Perarasu
{{short description|Indian film director}}
{{About||the 2006 film|Perarasu (film)}}
{{EngvarB|date=September 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2019}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Perarasu
| image =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1967|01|08|df=yes}}
| occupation = Film director, Music director
| years_active = 2005–present
| birth_place = Nattarasankottai, Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu
| spouse = *Shanthi (divorced)
}}
Perarasu (born 8 January 1967) is an Indian film director who works primarily in Tamil cinema and is best known for masala films with Vijay and Bharath.[https://web.archive.org/web/20100221045803/http://www.tamiloviam.com/unicode/11170509.asp Interview with director perarasu / இயக்குனர் பேரரசு பேட்டி]. Web.archive.org (21 February 2010). Retrieved on 16 November 2016. Perarasu has also been credited as an actor, music director, singer and lyricist in some of his ventures.[https://web.archive.org/web/20090829125916/http://www.jointscene.com/artists/Kollywood/Perarasu/589 Jointscene – Tamil Actor Perarasu]. Web.archive.org. Retrieved on 16 November 2016.{{cite web |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/features/Interviews/interview-5/perarasu/index.html |title=Perarusu – The Director – Sunday special Interview on Thiruvannamalai Director |website=Behindwoods |access-date=8 August 2012 |archive-date=18 September 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090918112823/http://www.behindwoods.com/features/Interviews/interview-5/perarasu/index.html |url-status=live }}
Personal life
Perarasu, was born on 8 January 1967 in Natarasankottai in Sivaganga district, Tamil Nadu.
Perarasu married Shanthi at Nattarasankottai on June 11, 2000 and a girl child Viruthika was born to them in July 2001.{{Cite web|title=HC upholds alimony order against film director|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2010/oct/27/hc-upholds-alimony-order-against-film-director-198471.html|access-date=2021-11-08|website=The New Indian Express|date=16 May 2012|archive-date=8 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108110203/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2010/oct/27/hc-upholds-alimony-order-against-film-director-198471.html|url-status=live}} When Shanthi conceived a second time, she was given abortion pills and fell ill, where she was sent by Perarasu to her parents. A panchayat was summoned and they started living together. However, Perarasu insisted Shanthi in moving to Nattarasankottai. During this time, Perarasu received an explicit divorce decree without Shanthi's knowledge. Shanthi took steps to have the decree rescinded and moved the JM court to Bhavani, who asked Perarasu to pay child support. Though Perarasu had filed a petition challenging the order, neither he and his counsel appeared in court when the matter was called on five occasions. On September 12, 2007, a judicial magistrate court in Bhavani in Erode district, directed Perarasu to pay alimony of {{INR}}10,000 a month to Shanthi and {{INR}}5,000 a month to their daughter.{{Cite web|date=Oct 27, 2010|title=Film director's plea against alimony dismissed|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/film-directors-plea-against-alimony-dismissed/articleshow/6817795.cms|access-date=2021-11-08|website=The Times of India|language=en|archive-date=8 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108115931/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/film-directors-plea-against-alimony-dismissed/articleshow/6817795.cms|url-status=live}} Perarasu later married Krishnaveni.{{Cite web|last=Perarasu|first=AR Murugadoss|title=Top director's wife at the Commissioner's office to lodge complaint|url=https://www.kollyinsider.com/2013/10/top-directors-wife-at-commissioners.html|access-date=2021-11-08|website=KollyInsider|date=24 October 2013|archive-date=8 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108115933/https://www.kollyinsider.com/2013/10/top-directors-wife-at-commissioners.html|url-status=live}}
Career
Perarasu tried for 7 to 8 years to make it big in cinema industry and had some off-beat stories. When Perarasu was new to Chennai, he used to frequent AVM Productions and stand in front of the studios longing to visit the place, where he also bribed a production in charge {{INR}}10 rupees one day and got himself into the studios. Perarasu's 15–16 years experience in the industry taught him to analyse the pulse of the audience and give them what they want. He honed his skills under Rama Narayanan and N. Maharajan.[https://web.archive.org/web/20090918112823/http://www.behindwoods.com/features/Interviews/interview-5/perarasu/index.html Perarusu – The Director – Sunday special Interview on Thiruvannamalai Director – Tamil Movies: Behindwoods.com]. Web.archive.org (18 September 2009). Retrieved on 16 November 2016.[https://web.archive.org/web/20090917170615/http://www.behindwoods.com/features/Interviews/Interview4/perarasu/tamil-cinema-interview-perarasu.html Tamil Movie Interviews : Director Perarasu]. Web.archive.org. Retrieved on 16 November 2016. Apart from assisting, Perarasu appeared in few films doing small uncredited roles.
