Kollywood is home for talented directors and we have been witnessing it for the past three decades or so. Ace directors such as K Baalachandar, Mani Ratnam, Shankar, KS Ravi Kumar among others got National wide popularity with their work. The trend is being continued by the new-age directors who are impressing everyone with their style of making and exploring unique concepts. Now, we bring you the list of Best Tamil Movie Directors (Decade)
Made his directorial debut with the 2016 anthology film, Aviyal, Lokesh got good recognition for his work in the 2017 film, Maanagaram. With the 2019 film, Kaithi, Lokesh Kanagaraj has emerged as a star director and grabbed the opportunity to direct Thalapathy Vijay for Master. The film was released in the first half of 2021 and went on to become a super hit at the box office. Currently, the talented director is working on a social drama titled, Vikram with Kamal Haasan. Lokesh Kanagaraj won the 10th Vijay Awards and Zee Tamil Cine Awards as the Best Director for Maanagaram and Kaithi.
Started his directorial career with the 2014 film, Sathuranga Vettai, H Vinoth grabbed the industry attention with the 2017 film, Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru. Later, he got an opportunity to direct Ajith Kumar for the remake of Bollywood hit, Pink. Titled Nerkonda Paarvai, the film’s way of presentation brought H Vinoth a gold opportunity to direct Ajith yet again for the ongoing project, Valimai. The film is all set to hit the screens during the upcoming Pongal season.
Raj Murugan is a journalist turned filmmaker who started his directorial career with the 2014 film, Cuckoo. Apart from directing films, Raj Murugan is also known for providing scripts for other movies. After Cuckoo, Raj Murugan directed the 2016 film, Joker and provided the script for a couple of movies. His film Joker won the Best Feature Film in Tamil award at the 64th National Film Awards.
Started his career as a short filmmaker, Nalan Kumaraswamy later turned as the actor with the 2012 film, Pizza. Eventually, Nalan turned as the director with the 2013 film, Soodhu Kavvum in which he acted in the lead role. Currently, Nalan Kumaraswamy is working on a film titled, Kutty Story. He is also into the screenwriter department.
Karthik Subbaraj is a noted director, producer and writer for Kollywood. Made his directorial debut with the 2012 film, Pizza, Karthik Subbaraj has got good appreciation for his first film itself. Later, he worked on successful films such as Jigarthanda and Iraivi. Later, got a massive opportunity to direct Superstar Rajinikanth for Petta in 2019. Though his last film, Jagame Thandhiram failed to impress the audience ( had direct OTT release on Netflix in June 2021), not disappointed Karthik Subbaraj is working on his titled, Mahaan.
Made his feature film debut with the 2011 gangster drama, Aaranya Kaandam, Thiagarajan Kumaraja later directed the 2019 film, Super Deluxe. For his 2011 film, Aaranya Kaandam, Thiagarajan won Indira Gandhi Award for Best Debut Film of a Director at the 59th National Film Awards.
Made his directorial debut with the 2012 film, Attakathi, Pa Ranjith is known for making films on social equality. With his 2014 political drama, Madras, Pa Ranjith got good popularity. Later in 2016, Pa Ranjith directed Kabali with Rajinikanth. In 2018, he directed Rajinikanth for Kaala. With the 2021 film, Sarpatta Parambarai ( direct release on Amazon Prime Video), Pa Ranjith got a good name. Currently, he is working on a film titled, Natchathiram Nagargirathu with young hero Ashok Selvan. For films like Attakathi, Madras, Kabali and Kaala, Pa. Ranjith won Best Director Awards in various regional film events. He even won Filmfare awards for Madras and Kabali films as the Best Director.
Ashwath Marimuthu got massive recognition with early 2020 released rom-com entertainer, Oh My Kadavule. He is currently working on his next film. Details regarding the movie are expected to be out soon.
Atlee Kumar started his film career as an assistant director and worked with ace director Shankar for films like Enthiran and Nanban. Later, Atlee turned into a director with the 2014 film, Raja Rani. Later, he got an opportunity to work with Vijay for films like Theri(2016), Mersal(2017) and Bigil(2019). Currently, he is working for a film with Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan. For films like Raja Rani, Theri, Mersal and Bigil, Atlee won various regional, IIFA, SIMA, Vijay and Filmfare awards in the Best Director and screenwriter categories.
Being screenwriter, Sudha Kongara turned into the director with the 2008 Telugu film, Andhra Andhagadu. Later, migrated to the Tamil industry and directed the 2010 film, Drohi. With the 2016 Tamil-Hindi bilingual boxing drama, Irudhi Suttru( Saala Khadoos in Hindi), Sudha Kongara got a good identity. Later, she remade the film in Telugu as Guru with Venkatesh and tasted box office success. With 2020 direct to digital release film, Soorarai Pottru on Amazon Prime Video with Suriya, Sudha Kongara got National wide popularity. She is currently working on a film titled, Paava Kadhaigal.
