From Srikanth Addala and Samuthirakani to Gautam Menon, these film directors made a mark for themselves as terrifying villains.
These South Indian film directors turned villains on screen. (X)
Mostly known for their work behind the screen, South Indian film directors are now taking centerstage as intimidating villains on screen.
There were times when filmmakers often portrayed positive roles in projects. But the trend seems to have changed now.
From calling the shots behind the scenes to commanding attention as a menacing character onscreen, the directors like to entertain audiences with their onscreen presence.
Here are the South Indian film directors who have stepped into the shoes of an antagonist by showcasing their versatility on the screen.
Srikanth Addala in ‘Peddha Kapu 1’. (X)
Director Srikanth Addala, known for feel-good films like Kotha Bangarulokam (2008) and Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu (2013) challenged stereotypes with the gritty Narappa (2021), starring Venkatesh Daggubati.
The recent film Peddha Kapu 1 (2023), which has political and caste undertones, featured the director as a badass villain.
The director played a wheelchair-bound character in Peddha Kapu 1.
It is learnt that the makers planned to rope an artiste who played a role in Kumbalangi Nights (2019). However, due to scheduling conflicts, Addala had to step in and play the grey character following the advice of his friend in the industry circle.
Paddha Kapu 1 was based on real incidents. However, it failed to resonate with the audience.
This was not the first time Srikanth Addala performed in front of the camera. Earlier too, he did minor roles in Siddharth-starrer Bommarillu (2006) and Allu Arjun’s Arya (2004).
SJ Suryah in ‘Mersal’. (X)
Remember SJ Suryah making his first cameo experience as a pedestrian 24 years ago in his directorial Kushi (2001), starring Pawan Kalyan and Bhumika Chawla?
Suryah turned into a terrifying villain in the recent flick Mark Antony (2023), starring actor Vishal. The film crossed ₹100-crore mark at the Tamil box office.
Though the movie could not pack a punch as expected at the Telugu box office, Mark Antony earned SJ Suryah a name for his comic timing and eccentric characterisation in Tamil.
It may be recalled that Suryah directed Mahesh Babu in Naani in 2004. In 2010, he helmed Komaram Puli, starring Pawan Kalyan.
Having entered the film industry with a passion for becoming an actor, Suryah unexpectedly ventured into moviemaking.
He debuted onscreen with a small role in Nethiyadi (1989) in Tamil. Subsequently, he turned director with the movie Vaalee (1999).
AR Murugadoss’s directorial Spyder (2017) defined his acting career. In the Telugu-Tamil bilingual, he essayed the role of Bhairavudu, a psychopath.
Karun Kumar caught the cynosure of all eyes with his debut flick Palasa 1978 (2020). Later, he appeared in Satyadev-starrer Uma Maheswara Ugra Roopasya in 2020.
Recently, Karun Kumar appeared as a villain in Nagarjuna Akkineni’s Naa Saami Ranga, which was released in theatres during Sankranthi last month.
Although he made a fair attempt to bring justice to his character, the film failed miserably at the box office.
Samuthirakani as director. (X)
Senior director-turned-actor Samuthirakani has been a busy performer, especially in Telugu cinema.
After making a splash on the Tamil small screen by directing daily soaps, Samuthirakani explored his talent in filmmaking with his debut Unnai Charanadaindhen in 2003.
His tryst with Telugu films happened in 2010 with Shambo Shiva Shambo, starring Mass Maharaja Ravi Teja.
While dabbling with filmmaking, Samuthirakani performed as a supporting artiste in various movies.
He played the serial killer in Malayalam film Oppam in 2016.
With Allu Arjun’s Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020), Telugu filmmakers found the actor indispensable.
Subsequently, he acted in almost all major movies starring top Telugu stars, including Sarkaru Vaari Paata (2022) and Sir (2023).
Samuthirakani recently directed Bro (2023) starring Pawan Kalyan and Sai Dharam Tej.
He now plays a negative role in Ram Charan’s upcoming film Game Changer.
Gautham Vasudev Menon in ‘Trance’. (X)
Ye Maaya Chesave in 2010 is one of the career-best flicks of Gautham Vasudev Menon.
Of course, his earlier directorial ventures like Garshana (2004), starring Venkatesh Daggubati and Surya S/O Krishnan (2008), headlined by Suriya, were resounding hits.
However, Gautam Menon’s portrayal as a police officer in a slew of movies like Kaakha Kaakha in 2003, Yennai Arindhaal in 2015, and Sahasam Swasaga Sagipo in 2016 connected well with the majority of audiences.
Gautam Menon found a special fanbase for his characters in films.
He essayed the role of a villain in Sundeep Kishan’s Michael (2023).
Gautam Menon now plays a grey character in the upcoming Tamil flick Hitlist.
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