Perarasu made his directorial debut with Thirupaachi starring Vijay in the lead role as his 40th film. The film was released on the eve of Pongal and received positive reviews from critics claiming that "you may strive hard to find anything new in Tirupachi, which is old wine served in a new bottle, with a different label".[https://web.archive.org/web/20141010141441/http://www.sify.com/movies/tirupachi-creates-a-new-record-news-tamil-kkfv9Vbjjde.html `Tirupachi` creates a new record!]. Sify.com. Retrieved on 16 November 2016.[https://web.archive.org/web/20131223070624/http://www.sify.com/movies/tirupachi-review-tamil-13648878.html Review : Tirupachi]. Sify.com. Retrieved on 16 November 2016. Thirupaachi became a commercial success by completing and 200 days in theatres.[https://web.archive.org/web/20140104034932/http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=13665931&cid=13525926 Chennai Box Office]. sify.com (8 February 2005). Retrieved on 16 November 2016.
After the success of Thirupaachi, Perarasu collaborated with Vijay again for Sivakasi, which also marks Vijay's third collaboration with A. M. Rathnam after Kushi and Ghilli.{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/13945.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050331040317/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/13945.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=31 March 2005 |title=FIR on Vijay's Sivakasi – Tamil Movie News |website=IndiaGlitz |date=29 March 2005 |access-date=30 May 2012}}{{cite web |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/News/14-3-05/vijay_new.htm |title=Vijay's Sivakasi |website=Behindwoods |date=14 March 2005 |access-date=30 May 2012 |archive-date=24 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224114054/http://www.behindwoods.com/News/14-3-05/vijay_new.htm |url-status=live }} The film was released on Diwali to positive reviews from critics and eventually became a successful venture claiming that ""This formula had worked well for director Perarasu and Vijay in Thirupaachi and now the team has re-worked it. This time, however, it will test your patience as it is not meant for the class audience or those seeking quality entertainment. Perarasu and Vijay believe only in catering to the mass audience who want their dose of unpretentious masala mix"{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/sivakasi-review-tamil-13975906.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131222221222/http://www.sify.com/movies/sivakasi-review-tamil-13975906.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 December 2013 |title=Movie Review:Sivakasi|website=Sify |access-date=30 May 2012}}
During the making of Sivakasi, representatives from AVM Productions approached Perarasu to make a film with Ajith Kumar in the lead role.[http://ajithkumar.free.fr/news/news_172.htm www.ajithkumar.fr.fm] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120326191632/http://ajithkumar.free.fr/news/news_172.htm |date=26 March 2012 }}. www.ajithkumar.fr.fm (14 April 2006). Retrieved on 16 November 2016. The director immediately accepted the offer and told the producer the story of the film during the meeting and the film was announced publicly two days later.[http://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/dec/07per.htm Perarasu on Tirupathi] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102113922/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/dec/07per.htm |date=2 November 2012 }}. Rediff.com. Retrieved on 16 November 2016. In August 2005, it became clear that the film would begin in November and that Riyaz Khan would play the lead antagonist role in the project.[https://web.archive.org/web/20051126061520/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/16432.html Ready and raring to go – Tamil Movie News]. Indiaglitz.com (26 August 2005). Retrieved on 16 November 2016. Sadha was signed on to play the lead role after early reports suggested that either Nayanthara, Renuka Menon or Gopika would play the lead female role. The film was named Thirupathi and was launched officially on 15 September 2005 with Vijay attending the opening ceremony.{{Cite web|url=http://www.cinesouth.com/masala/hotnews/new/15092005-4.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060108013251/http://www.cinesouth.com/masala/hotnews/new/15092005-4.shtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 January 2006|title=டோடோவின் ரஃப் நோட்டு — Tamil Kavithai -- தமிழ் கவிதைகள் - நூற்று கணக்கில்!}} The film was critically panned with critics claiming that the film drew too much resemblance to Perarasu's previous projects, but became a commercial success.[http://www.sify.com/movies/tirupati-review-tamil-14184669.html Sify Movies – Review listing] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140531114938/http://www.sify.com/movies/tirupati-review-tamil-14184669.html |date=31 May 2014 }}. Sify.com (2 December 2012). Retrieved on 16 November 2016.
