Samuthirakani | |
|---|---|
 Samuthirakani at the audio launch of Sandamarutham | |
| Born | 26 April 1973[1] |
| Occupation | Film director, film actor, screenwriter, voice actor |
| Years active | 1998-present |
Samuthirakani (born 26 April 1973) is an Indian film actor and director who predominantly works in the Tamil cinema besides appearing in a number of Malayalam and Telugu films. He worked as an assistant to director K Balachander.[3] His 2009 directorial Naadodigal was a runaway hit.[4] He has acted in several films as well and is best known for his performances in Subramaniapuram (2009), Easan (2010) (both directed by M Sasikumar), Saattai (2012) Velaiyilla Pattathari (2014), Oppam (2016) and Krack (2021).[5][6][7][8] He won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2016 for Visaranai.[9][10]
Career
He did his B.Sc in Mathematics from the Rajapalayam Rajus College and further he even did Bachelor of Law from Ambedkar Law College. He dreamt of becoming an actor. However, people used to tell him that he does not have looks and do not know acting. So he would never become an actor. However, Samuthirakani entered cinema with dreams of making it as an actor.[11]
In 1997, he joined as an assistant director under K. Vijayan. Samuthirakani who always used to keep himself busy with work was noticed by K. Balachander and was roped in as assistant director for his 100th film Paarthale Paravasam. He also assisted Balachander in the mega-serial Anni telecasted by Jaya TV. The director recalls that the work experience he gained under his mentor helped him in many ways while shooting Arasi and Selvi, the mega-serial telecasted in Sun TV, which were massive hits among housewives.[12]As an actor he worked as a junior artist, in Jannal serial, telecasted in 1998, directed by K.Balachander.
In the early 2000s, Samuthirakani attempted to break into film industry as a director. He notably launched a shelved film titled Uyir Nanbanukku starring Cheran, before making Unnai Charanadaindhen (2003) for S. P. B. Charan.[13][14]
However it was the blockbuster success of Naadodigal (2009) that established Samuthirakani as a director. Since then he has directed meaningful and message oriented films such as Poraali (2011), Nimirndhu Nil (2014) and Appa (2016). All these films have been remade in Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam.[15]
He directed two Telugu films Shambo Shiva Shambo (2010) and Janda Pai Kapiraju (2015), he has been recognised more as an antagonist than a director.[16]
His performance in Vetrimaaran's Visaranai (2016) fetched him the Best Supporting Actor Award at the 63rd National Film Awards.[17]
Samuthirakani, who helmed and starred in the original Appa (2016), has directed the Malayalam version Aakashamittayee (2017) along with M. Padmakumar.[18]
He is also playing an important role in Rajinikanth's flick Kaala (2018).[19]
Samuthirakani's returns to direction with Naadodigal 2 (2020), a film that takes up the topic of equality.[20]
Filmography
As director
- Films
| Year | Film | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Unnai Charanadaindhen | Tamil | Won - Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Story Writer |
| 2004 | Neranja Manasu | Tamil | |
| 2004 | Naalo | Telugu | |
| 2009 | Naadodigal | Tamil | Vijay Award for Favourite Director Nominated - Filmfare Award for Best Director – Tamil Nominated, Vijay Award for Best Director Nominated, Vijay Award for Best Story, Screenplay Writer |
| 2010 | Shambo Shiva Shambo | Telugu | |
| 2011 | Poraali | Tamil | Won - Vijay Award for Best Dialogue Writer |
| 2012 | Yaare Koogadali | Kannada | |
| 2014 | Nimirndhu Nil | Tamil | |
| 2015 | Janda Pai Kapiraju | Telugu | |
| 2016 | Appa | Tamil | |
| 2017 | Thondan | Tamil | |
