Mohan G Kshatriyan

Biography:

Mohan G, also known as Mohan G Kshatriyan, is an Indian filmmaker, producer, and screenwriter known for directing Tamil films with a focus on the Vanniyar community. He gained recognition with Pazhaya Vannarapettai (2016), a thriller drama, and later directed Draupathi (2020), Rudra Thandavam (2021), and Bakasuran (2023).

Mohan adopted the name “Mohan G Kshatriyan” during the release of Pazhaya Vannarapettai, stating that he was drawn to the name and that “Kshatriyan” symbolizes a warrior spirit. He also mentioned that his birth certificate records his caste as “Vanniya Kula Kshatriya.” In a 2020 interview, he described the suffix “Kshatriyan” as meaning “one who defends society” and claimed to be unaware of the roles of other varnas.

His film Draupathi (2020) was crowdfunded after producers hesitated to back it due to potential controversy. Despite receiving negative reviews and criticism for allegedly promoting caste-based narratives, the film was a commercial success, earning 23 times its budget.

Mohan collaborated again with Richard Rishi for Rudra Thandavam (2021), a film accused of portraying Scheduled Castes in a negative light and echoing the views of the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) party. It was criticized for promoting caste pride and creating social division. Like Draupathi, it received mostly negative reviews.

In 2023, Mohan directed Bakasuran, featuring Selvaraghavan and Natty. Following its release, Telugu producer Bellamkonda Suresh reportedly approached him for a Telugu remake. His next project will once again star Richard Rishi, marking their third collaboration.