Vikraman | |
|---|---|
 Vikraman atKoditta Idangalai Nirappuga's audio launch in 2016 | |
| Born | (1964-03-30)30 March 1964 (age 61)[1] |
| Occupation | Film director |
| Years active | 1990–present |
| Spouse | Jayapriya[2] |
| Children | 2 |
Vikraman is an Indianfilm director primarily working inTamil cinema.
He worked as an assistant to actor and directorR. Parthiban inPuthiya Pathai (1989), which was the latter's debut film as a director and an actor. Vikraman made his directorial debut with the filmPudhu Vasantham (1990) produced byR. B. Choudary, for which directorK. S. Ravikumar apprenticed under him as an assistant director.[3] The film was about four unemployed friends and musical experts who find themselves unexpectedly saddled with a young woman. Upon release, the film received critical acclaim and it re-wrote Tamil cinema history, sparking a whole range of "friendship" films.[4] Its heroMurali went on to become a romantic actor in subsequent films.[5] His second filmPerum Pulli (1991) received negative reviews with N. Krishnaswamy ofThe Indian Express stating, "Directed by Vikraman who madePudhu Vasantham and made name for himself [..] Perum Pulli has a hash of a story" and it bombed at the box-office.[6] His next two filmsNaan Pesa Ninaipathellam (1993) andGokulam (1993) received mixed reception.[7][8] In 1994, his venturePudhiya Mannargal starringVikram and with music composed byA. R. Rahman flopped at the box-office despite a revolutionary theme of students and politics. A critic wrote, "Nothing much in this movie but a controversial idea".[9][10]
Vikraman was recalled once again byR. B. Choudary to make a film withVijay titledPoove Unakkaga in 1996. It was the first breakthrough in the young actor's career.[11] His next filmSuryavamsam (1997) withSarath Kumar andDevayani was a major success.[12]Unnidathil Ennai Koduthen made in 1998 gave a fresh lease of life toKarthik andRoja who were once dominating the film industry. WhileAjith Kumar impresses in a rather lengthy cameo.[13] In 2000, he made a filmVanathai Pola with an ensemble cast, another blockbuster which gave back the superstardom toVijayakanth. It also won theNational Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment in 2001 and also many state awards.[14] He then began pre-production work in 2000 for a film starringSurya andLaila and the said projectUnnai Ninaithu (2002) did well.[15][16]
His next filmPriyamaana Thozhi (2003) produced by theAVM Productions was a hit again.[17] Its simultaneously shot Telugu version,Vasantham in (helmed by himself) was one of the top grossers of 2003. But he had to face another dud in 2004 inCheppave Chirugali, a Telugu remake of his hitTamil film starringSuriya andSneha,Unnai Ninaithu.[18] Taking a two-year break, he had started work again for aTamil film calledChennai Kadhal (2006) withBharath in the lead. However, the film was unsuccessful at the box office.[19] He made a comeback withMariyadhai in 2009, another Tamil film starring Vijayakanth,Meena,Meera Jasmine andAmbika playing the lead roles.[20] His latest filmNinaithathu Yaaro featuring newcomers released in January 2014.[21]
Vikraman has been elected as the new president of the Tamil Nadu Film Directors Association (TANTIS) replacingBharathiraja after he defeated fellow directorVisu in the election.[22][23][24]
Vikraman is well known for making family dramas which portray emotions such as friendship, family values.[25]
| Year | Title | Songs | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Perum Pulli | "Aagayam Thottil" | |
| 1993 | Naan Pesa Ninaipathellam | "Kadhal Ennum" |