R. Kannan
Biography
R. Kannan, born Rajmohan on July 21, 1971, in Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu, is an Indian filmmaker renowned for his work as a director, screenwriter, and producer primarily in the Tamil film industry. After honing his skills under acclaimed directors, he established himself with a series of successful and diverse projects.
Early Career and Mentorship
Kannan began his cinematic journey by assisting director Manobala. He then had the invaluable opportunity to work with the legendary Mani Ratnam, serving as an assistant director on notable films such as Kannathil Muthamittal (2002), Ayutha Ezhuthu (2004), and Guru (2007). This period of mentorship provided him with a strong foundation in filmmaking, particularly in crafting nuanced narratives and engaging visuals.
Directorial Debut and Subsequent Successes
R. Kannan made his directorial debut with the drama film Jayamkondaan (2008), starring Vinay Rai and Bhavana. The film, which explored the dynamics of estranged siblings fighting over ancestral property, was both critically acclaimed and commercially successful, solidifying Kannan's promise as a director. Critics praised his ability to deliver a "neat feel-good entertainer" that blended mainstream aesthetics with mass appeal.
Following his successful debut, Kannan continued to direct a variety of films across different genres:
Kanden Kadhalai (2009): A successful remake of the Hindi hit Jab We Met, starring Bharath and Tamannaah Bhatia.
Vandhaan Vendraan (2011): An action film with Jiiva and Taapsee Pannu.
Settai (2013): A Tamil remake of the Bollywood comedy Delhi Belly, featuring Arya.
Oru Oorla Rendu Raja (2014): A comedy-drama.
Ivan Thanthiran (2017): An action film starring Gautham Karthik.
Boomerang (2019): An action thriller.
Biskoth (2020): A fantasy comedy.
Thalli Pogathey (2021): A remake of the Telugu film Ninnu Kori.
The Great Indian Kitchen (2023): A remake of the acclaimed Malayalam film.
Kasethan Kadavulada (2023): A remake of the classic Tamil comedy.
As Producer and Writer
Beyond directing, Kannan has also taken on roles as a producer and screenwriter for several of his films, showcasing his comprehensive involvement in the filmmaking process. He has produced films like Oru Oorla Rendu Raja, Ivan Thanthiran, Boomerang, Biskoth, The Great Indian Kitchen, and Kasethan Kadavulada.
R. Kannan continues to be an active filmmaker in the Tamil industry, with several projects in various stages of development. He is married to Madhana and has two children, Arjun and Laya. His career is marked by a consistent effort to deliver entertaining and diverse cinematic experiences to the audience.
