GeorgiannaMoberg: Starting Entry

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{{short description|Indian director|bot=PearBOT 5}}
{{distinguish|text=[[Ezhil (programming language)|Ezhil]], a programming language developed since 2007}}
{{distinguish|text=the Turkish rapper [[Ezhel]]}}
{{EngvarB|date=September 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2014}}
{{Infobox person
| name = S. Ezhil
| image =
| imagesize =
| birth_name = Ezhilmaaran S.
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1964|2|1}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iflicks.in/StarPage/Director/Ezhil |title=Iflicks: Latest Tamil cinema news | Kollywood latest news | Tamil movie stills |publisher=Iflicks.in |access-date=2016-12-01}}</ref>
| birth_place = [[Mayiladuthurai]], [[Tamilnadu]], India
| occupation = Film director
| othername = Ezhil
| yearsactive = 1999-present
| spouse =
| children =
}}
'''Ezhilmaaran S.''' is an Indian film director who works in the [[Tamil cinema|Tamil film industry]]. He made his directorial debut with the 1999 romance film ''[[Thullatha Manamum Thullum]]''. His success streak continued with ''[[Pennin Manathai Thottu]]'' (2000), ''[[Poovellam Un Vasam]]'' (2001) and ''[[Deepavali (2007 film)|Deepavali]]'' (2007). He made a comeback in 2012 after a brief sabbatical with ''[[Manam Kothi Paravai]]'' which opened to moderate reviews from critics but was a commercial hit.<ref>[http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-reviews/reviews-2/jun-12-01/manam-kothi-paravai-review.html Manam Kothi Paravai Review – Manam Kothi Paravai Movie Review] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130918014701/http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-reviews/reviews-2/jun-12-01/manam-kothi-paravai-review.html |date=18 September 2013 }}. Behindwoods.com. Retrieved on 13 April 2014. This was the breakthrough performance in his film career</ref> He has won two Tamil Nadu state awards. Film Directors [[Suseenthiran]] and [[Karu Pazhaniappan]] were his assistants.

==Career==

===1999-2007: Romance films and initial success===
Ezhil made his debut as a filmmaker with ''[[Thullatha Manamum Thullum]]'' at [[R. B. Choudary]]'s production house. The film features [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]] and [[Simran (actress)|Simran]] in the lead roles. Prior to release, the role of Vijay's mother in the film was kept under wraps with the media speculating who would play the role. Eventually, no actress played the role, although the character played a pivotal part in the film.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/jan/25ss.htm |title=Rediff On The NeT, Movies: Gossip from the southern film industry |work=Rediff.com |date=1999-01-25 |access-date=2016-12-01}}</ref> Vijay took a pay cut for the film, accepting only 3 million rupees instead of 5 million rupees, as he had signed the film before the release of his blockbuster ''[[Kadhalukku Mariyadhai]]'' (1997).<ref name="starbacks1">{{cite web |url=http://www.starbacks.ca/Broadway/8407/bits.htm |title=Starbacks.ca |access-date=2014-03-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924105706/http://www.starbacks.ca/Broadway/8407/bits.htm |archive-date=24 September 2015 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Initially, Ezhil wanted comedian [[Vadivelu]] to play the lead role. Vadivelu, who was impressed with the story, told Ezhil that the storyline was too good and he did not know whether it will work with him in the lead. Vadivelu also asked Ezhil to wait for six months, and if the latter did not get anyone else as the hero, then Vadivelu will act in it. Vadivelu was then was replaced by Vijay.<ref>{{cite web|author=cinemalead.com |url=http://cinemalead.com/news-id-vadivelu-was-the-first-choice-of-thullatha-manamum-thullum-ezhil-24-06-132568.htm |title=Vadivelu was the first choice for Thullatha Manamum Thulllum ! - Vadivelu Was The First Choice Of Thullatha Manamum Thullum- Ezhil- Vijay- Karu Palaniapan- Supergood Films |publisher=Cinemalead.com |date=2013-06-24 |access-date=2016-12-01}}</ref> The film went on to become a blockbuster, running for 100 days across dozens of theatres in Tamil Nadu, while it also enjoyed similar success in the neighboring state of [[Kerala]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/jul/02ss.htm |title=Rediff On The NeT, Movies: Gossip from the southern film industry |work=Rediff.com |date=1999-07-02 |access-date=2016-12-01}}</ref>

