Venkat Prabhu

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Venkat Prabhu
Prabhu at Damaal Dumeel Audio Launch
Born
Venkat Kumar Gangai Amaran

(1975-11-07) 7 November 1975 (age 48)
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Occupation(s)Actor, filmmaker, playback singer, lyricist
Years active1997–present
Spouse
Rajalakshmi
​
(m. 2001)​
Children2
Parent
RelativesPremgi Amaren (Brother)
Karthik Raja
(Cousin)
Yuvan Shankar Raja (Cousin)
Bhavatharini
(Cousin)
Ilaiyaraaja (Paternal Uncle)

Venkat Kumar Gangai Amaren (born 7 November 1975), better known by his stage name Venkat Prabhu, is an Indian filmmaker, actor and playback singer in Tamil films.[1] After completing his education, he began pursuing an acting career, with his first three ventures featuring him in a starring role, failing to release, following which he began appearing in character roles. He entered the spotlight for the first time when he turned director with the summer hit Chennai 600028 (2007).[2] He achieved further commercial successes with his subsequent directorials Saroja (2008), Goa (2010), Mankatha (2011), Biriyani (2013), Masss (2015) and Maanaadu (2021). His father Gangai Amaren is a film director and music director .[3]

Early life and career

[4] Following his return to India, Prabhu began singing for demos by his cousins, Yuvan Shankar Raja and Karthik Raja,[5] and started his career as a playback singer in the film industry. In 1996, he, his brother Premgi Amaren and his childhood friend S. P. B. Charan set up a music band called Next Generation,[2] which also featured Yugendran and Thaman as members,[6][7] and did several stage performances. The following year, Prabhu played the lead role opposite Sangeetha in a film titled Poonjolai directed by his father Gangai Amaren,[8] but the film was cancelled in mid-production and attempts to revive and release the film by the late-2000s were unsuccessful. Prabhu starred in two more ventures, alongside his friends S. P. B. Charan and Yugendran; Wanted, directed by Premgi Amaren,[9][10] and Agathiyan's Kadhal Samrajyam,[11][12] both failing to release as well. Venkat Prabhu was then approached to essay supporting roles, with April Maadhathil (2002) becoming his first release. He went on to play character roles in nearly ten films, the most notable ventures being N. Linguswamy's Ji, starring Ajith Kumar, and the Perarasu-directed Sivakasi, featuring Vijay in the lead role. In 2008, he worked in Seeman's Vaazhthugal alongside Madhavan in his last credited appearance to date. He also played lead roles in Samuthirakani's directorial debut Unnai Charanadaindhen and Gnabagam Varuthey (2007), both co-starring Charan.

In 2007, Venkat Prabhu ventured into film directing with the sports comedy film Chennai 600028, produced by S. P. B. Charan, that revolved around a street cricket team from a suburban area in Chennai, with its players being portrayed by 11 newcomers, including his brother Premgi. The film emerged as a sleeper hit,[13][14] garnering high critical acclaim and becoming labelled a "cult classic" in the following years,[15] which led to the lead cast growing in popularity. He next directed the comedy thriller film Saroja (2008), the title being derived from a hit number from Chennai 600028,[16] which also featured an ensemble cast including Charan and Premgi. The film followed the journey of four young men who, by taking a diversion off the main road, land into the hands of a kidnapper gang; it received positive response from critics and at the box office as well. He followed it up with Goa (2010), a full-length comedy film, which received mixed response and did fairly well at the box office. In 2011, he directed his biggest project to date, the action thriller Mankatha, featuring Ajith Kumar in the lead role and was later a blockbuster.[17]

His next project, Biriyani (2013), starred Karthi and Hansika Motwani.[18] After Venkat Prabhu directed Massu Engira Masilamani, with Suriya and Nayanthara in the lead role.[19]

He directed Chennai 600028 II, the sequel of the 2007 blockbuster Chennai 600028, and it was released on 9 December 2016 to positive reviews.[20]

Personal life

Venkat Prabhu is the son of director-turned-music-director Gangai Amaran and elder brother to actor, singer and music director Premgi Amaran. His uncle is the music director Ilayaraaja and his cousins are the music composers Yuvan Shankar Raja, Karthik Raja and singer Bhavatharini.[21] S. P. B. Charan, producer of Prabhu's first directorial venture Chennai 600028, is his very close friend and they both have worked together on several projects.[citation needed]

He did his schooling at St. Bede's school in Chennai. On 10 September 2001, Venkat Prabhu married Rajalakshmi, the daughter of dance teacher K. J. Sarasa, and now has a daughter named Shivani. Shivani has already sung a song for the album Thaaaii when she was 5 years old.[citation needed]

Frequent collaborators

Venkat Prabhu frequently works with the same actors and crew members, most prominently Premji, composer Yuvan and editor Praveen.[22][23][24]

