Suraj (director)

Suraj is a Tamil film director, best known for directing action-masala films.

Career

In 1996, he began working as an assistant director to Sundar C. on his successful comedy films Ullathai Allitha and Mettukudi. In 1997, he continued to assist Sundar C. on Arunachalam starring Rajinikanth and he was the co-director of the film Janakiraman. Suraj directed his first film in 1998 Moovendhar which featured R. Sarathkumar and Devayani, the film was a critical and commercial failure. Then, Suraj returned to assist Sundar C. in his films. In 2006, he made his directorial comeback through Thalai Nagaram, remake of Malayalam film Abhimanyu, starring his mentor Sundar C., Jyothirmayi and Vadivelu. The film was released to average reviews and was a surprise hit. The following year, Suraj made his third film Marudhamalai, featured Arjun, Nila and again comedian Vadivelu, despite mixed reviews, the film was a hit. In 2009, he directed Padikathavan starring Dhanush, Tamannaah and due his busy schedule, Vadivelu has been replaced by comedian Vivek. The film, distributed by Sun Pictures, was also a hit. In 2011, he made Mappillai, remake of the 1989 film Mappillai. The film starring Dhanush, Hansika Motwani and Manisha Koirala. The film received mixed reviews, but the film became a hit at the box office. After Mappillai Suraj directed Alex Pandian] starring Karthi and Anushka Shetty in lead roles.The film released on 11 January 2013 to highly negative reviews from critics as well as audience.After Alex Pandian's failure Suraj directed Sakalakala Vallavan (2015 film) starring Jayam Ravi, Anjali and Trisha in lead roles.The film released on 31 July 2015 to negative reviews the film became an average grosser at the box office.