After the success of Thirupathi, Perarasu announced a project called "Pandigai" with S. J. Suryah, but the project was cancelled and he announced his next project Dharmapuri with Vijayakanth in 2006 since Rathnam expressed his desire of Perarasu directing a film for him again after Sivakasi.[http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/may-06-03/18-05-06-perarasu.html Tamil movies : Perarasu to join with SJ Surya for ‘Pandigai’] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240411071753/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/may-06-03/18-05-06-perarasu.html |date=11 April 2024 }}. Behindwoods.com (18 May 2006). Retrieved on 16 November 2016.[http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/june-06-02/16-06-06-vijaya-kanth.html Tamil movies : Perarasu's Dharmapuri with Vijayakanth!!] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004212921/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/june-06-02/16-06-06-vijaya-kanth.html |date=4 October 2012 }}. Behindwoods.com (16 June 2006). Retrieved on 16 November 2016. When Rathnam and Vijayakanth heard the ‘one liner’ of the film, they both liked it instantly and thus Dharmapuri was created without even a heroine.[http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-articles/movies-04/22-09-06-vijayakanth.html Tamil movies : Will director Perarasu strike a chord with Captain's Dharmapuri?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090314054758/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-articles/movies-04/22-09-06-vijayakanth.html |date=14 March 2009 }}. Behindwoods.com. Retrieved on 16 November 2016. Indiaglitz wrote "Perarasu has dished out a movie that would certainly appease front-benchers. A commercial pot-boiler, the movie will be lapped by Vijayakanth's fans. Sure to make it big in rural centres, the movie also has enough stunt sequences for action-lovers".[https://web.archive.org/web/20061023180634/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/review/8605.html Dharmapuri review. Dharmapuri Tamil movie review, story, rating]. IndiaGlitz.com (20 October 2006). Retrieved on 16 November 2016.
Perarasu's next film was Pazhani, starring Bharath and Kajal Aggarwal, but became an above average venture at the box office. He then directed films like Thiruvannamalai and Thiruthani. Thiruvannamalai was a commercial success, but Thiruthani became a box-office bomb. Later, Perarasu made his directorial debut in Malayalam with Samrajyam 2, which was also partially reshot in Tamil as Tihar. Samrajyam 2 was the sequel of Samrajyam which starred Mammootty in the lead role. The Malayalam and Tamil versions received negative reviews from critics and became a box-office bomb.[http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-reviews/reviews-1/pazhani-review.html Tamil Movie Review Pazhani Bharath Kajal Agarwal Sakthi Chidambaram Perarasu Kushboo Vyabari Tamil Movie News Hot Stills Picture Image Gallery] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924033915/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-reviews/reviews-1/pazhani-review.html |date=24 September 2015 }}. Behindwoods.com (5 December 2007). Retrieved on 16 November 2016.[https://web.archive.org/web/20140531111926/http://www.sify.com/movies/thiruvannamalai-review-tamil-14822489.html Sify Movies – Review listing]. Sify.com (2 December 2012). Retrieved on 16 November 2016.
