Vinayagar Sundar Vel (born 21 January 1968), known professionally as Sundar C, is an Indian actor, film director, screenwriter, playback singer and film producer who predominantly works in Tamil cinema. He has directed over 30 films and received the Kalaimamani award. He is one of the most popular film maker in Tamil cinema.[1]
Vinayagar Sundar Vel was born on 21 January 1968 in Erode, Tamil Nadu. His parents are Chidambaram Pillai and Theivanai Ammal, both respected in the Tamil community. On his father's recommendation, he adopted the name "Sundar C" to better suit the film industry.[2]
Career
Sundar began his career as an assistant director to Manivannan and made his directorial debut with the film Murai Maman in 1995. Initially, he intended to cast a leading action hero Sarathkumar for the lead role, but due to the producer's inability to secure the actor, Jayaram was selected instead, capitalizing on his comedic prowess. The film was a success at the box office.[3] Sundar then continued to focus on comedy films, directing Ullathai Allitha (1996), Mettukudi (1996) and Unakkaga Ellam Unakkaga (1999), all starring Karthik. In 1997, he directed the high-profile Arunachalam, with Rajinikanth. The film won three Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, including Best Film.[4]
Sundar started the new millennium by directing the thriller Unnai Kann Theduthey (2000) and the action film Rishi (2001). In 2003, he directed both Anbe Sivam and Winner. While Winner was commercially successful, Anbe Sivam, despite being critically acclaimed, underperformed at the box office but later became a cult classic.[5] He continued his directorial ventures with Chinna (2005) and Rendu (2006).[6] Subsequently, Sundar transitioned to acting, making his lead debut in the commercially successful Thalai Nagaram (2006).[7][8] He continued to secure lead roles in hits like Veerappu (2007), directed by Badri, and Sandai (2008) by Sakthi Chidambaram. He received the Kalaimamani award from the Government of Tamil Nadu in 2009.[9] He then made a directorial comeback with Nagaram Marupakkam in 2010.
In 2000, Sundar married actress Khushbu. After their marriage, she took his name as her surname and became known as Khushbu Sundar. They have two daughters, Avantika and Anandita, after whom they named their production house, Avni Cinemax.[91][92]
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