Vijay and Ezhil immediately decided to follow up this film with another collaboration, ''[[Pennin Manathai Thottu]]'', with either [[Isha Koppikar]] or [[Roja Selvamani|Roja]] to be hired as the lead actress. However, soon after pre-production, Vijay was replaced by [[Prabhu Deva]] and the film went on to release in 2000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/jul/26ss.htm |title=Rediff On The NeT, Movies: Gossip from the southern film industry |work=Rediff.com |date=1999-07-26 |access-date=2016-12-01}}</ref><ref name="starbacks1"/> Like ''Thullatha Manamum Thullum'', it also became a success.

[[Ajith Kumar]] signed the film ''[[Poovellam Un Vasam]]'' in early 2001 after he pulled out of [[Praveen Gandhi]]'s commercial film ''[[Star (2001 film)|Star]]''.<ref name="hindu2002">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2002/04/26/stories/2002042600970400.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030704153642/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2002/04/26/stories/2002042600970400.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2003-07-04 |title=A success team reunites |date=2002-04-26 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=2016-12-01}}</ref> The producers had initially approached [[Simran (actress)|Simran]], [[Aishwarya Rai]] and then [[Preity Zinta]] to star, with their refusals leading to the casting of [[Jyothika]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cinematoday2.itgo.com/33Hot%20News%20Just%20for%20U6.htm |title=Whither K |publisher=Cinematoday2.itgo.com |access-date=2016-12-01}}</ref> [[Miss World]] 2001, [[Yukta Mookhey]] was hired to appear in an [[item number]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cinematoday3.itgo.com/Previews%20-%20Poovellam%20Un%20Vaasam.htm |title=SUBAS |publisher=Cinematoday3.itgo.com |access-date=2016-12-01}}</ref> Ajith gained mass image before the filming so producer Ravichandran expressed his doubts to Ezhil about carrying on with such a family oriented film with an action hero like Ajith in hand. But Ezhil was confident about Ajith's capabilities in pulling off varying roles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-10/when-ajith---the-action-hero-proved-he-could-do-varied-roles-ajith-poovellam-un-vaasam-14-03-13.html |title=When Ajith - the action hero, proved he could do varied roles, Ajith, Poovellam Un Vaasam |website=Behindwoods.com |date=2013-03-14 |access-date=2016-12-01}}</ref> The film opened to positive reviews with [[The Hindu]] critic labelling it as "reasonably interesting", with Ajith's performance being praised as "Ajith is natural and neat" with claims that "he has to work harder on his soliloquies and sad expressions".<ref name="hindu2001">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/2001/08/24/stories/09240222.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020122103647/http://hindu.com/thehindu/2001/08/24/stories/09240222.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2002-01-22 |title=Film Review: Poovellam Un Vaasam |date=2001-08-24 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=2016-12-01}}</ref> The success of the film prompted Ezhil, Ajith Kumar and Jyothika to team up for a venture the following year with ''[[Raja (2002 film)|Raja]]''.<ref name="hindu2002"/>

In 2005, Ezhil directed ''[[Amudhae]]'', which received mixed reviews. His 2007 film ''[[Deepavali (2007 film)|Deepavali]]'', however, received positive reviews and became a success.

