The Tiruvannamalai-born filmmaker joined AVM Studios at the age of 19 as a lab assistant. Later, he joined the Department of Health and Family Safety of Tamil Nadu, and worked as a Malaria Eradication Worker for 15 years. It was during this period that he completed his BA at the Nandanam Arts College, and his MA at the Pachaiyappa's College in Chennai. A voracious reader, Sekar realised that cinema was a powerful medium that can push progressive thoughts into society's consciousness.
With an aim to use cinema to further social awareness, Sekar assisted the likes of editor Lenin and actor-filmmaker K Bhagyaraj before branching out to make his directorial debut with Neengalum Herothan (1990). The film, starring Nizhalgal Ravi and Silk Smitha, was ahead of its times, and spoke about the ill-effects of hero worship, and toxic fandom. Addressing social issues became the trademark of Sekar's films, and he went on to make compelling family films that spoke about dowry harassment, alcohol addiction, living within a budget, capitalism, corruption, duties and responsibilities of politicians and voters alike, youth unemployment, financial freedom for women, feminism, and more.
Another trademark of V Sekar's films was the setting of his narrative. More often than not, his films showcased the lives of ordinary middle-class families. This aspect made his films all the more relatable to the movie-going audience who felt represented on the big screen. His decision to cast actors, known more for their supporting and comedy roles, in the lead, paid rich dividends when it came to both the relatability factor and the commercial returns of his films. He frequently collaborated with actors Nizhalgal Ravi, Vadivelu, Goundamani, Manorama, Nasser, Radhika, Vivekh, Nasser, Urvashi, Sivakumar and Charle. Some of his most iconic films include Naan Pudicha Maapillai, Porantha Veeda Puguntha Veeda, Varavu Ettana Selavu Pathana, Naan Petha Magane, Kaalam Maari Pochu, Viralukketha Veekkam, and Koodi Vazhnthal Kodi Nanmai.
Most of Sekar's films were produced by him and his business partner K Parthiban under their Thiruvalluvar Kalaikoodam banner. Such were the success of his films that they were remade in multiple languages, including Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada. Incidentally, his last film that was released was the Kannada film, Hendtheer Darbar, starring Ramesh Arvind and Meena, which was a remake of his very own Varavu Ettana Selavu Pathana. His last directorial, Saravana Poigai, which was supposed to launch the acting career of his son Karl Marx, didn't see the light of day.
In 2015, Sekar's image took a hit after he was arrested for indulging in idol theft, and was later released on bail.
Apart from direction and production, Sekar also had a brief stint as an actor that saw him star in Thankar Bachchan's Palli Koodam.
V Sekar is survived by his wife Tamilselvi, daughter Malarkodi, and son Karl Marx.