Vetrimaaran during his younger days
Vetrimaaran’s wedding picture
Pettaikaali
Vetrimaaran’s old picture with Dhanush
Vetrimaaran with his pet cat
Vetrimaaran stands as a towering figure in the of Indian cinema, celebrated for his multifaceted contributions as a film director, producer, and screenwriter, primarily within the vibrant tapestry of Tamil cinema. As of 2021, his illustrious career has been adorned with accolades, boasting five National Film Awards, eight Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards, and two Filmfare South Awards.
Born in 1975 in the culturally rich city of Cuddalore, Vetrimaaran inherited a legacy of academia. His father, Dr. V. Chitravel, a distinguished veterinary scientist, and his mother, Megala Chitravel, a respected novelist, provided the backdrop for his early years. The seeds of his cinematic journey were sown during his tenure at Loyola College, where a course on television presentation ignited his passion for the art of filmmaking.
The pivotal juncture in Vetrimaaran’s career came through his association with veteran filmmaker Balu Mahendra. Serving as one of Mahendra’s lead assistants, Vetrimaaran gleaned invaluable insights into the nuances of filmmaking. Faced with the perennial dilemma of choosing between academia and the allure of cinema, Vetrimaaran chose the latter, forsaking his academic pursuits at Loyola to chart a course into the world of films.
His directorial debut, “Polladhavan” in 2007, was a cinematic endeavor inspired by the quest for a lost bike. The film garnered acclaim, with Vetrimaaran’s directorial style drawing favorable comparisons to Balu Mahendra’s illustrious approach. The subsequent venture, “Aadukalam” (2011), delved into the intense world of cockfighting in Madurai and earned Vetrimaaran six National Film Awards, solidifying his status as a formidable directorial force.
In an expansion of his cinematic footprint, Vetrimaaran founded the Grass Root Film Company, a production house that would serve as a vehicle for his creative endeavors. “Visaranai” (2015), a film exploring the brutal hardships faced by Tamil laborers at the hands of the police, emerged as India’s official entry to the Academy Awards, shedding light on societal injustices.
The ensuing years witnessed Vetrimaaran’s continued ascendancy. Collaborations with actor Dhanush in films such as “Vada Chennai” (2018) and “Asuran” (2019) not only garnered critical acclaim but also tasted success at the box office. “Vada Chennai,” in particular, distinguished itself by portraying the narrative of a skilled carrom player ensnared in a gripping gang war. In his role as a producer, Vetrimaaran championed several noteworthy films, including “Poriyaalan” (2014) and the critically acclaimed “Kaaka Muttai” (2015). Both his directorial ventures and productions consistently received accolades, establishing him as a revered figure within the film industry.
Vetrimaaran’s creative prowess extended to the anthology “Paava Kadhaigal” (2020), where his segment, “Oor Iravu,” delved into the sensitive issue of honor killings. The segment, marked by its powerful storytelling and deft direction, earned acclaim from audiences and critics alike.
Throughout his illustrious career, Vetrimaaran’s films have been a canvas for exploring diverse themes, seamlessly blending realism with commercial elements. His ability to capture the essence of societal issues and present them cinematically has bestowed upon him the status of one of the preeminent directors in the panorama of Indian cinema.
Name | Vetrimaaran |
---|---|
Also Known as | Vetrimaaran |
Date of Birth | 04/09/1975 |
Current Residence | Chennai |
Religion | Hindhu |
Nationality | Indian |
Hobbies | reading, writing |
Father | Dr. V. Chitravel |
Mother | Megala Chitravel |
Spouse | Aarthi |
Children | Poonthendral, Kathiravan |
Educational Qualification | Graduation |
College (s) | Loyola College |
Debut Movies | |
---|---|
Language | Movie Name |
Tamil | Polladhavan |
Awards List | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Year | Award | Category | Movie Name | |
2007 | Vijay Award for Best Director | Polladhavan | ||
2011 | National Film Award for Best Director | Aadukalam | ||
2011 | National Film Award for Best Screenplay | Aadukalam | ||
2011 | Filmfare Award for Best Tamil Director | Aadukalam | ||
2019 | National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil | Asuran | ||
2016 | National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil | Visaranai | ||
2015 | National Film Award for Best Children's Film | Kaaka Muttai |
Upcoming movies, filmography of vetrimaaran.