===2012-present: Rural comedy films===
In 2012, Ezhil made a comeback after a brief sabbatical with ''[[Manam Kothi Paravai]]''. When his friends, producer Ambeth Kumar and Ranjeev Menon, asked him how the film's shooting was proceeding, he made them listen to the film's songs by [[D. Imman]]. Impressed, they decided to produce it.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article3314731.ece | location=Chennai, India | work=The Hindu | title=Manam Kothi Paravai | date=14 April 2012}}</ref> It was initially expected that [[Yuvan Shankar Raja]], whom Ezhil had worked with in ''[[Deepavali (2007 film)|Deepavali]]'', would compose the music, but as the budget of this film could not afford to have Yuvan as the music composer, Ezhil opted for Imman.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/78500.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301011119/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/78500.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 March 2012 |title=Yuvan, Imman and Ezhil |website=IndiaGlitz|access-date=24 February 2012}}</ref> After the lead role in ''[[Marina (2012 film)|Marina]]'' and an important role in ''[[3 (2012 Indian film)|3]]'', [[Sivakarthikeyan]] is taking up a full-fledged lead role again for ''Manam Kothi Paravai''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/apr-12-02/siva-karthikeyan-manam-kothi-paravai-12-04-12.html |title=Siva Karthikeyan's 3! |website=Behindwoods |access-date=12 April 2012}}</ref> The film, which is set in a village, has been shot at Ezhil's native place Kayathur, near [[Mayiladuthurai]] (erstwhile Mayavaram) and Siva Karthikeyan's Thiruvizhimizhalai.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nowrunning.com/news/tamil/manam-kothi-paravai-shot-in-two-villages/51533/story.htm |title='Manam Kothi Paravai' shot in two villages |publisher=Nowrunning.com |date=16 May 2012 |access-date=18 August 2012 |archive-date=2 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302091601/http://www.nowrunning.com/news/tamil/manam-kothi-paravai-shot-in-two-villages/51533/story.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>

After a fairly successful outing with ''Manam Kothi Paravai'', Ezhil started his next film titled ''[[Desingu Raja]]'', which was in a similar genre rural comedy. He hired [[Vimal (actor)|Vimal]] to play the lead Idhayakani, who has been named so by his parents and is a diehard [[M. G. Ramachandran|MGR]] fan. [[Bindu Madhavi]] was signed to play the female lead as a [[Rajinikanth]] fanatic in the movie, thus pairing with Vimal for the second time after ''[[Kedi Billa Killadi Ranga]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-10/love-between-a-mgr-fanatic-and-a-rajini-fanatic-vimal-bindu-madhavi-25-01-13.html |title=Love between a MGR fanatic and a Rajini fanatic, Vimal, Bindu Madhavi |website=Behindwoods |date=25 January 2013 |access-date=22 May 2013}}</ref> She said "I play a cheerful, naughty village girl".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-03-28/news-interviews/38070972_1_next-film-pandiraj-kedi-billa-killadi-ranga |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130331054722/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-03-28/news-interviews/38070972_1_next-film-pandiraj-kedi-billa-killadi-ranga |url-status=dead |archive-date=31 March 2013 |title=Role play for Bindu |date=28 March 2013 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=22 May 2013}}</ref> [[Muktha (actress)|Muktha Bhanu]] danced for one song along with Vimal and the group dancers which was shot in [[Thiruvarur]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ayngaran.com/frame.php?iframepath=newsdetails.php?newsid=10211 |title=Ayngaran International |publisher=Ayngaran.com |access-date=22 May 2013}}</ref> In 2014, Ezhil directed ''[[Vellaikaara Durai]]'', which received mixed reviews but was a hit at the box office. His 2016 film ''[[Velainu Vandhutta Vellaikaaran]]'' was a commercial success. 2017 saw him directing [[Udhayanidhi Stalin]] in ''[[Saravanan Irukka Bayamaen]]''. In 2022, Ezhil directed ''[[Yutha Satham]]'' starring [[R. Parthiban]] and [[Gautham Karthik]] in lead roles.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/review/2022/Mar/18/yutha-satham-movie-review-parthiban-gautham-karthik-ezhil-rating-30364.html|title = Yutha Satham Movie Review: More noise, less substance}}</ref> Then, actor Vimal and director Ezhil have reunited for ''[[Desingu Raja 2]]'', a sequel to the duo’s 2013 hit comedy, ''Desingu Raja''.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Shoot at Site: Vemal shoots in a forest for Ezhil’s 'Desingu Raja 2' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/shoot-at-site-vemal-shoots-in-a-forest-for-ezhils-desingu-raja-2/articleshow/111075479.cms |access-date=2024-06-18 |work=The Times of India}}</ref> The film was released on July 2025 to negative reviews.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Desingu Raja 2 Movie Review: Comedy that forgot the comedy part |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/desingu-raja-2/movie-review/122383237.cms |access-date=2025-07-11 |work=The Times of India}}</ref>

