-Menon/articleshow/46957942.cms|title=I have 6 scripts that are ready: Rajiv Menon|work=The Times of India}}</ref><ref name="thehindu.com1">{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/rajiv-menons-institute-offers-course-in-cinematography/article3129207.ece|title=Rajiv Menon's institute offers course in cinematography|work=The Hindu}}</ref>

==Early life==
Rajiv Menon was born in [[Kochi|Cochin]], Kerala into a Malayalam-speaking family. As a result of his father's occupation as a naval officer, Menon regularly had the chance to live across different parts of India at a very young age. His mother is the noted playback singer [[Kalyani Menon]], while his brother currently serves as an officer in the [[Indian Railways]].

As a result of his travels as a youth, Menon rarely had exposure to television apart from group screenings of war films such as ''[[The Guns of Navarone (film)|The Guns of Navarone]]'' (1961) at the naval base. Once his family moved to [[Visakhapatnam]], he became increasingly interested in cinema, and was impressed by a mixture of Hindi and Malayalam films such as ''[[Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam]]'' (1962), ''[[Chemmeen]]'' (1965), ''[[Nirmalyam]]'' (1973), ''[[Yaadon Ki Baaraat]]'' (1973).<ref name="fullpicture2017">{{cite web|url=http://fullpicture.in/interview-detail/114/the-imaginarium-of-r.html|title=The Imaginarium of Rajiv Menon — Talking mindscreens|website=fullpicture.in}}</ref> Menon later moved to [[Madras]] aged fifteen and spent his formative years in the city.<ref name="rediff2000">{{cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2000/apr/05rajiv.htm|title=rediff.com, Movies: Rajiv Menon interview|website=www.rediff.com}}</ref> The death of his father during the period meant that Menon was left with little guidance during and did not want to take up a job which would put him in a "rat race". He was gifted a spare camera by his neighbour Desikan, a photo journalist with [[The Hindu]], with the move igniting an interest for Menon in cinematography.<ref name="fullpicture2017"/> After gaining admission into the [[M.G.R. Government Film and Television Training Institute|Madras Film Institute]], he began to explore filmmaking as a nuance and became a keen follower of the work of Bengali directors such as [[Satyajit Ray]] and [[Mrinal Sen]], and Tamil directors such as [[Balu Mahendra]] and [[Mahendran (filmmaker)|Mahendran]].<ref name="fullpicture2017"/>

Menon began his career in the entertainment industry as a still photographer, while also dabbling in work on fashion shoots and corporate films. He later got into commercials, and eventually graduated into working on them as a director. As a part of his commitment to an advert for Harvest Groundnut Oil, he first became acquainted with music composer [[A. R. Rahman]], then widely known by his birth name of Dileep Kumar. The pair subsequently regularly collaborated on commercials, and often worked together in the late 1980s on brands such as [[Hyderabad Allwyn Limited|Allwyn]] and Asian Paints.<ref name="fullpicture2017"/>

==Film career==
===Debut and breakthrough, 1990–1995===
As his profile as an ad film-maker improved, Rajiv Menon worked on a few documentaries for filmmakers including [[Girish Karnad]] and [[Shyam Benegal]]. Karnad consequently offered him the opportunity to be the cinematographer for the Kannada film ''Jokumaraswamy'' in 1990, but the project was stalled after its lead actor [[Shankar Nag]] died in a car crash the day before the shoot. Another proposed film, ''Agniputhri'' was also shelved soon after its announcement.<ref name="fullpicture2017"/> The following year, cinematographer [[P. C. Sreeram]] picked Menon to replace him for the shoot of [[Pratap K. Pothen|Pratap Pothen]]’s Telugu road film, ''[[Chaitanya (film)|Chaitanya]]'' (1991), starring [[Nagarjuna (actor)|Nagarjuna]] and [[Gautami]]. Menon has since revealed that his first assignment was a "physically and mentally exhausting" film to shoot, as it was full of chase scenes involving boats and motor cycles, and that he "couldn’t wait to get back to commercials".<ref name="fullpicture2017"/> He then worked with Karnad on a Kannada film titled ''[[Cheluvi]]'' (1992), to make up for the previous missed opportunity. During the period, Menon notably turned down the opportunity to work with [[M. Night Shyamalan]] on his directorial debut, ''[[Praying with Anger]]'' (1992), and on the chance to work as the lead actor in [[Mani Ratnam]]'s romantic drama, ''[[Roja (film)|Roja]]'' (1992).<ref name="fullpicture2017"/>

