Mahesh Narayanan
Biography
Mahesh Narayanan (born 2 May 1982) is an Indian film director, screenwriter, editor, and cinematographer, predominantly working in Malayalam cinema, with contributions to Tamil and Hindi films as well. Known for his technical mastery and innovative storytelling, he has become one of the most influential filmmakers in contemporary Indian cinema. He is a recipient of the Kerala State Film Award for Best Debut Director (2017) and Best Director (2022).
Early Life and Education
Mahesh Narayanan was born in Kerala, India. He completed his graduation from University College Thiruvananthapuram before joining the M.G.R. Government Film and Television Training Institute in Tamil Nadu. After completing his training, he began his career as an editor for advertisements and gradually moved to editing documentaries and short films.
Career as an Editor
Mahesh Narayanan began his professional film career with the Malayalam film Rathri Mazha, which won five Kerala State Film Awards. He quickly established himself as a skilled editor, known for his precision and narrative sense. Some of his most acclaimed editing work includes:
Beautiful
Traffic
Kanyaka Talkies
Vishwaroopam and Vishwaroopam II (directed by Kamal Haasan)
Ennu Ninte Moideen
His editing work on Vishwaroopam brought him recognition beyond Malayalam cinema, showcasing his ability to handle complex, large-scale projects.
Transition to Writing and Directing
After earning acclaim as an editor, Mahesh Narayanan ventured into screenwriting, debuting as a writer with the 2015 Malayalam film Mili. The film, starring Amala Paul, received widespread praise for its storytelling and character development.
In 2017, he made his directorial debut with Take Off, a drama-thriller based on the real-life ordeal of Indian nurses trapped in Tikrit, Iraq, in 2014. The film starred Parvathy Thiruvothu, Kunchacko Boban, and Fahadh Faasil. Shot across Dubai and Kerala, Take Off was a critical and commercial success, grossing ₹40 crore and running for over 125 days in theaters.
The film was showcased at international festivals, including the International Film Festival of India and the International Film Festival of Kerala, and won a Special Jury Award at the 48th IFFI. Mahesh also received the Kerala State Film Award for Best Debut Director for the project.
Notable Works as Director
Mahesh Narayanan has continued to gain acclaim for his work as a filmmaker. His notable directorial films include:
C U Soon (2020) – a thriller shot during the COVID-19 lockdown
Malik (2021) – a political crime drama featuring Fahadh Faasil
Ariyippu (2022) – an intense drama that won him the Kerala State Film Award for Best Director
