Venkat Prabhu | |
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Born | Venkat Kumar Gangai Amaran 7 November 1975 Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
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Years active | 1997–present |
Spouse | Rajalakshmi (m. 2001) |
Children | 2 |
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Venkat Kumar Gangai Amaren (born 7 November 1975), better known by his stage name Venkat Prabhu, is an Indian director, actor and playback singer in Tamil film industry. [1] After completing his education, he began pursuing an acting career, with his first three ventures featuring him in a starring role, failing to release, following which he began appearing in character roles.
He entered the spotlight for the first time when he turned director with the summer hit Chennai 600028 (2007). [2] He achieved further commercial successes with his subsequent directorials Saroja (2008), Goa (2010), Mankatha (2011), Biriyani (2013), Masss (2015) and Maanaadu (2021). His father Gangai Amaren is a film director and music director. [3] He is currently working on his film The Greatest of All Time (2024).
Following his return to India, Prabhu began singing for demos by his cousins, Yuvan Shankar Raja and Karthik Raja, [4] and started his career as a playback singer in the film industry. In 1996, he, his brother Premgi Amaren and his childhood friend S. P. B. Charan set up a music band called Next Generation, [2] which also featured Yugendran and Thaman as members, [5] [6] and did several stage performances. The following year, Prabhu played the lead role opposite Sangeetha in a film titled Poonjolai directed by his father Gangai Amaren, [7] but the film was cancelled in mid-production and attempts to revive and release the film by the late-2000s were unsuccessful. Prabhu starred in two more ventures, alongside his friends S. P. B. Charan and Yugendran; Wanted, directed by Premgi Amaren, [8] [9] and Agathiyan's Kadhal Samrajyam , [10] [11] both failing to release as well. Venkat Prabhu was then approached to essay supporting roles, with April Maadhathil (2002) becoming his first release. He went on to play character roles in nearly ten films, the most notable ventures being N. Linguswamy's Ji , starring Ajith Kumar, and the Perarasu-directed Sivakasi , featuring Vijay in the lead role. In 2008, he worked in Seeman's Vaazhthugal alongside Madhavan in his last credited appearance to date. He also played lead roles in Samuthirakani's directorial debut Unnai Charanadaindhen and Gnabagam Varuthey (2007), both co-starring Charan.
In 2007, Venkat Prabhu ventured into film directing with the sports comedy film Chennai 600028 , produced by S. P. B. Charan, that revolved around a street cricket team from a suburban area in Chennai, with its players being portrayed by 11 newcomers, including his brother Premgi. The film emerged as a sleeper hit, [12] [13] garnering high critical acclaim and becoming labelled a "cult classic" in the following years, [14] which led to the lead cast growing in popularity. He next directed the comedy thriller film Saroja (2008), the title being derived from a hit number from Chennai 600028, [15] which also featured an ensemble cast including Charan and Premgi. The film followed the journey of four young men who, by taking a diversion off the main road, land into the hands of a kidnapper gang; it received positive response from critics and at the box office as well. He followed it up with Goa (2010), a full-length comedy film, which received mixed response and did fairly well at the box office. In 2011, he directed his biggest project to date, the action thriller Mankatha , featuring Ajith Kumar in the lead role and was later a blockbuster. [16]
His next project, Biriyani (2013), starred Karthi and Hansika Motwani.[ citation needed ] After Venkat Prabhu directed Massu Engira Masilamani , with Suriya and Nayanthara in the lead role. [17]
