Pandiraj
Director Pandiraj | |
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| Born | 7 June 1976 Virachilai Township, Pudukkottai |
| Occupation(s) | Film director, screenwriter, film producer, distributor |
Pandiraj (பாண்டிராஜ் in Tamil) is an Indian film director and producer, who works in Tamil cinema. His debut film, Pasanga (2009), was commercially successful[1] and won several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Screenplay. As of 2015, he has directed four films and has introduced several actors and technicians in all major departments to the Tamil film industry.
Early life
Pandiraj was born June 7, 1976 and brought up in Virachilai Township, Pudukkottai, Tamil Nadu, India. After Schooling, he moved to Chennai in 1996. He worked as an "office-boy" with director K. Bhagyaraj. During his early years, he wrote several short stories for the famous Tamil Bagya.[clarification needed] Gradually, his interest in film making increased and after hurdles, he got the chance to be an assistant director to filmmaker Cheran. He later worked as an assistant director to Thangar Bachan and Chimbu Deven in six films.
Career
In 2009, Pandiraj became an independent director with director M. Sasikumar agreeing to produce the film. Titled Pasanga, it was a children's film featuring several new child actors and Vimal in his first lead role. Pasanga was said to be a dedication to Pandiraj's childhood memories and was shot during the school vacations and on weekends.[2] The film was a critical success, winning several national and international awards, including three National Film Awards,[3] and being screened at various film festivals.
Following the success of Pasanga, Pandiraj directed his second film, Vamsam with newcomer Arulnithi and Sunaina in the lead roles. The film, which was produced by Arulnidhi's father and M. Karunanidhi's youngest son, M. K. Thamizharasu, gained positive reviews and went well in the box office.
In 2012, Pandiraj set up his a film production studio named Pasanga Productions. His first production was his own directorial Marina which marked the feature film debut for television anchor and comedian Sivakarthikeyan. The film received mixed reviews from critics.
The director's next Kedi Billa Killadi Ranga was also produced by him. Pandiraj cast the lead actors of his previous films, Sivakarthikeyan and Vimal, in the film, who were paired Bindu Madhavi and Regina Cassandra. The romantic comedy film received positive responses from critics and became a commercial hit.
Pandiraj distributed his former assistant Naveen's debut film Moodar Koodam under his Pasanga Productions studio. He also wrote the dialogues for cinematographer Vijay Milton's second directorial Goli Soda.[4]
In 2015, Pandiraj was working on two directorials, a romantic comedy, Idhu Namma Aalu starring Silambarasan and Nayantara, and another children's film titled Haiku, produced by actor Suriya.[5]
Filmography
| Year | Film | Credited as | Notes | ||
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| Director | Producer | Writer | |||
| 2009 | Pasanga |  |
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National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil National Film Award for Best Screenplay (Dialogues) Vijay Award for Best Find of the Year Vijay Award for Best Crew Nominated-Filmfare Award for Best Director – Tamil Nominated-Vijay Award for Best Director Nominated-Vijay Award for Best Story, Screenplay Writer |
| 2010 | Vamsam | |
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| 2012 | Marina | |
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| 2013 | Kedi Billa Killadi Ranga | |
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| 2013 | Moodar Koodam | |
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Distributor |
| 2014 | Goli Soda | |
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Dialogues |
| 2015 | Pasanga 2 | |
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| 2016 | Kathakali | |
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| 2016 | Idhu Namma Aalu | |
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Awards
- Anandha Vikatan Award for Best Director - Pasanga[6]
- International Children's Film Festival Golden Elephant Award for Best Director - Pasanga[7]
- National Film Award for Best Screenplay (Dialogues) - Pasanga
- Vijay Award for Best Find of the Year - Pasanga[8]
- Vijay Award for Best Crew - Pasanga[8]
- World Malayalee Council Award - Pasanga[9]
References
- ^ Arulnidhi was like any other city guy: Director
- ^ http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-south-interview-with-pandiraj/20100920.htm#4
- ^ http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-south-interview-with-pandiraj/20100920.htm
- ^ http://www.indiaglitz.com/more-to-come-from-pandiraj-the-dialogue-writer-tamil-news-102832
- ^ http://www.sify.com/movies/pandiraj-s-film-with-kids-titled-haiku-news-tamil-pclqH7haddbgf.html
- ^ http://www.ayngaran.com/go.php?iframepath=newsdetails.php?newsid=2882
- ^ http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/article160162.ece
- ^ a b http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/pasanga-steals-show-at-vijay-awards/article441682.ece
- ^ http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/apr-10-03/kamal-mohan-lal-20-04-10.html