V.C. Guhanathan
Biography
Vishwalingam Chellaiya Guhanathan is a Sri Lankan Tamil filmmaker known for his extensive contribution to Indian Tamil and Telugu cinema as a screenwriter, director, and producer. He made his directorial debut in the 1970s and went on to deliver popular films such as Thanikattu Raja (1982) and Michael Raj (1987).
Born in Changanai, Sri Lanka, Guhanathan moved to India at a young age. His writing talent was recognized early by M. G. Ramachandran, which led him into the film industry as an assistant and scriptwriter at just 17. He later worked with AVM Studios and wrote for legendary actors including Sivaji Ganesan, NTR, and Akkineni Nageswara Rao.
By the age of 20, he had already become a producer, backing successful films like Kanimuthu Paappa, Rajapart Rangadurai, and Petha Manam Pithu. Over his career, he wrote 249 scripts in nine languages, directed 49 films, and produced 51 films, making him one of the most prolific figures in South Indian cinema.
Though his later projects faced commercial setbacks, Guhanathan remained influential in industry affairs, serving as president of the Film Employees Federation of South India in 2009. He is married to actress Jaya, whom he introduced through Kanimuthu Paappa.
