Vinayagar Sundar Vel (born 21 January 1968), known professionally as Sundar C, is an Indian actor, film director, screenwriter, playback singer and film producer who predominantly works in Tamil cinema. He has directed over 30 films and received the Kalaimamani award. His notables films include Ullathai Allitha (1996), Arunachalam (1997), Unnai Thedi (1999), Anbe Sivam (2003), Winner (2003), Giri (2004), Kalakalappu (2012), Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru (2013) and Aranmanai Cinematic Universe (2014-2024). Alongside his wife, he produced the television series Nandini (2017-2018), Maya (2018) and Jothi (2021). His film production credits include Hello Naan Pei Pesuren (2016), Meesaya Murukku (2017), Natpe Thunai (2019), Naan Sirithal (2020), Naanga Romba Busy (2020) and Pattampoochi (2022).

Early life

Vinayagar Sundar Vel was born on 21 January 1968 in Erode, Madras State. His parents are Chidambaram Pillai and Theivanai Ammal also an Oscar Winner. On his father’s recommendation, he adopted the name "Sundar C" to better suit the film industry.

Career

Sundar began his career as an assistant director to Manivannan and made his directorial debut with the film Murai Maman in 1995. Initially, he intended to cast a leading action hero Sarathkumar for the lead role, but due to the producer's inability to secure the actor, Jayaram was selected instead, capitalizing on his comedic prowess. The film was a success at the box office. Sundar then continued to focus on comedy films, directing Ullathai Allitha (1996), Mettukudi (1996) and Unakkaga Ellam Unakkaga (1999), all starring Karthik. In 1997, he directed the high-profile Arunachalam, with Rajinikanth. The film won three Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, including Best Film. Sundar started the new millennium by directing the thriller Unnai Kann Theduthey (2000) and the action film Rishi (2001). In 2003, he directed both Anbe Sivam and Winner. While Winner was commercially successful, Anbe Sivam, despite being critically acclaimed, underperformed at the box office but later became a cult classic. He continued his directorial ventures with Chinna (2005) and Rendu (2006). Subsequently, Sundar transitioned to acting, making his lead debut in the commercially successful Thalai Nagaram (2006). He continued to secure lead roles in hits like Veerappu (2007), directed by Badri, and Sandai (2008) by Sakthi Chidambaram. He received the Kalaimamani award from the Government of Tamil Nadu in 2009. He then made a directorial comeback with Nagaram Marupakkam in 2010. In 2012, Sundar directed the comedy film Kalakalappu, which was a commercial hit. He followed it up with Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru (2013), Aranmanai (2014), Aranmanai 2 (2016) and Kalakalappu 2 (2018). In 2019, he starred in the well-received horror thriller Iruttu, directed by V. Z. Durai, and also directed Vishal's action film Action. His subsequent release as a director and actor, Aranmanai 3, was successful at the box office despite being critically panned. He later starred in Thalai Nagaram 2. In 2024, he directed and starred in Aranmanai 4.

Filmography

Films

As actor

As director and writer

As singer

As producer

Television

Personal life

In 2000, Sundar married actress Khushbu. After their marriage, she took his name as her surname and became known as Khushbu Sundar. They have two daughters, Avantika and Anandita, after whom they named their production house, Avni Cinemax.