Notable Content-Driven Tamil Directors of this Century

Poster for Visaranai, the National Film Award Winner for Best Tamil Language Feature in 2015

Hey everyone! For those who are looking to delve deeper into Tamil cinema and want to watch more content-driven films, I have made a list of directors who have delivered quality, thought-provoking films throughout the years or have shown significant potential in making these kinds of movies consistently. Most of the films listed have received at least general positive reception, if not unanimous critical acclaim. At the end of this post, I hope you will have a greater appreciation for the thought-provoking narratives, unique talent, and astounding directorial vision that has emerged from the depths of Kollywood!

*Note: this list contains directors that have made films primarily from the 2000’s onwards; a separate post will likely be made for those interested in learning more about some of the quintessential Tamil classics! Also, ignore the weird formatting!

1. Nalan Kumaraswamy

   1. Notable Films: Soodhu Kavvum, Kadhalum Kadanthu Pogum, Co-Writer for Super Deluxe

2. Mysskin

   1. Notable Films: Psycho, Pisasu, Thupparivalan. Co-Writer for Super Deluxe

3. Thiagarajan Kumararaja

   1. Notable Films: Super Deluxe, Aaranya Kaandam

4. Karthik Subbaraj

   1. Notable Films: Pizza, Iraivi, Jigarthanda

5. Mani Ratnam

   1. Notable Films: Raavanan, O Kadhal Kanmani, Aayuthu Ezhuthu, Kannathil Muthamittal (National Film Award Winner for Best Tamil Feature Film in 2002), Alai Payuthey

6. Vetrimaaran

   1. Notable Films: Vada Chennai, Visaranai (National Film Award Winner for Best Tamil Feature Film in 2015), Asuran, Aadukalam

7. Bala

   1. Notable Films: Naachiyar, Sethu, Naan Kadavul, Paradesi, Pithamagan, Nandha

8. Pushkar Gayathri

   1. Notable Films: Vikram Vedha, Oram Po

9. Lokesh Kanagaraj

   1. Notable Films: Kaithi, Maanagaram

10. C. Prem Kumar

    1. Notable Films: 96

11. Mari Selvaraj

    1. Notable Films: Pariyerum Perumal, Assistant Director for Taramani and Thanga Meenkal

12. M. Manikandan

    1. Notable Films: Kaaka Muttai, Kuttrame Thandanai, Aandavan Kattalai

13. H. Vinoth

    1. Notable Films: Nerkonda Paarvai, Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru, Sathuranga Vettai

14. Kamal Hassan (also notable actor)

    1. Notable Films: Vishwaroopam, Virumaandi, Hey Ram (India’s Oscar submission for Best Foreign Language Film in 2000)

15. Karthick Naren

    1. Notable Films: Dhuruvangal Pathinaaru

16. Arun Prabhu

    1. Notable Films: Aruvi

17. Ram

    1. Notable Films: Peranbu, Taramani, Thanga Meenkal (National Film Award Winner for Best Tamil Feature Film in 2013), Kattradhu Thamizh

18. Ram Kumar

    1. Notable Films: Ratsasan, Mundasupatti

19. Sudha K Prasad

    1. Notable Films: Irudhi Suttru

20. Balaji Tharaneetharan

    1. Notable Films: Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom, Seethakaathi

21. Raju Murugan

    1. Notable Films: Joker, Gypsy, Writer for Thozha and Mehandi Circus

Another post will be made that consists of directors that have directed more commercially-driven films if you are interested in watching some of the more recognizable and lucrative films that have emerged from Kollywood. Fair warning: many of the stereotypes and cliches that you may associate with Indian films will be especially applicable to these films!

Feel free to comment on this post and suggest some additional directors to be on the lookout for, or don’t hesitate to start a discussion on the forum and share your views!