A. Venkatesh (director)

A. Venkatesh is an Indian film director and actor working in Tamil cinema. Beginning his career as an assistant, he directed his first film, '' Mahaprabhu'', in 1996.

Career

Initially, he worked as an assistant to director K. Rajeshwar on ''Nyaya Tharasu'' (1989) and ''Idhaya Thamarai'' (1990). He assisted Pavithran on ''Vasanthakala Paravai'' (1991) and ''Suriyan'' (1992), then he was an associate director to director Shankar on '' Gentleman'' (1993) and ''Kadhalan'' (1994). During the shooting of the film ''Kadhalan'', producer G. K. Reddy approached him to direct a film. In 1996, he made his directional debut through '' Mahaprabhu'' starring R. Sarathkumar, Sukanya and Vineetha. He has directed Vijay's movies including action film ''Selva'' (1996) and romance film ''Nilaave Vaa'' (1998). In 1999, he directed a drama film ''Pooparika Varugirom'' starring Sivaji Ganesan, Vikram Krishna and Malavika.

Following the death of director Thirupathisamy in 2001, Venkatesh was briefly announced as the new director of the film ''Velan'' featuring Vijay and Priyanka Chopra, but the project was later shelved.

He started directing action movies with Prashanth's ''Chocolate'' (2001), Vijay's ''Bhagavathi'' (2002), and Silambarasan's '' Dum'' (2003) and '' Kuthu'' (2004). These were followed by Sarathkumar's '' Aai'' (2004), ''Chanakya'' (2005) and Arjun's '' Vathiyar'' (2006).

During 2008, Venkatesh worked simultaneously on six productions, which were at different stages of completion. The Arjun-starrer ''Durai'' (2008) and Arun Vijay's ''Malai Malai'' (2009) were released first, while Sundar C's ''Vaadaa'' (2010) and Bharath's ''Killadi'' (2015) had delayed releases. Two further films, Prashanth's ''Petrol'' and Sarathkumar's ''Imaya Malai'', were subsequently shelved mid-production.

He has also acted in various Tamil movies, notably ''Angadi Theru'' (2010). Venkatesh returned after a two-and-a-half year break with '' Nethra'' (2019). The filmmaker says the delay is because he had to fulfil commitments as an actor before he could get back to direction. The film is a psycho-thriller based on a true event which he was witness to at an airport in Canada.

Filmography

As Director

As actor

* ''Vasanthakala Paravai'' (1991)
* ''Suriyan'' (1992) - Telegram Office clerk
* ''Kadhalan''(1994) - Cameo appearance ("Kadhalikum Pennin" song)
* ''Nilaave Vaa'' (1998) - Christian who prays at Hindu temple
* ''Angaadi Theru'' (2010) - Karungali
* ''Sattapadi Kutram'' (2011) - Ekambaram
* ''Mahaan Kanakku'' (2011)
* ''Paagan'' (2012)
* ''Azhagan Azhagi'' (2013) - Rathinavel
* ''Naan Rajavaga Pogiren'' (2013) - Isakkimuthu Annachi
* '' Summa Nachunu Irukku'' (2013)
* ''Goli Soda'' (2014)
* ''Touring Talkies'' (2015)
* ''Rombha Nallavan Da Nee'' (2015)
* '' Iravum Pagalum Varum'' (2015)
* '' Pallikoodam Pogamale'' (2015)
* ''Sivappu'' (2015)
* ''Pagiri'' (2016)
* '' Aandavan Kattalai'' (2016)
* ''Thodari'' (2016)
* ''Nisabdham'' (2017)
* ''Kadugu'' (2017)
* '' Onaaigal Jakkiradhai'' (2018)
*''Torchlight'' (2018)
*''Thodraa'' (2018)
*'' Nethra'' (2019)
*'' Asuran'' (2019)
*''Nungambakkam'' (2020)
* ''Alti'' (2020)
*'' Oh My Dog'' (2022)
*'' Laththi'' (2022)

Web series

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Venkatesh, A.
Tamil film directors
Living people
Film directors from Tamil Nadu
Male actors in Tamil cinema
20th-century Indian film directors
21st-century Indian film directors
1967 births