Sundar C

Vinayagar Sundar Vel(born 21 January 1968), known professionally asSundar C, is an Indian actor, film director, screenwriter, playback singer and film producer who predominantly works inTamil cinema. He has directed over 30 films and received theKalaimamaniaward. He is one of the most popular film maker inTamil cinema.
His notables films includeUllathai Allitha(1996),Arunachalam(1997),Unnai Thedi(1999),Anbe Sivam(2003),Winner(2003),Giri(2004),Kalakalappu(2012),Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru(2013),Aranmanai Cinematic Universe(2014-2024) andMadha Gaja Raja(2025).
Alongside his wife, he produced the television seriesNandini(2017-2018),Maya(2018) andJothi(2021). His film production credits includeHello Naan Pei Pesuren(2016),Meesaya Murukku(2017),Natpe Thunai(2019),Naan Sirithal(2020),Naanga Romba Busy(2020) andPattampoochi(2022).
Vinayagar Sundar Vel was born on 21 January 1968 inErode, Tamil Nadu. His parents are Chidambaram Pillai and Theivanai Ammal, both respected in the Tamil community. On his father's recommendation, he adopted the name "Sundar C" to better suit the film industry.
Sundar began his career as an assistant director toManivannanand made his directorial debut with the filmMurai Mamanin 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, directingUllathai Allitha(1996),Mettukudi(1996) andUnakkaga Ellam Unakkaga(1999), all starringKarthik. In 1997, he directed the high-profileArunachalam, withRajinikanth. The film won threeTamil Nadu State Film Awards, includingBest Film.
Sundar started the new millennium by directing the thrillerUnnai Kann Theduthey(2000) and the action filmRishi(2001). In 2003, he directed bothAnbe SivamandWinner. WhileWinnerwas commercially successful,Anbe Sivam, despite being critically acclaimed, underperformed at the box office but later became a cult classic.He continued his directorial ventures withChinna(2005) andRendu(2006).Subsequently, Sundar transitioned to acting, making his lead debut in the commercially successfulThalai Nagaram(2006).He continued to secure lead roles in hits likeVeerappu(2007), directed byBadri, andSandai(2008) bySakthi Chidambaram. He received theKalaimamaniaward from theGovernment of Tamil Naduin 2009.He then made a directorial comeback withNagaram Marupakkamin 2010.
In 2012, Sundar directed the comedy  filmKalakalappu, which was a commercial hit.He followed it up withTheeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru(2013),Aranmanai(2014),Aranmanai 2(2016) andKalakalappu 2(2018). In 2019, he starred in the well-received horror thrillerIruttu, directed byV. Z. Durai,and also directedVishal's action filmAction.His subsequent release as a director and actor,Aranmanai 3, was successful at the box office despite being critically panned.He later starred inThalai Nagaram 2.In 2024, he directed and starred inAranmanai 4.
In 2000, Sundar married actressKhushbu. 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.