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As vetrimaaran turns 48, we explore actor dhanush's characters in the director's films and seek to understand how the actor consistently delivers exceptional performances in the vetrimaaran world..
In the age of pan-Indian cinema, where an actor’s significance is often measured by their ability to drive advance bookings and sell tickets during the opening weekend, Dhanush ‘s popularity remains steadfast, even without a single film that fits this mould.
While there are many other talented actors, what sets Dhanush apart is his unique ability to evoke in audiences a strong desire for more, even in mediocre films.
A key factor in his status as an unconventional star lies in his film choices from the very beginning of his career, particularly his works with director Vetrimaaran.
Over the course of their 16-year collaboration, Vetrimaaran and Dhanush have collaborated on seven films: Polladhavan , Aadukalam , Kaaka Muttai , Visaranai , Kodi , Vada Chennai , and Asuran . Among these, Polladhavan, Aadukalam, Vada Chennai, and Asuran featured Vetrimaaran at the helm with Dhanush essaying the lead roles. Needless to say, all four films had a profound impact on audiences with Dhanush’s performances, unsurprisingly, garnering the most recognition.
In fact, these four films and Dhanush’s acting in them are still treasured and frequently undergo analyses. As Vetrimaaran turns 48 on Monday (September 4), let’s explore Dhanush’s roles in the filmmaker’s works and seek to understand how the actor consistently delivers exceptional performances in the Vetrimaaran world.
A look at Dhanush in Vetrimaaran’s worlds might lead one to ponder whether the roles he portrayed were crafted specifically for him, or if he simply harnessed his full skill to impeccably embody these characters. The answer could lean either way, but the result remains consistent: they are exceptional depictions. An essential element that consistently makes Dhanush an amazing focal point in Vetrimaaran’s cinematic worlds, facilitating his seamless performances, is the chemistry he shares with the writer-director.
This aspect plays a key part in Dhanush’s role as an actor. Take, for instance, his debut film Thulluvadho Ilamai (2002), which garnered considerable acclaim, followed by his second film Kaadhal Kondein (2003), a movie that enhanced his allure even further. While Thulluvadho Ilamai was directed by his father Kasthuri Raja and Kaadhal Kondein was under the helm of his brother Selvaraghavan, despite both belonging to distinct genres, Dhanush’s performances in these works garnered notable attention. While subsequent films contributed to his appeal, the actor’s next outstanding portrayal came in Selvaraghavan’s gangster drama Pudhupettai, showcasing that when he collaborates with a talented filmmaker with whom he easily clicks, the actor can effortlessly exhibit his peak talent and deliver memorable depictions.
At a point when Dhanush was consistently cast in romantic hero roles, which also featured fights, Vetrimaaran embarked on his debut project, the action thriller Polladhavan (2007), effectively showcasing a distinct, amazing side of Dhanush beyond the cinematic realm created by the Kasthuri Raja family.
Dhanush’s portrayal of the multifaceted character Prabhu Shankar demonstrated his capability to transcend monotonous roles. While it bore resemblances to his characters in Selvaraghavan’s films, the intricate fusion of romantic and action genres in Polladhavan enabled Dhanush to display his diverse facets within a single film.
Similarly, in Aadukalam (2011), the film that earned Dhanush his first National Film Award for Best Actor, his role Karuppu resonated profoundly with the actor’s abilities.
Examining Dhanush’s maiden directorial venture, Pa Paandi, reveals that his idea of films is grounded and nuanced, a trait that naturally emerges when he collaborates as an actor in Vetrimaaran’s projects.