Menon was then approached by [[Mani Ratnam]] to shoot ''[[Bombay (film)|Bombay]]'' (1994), a film centred on events that occurred leading up to the demolition of the [[Babri Masjid]] in [[Ayodhya]], and the increased religious tensions that led to the [[Bombay riots]]. As a part of his instructions, Menon needed to depict the scenes before the riots as beautiful as possible. So, Menon suggested shooting in the rains to achieve the effect. The team shot the interiors of homes in [[Pollachi]] in Tamil Nadu and the exteriors were shot in [[Kasargod]], and [[Kannur district|Kannur village]] in Kerala, while the song sequence ''Uyire'' was shot at [[Bekal Fort]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://keralamovielocations.com/beaches/payyambalam.html|title=Payyambalam beach in frames of Kerala on celluloid — Shooting Locations — Kerala Movie Locations|website=keralamovielocations.com|access-date=18 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170226173118/http://keralamovielocations.com/beaches/payyambalam.html|archive-date=26 February 2017|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/Indian-locations-provide-stunning-backdrops-for-film-shoots/article16182372.ece|title=Indian locations provide stunning backdrops for film shoots|last=Aishwarya|first=S.|date=3 July 2010|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=21 September 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170921070424/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/Indian-locations-provide-stunning-backdrops-for-film-shoots/article16182372.ece|archive-date=21 September 2017|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Menon described that the success of the film "changed his life".<ref name="fullpicture2017"/>

===Critical acclaim, 1996–2000===
[[AVM Productions]] wanted to make a film to commemorate its 50th anniversary in 1997 and signed on [[Prabhu Deva]] to play a lead role and [[A. R. Rahman]] to score the music for a potential project. The production studio revealed that they were looking for a new director and Rahman suggested the name of Rajiv Menon to make his directorial debut.<ref>{{cite web | title= A. R. Rahman: Summary Biography | work=A. R. Rahman: A Biography | url= http://members.tripod.com/gopalhome/arrbio.html | year= 1997 | access-date=9 April 2011}}</ref> Menon thought about the offer for two months and was ultimately convinced by Rahman and [[Mani Ratnam]] to accept the project titled ''[[Minsara Kanavu]]''.<ref name="rediffint">{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/apr/04rajv.htm |title=Rediff On The Net, Movies:An interview with Rajiv Menon |publisher=Rediff.com |date=4 April 1997 |access-date=10 May 2012}}</ref> [[Arvind Swamy]] was then signed up for a role as was Hindi actress [[Kajol]], to make her debut in Tamil films. The film was released in January 1997 and was successful at the Chennai box office, notably outperforming [[Mani Ratnam]]'s political drama ''[[Iruvar]]'' (1997), which was released on the same day. After audiences were initially unhappy with the sad climax of the film, distributors reverted and used an alternate ending which had also been shot for the film.<ref name="rediffint"/> A critic from Indolink.com gave the film a positive review, stating that "''Minsara Kanavu'' is again a triangular love story with a little difference. It has good entertainment value, awesome cinematography and excellent songs and choreographed dances."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indolink.com/tamil/cinema/Reviews/articles/minsaara.htm |title=MInsaara Kanavu |publisher=Indolink.com |access-date=10 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303221254/http://www.indolink.com/tamil/cinema/Reviews/articles/minsaara.htm |archive-date=3 March 2016 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The film was partially re-shot and released by ABC Films in October 1997 in Hindi as ''Sapnay'' to capitalise on [[Kajol]]'s popularity in Northern India, earning above average reviews from critics.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/6D204B9DF65DC73D65256941003DC8F9 |title=Sapnay - The Indian Express |date=26 October 1997 |access-date=10 May 2012 }}{{dead link|date=February 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

