Nithilan Saminathan is an Indian film director and screenwriter who works in the Tamil film industry. He is known for his debut film, Kurangu Bommai[1] and Maharaja, one of the highest grossing Tamil films of 2024.
Nithilan Saminathan | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 2017–present |
| Notable work | Kurangu Bommai (2017) Maharaja (2024) |
Early life
editNithilan was born as Santhamurthy Swaminathan. When he was in class 12, he read an article written by Vairamuthu, discussing the lyrics of the song "Andhimzhai Pozhigiradhu" which had the word "Nithilam" in it. When Kamal Haasan supposedly suggested an alternative, Vairamuthu insisted on keeping the word as Kannadasan had already used it. Nithilan was inspired by this and chose to set his name as "Nithilan Swaminathan" for his film career. [2]
Nithilan initially aspired to join the military like his relatives, but his love for films and poetry gradually steered him towards filmmaking. He graduated with a degree in Visual Communication.[1]
Career
editNithilan was looking for directorial opportunities when he heard about Naalaya Iyakunar Season 3. So he turned it meta and made a short called Pudhir.[3] He went on to make seven more short films. Punnagai Vaanginaal Kanneer Elavasam, his final round entry, made him the top prize of season 3.[4]
Nithilan made his directorial debut with the film Kurangu Bommai in 2017.[5] It was appreciated for its storytelling and direction.[6][7] After a seven-year hiatus, Nithilan's sophomore film, Maharaja, starring Vijay Sethupathi, was released on 14 June 2024.[5]
Filmmaking style
editAccording to Nithilan, his filmmaking does not seek to impose commercial elements forcibly. He believes in creating films that reflect his taste while appealing to the audience. His works often revolve around inanimate objects, a unique aspect noted in both Kurangu Bommai and Maharaja.[5]
Filmography
edit| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 2017 | Kurangu Bommai |
| 2024 | Maharaja |
References
edit- ^ a b "I would like to direct a love story with drama next: Kurangu Bommai's Nithilan Swaminathan". The Indian Express. 15 September 2017. Archived from the original on 14 June 2024. Retrieved 15 June 2024.
- ^ Srinivasan, Sudhir (27 June 2024). "Nithilan Saminathan interview with Sudhir Srinivasan | Maharaja | Vijay Sethupathi | Spoiler Alert". YouTube. Cinema Express. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
- ^ Pudhir - Thriller Tamil Short Film - Redpix Short Films (in Tamil). Archived from the original on 18 June 2024. Retrieved 18 June 2024 – via YouTube.
- ^ Naalaiya Iyakkunar 3 Grand Finale | Title Winner | Nithilan | Baggiyaraj (in Tamil). Archived from the original on 24 October 2022. Retrieved 18 June 2024 – via YouTube.
- ^ a b c "Director Nithilan Saminathan Interview for Maharaja: I don't see filmmaking as pressure | Exclusive". OTTPlay. 12 June 2024. Archived from the original on 15 June 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
- ^ Rangan, Baradwaj (4 September 2017). "Kurangu Bommai Movie Review". Film Companion. Archived from the original on 21 December 2022. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
- ^ Subramanian, Anupama (2 September 2017). "Kurangu Bommai movie review: Flawlessly executed thriller". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 26 August 2023. Retrieved 16 June 2024.