He directed Chennai 600028 II , the sequel of the 2007 blockbuster Chennai 600028, and it was released on 9 December 2016 to positive reviews. [18]
His upcoming film, The Greatest of All Time, starring Vijay and music by Yuvan Shankar Raja, was officially announced in May 2023. The film is bankrolled by AGS Entertainment, which marks their second collaboration with Vijay and the #TheGoat film will also have an English dubbed theatrical release and other Indian languages dubbed release using Vijay's voice in AI technology. [19] Whistle Podu song remix alternative version will be released along with film release rather than the original version. [20]
Venkat Prabhu is the son of director-turned-music-director Gangai Amaran and younger brother to actor, singer and music director Premgi Amaran. His uncle is the music director Ilayaraaja and his cousins are the music composers Yuvan Shankar Raja, Karthik Raja and singer Bhavatharini. [21] S. P. B. Charan, producer of Prabhu's first directorial venture Chennai 600028 , is his very close friend and they both have worked together on several projects.[ citation needed ]
He did his schooling at St. Bede's school in Chennai. On 10 September 2001, Venkat Prabhu married Rajalakshmi, the daughter of dance teacher K. J. Sarasa, and now has a daughter named Shivani. Shivani has already sung a song for the album Thaaaii when she was 5 years old.[ citation needed ]
Venkat Prabhu frequently works with the same actors and crew members, most prominently Premji Amaren, Yuvan Shankar Raja, and editor Praveen K. L. [22] [23] [24]
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Ajay Raj | (Cameo) | (Cameo) | |||||||||||
Aravind Akash | (Cameo) | (Cameo) | (Cameo) | ||||||||||
Ashwin Kakumanu | (Cameo) | ||||||||||||
Jai | (Cameo) | (Cameo) | (Cameo) | ||||||||||
Jayaprakash | |||||||||||||
Jayaram | |||||||||||||
Nithin Sathya | (Cameo) | ||||||||||||
Premgi Amaren | (as a music composer) | (as a music composer) | |||||||||||
Ravikanth | |||||||||||||
Shiva | |||||||||||||
Sampath Raj | |||||||||||||
Shanmugasundaram | (Cameo) | ||||||||||||
Sneha | |||||||||||||
Subbu Panchu | (Cameo) | ||||||||||||
Vaibhav Reddy | (Cameo) | (Cameo) | (Cameo) | (cameo) | |||||||||
Vijay Vasanth | (Cameo) | (Cameo) | (Cameo) | (Cameo) | |||||||||
Vijayalakshmi | (Cameo) |
Year | Title | Notes |
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2007 | Chennai 600028 | Vijay Award for Best Crew Vijay Award for Best Find of the Year Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Family Film |
2008 | Saroja | |
2010 | Goa | Edison Award for Best Romantic Film |
2011 | Mankatha | ITFA Best Director Award Edison Awards – Best Director of the Year |
2013 | Biriyani | |
2015 | Massu Engira Masilamani | |
2016 | Chennai 600028 II | |
2021 | Kutty Story | Anthology film; segment : "Logam" |
Live Telecast | Web series on Disney+Hotstar | |
Maanaadu | ||
2022 | Manmadha Leelai | |
Victim | Anthology web series; segment: Confession [25] | |
2023 | Custody | Simultaneously shot in Telugu |
2024 | The Greatest of All Time † | Filming [26] |
TBA | Party † | Unreleased [27] [28] |
Year | Title | Notes |
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2016 | Chennai 600028 II: Second Innings | |
2019 | RK Nagar | |
2021 | Kasada Thapara |
Year | Title | Role | Note |
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1982 | Payanangal Mudivathillai | Himself | Uncredited appearance in the song "Thogai Ilamayil" [29] |
2002 | April Maadhathil | Venkat | |
2003 | Vikadan | Rammohan's friend | |
Unnai Saranadainthaen | Kannan | ||
2004 | Neranja Manasu | Machakaalai | |
2005 | Ji | Uma Shankar | |
Sivakasi | Ramalingam | ||
Mazhai | Kasi | ||
2007 | Vasantham Vanthachu | Kumaresan | |
Gnabagam Varuthey | Ramu | ||
2008 | Vaazhthugal | Kalai | |
Saroja | Special appearance | ||
2010 | Goa | Himself | Special appearance |
2011 | Mankatha | Uncredited appearance | |
2013 | Naveena Saraswathi Sabatham | Himself | Special appearance |
2014 | Ninaithathu Yaaro | Himself | Special appearance |
