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Sundar C
Sundar C
Sundar C
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Sundarvel Chidambaram (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 37 films and received the Kalaimamani award. He is one of the most popular and commercial filmmakers in Tamil cinema.[1]

Key Information

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 Nandhini (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

[edit]

Sundar 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.[2]

Career

[edit]

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.[3] 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.[4]

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.[5] He continued his directorial ventures with Chinna (2005) and Rendu (2006).[6] Subsequently, Sundar transitioned to acting, making his lead debut in the commercially successful Thalai Nagaram (2006).[7][8] 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.[9] He then made a directorial comeback with Nagaram Marupakkam in 2010.

In 2012, Sundar directed the comedy film Kalakalappu, which was a commercial hit.[10] 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,[11] and also directed Vishal's action film Action (2019).[12] His subsequent release as a director and actor, Aranmanai 3 (2021), was successful at the box office despite being critically panned.[13] He later starred in Thalai Nagaram 2 (2023).[14] Later, he directed and starred in Aranmanai 4 (2024).

Personal life

[edit]

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.[15][16]

Filmmaking style

[edit]

Sundar C is known for directing populist films intending to achieve mass appeal. Due to his back-to-back commercial success for more than 30 years, he is considered among the most popular "commercial" filmmakers in modern Tamil cinema.[17][18] Comedy is the genre Sundar is best known for directing frequently, and he has mentioned Madhan's cartoons, Crazy Mohan and S. Ve. Shekher's plays as influences.[19] Sundar claims to avoid vulgarity and pointless glamour in his films, which has drawn sceptism among viewers and critics.[20][21] Acknowledging that his films may not always be well received by critics, he contends he is not discouraged by such criticism; he believes critics might be ostracised from intellectual circles if they positively review his films, which are intended for general audiences seeking entertainment, rather than intellectuals.[22][23][24]

Filmography

[edit]

Films

[edit]
Key
† Denotes film or TV productions that have not yet been released

As actor

[edit]
Sundar C film acting credits
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
1990 Vaazhkai Chakkaram Constable Cameo [25]
1993 Moondravadhu Kann Studio assistant [26]
1995 Murai Maman Villager [27]
1997 Arunachalam Reporter [28]
2006 Thalai Nagaram Subramaniam "Right" Lead debut [29]
2007 Veerappu Pulippandi [30]
2008 Sandai Kathiresan "Kaththi" [31]
Aayudham Seivom Saidai Sathya [32]
2009 Perumal Perumal [33]
Thee ACP Sarathy "Samy" [34]
Aiyantham Padai Prabhakaran [35]
2010 Guru Sishyan Eeti [36]
Vaada Vetrivel [37]
Nagaram Marupakkam Selvam [38]
2012 Murattu Kaalai Kaalaiyan [39]
2014 Ninaithathu Yaaro Himself Cameo [40]
Aranmanai Lawyer Ravi [41]
2016 Aranmanai 2 Ravi [42]
Muthina Kathirikai Muthupandi [43]
2019 Action Passer-by Cameo [44]
Iruttu Inspector Chezhiyan [45]
2021 Aranmanai 3 Ravi [46]
2022 Pattampoochi Inspector Kumaran [47]
2023 Thalainagaram 2 Right [48]
2024 Aranmanai 4 Lawyer Saravanan [49]
2025 Vallan Inspector Divakar [50]
Gangers Saravanan [51]
TBA One 2 One † TBA Filming [52]

