# Neelan K. Sekar

Neelan K. Sekar is an acclaimed Indian film director and screenwriter known for his work in the South Indian film industry, predominantly writing screenplays for Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam films.
Neelan has garnered widespread recognition for his distinctive storytelling style and impactful narratives. Over the years, through his works that have without exception resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike, Neelan has claimed his place as a masterful storyteller in contemporary cinema..

## Early career

Neelan Sekar began his career in the Tamil film industry by directing a short film titled, Paarvai, which showcased his early storytelling skills. He then went on to associate with the renowned filmmaker K. Bhagyaraj as an assistant director, gaining invaluable experience in filmmaking.
Neelan later worked as an associate director on the film Arinthum Ariyamalum, contributing significantly to its screenplay and dialogues. The film received widespread praise for its engaging narrative and well-crafted dialogues, thus solidifying Neelan's reputation as a talented storyteller in the industry.
Between 2001 and 2004, he served as the program producer of the popular show on Star Vijay, Vijay Box Office. The show garnered a stupendous following and further highlighted his versatility in the entertainment industry.

## Directorial debut

In 2008, Neelan Sekar made his directorial debut with the film Alibhabha. Starring actor Krishna Kulasekaran in the lead role, and produced by Pattiyal Sekhar, the film marked a significant milestone in Neelan’s career. Neelan’s unique style of storytelling, his innovative approach to the narrative, and his direction of strong, engaging characters set the film apart from conventional releases of the time.
Alibhabha received splendid critical acclaim for its freshness, compelling performances, and emotional depth. Krishna's portrayal of the lead character was widely praised, and Neelan’s direction unequivocally cemented his position as a promising filmmaker in the South Indian film industry. Audiences and critics awaited his future projects with equal and eager anticipation.

## Screenwriting contributions

Beyond direction, Neelan Sekar has contributed significantly as a screenwriter to some of Tamil cinema’s most acclaimed projects. His notable works include:
* Naan (2012): A psychological thriller that garnered praise for its gripping screenplay.
* Super Deluxe (2019): A groundbreaking anthology film that explored unconventional themes and earned critical acclaim for its bold narrative.
* Maara (2021): A romantic drama that stood out for its heartfelt storytelling.
* Cobra (2022): An action-packed film featuring intricate character arcs and layered storytelling.
* Nesippaya (2025): A romantic action thriller featuring debutant Akash Murali and Aditi Shankar.
In 2019, Neelan expanded his repertoire by co-writing the web series Fingertip, which filmmaker Vishnuvardhan produced. The series delved into the impact of social media on individuals and society and was well-received for its timely themes and engaging script.
In 2022, Neelan Sekar served as a screenplay advisor for the Telugu action thriller series Jhansi. His expertise contributed to the series' compelling narrative and overall impact.

## Awards and recognition

Neelan Sekar’s work has been acclaimed and widely celebrated in the Tamil film industry; particularly his screenplay for the Samantha-Fahad Faasil segment in Super Deluxe.
The screenplay won him the Best Screenplay Writer award at the prestigious Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards for this film which received enormous praise for its complex characters, thought-provoking themes and inventive narrative structure, and also the coveted, Kerala Critics Choice Award.

## Filmography

| Year | Work | Credited for | Credited for | Credited for | Role | Notes | Ref. |
| Year | Work | Writer | Direction | Acting | Role | Notes | Ref. |
| 2005 | Arinthum Ariyamalum | Screenplay, dialogues | Associate Director | Yes | Bus conductor | | |
| 2006 | Pattiyal | | Associate Director | Yes | Assassination Broker | | |
| 2008 | Alibhabha | Yes | Yes | | — | | |
| 2012 | Naan | Dialogues | | Yes | Salim's Mansion roommate | | |
| 2017 | Yaman | | | Yes | Inspector Sethu Madhavan | | |
| 2019 | Super Deluxe | Screenplay | | Yes | | | |
| 2019 | Fingertip | Screenplay, dialogues | | | — | Television series | |
| 2020 | Soorarai Pottru | Script supervision | | | — | | |
| 2021 | C/O Kaadhal | Dialogues | | | — | | |
| 2021 | Maara | Script supervision | | | — | | |
| 2022 | Cobra | Dialogues | | | — | | |
| 2022 | Jhansi | Screenplay Advisor | | | | | |
| 2023 | The Village | | | Yes | Ponraj | Television series | |
| 2025 | Nesippaya | Screenplay, dialogues |

## Awards and nominations

| Year | Film | Award | Category | Result | Ref. |
| 2020 | Super Deluxe | Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards | Best Screenplay | Won | |
| 2020 | Super Deluxe | Critics Choice Film Awards | Best Screenplay | Won | |