An Indian producer, writer and director, born in Madurai, India. He made his writing debut with the film Pallavi Anu Pallavi (1983). Among his works are Kannathil Muthamittal (2002), Guru (2007) and Ponniyin Selvan: Part I (2022). He won many awards, including the 1999 Netpac Award for the film Dil Se.. at the Berlin International Film Festival.