Susi Ganesan

Biography

Ganesan Subbiah, popularly known as Susi Ganesan, is an Indian film director, producer, and writer predominantly working in Tamil cinema, with ventures in Hindi cinema as well. Born on August 25, 1969, in Vannivelampatti, Madurai District, Tamil Nadu, he is the son of Subbiah and Sittammaal. The moniker "Susi" is derived from the first two letters of his parents' names.

Early Life and Education

Ganesan's educational journey began at Gandhi Nikethan Higher Secondary School in T. Kallupatti. He later pursued a bachelor's degree in automobile engineering from the Madras Institute of Technology (MIT). During his time at MIT, he showcased leadership as the chairman of ATHENAEUM, the student body, during 1991–92. Concurrently, he nurtured a passion for writing, contributing numerous articles to the Tamil magazine Ananda Vikatan. This blend of technical education and literary interest paved the way for his future endeavors in cinema.

Career in Cinema

Ganesan's foray into the film industry commenced under the mentorship of acclaimed director Mani Ratnam. He served as an assistant director on notable films such as Bombay (1995), Iruvar (1997), and Dil Se.. (1998). This apprenticeship provided him with invaluable insights into filmmaking, setting the stage for his directorial debut.

In 2002, Ganesan made his directorial debut with Virumbugiren. Despite production delays, the film garnered critical acclaim, securing four Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, including Best Director and Best Film. The same year, he directed Five Star, produced by Mani Ratnam's Madras Talkies. The film, focusing on themes of friendship and love, earned him the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Storywriter.

Ganesan's 2006 venture, Thiruttu Payale, emerged as a sleeper hit and was among the highest-grossing Tamil films of the year. The film's success underscored his knack for storytelling that resonates with audiences. In 2009, he directed Kanthaswamy, featuring Vikram as a superhero—a novel concept in South Indian cinema at the time. The film addressed societal disparities and achieved significant box-office success.

Expanding his horizons to Bollywood, Ganesan directed Shortcut Romeo in 2013, a Hindi remake of Thiruttu Payale, starring Neil Nitin Mukesh and Puja Gupta. After a brief hiatus, he returned to Tamil cinema with Thiruttu Payale 2 in 2017, featuring Bobby Simha, Prasanna, and Amala Paul. The sequel explored contemporary issues, reflecting his adaptability to evolving narratives.

Personal Life

In 2004, Ganesan married Manjari. Beyond his cinematic pursuits, he has been involved in various social and cultural initiatives, reflecting his commitment to societal development.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Susi Ganesan has received several accolades:

• Tamil Nadu State Film Awards:
  • Virumbugiren: Best Director and Best Film
  • Five Star: Best Storywriter
  • Thiruttu Payale: Third Best Film

His films are celebrated for their unique narratives and socially relevant themes, solidifying his position as a distinguished filmmaker in Indian cinema.

Controversies

In 2018, during the #MeToo movement in India, filmmaker Leena Manimekalai accused Ganesan of misconduct. Actress Amala Paul supported these allegations, citing her own experiences during the filming of Thiruttu Payale 2. Ganesan responded by filing a defamation suit against Manimekalai, leading to ongoing legal proceedings.

Recent Endeavors

As of 2022, Ganesan announced a new project titled Vanjam Theerththayada, indicating his continued passion for filmmaking and storytelling. This upcoming venture is highly anticipated by audiences and critics alike.

Susi Ganesan's journey from a writer and journalist to a celebrated filmmaker exemplifies his dedication to the craft and his ability to navigate the evolving landscape of Indian cinema.