N. Azhagam Perumal

Biography:

Azhagam Perumal, born in the remote village of Kulasekharapuram, Tamil Nadu, faced familial pressure to pursue a career in engineering like his government-employed family members. However, he followed his passion for filmmaking and applied to the Adyar Film Institute, despite strong opposition from his parents. Graduating with honors in 1991, he began his career as an assistant to renowned director Mani Ratnam, working on films like Thalapathi and Iruvar.

During the shooting of Alaipayuthey, Azhagam Perumal got the opportunity to act in the film, playing the role of a quirky house owner, which marked his acting debut. Although he initially planned to direct a romantic film called Mudhal Mudhalaaga in 1998, it did not materialize. Instead, he directed the successful romantic comedy Dumm Dumm Dumm in 2001, with R. Madhavan and Jyothika in the lead roles and Mani Ratnam as the screenwriter and producer.

Azhagam Perumal faced challenges with the film Udhaya, starring Vijay and Simran, as it encountered significant delays. Despite receiving acting offers after the success of Alaipayuthey, he declined to focus on completing Udhaya by early 2004. Subsequently, he considered making a film called Hijack with Vikram in 2004, but the project did not progress.