As director

[edit]
Sundar C film directing and writing credits
Year Title Notes Ref.
1995 Murai Maman
Murai Mappillai [53]
1996 Ullathai Allitha [54]
Mettukudi [55]
1997 Arunachalam [56]
Janakiraman [57]
1998 Naam Iruvar Namakku Iruvar [58]
1999 Unnai Thedi [59]
Suyamvaram Directed by 14 directors [60]
Unakkaga Ellam Unakkaga [61]
2000 Azhagarsamy [62]
Kannan Varuvaan [63]
Unnai Kann Theduthey [64]
2001 Ullam Kollai Poguthae [65]
Rishi [66]
Azhagana Naatkal [67]
2003 Anbe Sivam [68]
Winner [69]
2004 Giri [70]
2005 London [71]
Thaka Thimi Tha [72]
Chinna [73]
2006 Rendu [74]
2010 Nagaram Marupakkam [75]
2012 Kalakalappu [76]
2013 Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru Partially reshot in Telugu as Something Something [77]
2014 Aranmanai [78]
2015 Aambala [79]
2016 Aranmanai 2 [80]
2018 Kalakalappu 2 [81]
2019 Vantha Rajavathaan Varuven [82]
Action [83]
2021 Aranmanai 3 [84]
2022 Coffee with Kadhal [85]
2024 Aranmanai 4 Partially reshot in Telugu as Baak [86]
2025 Madha Gaja Raja Delayed release, Filmed in 2012 [87]
Gangers [88]
2026 Mookuthi Amman 2 † Filming [89]
Purushan † Filming [90]

As singer

[edit]
Sundar C film singing credits
Year Title Song Composer Notes Ref.
2008 Sandai "Vaadee En Kappakezhungu" Dhina Debut [91]
2010 Guru Sishyan "Subaiya Subaiya" Dhina Sung with Sathyaraj [92]

As producer

[edit]
Main article: Avni Cinemax
Sundar C film producer credits
Year Title Director Notes Ref.
2016 Aranmanai 2 Sundar C Co-producer [93]
2016 Hello Naan Pei Pesuren S. Bhaskar [94]
2017 Meesaya Murukku Hiphop Tamizha [95]
2019 Natpe Thunai Desingu Parthiban [96]
2020 Naan Sirithal Raana [97]
Naanga Romba Busy Badri [98]
2021 Aranmanai 3 Sundar C Co-producer [99]
2022 Pattampoochi Badri [100]
2024 Aranmanai 4 Sundar C Co-producer [86]
2025 Gangers Sundar C Co-producer
2026 Mookuthi Amman 2 † Sundar C Co-producer

Television

[edit]
Sundar C television credits
Year Serial Credited as Ref.
Producer Writer
2017–2018 Nandhini Green tickY Green tickY [101]
2018 Maya Green tickY Green tickY [102]
2018 –2020 Lakshmi Stores Red XN Green tickY [103]
2021 Jothi Green tickY Green tickY [104]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Award Category Work Result Ref.
1996 Filmfare Awards South Best Director Ullathai Allitha Nominated [105]
Arunachalam Nominated
1997 Tami Nadu State Film Awards Best Film Won
2009 Kalaimamani Award N/a N/a Won [106]
2015 9th Vijay Awards Favourite Director Aranmanai Nominated [107]
2025 17th Edison Awards Tamil Best Entertainer Of The Year Aranmanai 4 Won [108]
Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards Best Entertaining Film Won [109]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Sundar C

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Sundar C. is an Indian film director, actor, and producer known for his commercially successful contributions to Tamil cinema, particularly through crowd-pleasing comedies, family entertainers, and the popular horror-comedy genre. He has directed numerous films that emphasize high-energy storytelling, ensemble casts, and mass appeal, making him one of the consistent and prolific filmmakers in Kollywood over the past three decades. His work often blends humor with commercial elements, earning him a strong reputation for delivering box-office hits. He began his career as an assistant director to filmmaker Manivannan before making his directorial debut with Murai Maman in 1995. Early successes such as Ullathai Allitha, Arunachalam, and Mettukudi established his flair for entertaining narratives, and he later achieved widespread recognition with the long-running Aranmanai horror-comedy franchise, along with films like Kalakalappu, Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru, and Vantha Rajavathaan Varuven. Sundar C. has also expanded into acting, debuting in Thalai Nagaram in 2006 and appearing in several films since, while producing projects through his company Avni Cinemax to support emerging talent and youth-oriented stories. He is married to actress and politician Khushbu Sundar since 2000, and together they form a prominent family in the Tamil film industry. His ongoing projects, including further installments in successful franchises and new directorial ventures, continue to reflect his focus on mainstream entertainment.

Early life

Family and background

Sundar C., born Vinayagar Sundar Vel on January 21, 1968, in Erode, Tamil Nadu, India, comes from a Tamil family rooted in the region. His parents are Chidambaram Pillai and Theivanai Ammal. He grew up in Erode, Tamil Nadu, prior to his involvement in cinema.

