Pandiraj – A Director with Fresh Perspectives

Pandiraj was born on 7 June 1976. He began his working career as an office assistant in K. Bhagyaraj’s weekly publication, Bhagya. He soon moved up to writing articles for the publication.

Afer showing a keen interest in Tamil cinema, he was appointed first as an assistant to director Cheran, and then to Thangar Bachchan and Simbudeven.

It was director M. Sasikumar who gave Pandiraj his big break when he asked him to direct his home production, Pasanga. The film had children playing the lead roles and marked the first official lead role for Vimal. Pasanga won three national awards and several international awards when it was screened at various International Film Festivals.

Pandiraj’s second film was the Arulnidhi-Sunaina starrer, Vamsam. The film was produced by Arulnidhi’s father, M.K. Thamizharasu, the youngest son of M. Karunanidhi.

In 2012, Pandiraj launched his own production company – Pasanga Productions. His first film as producer was Marina which marked the big screen debut of Sivakarthikeyan. The film had a lukewarm response from critics and audiences.

Pandiraj then produced and directed Kedi Billa Killadi Ranga with Sivakarthikeyan and Vimal playing the lead roles. This romantic comedy was a box-office hit.

Pandiraj’s next film as director was Pasanga 2 which was produced by actor Suriya.

After lukewarm responses to his subsequent directorials – Idhu Namma Aaalu and Kathakali, his Kadaikutty Singam won for him an SIIMA award for Best Director.

After producing Semma which introduced his assistant director, Vallikanthan, as a director, Pandiraj returned to direction with the heart-warming Sivakarthikeyan starrer, Namma Veetu Pillai.

His last directorial was the Suriya starrer, Etharkum Thuninthavan and his next venture is Thalaivan Thalaivi with Vijay Sethupathi and Nithya Menen in the lead roles.