Collaborator Chennai 600028
(2007) 		Saroja
(2008) 		Goa
(2010) 		Mankatha
(2011) 		Biriyani
(2013) 		Massu Engira Masilamani
(2015) 		Chennai 600028 II
(2016) 		Live Telecast
(2021) 		Maanaadu
(2021) 		Manmadha Leelai
(2022) 		Party
(TBA) 		Custody
(2023)
Ajay Raj Yes Yes (Cameo) Yes (Cameo) Yes
Aravind Akash Yes Yes (Cameo) Yes Yes Yes (Cameo) Yes Yes Yes Yes (Cameo)
Ashwin Kakumanu Yes Yes (Cameo) Yes
Imman Ravikant Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Jai Yes Yes (Cameo) Yes Yes (Cameo) Yes (Cameo) Yes Yes
Nithin Sathya Yes Yes (Cameo) Yes Yes
Premgi Amaren Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes (as a music composer) Yes (as a music composer) Yes
Shiva Yes Yes Yes Yes
Sampath Raj Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Shanmugasundaram Yes Yes (Cameo) Yes Yes Yes Yes
Silambarasan Yes (Cameo) Yes
Subbu Panchu Yes (Cameo) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Vaibhav Reddy Yes Yes Yes Yes (Cameo) Yes (Cameo) Yes Yes Yes (Cameo)
Vijay Vasanth Yes Yes (Cameo) Yes (Cameo) Yes (Cameo) Yes (Cameo) Yes
Vijayalakshmi Yes Yes (Cameo) Yes Yes Yes (Cameo) Yes

Filmography

As director and producer

Year Film Language Notes
2007 Chennai 600028 Tamil Vijay Award for Best Crew
Vijay Award for Best Find of the Year
Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Family Film
2008 Saroja Tamil
2010 Goa Tamil Edison Award for Best Romantic Film
2011 Mankatha Tamil ITFA Best Director Award
Edison Awards – Best Director of the Year
2013 Biriyani Tamil
2015 Massu Engira Masilamani Tamil
2016 Chennai 600028 II Tamil
2021 Kutty Story Tamil Anthology film; segment : "Logam"
Live Telecast Tamil Web series on Disney+Hotstar
Maanaadu Tamil
2022 Manmadha Leelai Tamil
Victim Tamil Anthology web series; segment: Confession[25]
TBA Party Tamil Unreleased film
TBA Custody Tamil
Telugu

As an actor

Year Film Role Note
2002 April Maadhathil Venkat
2003 Vikadan Rammohan's friend
Unnai Saranadainthaen Kannan
2004 Neranja Manasu Machakaalai
2005 Ji Uma Shankar
Sivakasi Ramalingam
Mazhai Kasi
2007 Vasantham Vanthachu Kumaresan
Gnabagam Varuthey Ramu
2008 Vaazhthugal Kalai
Saroja Special appearance
2010 Goa Himself Special appearance
2011 Mankatha Uncredited appearance
2013 Naveena Saraswathi Sabatham Himself Special appearance
2014 Ninaithathu Yaaro Himself Special appearance
Vadacurry Himself Special appearance
Nalanum Nandhiniyum Himself Special appearance
Kathai Thiraikathai Vasanam Iyakkam Himself Special appearance
Theriyama Unna Kadhalichitten Himself Special appearance
2016 Ennama Katha Vudranunga Himself Special appearance
2017 Mupparimanam Himself Special appearance
Vizhithiru Dhileepan
2018 Tamizh Padam 2 Himself Special appearance
2019 Kalavu Inspector direct-to-video on ZEE5
2020 Lock Up Moorthi Released on ZEE5[26]
2021 Kasada Thapara Samyuthan Also co-producer

As singer

Film Song Composer Notes
Anjali "Something Something", "Iravu Nilavu", "Motta Maadi", "Vaanam Namakku", "Anjali Anjali" Ilaiyaraaja
Kalyana Galatta "Aadham Evaal" Yuvan Shankar Raja
Ullasam "Cholare" Karthik Raja
Thulluvadho Ilamai "Neruppu Kootadikkuthu" Yuvan Shankar Raja
Samba "Nandamuri Chandamama" Mani Sharma
Daas "Ennoda Raasi" Yuvan Shankar Raja
Thunichal "Katikalama" Premji Amaren
Veyilodu Vilayadu "Kattukadanga" Karthik Raja
Kadhal Samrajyam "Mullai Poo" Yuvan Shankar Raja
Enakku 20 Unakku 18 "Oru Nanban Irundhal" A. R. Rahman
Chennai 600028 "Yaaro (Friendship)" Yuvan Shankar Raja
Kunguma Poovum Konjum Puravum "Muthathu Pakkathile" Yuvan Shankar Raja
Siddu +2 "Naan Aalana Thamarai" Dharan
Adhe Neram Adhe Idam "Nammooru Chennaiyile" Premgi Amaren
Goa "Yezhezhu Thalaimuraikkum" Yuvan Shankar Raja
Pugaippadam "Oru Kudaiyil" Gangai Amaran
Thozha "Oru Nayagan" Premji Amaren
Vanavarayan Vallavarayan "Kongunattu thendralukkum" Yuvan Shankar Raja
Chennai 600028 II: Second Innings "Soppanasundari" Yuvan Shankar Raja