Career

Entry into the film industry

Sundar C. began his career in Tamil cinema as an assistant director to the established filmmaker Manivannan. This early role marked his initial entry into the industry, where he gained hands-on experience working under a prominent director known for his contributions across various genres. Sources consistently highlight this apprenticeship as the starting point of his professional involvement in filmmaking before he transitioned to independent directing. He subsequently made his directorial debut with Murai Maman in 1995, which also marked his first credited work as a director.

Directorial debut and 1990s films

Sundar C. made his directorial debut with the Tamil-language comedy film Murai Maman in 1995. The film starred Malayalam actor Jayaram in the lead role, after an initial plan to cast Sarathkumar did not work out. It marked the beginning of his career focusing on humor-oriented entertainers, building on his prior experience as an assistant director to Manivannan. Throughout the 1990s, Sundar C. developed his signature style in romantic comedies and slapstick humor, often collaborating with popular comedians such as Goundamani and actors like Jayaram and Karthik. His film Ullathai Allitha (1996) emerged as one of his notable successes during this decade. Another key work was Unakkaga Ellam Unakkaga (1999), which further showcased his knack for light-hearted narratives centered on romance and comedic misunderstandings. These early films established him as a reliable director of commercial comedies in Tamil cinema.

2000s commercial successes

In the 2000s, Sundar C. solidified his reputation in Tamil cinema with a series of commercially successful comedy-oriented mass entertainers that appealed widely to family audiences. His partnership with comedian Vadivelu became a key factor in this phase, delivering multiple rousing hits through films such as Winner (2003), Giri (2004), London (2005), and Rendu (2006). These projects typically blended high-energy action sequences, romantic elements, family sentiments, and broad slapstick humor, with Vadivelu's eccentric comic timing providing much of the entertainment draw and helping elevate the films' mass appeal. Winner (2003) starred Prashanth alongside Vadivelu in a story mixing romance and action, earning praise for its wholesome family-oriented fun and effective comedy tracks. Giri (2004), featuring Ajith Kumar and Vadivelu, emerged as a profitable venture that performed well commercially while showcasing Sundar C.'s flair for fast-paced entertainers. London (2005), a remake of the Malayalam hit Kakkakuyil, starred Prashanth and Vadivelu in a lighthearted comedy setup and was noted for its successful execution of the director-comedian formula. This decade marked Sundar C.'s strongest run of consistent box-office performers in the comedy-mass genre, reinforcing his standing as a reliable director for crowd-pleasing ventures before a reduced output later in the period.

2010s comeback and recent work

Sundar C. staged a notable comeback in the 2010s with a string of commercial entertainers, particularly through the launch of the Aranmanai horror-comedy franchise and other mass-oriented projects. He initiated the franchise with Aranmanai in 2014, a comedy horror film that blended supernatural elements with humor and proved commercially successful, spawning multiple sequels and establishing a signature style in Tamil cinema. In 2015, Sundar C. directed Aambala, a family action comedy starring Vishal in the lead role alongside Hansika Motwani, Prabhu, and Santhanam. The film, released during the Pongal festival, received mixed reviews, with praise for its masala entertainment, comedy sequences, and family sentiments, though some critics noted clichéd elements and outdated tropes. The Aranmanai franchise continued with Aranmanai 2 in 2016 and Aranmanai 3 in 2021, reinforcing Sundar C.'s reputation for delivering crowd-pleasing horror-comedies that combined suspense, supernatural themes, and comedic relief, often featuring him in key acting roles alongside ensemble casts. These films sustained his commercial viability in the industry during the decade. In recent years, Sundar C. maintained momentum with Aranmanai 4 in 2024, which critics highlighted for effectively balancing humor and horror, featuring strong suspense in the first half, improved comedy, and more substantial roles for female characters, earning a positive reception as an entertaining franchise entry without succumbing to fatigue. His recent and upcoming work includes the long-delayed Madha Gaja Raja, starring Vishal and Santhanam, which finally released in 2025 after over a decade due to financial and legal issues. Additionally, Sundar C. began production on Mookuthi Amman 2 in March 2025, directing the sequel with Nayanthara reprising her role from the original fantasy-comedy.