==Filmography==
=== As a film director ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year
! Film
! Notes
! {{Tooltip|Ref.|Reference(s)}}
|-
| 1999 || ''[[Thullatha Manamum Thullum]]'' || [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Film]] (Second Prize) ||<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thiraipadam.com/cgi-bin/movie_review.pl?id=100&user_name=subashawards&review_lang=english&lang=english |title=Thullaatha Manamum Thullum - Tamil Movie Review |publisher=Thiraipadam.com |access-date=2016-12-01 |archive-date=6 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106032230/http://www.thiraipadam.com/cgi-bin/movie_review.pl?id=100&user_name=subashawards&review_lang=english&lang=english |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
| 2000 || ''[[Pennin Manathai Thottu]]'' || ||<ref>{{Cite news |title=Wanted: A pacemaker
|url=https://m.rediff.com/movies/2000/jul/18penn.htm |date=2000-07-18 |work=Rediff}}</ref>
|-
| 2001 || ''[[Poovellam Un Vasam]]'' || [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Family Film]] (Second Prize)||<ref>{{Cite news |title=Yawn!|url=https://m.rediff.com/movies/2001/oct/04poove.htm |access-date=2001-10-04 |work=Rediff}}</ref>
|-
| 2002 || ''[[Raja (2002 film)|Raja]]'' || ||<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2002/07/12/stories/2002071200790200.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040422110949/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2002/07/12/stories/2002071200790200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2004-04-22 |title=Raja |date=2002-07-12 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=2016-12-01}}</ref>
|-
| 2005 || ''[[Amudhae]]'' || || <ref>{{Cite web |date=20 May 2005 |title=Amuthe |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/amuthe-review-tamil-pclvJFbjadcbe.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224083826/https://www.sify.com/movies/amuthe-review-tamil-pclvJFbjadcbe.html |archive-date=24 February 2022 |access-date=23 February 2022 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref>
|-
| 2007 || ''[[Deepavali (2007 film)|Deepavali]]'' || ||<ref>{{Cite news |title=Deepavali, an early festival for the crew
|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-articles/movies-05/deepavali-movie-review.html |date=2007-02-09 |work=Behindwoods}}</ref>
|-
| 2012 || ''[[Manam Kothi Paravai]]''||Also producer||<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/manam-kothi-paravai-review-tamil-14999908.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130917000210/http://www.sify.com/movies/manam-kothi-paravai-review-tamil-14999908.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-09-17 |title=Review |website=[[Sify]] |date=2012-06-01 |access-date=2016-12-01}}</ref>
|-
| 2013 || ''[[Desingu Raja]]'' || ||<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/desingu-raja-review-tamil-15037023.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130827201713/http://www.sify.com/movies/desingu-raja-review-tamil-15037023.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-08-27 |title=Review |website=[[Sify]] |date=2013-08-24 |access-date=2016-12-01}}</ref>
|-
| 2014 || ''[[Vellaikaara Durai]]'' || ||<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.filmibeat.com/tamil/movies/vellaikara-durai.html |title=Vellaikara Durai (Vellakara Durai) Tamil Movie, Wiki, Story, Review, Release Date, Trailers |publisher=Filmibeat |access-date=2016-12-01}}</ref>
|-
| 2016 || ''[[Velainu Vandhutta Vellaikaaran]]'' || Also producer ||<ref>{{cite web|title=Velainnu Vandhutta Vellakaran: The grin reaper|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/Velainnu-Vandhutta-Vellakaran-The-grin-reaper/article14382452.ece|date=13 January 2024|access-date=18 October 2016|website=The Hindu}}</ref>
|-
|| 2017 || ''[[Saravanan Irukka Bayamaen]]'' || ||<ref>{{cite web|title=‘Saravanan Irukka Bayamaen’ review: comedy of horrors
|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/saravanan-irukka-bayamaen-review-comedy-of-horrors/article18438563.ece|date=18 May 2017|website=The Hindu}}</ref>
|-
| 2022 ||''[[Yutha Satham]]'' || ||<ref>{{cite web|title=Yutha Satham Movie Review: More noise, less substance
|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/saravanan-irukka-bayamaen-review-comedy-of-horrors/article18438563.ece|date=18 March 2017|website=Cinema Express}}</ref>
|-
| 2025 ||''[[Desingu Raja 2]]''|| ||<ref>{{cite web|title=Vemal-Ezhil join again for Desingu Raja 2|url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/review/2022/Mar/18/yutha-satham-movie-review-parthiban-gautham-karthik-ezhil-rating-30364.html|date=13 January 2024|website=Dt Next}}</ref>
|-
| 2026 || ''Aayiram Jenmangal'' || ||
|}