Vetrimaaran’s innate and authentic storytelling approach, his crafting of characters with layers and nuances, deeply rooted in the local culture, evident not only in their later works Vada Chennai (2018) and Asuran (2019), which earned Dhanush his second National Film Award for Best Actor , but consistently throughout, undoubtedly contributes to the dynamic chemistry between the actor and the filmmaker. This synergy empowers Dhanush to consistently deliver impeccable performances in Vetrimaaran’s films.
This rapport is clearly visible in the movies they jointly financed or produced for each other, like Kaaka Muttai (2015), Visaranai (2015), and Kodi (2016), as well.
One of the primary drawbacks of commercial/massy films is that their entire narratives tend to revolve around the hero, with everything leading up to the male protagonist’s ultimate showdown. However, Vetrimaaran’s scripts serve as exemplary reference materials on how each character should be meticulously crafted and interwoven into the story, ensuring they possess well-developed arcs and by the conclusion of the film, these characters too undergo significant journeys rather than merely remaining in the background.
This aspect further enriches the appeal of the central characters portrayed by Dhanush. His acting prowess truly shines not when he’s the sole focus on the screen but particularly during moments that involve several characters.
For example, two instances in Vada Chennai exemplify this phenomenon. The carrom tournament just before the film’s intermission, leading up to the moment when Dhanush’s character Anbu eliminates Senthil (Kishore), is the first one. This sequence unveils a crucial facet of Anbu’s character that had been concealed from the audiences until then. Vetrimaaran deftly constructs the initial segments of this sequence by portraying Anbu as an ally of Senthil, then abruptly pivoting during a chaotic fight involving many people. This deliberate shift masterfully delivers one of the most impactful interval moments in Tamil cinema and demonstrates Dhanush’s adeptness at handling such dramatic transitions. Vetrimaaran skillfully employs both Dhanush’s real-life innocent mannerisms and his capacity to unleash an intense performance in situations that demand it, showcasing the extent to which the actor can excel, especially in scenes involving larger groups and when the spotlight isn’t solely on one person.
Conversely, another significant acting instance of Dhanush occurs when Anbu and his friend Kannan commit the murder of gangster Jawa Pazhani (Sai Dheena) and subsequently seek assistance from Guna (Samuthirakani). While the murder scene underscores Anbu’s lack of experience in criminal activities, it also highlights the extent to which he can be pushed if circumstances necessitate. On the other hand, his interactions with Guna and his wife Chandra (Andrea Jeremiah) portray Anbu’s vulnerability and gradual realisation of the gravity of his doings. Even in the presence of numerous artistes in the latter part of the sequence, all contributing equally through their reactions and parallel actions in the background, Dhanush distinguishes himself with his skill in extracting the most compelling moments from within a crowd.
In an episode of Entertainment Weekly ‘s Around the Table segment with the team of the American science fiction horror Nope , the film’s director Jordan Peele opened up about his expectations while collaborating with actors and noted: “The whole hope for me is, at some point, my actor is going to understand the character better than I can.”
Dhanush in Vetrimaaran’s cinematic world consistently exudes the impression of unwaveringly adhering to this practice. Here, he delves into the cores of his characters and portrays them with such genuine authenticity that it appears as if he possesses a deeper understanding of them than the writer-director himself.
Dhanush possesses a remarkable ability to infuse characters with undeniable charm, even when the movies themselves or his performances are very average. This can be observed in films like Thiruvilaiyaadal Aarambam (2006), Yaaradi Nee Mohini (2008), Kutty (2010), 3 (2012), Raanjhanaa (2013), Velaiilla Pattadhari 2 (2017), Enai Noki Paayum Thota (2019), and Jagame Thandhiram (2021). However, when it comes to characters penned by Vetrimaaran, there’s a certain command that Dhanush exerts. It’s not that these characters undergo a complete transformation through Dhanush, but they rarely remain exactly as they were initially written or envisioned by the maker.
The same can be observed in both Aadukalam and Asuran. In these films, Dhanush portrays the characters Karuppu and Sivasaami, respectively, and they both navigate through various life events and emotions, while not blending multiple genres.
