Ram Subramaniam

Biography

Ram Subramaniam, professionally known as Ram, is an Indian film director, screenwriter, and actor who works primarily in Tamil cinema. Born on 11 October 1974, he began his career assisting filmmakers including Rajkumar Santoshi and Balu Mahendra before making his directorial debut.

Ram made his debut with Kattradhu Thamizh (2007), a psychological drama starring Jiiva and Anjali. The film received strong critical acclaim for its portrayal of alienation, social inequality, and the pressures created by rapid urbanisation.

He followed it with Thanga Meengal (2013), which explored the relationship between a father and his daughter and the pressures of the education system. The film won three National Film Awards, including Best Feature Film in Tamil. Ram later directed Taramani (2017), a relationship drama dealing with modern relationships, gender expectations, and changing social values.

His 2018 film Peranbu, starring Mammootty, Anjali, and Sadhana, focused on a father named Amudhavan caring for his daughter with cerebral palsy. The film was praised for its sensitive treatment of disability, parenthood, loneliness, and society's prejudices. It premiered at the International Film Festival Rotterdam before its theatrical release in 2019.

Ram subsequently directed Yezhu Kadal Yezhu Malai (2024), starring Nivin Pauly, Anjali, and Soori, and Paranthu Po (2025), starring Siva and Grace Antony. Both films premiered at the International Film Festival Rotterdam.

As an actor, Ram has appeared in films including Thanga Meengal, Savarakathi, Seethakaathi, and Psycho. His filmmaking is known for its emotionally intense characters, social themes, unconventional narratives, and exploration of human relationships.