Vadacurry | Himself | Special appearance | |
Nalanum Nandhiniyum | Himself | Special appearance | |
Kathai Thiraikathai Vasanam Iyakkam | Himself | Special appearance | |
Theriyama Unna Kadhalichitten | Himself | Special appearance | |
2016 | Ennama Katha Vudranunga | Himself | Special appearance |
2017 | Mupparimanam | Himself | Special appearance |
Vizhithiru | Dhileepan | ||
2018 | Tamizh Padam 2 | Himself | Special appearance |
2019 | Kalavu | Inspector | direct-to-video on ZEE5 |
2020 | Lock Up | Moorthi | Released on ZEE5 [30] |
2021 | Kasada Thapara | Samyuthan | Also co-producer |
2023 | Custody | Himself | Special appearance |
Let's Get Married | Company Managing Director | ||
Adiyae | GK, Gautham Vasudev Menon | Dual roles | |
Shot Boot Three | Swaminathan | ||
2024 | Ranam Aram Thavarel | Himself | Guest Appearance |
TBA | Kadhal Conditions Apply | TBA | |
Year | Title | Role | Actors | Ref(s) |
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2023 | High On Yuvan - ( Theme Song) | Music Video Director | Yuvan Shankar Raja, Premgi Amaren | [31] |
Year | Title | Song | Composer |
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1990 | Anjali | "Something Something", "Iravu Nilavu", "Motta Maadi", "Vaanam Namakku", "Anjali Anjali" | Ilaiyaraaja |
1997 | Ullasam | "Cholare" | Karthik Raja |
1998 | Kalyana Galatta | "Aadham Evaal" | Yuvan Shankar Raja |
2002 | Thulluvadho Ilamai | "Neruppu Kootadikkuthu" | Yuvan Shankar Raja |
Kadhal Samrajyam | "Mullai Poo" | Yuvan Shankar Raja | |
2003 | Enakku 20 Unakku 18 | "Oru Nanban Irundhal" | A. R. Rahman |
2004 | Samba | "Nandamuri Chandamama" | Mani Sharma |
2005 | Daas | "Ennoda Raasi" | Yuvan Shankar Raja |
2007 | Chennai 600028 | "Yaaro (Friendship)" | Yuvan Shankar Raja |
2008 | Thozha | "Oru Nayagan" | Premji Amaren |
2009 | Kunguma Poovum Konjum Puravum | "Muthathu Pakkathile" | Yuvan Shankar Raja |
Adhe Neram Adhe Idam | "Nammooru Chennaiyile" | Premgi Amaren | |
2010 | Pugaippadam | "Oru Kudaiyil" | Gangai Amaran |
Thunichal | "Katikalama" | Premji Amaren | |
Goa | "Yezhezhu Thalaimuraikkum" | Yuvan Shankar Raja | |
Siddu +2 | "Naan Aalana Thamarai" | Dharan | |
2012 | Veyilodu Vilayadu | "Kattukadanga" | Karthik Raja |
2014 | Vanavarayan Vallavarayan | "Kongunattu Thendralukkum" | Yuvan Shankar Raja |
2016 | Chennai 600028 II: Second Innings | "Soppanasundari" | Yuvan Shankar Raja |
2023 | Mathimaran | "Ithu Nyayamo Iraiva" | Karthik Raja |
Year | Film | Song | Composer | Notes |
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2016 | Chennai 600028 II: Second Innings | "Soppanasundari" | Yuvan Shankar Raja | [ citation needed ] |
This section of a biography of a living person does not include any references or sources .(October 2023) |
Yuvan Shankar Raja is an Indian film score and soundtrack composer and singer-songwriter. He mainly scores music for Tamil films along with few Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi films. Considered a versatile composer, he is particularly known for his use of Western music elements and often credited with having introduced hip hop to the Tamil film and music industry and started the "era of remixes" in Tamil Nadu which included mixed EDM and jazz. He is frequently referred to as the "BGM King" and the "Young Maestro" of Tamil Film Music. Yuvan has won two Filmfare Awards South, five Mirchi Music Awards South, three Vijay Awards and two Tamil Nadu State Film Awards.
Chennai 600028 is a 2007 Indian Tamil-language sports comedy film written and directed by Venkat Prabhu in his directorial debut. It stars Jai, Shiva, Premji, Aravind Akash, Nithin Sathya and newcomers Ajay Raj, Vijay Vasanth, Prasanna, Inigo Prabakaran, Karthik and Arun in the lead along with Vijayalakshmi Feroz and Kristine Zedek, making their acting debut as well. The film was produced by S. P. B. Charan along with J. K. Saravana, a Singapore-based award-winning producer. The film's score and soundtrack were composed by Premji Amaran and Yuvan Shankar Raja respectively.
