Samuthirakani

P. Samuthirakani is a Tamil film actor and director.[1] He worked as an assistant to director K. Balachander.[2] His 2009 directorial Naadodigal was a runaway hit,[3] which was later remade in three languages. He has acted in several films as well and is best known for his performances in Subramaniapuram and in Easan, both directed by M. Sasikumar.

Contents

Career

Samuthirakani entered cinema with dreams of making it as an actor. “People said I don't have the looks or the physique for it. I was unfazed. ‘Insults are a part of life,' I told myself and persevered. So when did he finally get a chance to don the greasepaint? “Pandiarajan's Padikkira Vayasu in which I had just a line to say! And to squeeze myself into the scene I had to cringe and crawl before the assistant director!” Not a tinge of self-pity! “Why at all? Slights can't hold me back.”

And that's when he started writing out scenes and dialogue which he would enact within the confines of his room. Soon it led to the discovery that inside him was a capable storyteller.

Subramaniapuram showcased Samudirakani as an actor with potential and Nadodigal helped him prove his mettle as a director. From maker of megas to director of films that began with Unnai Charan Adaindhain, Kani has always been busy, primarily because he's absolutely egoless. The lukewarm response to his debut film and the disaster of his second —Neranja Manasu with Vijayakanth as hero — didn't deter him. “If the film is a hit everyone vies for the laurels. And if the result is negative, it's the director who has to bear the onus,” he shrugs. He went back to television, joined his mentor K. Balachander's unit, worked as an assistant of Ameer for Paruthiveeran and kept himself as busy as ever. “I continued working till better things came my way.” And the best did happen — Sasikumar gave him that solid role in Subramaniapuram, followed it up with another in Easan, played hero under Sasikumar's direction, and is back with him for Porali.[4]

Filmography

Cinema

Year Film Language Director Actor Notes
2001 Parthale Paravasam Tamil No Yes Cameo appearance
2003 Unnai Charanadainthen Tamil Yes No Winner, Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Storywriter
2004 Neranja Manasu Tamil Yes No
2006 Poi Tamil No Yes cameo role as hero's friend
2007 Paruthiveeran Tamil No Yes cameo role as cotton candy seller
2008 Subramaniapuram Tamil No Yes Nominated, Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award
2009 Naadodigal Tamil Yes No Winner, Vijay Award for Favourite Director
Nominated, Filmfare Best Director Award (Tamil)
Nominated, Vijay Award for Best Director
Nominated, Vijay Award for Best Story, Screenplay Writer
2010 Shambo Shiva Shambo Telugu Yes No
2010 Shikkar Malayalam No Yes
2010 Easan Tamil No Yes
2011 Poraali Tamil Yes No
2012 Saattai Tamil No Yes filming
Pathiramanal Malayalam No Yes filming
The Reporter Malayalam No Yes Filming

Television

Year Program Language Notes
2003 Anni Tamil TV Series
2005 Thangavettai Tamil Game Show
2007 Arasi Tamil TV Series

Dubbing artist

Year Film Actor Notes
2011 Aadukalam Kishore

References

  1. ^ "What's in a name?". The Hindu. 2007-04-24. http://www.hindu.com/mp/2007/04/24/stories/2007042400090300.htm. Retrieved 2009-08-27. 
  2. ^ "Samuthirakani: My mother may not understand mywork". www.indiaglitz.com. Indiaglitz. http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/47525.html. Retrieved 5 June 2011. 
  3. ^ "A tale of triumph". The Hindu. 2009-07-31. http://www.hindu.com/cp/2009/07/31/stories/2009073150080400.htm. Retrieved 2009-08-27. 
  4. ^ http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article2662873.ece

External links