Acting roles

Sundar C. has maintained a limited but consistent presence as an actor in Tamil cinema, primarily taking on supporting roles, cameos, or special appearances, often in projects he has directed himself. His acting debut came in 2006 with a role in Thalainagaram. He has since appeared in several of his own films, particularly in the Aranmanai horror-comedy franchise, where he has played recurring or similar characters across multiple installments, contributing to the series' ensemble style. In recent years, Sundar C. took on an acting role in his directorial venture Gangers (2025), alongside leading performers such as Vadivelu. Described as a reluctant actor who prioritizes filmmaking, his on-screen appearances tend to be selective and tied to his creative control over the projects.

Production ventures

Sundar C. co-founded Avni Cinemax, a film production and distribution company, with his wife Khushbu Sundar. The company, named after their daughters Avantika and Anandita, has produced and distributed several Tamil films since its establishment. Avni Cinemax has backed a range of projects, including films directed by Sundar C. as well as those by other filmmakers. Notable productions include the comedy Meesaya Murukku (2017), directed by Hiphop Tamizha, and the action-comedy Kalakalappu 2 (2018), directed by Sundar C. The company also produced Natpe Thunai (2019), Naan Sirithal (2020), and Naanga Romba Busy (2020). In addition to these, Avni Cinemax has been involved in Sundar C.'s own directorial ventures where he took producer credits, such as Aambala (2015). The production house continues to announce new projects, including collaborations teasing reunions of past collaborators.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Sundar C. married actress Khushbu Sundar on March 9, 2000, in a private ceremony attended by family and close friends from the Tamil film industry. The couple has often spoken about their relationship as a partnership built on mutual respect and shared professional experiences in cinema. They have two daughters, Avantika and Anandita. The family maintains a relatively private personal life while occasionally sharing moments together on social media or during public events. Khushbu has occasionally appeared in projects produced or directed by Sundar C., reflecting their collaborative dynamic beyond their personal relationship.

Awards and recognition

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1326535/
  2. https://in.bookmyshow.com/person/sundar-c/2287
  3. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/584275-sundar-c
  4. https://www.ragalahari.com/stars/profile/97146/sundar-c.aspx
  5. https://starsunfolded.com/sundar-c/
  6. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/did-you-know/sundar-c-worked-as-assistant-director-to-manivannan/articleshow/63855619.cms
  7. https://www.news18.com/news/movies/27-years-of-sundar-c-in-tamil-industry-five-of-his-best-films-5219617.html
  8. https://indianexpress.com/about/sundar-c/
  9. https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-10/sundar-c-is-excited-about-vadivelus-comeback--sundar-c-vadivelu-06-05-13.html
  10. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4010302/
  11. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4312676/
  12. https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2024/May/04/aranmanai-4-movie-review-an-in-form-sundar-c-finds-the-sweet-spot-between-humour-and-horror-2
  13. https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2025/Jan/03/vishal-sundar-cs-madha-gaja-raja-finally-gets-a-release-date
  14. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/nayanthara-and-sundar-c-to-kick-start-mookuthi-amman-2-on-march-6-with-a-pooja-ceremony/articleshow/118716235.cms
  15. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/did-you-know/sundar-c-was-introduced-as-a-director-in-murai-maaman/articleshow/45907656.cms
  16. https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/sundar-c-on-aranmanai-4-commerical-filmmakers-should-be-prepared-for-negative-reviews/article68123961.ece
  17. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/sundar-c-on-reuniting-with-vadivelu-for-gangs-of-ganges-wish-he-had-acted-more-but-the-lion-has-returned/articleshow/120372863.cms
  18. https://grokipedia.com/page/Avni_Cinemax
  19. https://jhmoviecollection.fandom.com/wiki/Avni_Cinemax
  20. https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/sundar-c/credits/3000555246/
  21. https://www.fandango.com/people/sundar-c-93989/film-credits
  22. https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2025/Dec/29/sundar-cs-next-to-reunite-aamabala-trio
  23. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/khushbu-celebrates-21st-wedding-anniversary-with-sundar-posts-adorable-photos/articleshow/81412677.cms
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