Prem Kumar Gangai Amaren, better known as Premgi or Premji, is an Indian singer, composer, songwriter, actor and comedian. The son of composer and director Gangai Amaran, he often composes rap songs in Tamil cinema and is known for his comical performances in his elder brother's films. His stage name, Premgi, is actually a spelling error, as it is meant to be "Prem G.", the G referring standing for Gangai. He is also best known for his catchphrases Enna Koduma Sir Idhu ? and Evvalavo pannitom, itha panna mattoma, the former being a modified version of a famous dialogue used by Prabhu in Chandramukhi (2005).
Saroja is a 2008 Indian Tamil-language comedy thriller film written and directed by Venkat Prabhu and produced by T. Siva. It stars Shiva, Vaibhav, Premji, S. P. Charan and Vega Tamotia as the title character, while Jayaram, Prakash Raj, Sampath Raj, Nikita Thukral, Bose Venkat and Kajal Aggarwal play other vital roles. Several other popular Tamil television artists and crew members make special appearances throughout the film. The score and soundtrack were composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja with cinematography by Sakthi Saravanan.
Shiva is an Indian actor, comedian, radio jockey, and dialogue writer. He has featured in several Tamil language films. Prior to his acting career, Shiva worked as a radio jockey with Radio Mirchi. Acting mainly in comedy films, he rose to fame following his performances in the Venkat Prabhu directorials Chennai 600028 and Saroja, before also featuring in Thamizh Padam. His tenure with Radio Mirchi earned him the nickname Mirchi Shiva. He is called by fans as Agila Ulaga Superstar.
Sripathi Panditharadhyula Charan is an Indian film playback singer, actor, producer and director known for his works in Tamil cinema and Telugu cinema.
Kunguma Poovum Konjum Puravum is a 2009 Indian Tamil-language drama film written and directed by debutante Rajamohan. The film stars newcomers Ramakrishnan and Thananya, while Tharun Chatriya, Nagamma, and Agavamma play supporting roles. The film is produced by SPB Charan under his banner Capital Film Works and has music by Yuvan Shankar Raja. The film released on 24 April 2009.
Goa is a 2010 Indian Tamil-language romantic comedy film written and directed by Venkat Prabhu in his third directorial project. Starring his regular cast consisting of Jai, Vaibhav, and Premji along with Aravind Akash, Sampath Raj, Piaa Bajpai, Sneha, and the debutant Australian model Melanie Marie in other roles, the film is the first production of Soundarya Rajinikanth's Ocher Picture Productions. Actors Silambarasan Rajendar, Nayantara and Prasanna make guest appearances in the film, which features music composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, whilst cinematography is handled by Sakthi Saravanan and the film is edited by K. L. Praveen and N. B. Srikanth.
Kadhal Samrajyam is an unreleased Tamil-language romantic comedy film which was shot from 2001 onwards. The film, directed by Agathiyan and produced by Panchu Arunachalam's son, Subbu Panchu, starred an array of children of famous actors and technicians. The film was launched and completed in 2002 and is ready for release, but, despite the release of the soundtrack and the trailer, it is yet to see the lights of day. It should have been the debut film of Aravind, Charan, Anjana, Venkat Prabhu and Santhoshi, but due to the delay of the film's release they got introduced into the film industry in different ways and through other films.
Goa is the soundtrack album by Yuvan Shankar Raja to the 2010 romantic comedy film of the same name, directed by Venkat Prabhu, and produced by Soundarya Rajinikanth's Ocher Studios, starring Jai, Vaibhav, Premji Amaran, Sneha, Piaa Bajpai and Melanie Marie Jobstreibitzer in prominent roles.
Mankatha (transl. Gambling) is a 2011 Indian Tamil-language action thriller film written and directed by Venkat Prabhu, and produced by Dayanidhi Azhagiri under Cloud Nine Movies. The film stars Ajith Kumar, in his 50th credited film, leading an ensemble cast which includes Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Lakshmi Rai, Anjali, Andrea Jeremiah, Ashwin Kakumanu, Vaibhav, Premji Amaren, Mahat Raghavendra, Jayaprakash, Aravind Akash and Subbu Panchu. Yuvan Shankar Raja composed the musical score and soundtrack, with Sakthi Saravanan working as the cinematographer and the duo Praveen K. L. and N. B. Srikanth as editors. Set in Mumbai, the film revolves around a heist of cricket betting money, carried out by a gang of four thieves, who are joined by a fifth unknown man, and its aftermath.