Initially, Karuppu is depicted as just a key member of Pettaikaran’s gang. However, his journey involves falling in love, rising to challenges, overcoming obstacles in his path, and ultimately confronting his former master head-on.
Sivasaami, meanwhile, is introduced as a composed person who avoids trouble to ensure his family’s peaceful life. As the story unfolds, it’s revealed that he has a past wherein he single-handedly eliminated those who harassed and assaulted his people. The film also explores how far Sivasaami would go to protect his dear ones.
What’s remarkable is that despite both characters originating from lowered socio-economic backgrounds, Karuppu and Sivasaami are portrayed distinctly, showcasing Dhanush’s profound understanding of Vetrimaaran’s characters. He skillfully brings out the subtleties in these roles, often exceeding what is written in the scripts. This underscores Dhanush’s profound understanding of Vetrimaaran’s characters and how the director enables the actor to develop these characters beyond their initial idiosyncrasies.
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Anandu Suresh is a Senior sub-editor at Indian Express Online. He specialises in Malayalam cinema, but doesn't limit himself to it and explores various aspects of the art form. He also pens a column titled Cinema Anatomy, where he delves extensively into the diverse layers and dimensions of cinema, aiming to uncover deeper meanings and foster continuous discourse. Anandu previously worked with The New Indian Express' news desk in Hyderabad, Telangana. You can follow him on Twitter @anandu_suresh_ and write (or send movie recommendations) to him at [email protected]. ... Read More
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Vetrimaaran (born 4 September 1975) is an Indian film director, film producer and screenwriter who primarily works in Tamil cinema. He is known for his unique filmography with major commercial success and high critical acclaim works.
He has directed a few Tamil films like ‘Aadukalam’ (2011), ‘Visaranai’ (2016), ‘Vada Chennai’ (2018), ‘Asuran’ (2019), and ‘Viduthalai Part 1’ (2023). His film Visaranai was selected as India’s official entry to the Academy Awards. Asuran. In 2013, he wrote the dialogues of the Tamil film Naan Rajavaga Pogiren.
Viduthalai: Part 1: Directed by Vetrimaaran. With Soori, Vijay Sethupathi, Bhavani Sre, S. Chandan. A police officer is recruited to capture the leader of a separatist group.
Vetrimaaran is an Indian film director, screenwriter and film producer, who works in the Tamil film industry. Vetrimaaran made his directorial debut with the Polladhavan. His second feature film Aadukalam won six National Film Awards.
Vetrimaaran is an Indian film director, screenwriter and film producer working in the Tamil film industry. His works, predominantly social issue dramas and action crime films, have been acclaimed for their gritty realism and scope.
Vetrimaaran stands as a towering figure in the of Indian cinema, celebrated for his multifaceted contributions as a film director, producer, and screenwriter, primarily within the vibrant tapestry of Tamil cinema.
Aadukalam (pronunciation ⓘ; transl. Playground) is a 2011 Indian Tamil-language drama film [5] directed by Vetrimaran, produced by S. Kathiresan and distributed by Sun Pictures. The film stars Dhanush in the lead role, alongside Taapsee Pannu (in her Tamil debut), Kishore, V. I. S. Jayapalan, Naren Narayanan, and Murugadoss. G. V.
Visaranai. Kishore Te. Visaranai (transl. Interrogation) is a 2015 Indian Tamil -language crime drama film written and directed by Vetrimaaran. It is based on the novel Lock Up by M. Chandrakumar. The film stars Dinesh, Anandhi, Samuthirakani, Aadukalam Murugadoss, Kishore, Pradheesh Raj, and Silambarasan Rathnasamy.
Vetrimaaran. As Vetrimaaran turns 48, we explore actor Dhanush's characters in the director's films and seek to understand how the actor consistently delivers exceptional performances in the Vetrimaaran world.
Vetrimaaran is an Indian film director, screenwriter and film producer, who works in the Tamil film industry. Vetrimaaran made his directorial debut with the Polladhavan. His second feature film Aadukalam won six National Film Awards.