| 2017 | Aakashamittayee | Malayalam | Co-directed with M. Padmakumar |
| 2020 | Naadodigal 2 | Tamil |
- Television
| Year | Title | Channel | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Paasa Paasangugal | Raj TV | Tamil | Part of K. Balachanderin Chinnathirai: Micro Thodargal Macro Sinthanaigal[21][22][23][24][25][26] |
| 2001 | Gunangalum Ranangalum | Tamil | ||
| 2001 | Idho Boopalam | Tamil | ||
| 2001 | Theadathey Tholainthu Povai | Tamil | ||
| 2001 | Addi Ennadi Asattu Pennea | Tamil | ||
| 2001 | Kodi Rubai Kealvi | Tamil | ||
| 2001 | Anni | Jaya TV | Tamil | Directed along with K. Balachander |
| 2003 | Sindhu Bhairavi II: Sahana | Tamil | Directed along with K. Balachander and Venkat | |
| 2003 | Tharkappu Kalai Theeratha | Sun TV | Tamil | |
| 2004 | Engirundho Vandhal | Jaya TV | Tamil | Directed along with K. Balachander and Ilakkiyan |
| 2005 | Idhu Oru Kadal Kadhai | STAR Vijay | Tamil | |
| 2005 | Thangavettai | Sun TV | Tamil | Game Show |
| 2005 | Selvi | Tamil | ||
| 2007 | Arasi | Tamil | ||
| 2007 | Thenmozhiyal | Kalaignar TV | Tamil | |
| 2010 | Alaipayuthey | Jaya TV | Tamil | Directed along with Raja |
As actor
- Television
| Year | Serial | Role | Channel | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Sila Nijangal Sila Nyayangal | Reporter | Sun TV Raj TV |
Part of Jannal TV series (episode 7)[27] |
| 2000 | Kadavulukku Kobam Vanthathu | Smoking guy in theatre | DD Podhigai | TV series (Episode 1)[28] |
| 2001 | Edhuvum Nadakkum | A tribal man | Raj TV | Part of Marmadesam TV Series (Episode 1)[29] |
| 2001 | Ramany vs Ramany Part II | Sales person,Census taker, bride groom | TV series (Episode 11, 31, 51)[30][31][32] | |
| 2001 | Guhan | Rishi's assistant | TV series[33] also Co-director | |
| 2007 | Arasi | Undercover police officer (Chinna Thambi) | Sun TV | TV Series |
| 2012 | 7C | Star Vijay | TV Series (Special Appearance) | |
| 2020 | Chithi 2 | Himself | Sun TV |
- Films
| Year | Film | Role | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Parthale Paravasam | A back-pain patient | Tamil | |
| 2004 | Neranja Manasu | Villager | Tamil | Cameo appearance |
| 2006 | Poi | Tamil | Cameo appearance | |
| 2007 | Paruthiveeran | Tamil | Cameo appearance | |
| 2008 | Subramaniapuram | Kanagu | Tamil | Nominated, Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Tamil |
| 2010 | Shambo Shiva Shambo | Car driver | Telugu | Cameo appearance |
| 2010 | Shikkar | Abdullah | Malayalam | |
| 2010 | Easan | ACP Sangayya | Tamil | Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Character Artiste (Male) |
| 2012 | Masters | Malayalam | Cameo appearance | |
| 2012 | Thiruvambadi Thamban | Ramu | Malayalam | |
| 2012 | Saattai | Dayalan | Tamil | |
| 2012 | Neerparavai | Uduman Gani | Tamil | |
| 2012 | The Hit List | SP Anapazhakan | Malayalam | Cameo appearance |
| 2013 | D Company | Chaukidar | Malayalam | |
| 2014 | Ninaithathu Yaaro | Himself | Tamil | Guest appearance |
| 2014 | Nimirndhu Nil | A car driver | Tamil | Guest appearance Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Film (Third Prize) |
| 2014 | Velaiyilla Pattathari | Raghuvaran's father | Tamil | Nominated, Vijay Award for Best Supporting Actor Nominated, Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Tamil |
| 2014 | Vasanthathinte Kanal Vazhikalil | P. Krishna Pillai | Malayalam | |
| 2014 | Poovarasam Peepee | Tamil | Guest appearance | |
| 2014 | Kaadu | Nandha | Tamil | |
| 2015 | Sandamarutham | Inspector Thirumalai | Tamil | |
| 2015 | The Reporter | Parthasarathy | Malayalam | |
| 2015 | Massu Engira Masilamani | Radha Krishnan (RK) | Tamil | |
| 2015 | Buddhanin Sirippu | Vettri | Tamil | |
| 2015 | Kaaval | Inspector Chandrasekar | Tamil | |
| 2015 | Kamaraj | Tamil | ||
| 2015 | Adhibar | Raja | Tamil | |
