70 Tamil actors you didn't know were directors too
With Nassar's directorial debut Avatharam releasing this month 25 years ago, we take a look at Kollywood actors who also have direction credits to their name.
The 1995 release Avatharam, starred Nassar in the lead role along with Revathi and Bala Singh.
Nassar has also directed films such as Devathai, Maayan, Pop Corn and Sun Sun Thatha.
TP Rajalakshmi is often credited as first female director from the South Indian film industry. The actor starred and directed Miss Kamala in 1936 followed by Madurai Veeran in 1939.
Veteran comedian NS Krishnan turned director for Manamagal (1951) and the Sivaji-starrer Panam (1952) and interestingly, was a part of both the films as an actor.
Bhanumathi was the first and the only woman to have owned a film studio, first actress to act in a dual role and the first woman to have directed a movie simultaneously in three languages (Chandirani)
Dubbed as the first Superstar of Tamil cinema, MK Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, turned director for his penultimate film the 1957 film Pudhu Vazhvu also starring Madhuri Dev and NS Krishnan.
MGR has both produced and directed films. After making his directorial debut with Nadodi Mannan (1958) he also directed Ulagam Sutrum Valiban and Madhuraiyai Meetta Sundharapandiyan.
Acclaimed actor SS Rajendran, dearly called as Latchiya Nadigar by his fans, directed his 50th film Alli (1964) as well as the 1966 film Mani Magudam.
Chandrababu who struggled to make his directorial debut with MGR titled Maadi Veettu Ezhai ended up making his directorial debut with Thattungal Thirakkappadum in 1966.
Veteran actor Savitri had directed Telugu films and she also remade her Chinnari Papalu (1968) in Tamil as Kuzhandai Ullam (1969) starring Gemini Ganesan and Sowcar Janaki.
Cho Ramaswamy who has donned various hats over his lifetime has also directed films like Muhammad bin Tughluq (1971), Mr Sampath (1972), Yarukkum Vetkam Illai (1975) and Unmaiye Un Vilai Enna? (1976)
Yet another veteran actor who also directed a film is Gemini Ganesan. He directed the 1976 film Idhaya Malar that had a brilliant cast that includes Sowcar Janaki, Sujatha and Kamal Haasan.
Veteran actor Lakshmi turned director for Tamil-Kannada film Mazhalai Pattalam (1980) which is based on the 1968 movie Yours, Mine and Ours.
S Rajasekar, known for the Ponmalagi Pozhuthu song and a few films and serials, along with Robert Ashirwatham, made films such as Palaivana Solai (1981), and Manasukkul Mathappu (1988).
Veteran actor and playwright Moulee has directed many films over a span of two decades such as Nandri, Meendum Varuga (1982), Anney Anney (1983), Pammal K Sambandam (2002) and Nala Damayanthi (2003).
Major Sundarrajan who has been in the industry from 60s to 2000 has directed films such as Andha Oru Nimidam (1985), Indru Nee Nalai Naan (1983), Nenjangal (1982) and Kalthoon (1981).
Charuhasan, who made a comeback to acting recently with Dha Dha 87, has directed two films -- IPC 215 and Puthiya Sangamam starring Prabhu and Charuhasan's daughter Suhasini Maniratnam.
Veteran actor Sripriya debuted as a director with the 1984 Mohan-Urvashi starrer Shanthi Muhurtham. She later directed Enga Ooru Aattakaran (1990), Naane Varuven (1992) and Malini 22 Palayamkottai.
Something that not many knows is that legendary comedian Nagesh has directed a film titled Paartha Gnabagam Illayo (1985) starring his son Anand Babu and Ramya Krishnan.
Not many know that Ramarajan directed films such as Mannukketha Ponnu and Marudhani before turning lead actor. He later directed and starred in films like Amman Kovil Vaasalile and Namma Ooru Raasa.
GM Kumar is famous for playing supporting roles in films such as Veyil and Avan Ivan. But the actor has also directed films such as Aruvadai Naal (1986), Pickpocket (1989) and Uruvam (1991).
Dramatist, actor, and playwright Y Gee Mahendra has directed one film -- named Kathai Kathaiyam Karanamam which released in 1987.