After the success of his maiden venture, Menon was signed by producer [[Kalaipuli S. Thanu]] to direct a film under his production in the final quarter of 1998. Menon announced he had begun pre-production work on a project titled ''Theekkul Viralai Vaithal'' during November 1998, with the title taken from a line by [[Subramania Bharati]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.rediff.com/movies/1998/nov/16ss.htm|title=Rediff On The NeT, Movies: Gossip from the southern film industry|website=m.rediff.com}}</ref><ref name="dhanu">{{cite web|author=Rajitha |title=Do not disturb: Now a multi-lingual multi-starrer |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/feb/12ss.htm |date=12 February 1999 |publisher=[[Rediff]] |access-date=2009-05-26 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090215092929/http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/feb/12ss.htm |archive-date=15 February 2009 }}</ref> Menon subsequently wanted a bigger storyline and scripted a screenplay based on the [[Jane Austen]] novel, ''[[Sense and Sensibility]]'' and the project was renamed as ''Kandukondain Kandukondain''. Menon claimed that the story of two sisters reflected in the film were reminiscent of him and his brother through difficult parts of their lives.<ref name="rajivint">{{cite web|last=Warrier |first=Shobha |title=The director has to make each one feel special |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2000/apr/05rajiv.htm |date=5 April 2000 |publisher=[[Rediff]] |access-date=2011-01-03 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025093608/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2000/apr/05rajiv.htm |archive-date=25 October 2012 }}</ref> Featuring an ensemble cast of actors including [[Mammootty]], [[Ajith Kumar]], [[Abbas (actor)|Abbas]], [[Aishwarya Rai]] and [[Tabu (actress)|Tabu]], the film was highly anticipated prior to release owing to its high production values and popular soundtrack by Rahman. After most of the production was complete in November 1999, Menon wanted a rough copy of the film to be previewed by the village audience first, to ensure that they could relate to the subject, after his previous film failed to fare well in rural areas.<ref name="rajivint"/> After showing parts of the film, they eventually held a group discussion before thanking the volunteers with gifts, while receiving positive feedback.<ref name="rajivint"/>