| 2015 | Paayum Puli | Selvaraj (Selvam) | Tamil | |
| 2015 | Strawberry | Aathi | Tamil | |
| 2015 | Pasanga 2 | Father | Tamil | Guest appearance |
| 2016 | Tharkappu | Iraianbu | Tamil | |
| 2016 | Rajini Murugan | "Ezhrai" Mookan | Tamil | |
| 2016 | Visaranai | Inspector Muthuvel | Tamil | National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Tamil Nominated, SIIMA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role |
| 2016 | Kadhalum Kadandhu Pogum | Kumar | Tamil | |
| 2016 | Vetrivel | Tamil | Cameo appearance | |
| 2016 | Amma Kanakku | Principal Ranganathan | Tamil | |
| 2016 | Appa | Dhayalan | Tamil | |
| 2016 | Karinkunnam 6'S | Saravanan | Malayalam | Cameo appearance |
| 2016 | Oppam | Vasudevan | Malayalam | Nominated, 19th Asianet film awards for Best actor in a negative role IIFA Utsavam for performance in a negative role Malayalam |
| 2016 | Achamindri | Inspector Sathya | Tamil | |
| 2017 | 1971: Beyond Borders | Malayalam | ||
| 2017 | Thondan | Maha Vishnu | Tamil | |
| 2017 | Kootathil Oruthan | Sathyamurthy (Sathya) | Tamil | |
| 2017 | Velaiilla Pattadhari 2 | Raghuvaran's father | Tamil Telugu |
|
| 2018 | Nimir | Vellaiyappan | Tamil | also dialogue writer |
| 2018 | Madura Veeran | Rathnavelu | Tamil | |
| 2018 | Yemaali | Inspector Aravindh | Tamil | |
| 2018 | Keni Kinar |
Malayalam Tamil |
||
| 2018 | Kaala | Vaaliyappan | Tamil | |
| 2018 | Goli Soda 2 | Natesan | Tamil | |
| 2018 | Maniyaar Kudumbam | S.Nallavan | Tamil | Cameo appearance |
| 2018 | 60 Vayadu Maaniram | Ranga | Tamil | |
| 2018 | Aan Devathai | Elango | Tamil | |
| 2018 | Vada Chennai | Guna | Tamil | |
| 2019 | Peranbu | Dr. Dhanapal | Tamil | Cameo appearance |
| 2019 | Pettikadai | Tamil | ||
| 2019 | Kolanji | Appasamy | Tamil | |
| 2019 | Jackpot | Film Director | Tamil | Special Appearance |
| 2019 | Kaappaan | Joseph Selvaraj | Tamil | |
| 2019 | Namma Veettu Pillai | Chandrabose | Tamil | |
| 2019 | Adutha Saattai | Dayalan | Tamil | also producer |
| 2019 | Sillu Karupatti | Dhanapal | Tamil | |
| 2020 | Ala Vaikunthapurramloo | Appala Naidu | Telugu | |
| 2020 | Naadodigal 2 | Bus driver | Tamil | Special appearance; also voice-over |
| 2020 | Ettuthikkum Para | Ambedkar | Tamil | |
| 2020 | Walter | Bala | Tamil | |
| 2020 | Naanga Romba Busy | Himself | Tamil | Cameo appearance |
| 2021 | Krack | Katari Krishna | Telugu | |
| 2021 | Pulikkuthi Pandi | Karumbalai Pandi | Tamil | |
| 2021 | Sangathalaivan | Sivalingam | Tamil | |
| 2021 | Aelay | Muthukkutty Sudhakar (Imbuttu Kanji) |
Tamil | |
| 2021 | Vellai Yaanai | Tamil | ||
| 2021 | Thalaivi
|
R. M. Veerappan | Tamil | Post-production |
| 2021 | MGR Magan |
Mahesh | Tamil | Post-production |
| 2021 | 2 Days
|
Malayalam | Filming | |
| 2021 | Aakashavaani
|
Telugu | Filming | |
| 2021 | RRR
|
Shiva | Telugu | Filming |
| 2021 | Indian 2 |
Tamil | Filming | |
| 2021 | Andhagan
|
Tamil | Filming | |
| 2021 | Don
|
Tamil | Filming | |
| 2022 | Bheemla Nayak
|
Telugu | Filming |
Web series
| Year | Film | Role | Platform | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Live Telecast | Deva | Disney+ Hotstar | Tamil |
Dubbing artist
| Year | Film | For actor |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Pasanga | Sivakumar |
| 2011 | Aadukalam | Kishore |
| 2012 | Dhoni | Murli Sharma |
| 2014 | Goli Soda | Madhusudhan Rao |
| 2016 | Kathakali | Madhusudhan Rao |
Singer
| Year | Film | Song | Composer | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Vamsam | "Suvadu Suvadu" | Taj Noor | Sang along with M Sasikumar and Pandiraj |
| 2011 | Poraali | "Vidiya Potri" | Sundar C Babu |
References
- ↑ "SAMUTHIRAKANI P." Tamilnadu Film Director's Association. Archived from the original on 2 March 2014. Retrieved 7 February 2015.