Well known actor, television presenter and art historian Yugi Sethu has directed films such as Kavithai Paada Neramillai (1987) and Maadhangal Ezhu (1992) apart from a few short films as well.
One of the busiest comedians in Tamil cinema, Manobala, has directed a brilliant line up of films such as Sirai Paravai (1987), Oorkavalan (1987), Siragugal (2001) and Naina (2002).
Well-known actor and producer Chithra Lakshmanan, unknown to many, has directed Kamal Haasan in Soora Samhaaram (1988), Prabhu in Periya Thambi (1997) and Karthik in Chinna Raja (1999).
Cochin Haneefa, who is known for Tamil and Malayalam films has also directed films in both languages. In Tamil, he's known for directing Paasa Paravaigal (1988), Pagalil Pournami (1990).
One of the most known supporting actors Ponvannan is also an established filmmaker. He has directed Annai Vayal (1992), Nadhi Karaiyinile (2003) and Gomathi Nayagam (2005).
Cinematographer turned actor Suresh Menon who recently made a comeback in films such as Thaanaa Serndha Koottam and Solo has earlier directed Pudhiya Mugam (1993) and Paasamalargal (1993).
Rajkiran who recently made his Malayalam debut in Shylock has earlier directed the hit Tamil films Aranmanai Kili (1993) and Ellame En Rasathan (1995) in which he also starred as the lead.
Raj Kapoor has established himself as a supporting actor over the last two decades but he has also directed many films such as Uthama Raasa (1993), Aval Varuvala (1998) and Samasthanam (2002).
Raja Krishnamoorthy, popularly known as Kitty, is a well-known actor who has acted in films such as Nayakan, Thalapathi and Baashha. The actor has also directed Dasarathan (1993) and Krishna (1996).
Prem Menon, known for playing the lead in Krodham has worked as a screenwriter for a couple of films before turning director for films such as Veeramani (1994) Krodham 2 (2000) and Ashoka (2008).
Sathyaraj's 1995 film Villadhi Villain saw him making his director debut as well as playing three roles for the first time. The film was also his 125th film which was dubbed in Hindi and Telugu.
Suhasini Maniratnam who has a number of films under her belt turned director with he 1995 film Indira starring Anu Hasan and Arvind Swamy.
Many know Seeman as a famous politician who has also starred in more than a dozen films. But he has also directed films such as Panchalankurichi (1996), Thambi (2006) and Vazhthukkal (2008).
Famous in the 90s, Selva turned director for the 1998 comedy film Golmaal. The actor, who later made a comeback in Mysskin films Yuddham Sei and Mugamoodi, returned to direction in 2017's 12-12-1950.
Veteran actor Ravichandran turned director for his son Hamsavardhan's Maanaseega Kadhal (1999) and Manthiran (2005). For Maanaseega Kadhal, the actor directed under his real name of BS Raman.
Mohan known for his 80s hits turned director for Anbulla Kadhalukku (1999) which happened to be his penultimate Tamil film. The film was also produced by the actor.
One of the most famous character artists, Ramesh Kanna turned director for a family melodrama named Thodarum that starred Ajith Kumar, Devayani and Heera in the leading roles.
Charan Raj, a well-known name in Southern films remade the Kannada film Thavarina Thottilu in Tamil, titled Annan Thangachi, in which he also reprised the role he played in the Kannada version.
While many of us know Chinni Jayanth as a comedian who has been in the industry for more than three decades, the actor has also directed the films Unakkaga Mattum (2000) and Kaanal Neer (2007).
National Award-winning actor Thambi Ramaiah who is also one of the busiest actors in town, has directed Manu Needhi (2000), Indiralohathil Na Azhagappan (2008), and Maniyaar Kudumbam (2018).
S Vee Shekher, who is also known as a playwright, adapted his stage drama Adhirshtakaran to make his directorial debut titled Krishna Krishna (2001). in which he also played the lead.
Known as an artist who excels in supporting roles, Azhagam Perumal has directed Madhavan-Jyotika's Dumm Dumm Dumm (2001), Srikanth-Meera Jasmine's Joot (2003) and Vijay-Simran's Udhaya (2004).
Arun Pandian who will soon be making a return to Tamil cinema with the Tamil remake of Helen had turned director for two films -- Devan (2002) and Vikadan (2003). He also starred in both the films.