Made on a budget of {{INR}}4 crore, the film opened to positive reviews from film critics. The [[Indian Express]] stated that it was "a progressive film encouraging female independence, yet staying a warm family tale in essence" and that "''Kandukondain Kandukondain'' is the kind of film every intelligent movie-goer ought not to miss", making it "a wonderful watch".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.expressindia.com/news/ie/daily/20000710/ien08001.html |title=Movie reviews |publisher=Expressindia.com |date=2000-07-10 |access-date=2012-08-25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014072652/http://www.expressindia.com/news/ie/daily/20000710/ien08001.html |archive-date=14 October 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/ie/daily/20000808/ien06038.html |title=Sorry |work=Indian Express |access-date=2012-08-25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030429043410/http://www.indianexpress.com/ie/daily/20000808/ien06038.html |archive-date=29 April 2003 }}</ref> The film successfully completed 150 days at the box office in Tamil Nadu, becoming a box office success.<ref>;http://www.screenindia.com/old/20010119/renews.htm&lt{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Menon chose to bring the film to North Indian audiences too, but opted against dubbing the film and submitted a final copy with English subtitles. He felt that the strong elements of [[Carnatic music|Carnatic]] music, [[Subramanya Bharathi]]'s poetry and the ambience of [[Karaikudi]], were exclusively made for a Tamil backdrop.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/life/2002/09/30/stories/2002093000150400.htm |title=Catering to a larger audience |publisher=The Hindu Business Line |date=2002-09-30 |access-date=2014-08-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/filmmaker-rajiv-menon-releases-tamil-film-kandukondain-kandukondain-with-english-subtitles/1/246015.html |title=Filmmaker Rajiv Menon releases Tamil film Kandukondain Kandukondain with English subtitles : YOUR WEEK - India Today |publisher=Indiatoday.intoday.in |date=2000-08-14 |access-date=2014-08-14 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150212193722/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/filmmaker-rajiv-menon-releases-tamil-film-kandukondain-kandukondain-with-english-subtitles/1/246015.html |archive-date=12 February 2015 }}</ref> The film was showcased at the Regus London Film Festival in November 2011, and critics from the UK newspaper [[The Guardian]] rated it as amongst the top 12 films out of 270. Critic [[Peter Bradshaw]] noted it "is an entertaining reinvention of the novel" and adds that "the richly complicated plot allows it to be exuberantly transposed to modern-day India", ranking it alongside [[Ang Lee]]'s ''[[Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon]]'' and [[Cameron Crowe]]'s ''[[Almost Famous]]''.<ref name="uk">{{cite web|url=http://expressindia.indianexpress.com/ie/daily/20001108/ien08034.html |title=Kandukondain rated one of top 12 films at London fest |publisher=Expressindia.indianexpress.com |date=2000-11-08 |access-date=2014-08-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2000/11/09/stories/09090221.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140814234611/http://www.thehindu.com/2000/11/09/stories/09090221.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2014-08-14 |title=West End success story |date=2000-11-09 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=2014-08-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/2000/11/08/stories/0408401c.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150112020703/http://www.thehindu.com/2000/11/08/stories/0408401c.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=2015-01-12|website=[[The Hindu]]|date=2000-11-08|title=Talk of the Town}}</ref> Menon showed the film across the world, including having screenings at the Washington Film Festival in April 2001, Locarno Film Festival in August 2002 and the Tiburon International Film Festival in March 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tiburonfilmfestival.com/filmInfo.php?film_id=1125 |title=Tiburon International Film Festival |publisher=Tiburonfilmfestival.com |date=2004-03-14 |access-date=2014-08-14 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305023352/http://www.tiburonfilmfestival.com/filmInfo.php?film_id=1125 |archive-date= 5 March 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2002/jul/17locar.htm |title=Movies: Aamir at an Indian Summer in Locarno |publisher=rediff.com |access-date=2014-08-14 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304033710/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2002/jul/17locar.htm |archive-date= 4 March 2016 }}</ref> Menon discussed the potential of a Hindi version of the film with director [[Sanjay Leela Bhansali]] and actor [[Irrfan Khan]] but the project did not materialise.<ref>https://silverscreen.in/movies/features/twenty-years-of-kandukondein-kandukondein-rajiv-menon-on-putting-together-the-ensemble-project-and-why-it-has-endured/</ref>