- ↑ Anantharam, Chitra Deepa (21 November 2017). "Hunger makes you stronger: Samuthirakani". Retrieved 12 October 2018 – via www.thehindu.com.
- ↑ "Exclusive biography of #Samuthirakani and on his life". FilmiBeat.
- ↑ Shankar, By: Settu (20 July 2009). "Nadodigal to be remade in Telugu". www.filmibeat.com.
- ↑ "Terrific supporting cast - 10 Years of 'Subramaniapuram': Reasons why Sasikumar's film was destined to be a blockbuster". The Times of India.
- ↑ "Easan". Sify.
- ↑ Rangarajan, Malathi (22 September 2012). "Saattai: Cracking the whip differently" – via www.thehindu.com.
- ↑ "Oppam: When narrative fails a meaty role". 11 September 2016 – via www.thehindu.com.
- ↑ Rao, Subha J. (16 October 2018). "Cinema must be useful to society, says Samuthirakani" – via www.thehindu.com.
- ↑ M, Ramakrishnan (8 April 2017). "Samuthirakani: The angry director" – via www.thehindu.com.
- ↑ https://www.filmibeat.com/celebs/samuthirakani/biography.html
- ↑ "Success didn't come easy to me: Samuthirakani". The New Indian Express.
- ↑ "09-08-03". 15 November 2004. Archived from the original on 15 November 2004.
- ↑ "08-07-03". 15 April 2005. Archived from the original on 15 April 2005.
- ↑ "Happy Birthday Samuthirakani - Tamil News". IndiaGlitz.com. 26 April 2017.
- ↑ Pecheti, Prakash. "Samuthirakani finds his ground finally". Telangana Today.
- ↑ "Tamil film 'Visaranai' is India's official entry for Oscars 2017". The Economic Times. 22 September 2016. Retrieved 30 October 2019.
- ↑ http://onlookersmedia.in/latestnews/kalidas-jayaram-requests-people-not-let-simple-movies-like-aakashamittayee/
- ↑ https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-16/samuthirakani-talks-about-his-experiences-with-rajinikanth-on-kaala-sets.html
- ↑ https://www.sify.com/movies/naadodigal-2-review-skip-it-review-tamil-ucdeHojjibcee.html
- ↑ "Paasa Paasangugal". YouTube. 14 January 2021. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
- ↑ "Gunangalum Ranangalum". YouTube. 25 May 2021. Retrieved 2 June 2021.
- ↑ "Idho Boopalam". YouTube. 18 November 2020. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
- ↑ "Theadathey Tholainthu Povai". YouTube. 4 September 2020. Retrieved 5 March 2021.
- ↑ "Addi Ennadi Asattu Pennea". YouTube. 22 February 2021. Retrieved 5 March 2021.
- ↑ "Kodi Rubai Kealvi". YouTube. 31 October 2020. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
- ↑ "- YouTube". www.youtube.com.
- ↑ Kadavulukku Kobam Vanthathu - Episode 1. Youtube.
- ↑ Edhuvum Nadakkum — Marma Desam — Episode 1. YouTube. 26 February 2013.
- ↑ Ramani vs Ramani 2 - Episode 11. Youtube. 2 January 2020.
- ↑ Ramani vs Ramani 2 - Episode 31. Youtube. 2 January 2020.
- ↑ Ramani vs Ramani 2 - Episode 51. Youtube. 2 January 2020.
- ↑ Guhan Tamil TV Serial Episode - 8. YouTube. 29 March 2013.