Filmmaking style
Perarasu primarily directs films he claims are "aimed at the common man who looks at pure entertainment" rather than critics or intellectuals. He also wants his films to be packed with mind-blowing soundtrack, fast-paced script and punch dialogues inserted along with sentiments, humour, twists and turns. Due to his films being named after towns and cities, Perarasu has been nicknamed "Oorarasu" by the media, the term being a portmanteau of "oor" (meaning town or city) and his name Perarasu.{{Cite web |title="I make films for common man":Perarasu |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/tamil/interview.php?id=13980624&cid=2408 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930223444/http://sify.com/movies/tamil/interview.php?id=13980624&cid=2408 |archive-date=30 September 2007 |access-date=25 March 2017 |website=Sify}}{{Cite web |title=Thiruvannamalai |url=http://www.ayngaran.com/frame.php?iframepath=moviedetails.php?movid=113 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120729154933/http://www.ayngaran.com/frame.php?iframepath=moviedetails.php%3Fmovid=113 |archive-date=29 July 2012 |access-date=25 March 2017 |website=Ayngaran International}}{{Cite news |last=Raghavan |first=Nikhil |date=12 March 2011 |title=Name it right! |work=The Hindu |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Itsy-bitsy/article14944592.ece |access-date=25 March 2017 |archive-date=10 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410121402/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Itsy-bitsy/article14944592.ece |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=August 14, 2009 |title=A fresh new pair in Kollywood |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/aug-09-03/kandein-kadhalai-14-08-09.html |access-date=2022-05-08 |website=Behindwoods |archive-date=18 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110518050829/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/aug-09-03/kandein-kadhalai-14-08-09.html |url-status=live }}
Filmography
;Director
- All films are in Tamil, unless otherwise noted.
| class="wikitable sortable" | ||||||
| rowspan="2" style="width:35px;"| Year
! rowspan="2" style="width:150px;"| Film ! colspan="4" style="width:195px;"| Credited as ! rowspan="2" style="text-align:center; width:250px;" class="unsortable"| Notes | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| style="width:65px;" | Director
! width=65 | Writer ! width=65 | Actor ! width=65 | Role | ||||||
| 1990 | Sathan Sollai Thattathe | style="text-align:center;"| {{n}} | style="text-align:center;"| {{n}} | style="text-align:center;"| {{y}} | guy at park | credited as Ma. Perarasu |
| 1999 | Ethirum Pudhirum | style="text-align:center;"| {{n}} | style="text-align:center;"| {{n}} | style="text-align:center;"| {{y}} | Doctor | Uncredited |
| 2004 | Arasatchi | {{partial|Assistant}} | style="text-align:center;"| {{n}} | style="text-align:center;"| {{y}} | Reporter | Uncredited role. |
| rowspan="2"| 2005 | Thirupaachi | style="text-align:center;"| {{y}} | style="text-align:center;"| {{y}} | style="text-align:center;"| {{n}} | {{n/a}} | |
| Sivakasi | style="text-align:center;"| {{y}} | style="text-align:center;"| {{y}} | style="text-align:center;"| {{y}} | Himself | Cameo appearance | |
| rowspan="2"| 2006 | Thirupathi | style="text-align:center;"| {{y}} | style="text-align:center;"| {{y}} | style="text-align:center;"| {{y}} | Auto driver | Cameo appearance Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Story Writer |
| Dharmapuri | style="text-align:center;"| {{y}} | style="text-align:center;"| {{y}} | style="text-align:center;"| {{y}} | Lawyer | Cameo appearance | |
| 2007 | Puli Varudhu | style="text-align:center;"| {{n}} | style="text-align:center;"| {{n}} | style="text-align:center;"| {{y}} | Himself | Cameo appearance in a song "Kanava Nejama" |
| rowspan="3"| 2008 | Pazhani | style="text-align:center;"| {{y}} | style="text-align:center;"| {{y}} | style="text-align:center;"| {{y}} | Thiruthani | Cameo appearance |
| Thiruvannamalai | style="text-align:center;"| {{y}} | style="text-align:center;"| {{y}} | style="text-align:center;"| {{y}} | Dr. Swamy Malai | Cameo appearance | |
| Pandhayam | style="text-align:center;"| {{n}} | style="text-align:center;"| {{n}} | style="text-align:center;"| {{y}} | Himself | Cameo appearance | |