Actor Ravi Mariya who has established himself as a formidable comedian in the last few years actually directed Jiiva's debut film Aasai Aasaiyai (2002) and Natty's Milaga (2010).
While known to most of us as a top comedian in Tamil cinema, Singampuli has worked as a filmmaker with Ajith and Suriya. He directed Red (2002) and Mayavi (2005).
Right before making his comeback with Paruthiveeran, Saravanan made his directorial debut in Thayumanavan (2003) in which he also starred as the lead.
Actor Ranjith, who was famous in the 90s and recently made his small-screen debut in the Tamil serial Senthoora Poove, turned director for the 2003 film Bheeshmar in which he played the lead role.
Silambarasan turned director for the 2006 film Vallavan in which he also played the lead apart from being the screenwriter. The actor had made announcements on films which he will soon direct.
Actor Uday Mahesh who you would have seen in films such as Moodar Koodam, Maya and Kabali, has directed two films - Naalai (2006) and Chakkara Viyugam (2008) - both starring Natty.
Sarathkumar directed his 100th film Thalaimagan which also happens to be his only directorial venture as of now. The film stars Nayanthara as the female lead.
After becoming one of the most sought after actors in Tamil cinema, especially the rural flicks, Sasikumar has earlier directed the hit 2008 film Subramaniapuram and 2010's Easan.
Actor Marimuthu who is known for playing roles with negative shades has directed Kannum Kannum (2008) and Vemal starring Pulivaal (2014) both also starring Prasanna incidentally.
RNR Manohar known for playing negative roles in films such as Dhill, Vedalam and Naanum Rowdy Dhaan has written many scripts and directed the films Maasilamani (2009) and Vellore Maavattam (2011).
Actor turned politician Vijayakanth made his directorial debut in his last film, Virudhagiri (2010) which was the unofficial remake of Liam Neeson's Taken
Established soap opera artist Abhishek who has starred in many films as well has got one directorial credit under his name thanks to the 2010 film Kathai.
One of the most recognisable faces in the mega-serial industry, Venu Aravind, who has also starred in a dozen films, has directed the Jayaram-Sriranjini film titled Sabash Sariyana Potti in 2011.
An actor who made waves in many film industries across the country, Prakash Raj has directed films in many languages. In Tamil, the actor directed Dhoni in 2012 followed by Un Samayal Arayil in 2014.
Famous TV personality Vijay Adhiraj who has starred in a few films as well turned director for the 2013 film Puthagam starring Arya's brother Sathya and Rakul Preet.
Shankar, who became a household name after debuting with T Rajendar's Oru Thalai Ragam, directed a handful of Malayalam films as well as 2015's Tamil film Manal Nagaram.
Famous dance choreographer, child artist and actor Robert turned director for the 2015 comedy film MGR Sivaji Rajini Kamal.
Ramesh Aravind who has close to 150 films under his belt has also directed many Kannada films. In Tamil, he directed Kamal Haasan's (Uttama Villain) 2015 and is awaiting the release of Paris Paris.
Just like his father, Gowtham Sundararajan, who has acted in many films, tried his hand in direction with the 2016 film Kannula Kaasa Kattappa.
Madhavan will soon be seen as a director in Rocketry: Nambi Vilaivu in which he plays Nambi Narayanan. The film is made in English, Tamil and Hindi.
Vishal will soon be turning director for Thupparivaalan 2 after it's director Mysskin withdrew from the project due to creative differences. The actor had previously assisted Arjun in Vedham.
Actor turned stand-up comedian Karthik Kumar will soon be making his directorial debut with a comedy entertainer starring Bhagyarj, Pandiraj, Urvashi and Manobala.
Kishore, known for films such as Polladhavan and Kabali, will soon be donning the director's hat in Kadhavu after the film's director left the film due to other commitments.
Rohini who has acted in all the South Indian languages turned director for the Cheran-Nithya Menen starrer Appavin Meesai which is yet to be released
Kaveri, who has acted in all four South Indian film industries and is known for Tamil films such as Kannukkul Nilavu, Samudhiram and Kasi, is turning director for a Tamil-Telugu bilingual.
Darbuka Siva who has starred in a handful of films, as well as composing music for films such as Enai Noki Paayum Thota and Kidaari, will soon be turning director for an untitled project.