===As actor===
*''[[Manikkam]]'' (1996) - flower seller
*''[[Anjala (film)|Anjala]]'' (2016)

===Frequent collaborators===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! scope="col" | Collaborator
! scope="col" | {{Ubl | ''[[Thullatha Manamum Thullum]]'' | (1999)}}
! scope="col" | {{Ubl | ''[[Pennin Manathai Thottu]]'' | (2000)}}
! scope="col" | {{Ubl | ''[[Poovellam Un Vasam]]'' | (2001)}}
! scope="col" | {{Ubl | ''[[Raja (2002 film)|Raja]]'' | (2002)}}
! scope="col" | {{Ubl | ''[[Amudhae]]'' | (2005)}}
! scope="col" | {{Ubl | ''[[Deepavali (2007 film)|Deepavali]]'' | (2007)}}
! scope="col" | {{Ubl | ''[[Manam Kothi Paravai]]'' | (2012)}}
! scope="col" | {{Ubl | ''[[Desingu Raja]]'' | (2013)}}
! scope="col" | {{Ubl | ''[[Vellaikaara Durai]]'' | (2014)}}
! scope="col" | {{Ubl | ''[[Velainu Vandhutta Vellaikaaran]]'' | (2016)}}
! scope="col" | {{Ubl | ''[[Saravanan Irukka Bayamaen]]'' | (2017)}}
! scope="col" | {{Ubl | ''[[Yutha Satham]]'' | (2022)}}
! scope="col" | {{Ubl | ''[[Desingu Raja 2]]'' | (2025)}}
|-
|[[D. Imman]]
|
|
|
|
|
|
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
|
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
|
|-
|[[Soori (actor)|Soori]]
|
|
|
|
|
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
|
|
|-
|[[Robo Shankar]]
|
|
|
|
|
| {{ya}}
|
|
|
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}} (special appearance)
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
|-
|[[Swaminathan]]
|
|
| {{ya}}
|
| {{ya}}
|
|
| {{ya}}
|
| {{ya}}
|
|
| {{ya}}
|-
|[[Ravi Mariya]]
|
|
|
|
|
|
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
|
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}} (special appearance)
|
| {{ya}}
|-
|[[Vaiyapuri]]
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
|
| {{ya}}
|
|
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
|
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
|-
|[[Madhan Bob]]
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
|
|
|
|
| {{ya}}
|
| {{ya}}
|
|
|-
|[[Chaams]]
|
|
|
|
|
|
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
|
|
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
|-
|[[Mahanadi Shankar]]
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
|
|
|
| {{ya}}

|
|
| {{ya}}
|
| {{ya}}
|
|
|-
|[[Krishnamoorthy (actor)|Krishnamoorthy]]
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
|
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
|
|
|
| {{ya}}
|
|
|
|-
|[[Bava Lakshmanan]]
|
| {{ya}}
|
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
|
|
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
|
| {{ya}}
| {{ya}}
|}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*{{IMDb name|1318819}}

{{Ezhil}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ezhil}}
[[Category:Tamil film directors]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Film directors from Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:1964 births]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian people]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian people]]
[[Category:People from Mayiladuthurai district]]

S. Ezhil - Revision history

GeorgiannaMoberg: Starting Entry