| | 2012 | Thiruthani | style="text-align:center;"| {{y}} | style="text-align:center;"| {{y}} | style="text-align:center;"| {{y}} | Ramalingam | Cameo appearance Also music composer |
| 2013 | Onbadhula Guru | style="text-align:center;"| {{n}} | style="text-align:center;"| {{n}} | style="text-align:center;"| {{y}} | Himself | Cameo appearance in song "Vaa Machi" |
| 2015 | Samrajyam II: Son of Alexander | style="text-align:center;"| {{y}} | style="text-align:center;"| {{y}} | style="text-align:center;"| {{y}} | Cameo appearance in song "Megathin Meethada" | Partially reshot in Tamil as Tihar Directorial debut in Malayalam cinema. {{cite web|author=Ammu Zachariah |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/malayalam/news-and-interviews/Kollywood-director-Perarasus-Mwood-debut/articleshow/13963386.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522053507/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-06-10/news-and-interviews/32141473_1_mollywood-debut-ilaiyaraaja |url-status=live |archive-date=22 May 2013 |title=Kollywood director Perarasu's M'wood debut |date=10 June 2012 |work=The Times of India |access-date=8 August 2012}}{{cite web |author=Oor Kaalan |url=http://www.kollyinsider.com/2012/06/perarasu-on-mollywood-bound.html |title=Perarasu on Mollywood bound! |publisher=Kollyinsider.com |date=13 June 2012 |access-date=8 August 2012 |archive-date=19 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120619150951/http://www.kollyinsider.com/2012/06/perarasu-on-mollywood-bound.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.metromatinee.com/artist/MalayalamMovieVideos/News/Perarasu%20to%20direct%20Son%20of%20Alexander.-4229-1 |title=Perarasu to direct "Son of Alexander" |publisher=Metromatinee.com |date=12 June 2012 |access-date=8 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113085008/http://www.metromatinee.com/artist/MalayalamMovieVideos/News/Perarasu%20to%20direct%20Son%20of%20Alexander.-4229-1 |archive-date=13 November 2013 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/jun-12-02/vijay-perarasu-13-06-12.html |title=Vijay's Director Goes To Mollywood |website=Behindwoods |date=13 June 2012 |access-date=8 August 2012 |archive-date=17 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120817123222/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/jun-12-02/vijay-perarasu-13-06-12.html |url-status=live }} |
| 2021 | Minmini | style="text-align:center;"| {{n}} | style="text-align:center;"| {{n}} | style="text-align:center;"| {{y}} | ||
| 2024 | Petta Rap | style="text-align:center;"| {{n}} | style="text-align:center;"| {{n}} | style="text-align:center;"| {{y}} | Himself | Cameo appearance |
| 2024 | Uppu Puli Kaaram | style="text-align:center;"| {{n}} | style="text-align:center;"| {{n}} | style="text-align:center;"| {{y}} | Yashoda's lawyer | Web Series |
;As lyricist
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" | ||||
| scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" | Song ! scope="col" | Composer ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Notes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Thirupaachi | all songs | Dhina | |
| 2005 | Sivakasi | all songs | Srikanth Deva | |
| 2006 | Vallavan | Ammadi Aathadi | Yuvan Shankar Raja | |
| 2006 | Kedi | Aatha Unnai | Yuvan Shankar Raja | |
| 2006 | Dharmapuri | all songs | Srikanth Deva | |
| 2006 | Thirupathi | all songs | Bharathwaj | |
| 2007 | Madurai Veeran | Gokka Makka | Srikanth Deva | |
| 2008 | Pazhani | all songs | Srikanth Deva | |
| 2008 | Thiruvannamalai | all songs | Srikanth Deva | |
| 2009 | Rajadhi Raja | all songs | Karunas | |
| 2012 | Thiruthani | all songs | Himself | |
| 2022 | Coffee with Kadhal | Thiyagi Boys | Yuvan Shankar Raja |
;As singer
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" | |||||
| scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" | Song ! scope="col" | Composer ! scope="col" | Co-artists ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Notes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Dharmapuri | "Vandha Vaadi" | Srikanth Deva | Suchithra | |
| 2008 | Pazhani | "Loc Loc Local" | Srikanth Deva | Suchitra |
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
External links
- {{IMDb name|1896833|Perarasu}}
{{Perarasu}}
{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Perarasu}}
Category:Film directors from Tamil Nadu
Category:People from Sivaganga district
Category:21st-century Indian people
Category:Malayalam film directors
Category:Screenwriters from Tamil Nadu