Sundar C.

Vinayagar Sundar Vel (born 21 January 1968), known professionally as Sundar C, is an Indian actor, filmmaker, and playback singer who predominantly works in Tamil cinema. He has directed over 30 films and received the Kalaimamani award. He is one of the most popular and commercial filmmakers in Tamil cinema.

His notable films include '' Ullathai Allitha'' (1996), '' Arunachalam'' (1997), '' Unnai Thedi'' (1999), '' Anbe Sivam'' (2003), '' Winner'' (2003), '' Giri'' (2004), '' Kalakalappu'' (2012), '' Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru'' (2013), '' Aranmanai Cinematic Universe'' (2014-2024) and '' Madha Gaja Raja'' (2025).

Alongside his wife, he produced the television series '' Nandini'' (2017-2018), ''Maya'' (2018) and '' Jothi'' (2021). His film production credits include '' Hello Naan Pei Pesuren'' (2016), '' Meesaya Murukku'' (2017), '' Natpe Thunai'' (2019), '' Naan Sirithal'' (2020), '' Naanga Romba Busy'' (2020) and '' Pattampoochi'' (2022).

Early life

Vinayagar Sundar Vel was born on January 31, 1968 in Erode, Tamil Nadu. His parents are Chidambaram Pillai and Theivanai Ammal, both of whom are respected in the Tamil community. On his father's recommendation, he adopted the name "Sundar C" to better suit the film industry.

Career

Sundar began his career as an assistant director to Manivannan and made his directorial debut with the film '' Murai Maman'' in 1995. Initially, he intended to cast a leading action hero Sarathkumar for the lead role, but due to the producer's inability to secure the actor, Jayaram was selected instead, capitalizing on his comedic prowess. The film was a success at the box office. Sundar then continued to focus on comedy films, directing '' Ullathai Allitha'' (1996), '' Mettukudi'' (1996) and '' Unakkaga Ellam Unakkaga'' (1999), all starring Karthik. In 1997, he directed the high-profile '' Arunachalam'', with Rajinikanth. The film won three Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, including Best Film.

Sundar started the new millennium by directing the thriller '' Unnai Kann Theduthey'' (2000) and the action film ''Rishi'' (2001). In 2003, he directed both '' Anbe Sivam'' and '' Winner''. While ''Winner'' was commercially successful, ''Anbe Sivam''—despite being critically acclaimed—underperformed at the box office but later became a cult classic. He continued his directorial ventures with '' Chinna'' (2005) and '' Rendu'' (2006). Subsequently, Sundar transitioned to acting, making his lead debut in the commercially successful '' Thalai Nagaram'' (2006). He continued to secure lead roles in hits like '' Veerappu'' (2007), directed by Badri, and '' Sandai'' (2008) by Sakthi Chidambaram. He received the Kalaimamani award from the Government of Tamil Nadu in 2009. He then made a directorial comeback with '' Nagaram Marupakkam'' in 2010.

In 2012, Sundar directed the comedy film '' Kalakalappu'', which was a commercial hit. He followed it up with '' Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru'' (2013), '' Aranmanai'' (2014), '' Aranmanai 2'' (2016), and ''Kalakalappu 2'' (2018). He starred in the well-received horror thriller ''Iruttu'' (2019), directed by V. Z. Durai, and also directed Vishal's action film ''Action'' (2019). His subsequent release as a director and actor, '' Aranmanai 3'' (2021), was successful at the box office despite being critically panned. He later starred in '' Thalai Nagaram 2'' (2023). Later, he directed and starred in '' Aranmanai 4'' (2024).

Filmmaking style

Sundar C's films are usually fast-paced and are primarily in the action, comedy, romantic, thriller and horror masala genres. Due to his back to back commercial success for more than 30 years, he became one of the most popular and commercial filmmakers in Tamil cinema. Sundar has recurring elements in his films which include "ferocious" protagonists, fast-paced narratives, strong violences, humorous subplots, love and comedy subplots, strong emotional core, adapting to trends, glamour and item numbers.

Filmography

Films

As actor

As director

As singer

As producer

Television

Awards and nominations

Personal life

In 2000, Sundar married actress Khushbu. After their marriage, she took his name as her surname and became known as Khushbu Sundar. They have two daughters, Avantika and Anandita, after whom they named their production house, Avni Cinemax.

References

External links

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Sundar C
20th-century Indian dramatists and playwrights
20th-century Indian male actors
21st-century Indian dramatists and playwrights
21st-century Indian male actors
Film directors from Tamil Nadu
Living people
Male actors in Tamil cinema
People from Erode district
Recipients of the Kalaimamani Award
Screenwriters from Tamil Nadu
Tamil film directors
Tamil male actors
Tamil screenwriters
Tamil television producers
Tamil television writers

1968 births