As lyricist

Film Song Composer Notes
Chennai 600028 II: Second Innings Soppanasundari Yuvan Shankar Raja

Productions

Year Film Language Notes
2016 Chennai 600028 II: Second Innings Tamil
2019 RK Nagar Tamil
2021 Kasada Thapara Tamil

Television

  • Idho Boopalaam[27]
  • Kundakka Mandakka
  • Thedathey Tholaindhu Povai[28]
  • Kollywood Kings

References

  1. ^ "'Tik Tik Tik': Venkat Prabhu all praise for the Jayam Ravi-starrer". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 5 October 2018. Retrieved 24 June 2018.
  2. ^ a b Malini Mannath I was mixing money with friendship: Venkat Prabhu interview. chennaionline.com. 6 June 2007
  3. ^ "Venkat Prabhu, Premgi share throwback pics with dad Gangai Amaren; wish him happy birthday". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 25 September 2021. Retrieved 25 September 2021.
  4. ^ "The amazing success story of Venkat!". Filmibeat.com. 8 May 2007. Archived from the original on 3 March 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  5. ^ "Generation NEXT". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 22 October 2003. Archived from the original on 10 November 2003.
  6. ^ Raghavan, Nikhil (10 September 2009). "On a song". The Hindu. Chennai, India. Archived from the original on 2 February 2013. Retrieved 17 February 2012.
  7. ^ "Fresh notes". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 26 June 2009. Archived from the original on 4 September 2012.
  8. ^ "Actor Sangeetha content with her success". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 3 August 2006. Archived from the original on 7 July 2007. Retrieved 19 December 2011.
  9. ^ "A-Z (V)". Indolink.com. Archived from the original on 24 April 2013. Retrieved 19 December 2011.
  10. ^ "1997–98 Kodambakkam babies Page". Indolink.com. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 19 December 2011.
  11. ^ "Vasundhara's no glam doll". Rediff.com. 29 April 2002. Archived from the original on 4 November 2013. Retrieved 19 December 2011.
  12. ^ "Youthful line-up". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 5 July 2002. Archived from the original on 9 October 2003. Retrieved 19 December 2011.
  13. ^ "Tamil cinema in 2007 – half-year report". Cinesouth.com. Archived from the original on 25 March 2012. Retrieved 19 December 2011.
  14. ^ "CHENNAI 28 BOX OFFICE TOP 10 OF 2007". Behindwoods.com. Archived from the original on 31 December 2011. Retrieved 19 December 2011.
  15. ^ "Movies that beat the odds – Chennai 600028". Behindwoods.com. Archived from the original on 2 September 2011. Retrieved 19 December 2011.
  16. ^ "Saroja is not Chennai 600028". rediff.com. Archived from the original on 2 November 2012. Retrieved 19 December 2011.
  17. ^ "Mankatha's cast & crew remember Thala Ajith's blockbuster on its 10th anniversary". The Times of India. September 2021. Archived from the original on 25 September 2021. Retrieved 25 September 2021.
  18. ^ "Biriyani (2013) | Biriyani Movie | Biriyani Tamil Movie Cast & Crew, Release Date, Review, Photos, Videos". FilmiBeat.com. Archived from the original on 3 March 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  19. ^ "'Masss' Movie Review: Suriya-Nayanthara Starrer a Typical Venkat Prabhu Entertainer". International Business Times. 29 May 2015. Archived from the original on 25 September 2021. Retrieved 25 September 2021.
  20. ^ "Chennai 600028 2nd Innings (Aka) Chennai 600028 2 review". 9 December 2016. Archived from the original on 31 May 2022. Retrieved 25 September 2021.
  21. ^ Krishna, Sandhya (1997). "Kodambakkam Babies". Indolink. Archived from the original on 2 December 1998. Retrieved 22 February 2008.
  22. ^ "Venkat Prabhu Exclusive Interview". Behindwoods.com. Archived from the original on 31 May 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  23. ^ "I wish our stars would encourage fresh ideas: Director Venkat Prabhu". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 6 December 2021. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  24. ^ "Premgi Amaren-Venkat Prabhu to Bobby Simha-Karthik Subbaraj: Five actor-director duos who had worked together in more than three films". The Times of India. 21 March 2021. Archived from the original on 24 February 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  25. ^ "Victim review: Pa.Ranjith's brilliant movie makes Venkat Prabhu, Rajesh, Chimbudevan look like amateurs". 5 August 2022. Archived from the original on 6 August 2022. Retrieved 6 August 2022.
  26. ^ "The upcoming investigative drama starring Vaibhav, Venkat Prabhu and Vani Bhojan is bankrolled by Nitinsathyaa". Behindwoods. 12 November 2019. Archived from the original on 28 December 2020. Retrieved 27 September 2020.
  27. ^ "null – YouTube". Youtube.com. Archived from the original on 31 May 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  28. ^ "null – YouTube". Youtube.com. Archived from the original on 30 May 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2022.

External links

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