===Recent projects, 2001–present===
The release of Menon's second and third feature films were separated by eighteen years. In early 2001, Menon began writing ''Spin'', a [[Hinglish]] film based on a real-life relationship between a child with [[muscular dystrophy]] and cricketer [[Anil Kumble]], who was set to play the lead role. The project however did not materialise, and he stopped working on revising the script soon after.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20011119174410/http://www.screenindia.com/20010907/rtam.html</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/I-have-stories-to-tell/articleshow/39850675.cms|title='I have stories to tell' - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.rediff.com/movies/2001/mar/31tt.htm|title=rediff.com, Movies: Gossip from the southern film industry: Anil Kumble to act?!|website=m.rediff.com}}</ref> In 2006, Menon worked on a Hindi adaptation of the comedy drama ''[[Fiddler on the Roof (film)|Fiddler on the Roof]]'', and hoped to sign [[Amitabh Bachchan]] to play the lead role. However, the project was put on hold and eventually did not materialise.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://baradwajrangan.wordpress.com/2007/01/28/interview-rajiv-menon/|title=Interview: Rajiv Menon|date=28 January 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.santabanta.com/bollywood/11459/amitabh-could-be-in-indian-version-of-fiddler-on-the-roof/|title=Amitabh could be in Indian version of 'Fiddler on the Roof'|website=www.santabanta.com}}</ref> Menon later narrated a script to [[Aishwarya Rai]] and [[Abhishek Bachchan]] for a project titled ''Dhun'' during late 2008, and the pair agreed to work on the film. The script was inspired by [[Hrishikesh Mukherjee]]'s ''[[Abhimaan (1973 film)|Abhimaan]]'' (1973) but failed to take off after the actors became busy with other projects.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/oct/03abhi.htm|title=Abhishek-Ash in Abhimaan 2|website=www.rediff.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rajeevmasand.com/uncategorized/roja-was-my-benchmark-says-a-r-rahman/|title=Roja was my benchmark, says A R Rahman - Rajeev Masand – movies that matter : from bollywood, hollywood and everywhere else|website=www.rajeevmasand.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/rajiv-menons-abhi--ash-starrer-is-titled--dhun-/428770/|title=Rajiv Menon's Abhi - Ash starrer is titled 'Dhun'|work=Indian Express}}</ref> Menon then agreed to work on a biopic of [[Carnatic music|Carnatic]] singer [[M. S. Subbulakshmi]] for producer Somaprasad during January 2012, which would be based on the book ''MS, A Life In Music'' by [[T. J. S. George]]. However, in February 2013, Menon confirmed that he would begin work on an unrelated project with a similar script and a bigger budget, and that [[Vidya Balan]] had agreed to essay the lead role of the singer.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/vidya-balan-to-play-subbulakshmi-in-biopic-153960-2013-02-13|title=Vidya to play Subbulakshmi in Rajiv Menon biopic|agency=IANS|date=February 13, 2013|website=India Today}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainmenttags/aishwarya-rai/why-aishwarya-opted-out-menon-s-biopic-ms-subbulakshmi|title=Why Aishwarya opted out of Menon's biopic on MS Subbulakshmi?|website=PINKVILLA}}</ref> Soon after the project was confirmed, Somaprasad filed for a stay on the film's production and subsequently won a court case to prevent Menon from making the film.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Trouble-for-MS-Subbulakshmi-biopic/articleshow/19068752.cms|title=Trouble for MS Subbulakshmi biopic? - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/Bangalorean-wins-MS-film-case/articleshow/40435668.cms|title=Bangalorean wins MS film case - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref> Apart from writing and scrapping potential film ideas, Menon continued work as a teacher at his film institute and as a director for advertisements. He also worked with [[Mani Ratnam]] as the cinematographer for the director's films, ''[[Guru (2007 film)|Guru]]'' (2007) and ''[[Kadal (2013 film)|Kadal]]'' (2013).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/music-is-a-medium-that-allows-you-to-fly-beyond-your-caste-rajiv-menon/articleshow/67076269.cms|title=Music is a medium that allows you to fly beyond your caste: Rajiv Menon - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/look-whats-brewing/article4348055.ece|title=Look what's brewing|first=Sudhish|last=Kamath|date=26 January 2013|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref>

After a brief gap in feature films, he is coming back with his latest creation, ''[[Sarvam Thaala Mayam]]'' (2019) featuring [[G. V. Prakash Kumar]]. The film is set in a musical background and tells the story of an aspiring percussionist.<ref>https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/sarvam-thaala-mayam/movie-review/67727649.cms</ref>

==Style of work==
Rajiv Menon has worked across several regional film industries in India, contributing towards English, Hindi, Kannada, Tamil and Telugu films. As a multilingual speaker, he revealed that during the making of his first few films, he would think of the dialogues in Malayalam, tape it and send it to writer [[Sujatha Rangarajan|Sujatha]], who would help interpret them into Tamil.<ref name="rediff2000"/> Although he has previously stated his desire to make a Malayalam language film, Menon has stated that the larger global reach of Tamil and Hindi films means that he is more regularly associated with such projects.<ref name="rediff2000"/>