Yuvan – Live in Concert is a concert by Indian musician Yuvan Shankar Raja. The concert, Yuvan's second in his career, took place on Pongal, 16 January 2011 at the YMCA Grounds, Nandanam, Chennai. Following the announcement, popular Tamil television STAR Vijay agreed to collaborate, sponsoring, organising and marketing the concert, while airing a special television series about Yuvan Shankar Raja, with family members and prominent celebrities closely associated to him participating, besides producing a promotional music video, titled "I'll be there for you". The five-hour show, which was attended by 20,000 people, including several noted film personalities, was received very positively and considered a highly successful event. The concert was aired on 11 and 12 February, Friday and Saturday at 2000 hrs on Vijay TV.
Vasuki Bhaskar is an Indian fashion and costume designer, working in the Tamil film industry. She is the daughter of film producer R.D. Bhaskar and Pavalar Creations is their own production house.
Mankatha is the soundtrack album, composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, to the 2011 film of the same name, directed by Venkat Prabhu starring Ajith Kumar. The album features eight tracks, with lyrics penned by Vaali, Gangai Amaran, and Niranjan Bharathi. Following a number of postponements, it was finally released on 10 August 2011 by Sony Music India.
Biriyani is a 2013 Indian Tamil-language action comedy thriller film directed by Venkat Prabhu and produced by Studio Green. It stars Karthi and Hansika Motwani alongside an ensemble cast including Premji, Nassar, Ramki, Sampath Raj, Madhumitha, Jayaprakash, Prem, and Mandy Takhar. Yuvan Shankar Raja composed the score and soundtrack of Biriyani, which marks his 100th film, while Sakthi Saravanan and Praveen-Srikanth handled cinematography and editing, respectively.
Biriyani is the soundtrack album, composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, to the 2013 black comedy film of the same name, directed by Venkat Prabhu starring Karthi, Hansika Motwani, Premgi Amaren and Mandy Takhar. It is the 100th album of Yuvan Shankar Raja. In this album, there are 6 songs and two remixes with lyrics written by Gangai Amaran, Vaali, Madhan Karky, Psycho.unit, Gaana Bala, Tanvi Shah and Yuvan Himself. The film also features Karthi, its protagonist, debuting as a Playback singer. After multiple postponements, the soundtrack album was released on 21 August 2013.
Chennai 600028 II is a 2016 Indian Tamil-language sports comedy film co-produced, written and directed by Venkat Prabhu, who also produces the film along with S. P. B. Charan under Black Ticket Company and Capital Film Works. The film, which is a sequel to Chennai 600028 (2007), features Vaibhav in a prominent role in addition to several cast members from the earlier film including Jai, Shiva, Premji, Aravind Akash, Inigo Prabakaran and Nithin Sathya. The film's score and soundtrack is composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja. The film was released on 9 December 2016 to mixed to positive reviews and performed well at the box office.
Party is an upcoming Indian Tamil-language comedy film written and directed by Venkat Prabhu and produced by T. Siva. The film stars Jai, Shiva, Sathyaraj, Jayaram, Shaam, Ramya Krishnan, Regina Cassandra, with Sanchita Shetty, Nivetha Pethuraj, Nandha Durairaj, Nassar and Chandran appear in supporting roles. After the release of his seventh directorial and debut production venture, it was announced that director Venkat Prabhu will do a film for Amma Creations banner of T.Siva which is celebrating its 25th year in film industry. Despite having completed filming, the film remains unreleased due to economic issues.
Kasada Tabara (transl. Slump) is a 2021 Tamil-language drama hyperlink film produced jointly by Venkat Prabhu's Black Ticket Company and R. Ravindran of Trident Arts, directed by Chimbu Deven with an ensemble cast and technicians. The film premiered on 27 August 2021 on SonyLIV. The name of the film has 6 letters just like the 6 anthologies that are part of this film. The film credits the editors and cinematographers as director of editing and director of photography respectively.
Whistle Podu is the first single composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja in the soundtrack of the upcoming Indian Tamil-language film The Greatest of All Time. The song, written by Madhan Karky, was mainly sung by Vijay whilst Raja, Venkat Prabhu, Premgi Amaren and Prabhu Deva gave background vocals. Directed by Venkat Prabhu and produced by AGS Entertainment, the film stars Vijay in dual roles, alongside Meenakshi Chaudhary, Deva and Prashanth.
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