Mohan G. also known as Mohan G Kshatriyan[1] is an Indian film director, film producer, screenwriter and Vanniyar caste activist who has directed Tamil language films focusing on Vanniyar caste people. He became known for the thriller drama Pazhaya Vannarapettai (2016), and has gone on to make films including the dramas Draupathi (2020), Rudra Thandavam(2021) and Bakasuran (2023)
Mohan G. | |
|---|---|
| Born | |
| Occupation(s) | Film director, Screenwriter |
| Years active | 2016-present |
Personal life
editMohan G revealed that he had used his name "Mohan G Kshatriyan" during the release of his film Pazhaya Vannarapettai (2016) and claimed to have an attraction towards the name. He also claimed that "Kshatriyan" is a name which represents warrior spirit and also said that he has his caste name written as "Vanniya Kula Kshatriya" in his birth certificate.[2] During an interview in February 2020, Mohan G said the suffix "Kshatriyan" in his name means as “someone who defends society” and said that he is totally unaware of what other varnas do.[3]
Career
editMohan began his directorial career with Pazhaya Vannarapettai (2016), before making Draupathi (2020). The film had to be crowdfunded as no producer was willing to produce the film, fearing it would incite controversy.[4][5][6] Opening to negative reviews,[7] the film was criticized for its alleged pro-casteism stand and intent to uphold casteism.[8] The film eventually earned 23 times its budget at the box office, and prompted further attention for Mohan as a filmmaker.[9]
He subsequently collaborated with Richard again on Rudra Thandavam (2021). Reviewing the film, Muralidharan Kasiviswanathan from BBC News Tamil wrote "Mohan G has created the story focusing on the drug addiction of the youth. But since it would not be exciting to make a film with it alone, he has compiled and made the movie with the information shared on WhatsApp. Mohan G is busy saying what he has to say at all the moments available. It doesn't matter if the film is very modest. On the contrary, Mohan G continues to portray a few communities of the society in bad light with superficial information. It is unfortunate that he thinks that it is his strength."[10] The film received mostly negative reviews from critics.[11]
In 2023, Mohan worked on Bakasuran, which starred Selvaraghavan and Natty in the lead roles.[12] Following the film's release, Mohan noted that he had been approached by Telugu film producer Bellamkonda Suresh to direct the Telugu version of the film.[13]
Mohan's next film will star Richard Rishi, marking the third collaboration between the actor and the director.[14]
Filmography
edit- Films
| Year | Film | Director | Producer | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Pazhaya Vannarapettai | Yes | No | |
| 2020 | Draupathi | Yes | Yes | |
| 2021 | Rudra Thandavam | Yes | Yes | |
| 2022 | Bakasuran | Yes | Yes |
References
edit- ^ "Director Mohan G Kshatriyan's next film with Selvaraghavan titled 'Bakasuran'". 16 April 2022.
- ^ "Mohan G opens up about his name in social media". 24 February 2023.
- ^ "Morale Boosters for the Unsettled Mighty". 3 May 2020.
- ^ Sangeetha, P. "A film on Chennai's 2013 fake marriage cartel". The Times of India.
- ^ "உண்மையை சொன்ன திரௌபதி படம்... வரிந்து கட்டி வக்காளத்து வாங்கும் கருணாஸ்..!". Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd.
- ^ "Director of 'Draupathi' says similarities with popular leader are unintentional". The Hindu. 7 January 2020.
- ^ https://www.thenewsminute.com/flix/draupathi-review-vile-casteist-film-should-have-never-been-made-119153
- ^ "Films on inter-caste marriages stoke intense political debate in Tamil Nadu". The New Indian Express. 29 February 2020. Retrieved 25 September 2021.
- ^ "Director Mohan G: Rudra Thandavam is not an anti-conversion film". Cinema Express.
- ^ "ருத்ர தாண்டவம் - சினிமா விமர்சனம்". BBC News தமிழ் (in Tamil).
- ^ "என்னது மிஷ்கின் கையால் இயக்குநர் மோகன் ஜிக்கு விருதா ? அதிர்ச்சியில் ரசிகர்கள்". Dinamani (in Tamil). 15 August 2022.
- ^ "Bakasuran first look out: Selvaraghavan looks fierce in Mohan G's next". 26 August 2022.
- ^ "Bakasuran remake on the cards". Cinema Express.
- ^ Kollywood, Only (28 February 2023). "Richard Rishi and Mohan G to collaborate again!". Only Kollywood.