For films which he has directed, Menon has selected other cinematographers to handle the camera work, despite his own proficiency. In his directorial projects to date, he has worked with [[Venu (cinematographer)|Venu]], [[Ravi K. Chandran]] and [[Ravi Yadav]]. Menon stated that he prefers to be available for the cast and crew as a director, and prefers not to have cutters covering him during the process of directing the film.<ref name="sify.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/tamil/interview.php?id=6005415&cid=2408|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414063903/http://www.sify.com/movies/tamil/interview.php?id=6005415&cid=2408|url-status=dead|archive-date=2016-04-14|title=Welcome to Sify.com|website=www.sify.com}}</ref>

In the past, Menon has actively turned down acting offers citing that he prefers to concentrate on being behind the screen. He has previously appeared in a supporting role in [[Fazil (director)|Fazil]]'s Malayalam comedy drama film, ''[[Harikrishnans]]'' (1998) starring [[Mohanlal]], [[Mammootty]] and [[Juhi Chawla]]. Playing the role of Guptan, Menon's character is killed and the entire plot surrounds around the investigation.
Regarding his reluctance to accept acting roles, Menon has stated that he had not taken any acting classes, but had worked hard towards becoming a cameraman and a director. He has also expressed his delight at leading an anonymous life, which could change if he were to become recognisable in public spaces.<ref name="sify.com"/>

==Other projects==
Menon started his career in the field of ad-photography, and then went on to make a number of TV commercials. He entered the field during the early days (1980s) when competition was nil. It was the time when [[A. R. Rahman]] decided to do music on his own. They become friends and his creativeness was combined with [[A. R. Rahman]]'s musical Jingles. He did his first Jingle in a national wide ad with him ([[Hyderabad Allwyn Limited|Allwyn]] Trendy Watches). So far, Rajiv has done many ads with [[A. R. Rahman]]'s Jingles. Noteworthy ones are for ''Airtel, Colgate, Palmolive, Titan, Asian Paints, Raymonds, Coca Cola''.<ref name="sudhishkamath"/><ref name="thehindu.com"/><ref name="auto"/>

Rajiv Menon's production house was ranked No.3<ref name=No3>[http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=RVRNLzIwMDYvMDUvMjQjQXIwNDMwMA==&Mode=HTML&Locale=english-skin-custom Rajiv Menon Productions ranked as No.3], Economic Time Mumbai's Production House Ranking.</ref> by Economic Times Mumbai in 2006. The next year's ranking saw the company move to No.2. Rajiv Menon's production house is set up in [[Chennai]] and his agency clients range from [[Ogilvy & Mather]], Lintas, Rediffusion, Hindustan Thompson Associates, to even smaller ones like Zero Degree Design Studio, Rubecon and Situations Advertising.<ref name="auto"/>

His recent work includes a film about seven great [[Carnatic music|Carnatic]] musicians. This documentary was made for the event of releasing the coffee-table book "Voices Within" by the contemporary musicians [[T. M. Krishna|T.M Krishna]] and [[Bombay Jayashri|Bombay Jayashree]]. The documentary by Rajiv Menon captures the qualities of these music stalwarts.<ref name="auto"/>

==Personal life==
Rajiv Menon is married to a fellow advertising director, Latha, and is based out of Chennai.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Fame-by-Frame/article15508759.ece|title=Fame by Frame|first=T. Krithika|last=Reddy|date=6 January 2011|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref> The pair has two daughters, Saraswathi and Lakshmi. Menon has described music director [[A. R. Rahman]] and director [[Mani Ratnam]] as his close friends, and has suggested that he is professionally motivated by his associations with the pair.<ref name="rediff2000"/>

==Filmography==
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="width:50%;"
|+ As director
|-
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Title
! scope="col" | Language(s)
! scope="col" | Acting role
! scope="col" | Music director
! scope="col" | Notes
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 1997,
! scope="row" | ''[[Minsara Kanavu]],''
| style="text-align:center;" | [[Tamil language|Tamil]],
| style="text-align:center;" | Thomas's employees, Guptan
| {{No}}
| Uncredited role
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 2000
! scope="row" | ''[[Kandukondain Kandukondain]]''
| style="text-align:center;" | [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
| style="text-align:center;" | Actor in Manohar's film
| {{No}}
| Uncredited role
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 2019
! scope="row" | ''[[Sarvam Thaala Mayam]]''
| style="text-align:center;" | [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
| {{No}}
| style="text-align:center;" | One song ("Varalaama")
|
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 2020
! scope="row" | ''[[Putham Pudhu Kaalai]]''
| style="text-align:center;" | [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
| {{No}}
| {{No}}
| Anthology film; segment ''Reunion''<ref>{{Cite web|title= 'Putham Pudhu Kaalai': Amazon Prime Video announces anthology of five Tamil short films
|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2020/sep/30/putham-pudhu-kaalai-amazon-prime-video-announces-anthology-of-five-tamil-short-films-2203973.amp |access-date=2020-10-02|website=Cinema Express|language=en}}</ref>
|}

{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="width:25%;"
|+ As cinematographer
|-
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Title
! scope="col" | Language(s)
! scope="col" | Notes
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 1991
! scope="row" | ''[[Chaitanya (film)|Chaitanya]]''
| style="text-align:center;" | [[Telugu language|Telugu]]
|
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 1992
! scope="row" | ''[[Cheluvi]]''
| style="text-align:center;" | [[Kannada language|Kannada]]
|
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 1995
! scope="row" | ''[[Bombay (film)|Bombay]]''
| style="text-align:center;" | [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
|
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 2004
! scope="row" | ''[[Morning Raga]]''
| style="text-align:center;" | [[English language|English]]
|
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 2007
! scope="row" | ''[[Guru (2007 film)|Guru]]''
| style="text-align:center;" | [[Hindi language|Hindi]]
|
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 2013
! scope="row" | ''[[Kadal (2013 film)|Kadal]]''
| style="text-align:center;" | [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
|
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 2020
! scope="row" | ''[[Sumo (film)|Sumo]]''
| style="text-align:center;" | [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
|
|}

{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="width:25%;"
|+ As actor
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Title
! scope="col" | Language(s)
! scope="col" | Role
! scope="col" | Notes
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 1998
! scope="row" | ''[[Harikrishnans]]''
| style="text-align:center;" | [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]]
| style="text-align:center;" | Guptan
|
|}

==Music videos==

===As Producer===
*2001 - ''Ussele Ussele'' - Tamil pop album featuring singers: Sreenivas, Karthik and Timmy

===As playback singer===
*Kichu Kichu - ''[[Naina (2002 film)|Naina]]'' (2002)

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{IMDb name|0579766}}

{{FilmfareAwardBestTamilDirector}}
{{Rajiv Menon}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Menon, Rajiv}}
[[Category:1963 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Malayalam film directors]]
[[Category:Tamil film directors]]
[[Category:Tamil film cinematographers]]
[[Category:Cinematographers from Kerala]]
[[Category:Malayalam film cinematographers]]
[[Category:Filmfare Awards South winners]]
[[Category:Kendriya Vidyalaya alumni]]
[[Category:Film directors from Kochi]]
[[Category:Male actors from Kochi]]
[[Category:Indian male film actors]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian male actors]]
[[Category:Malayalam film producers]]
[[Category:Film producers from Kochi]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian film directors]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian film directors]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian photographers]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian photographers]]
[[Category:Indian advertising directors]]

Rajiv Menon - Revision history

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	\| style="text-align:center;" \| 1998		\| style="text-align:center;" \| 1998
	! scope="row" \| ''[[Harikrishnans]]''		! scope="row" \| ''[[Harikrishnans]]''
	\| style="text-align:center;" \| [[~~Malayalam language\|~~Malayalam]]		\| style="text-align:center;" \| [[Malayalam]]
	\| style="text-align:center;" \| Guptan		\| style="text-align:center;" \| Guptan
	\|		\|

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