1. Priyadarshan Soman Nair is an Indian film director and screenwriter.
35 Facts About Priyadarshan
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Priyadarshan has worked primarily inMalayalam and Hindi cinema since 1982, directing over 90 films in multiple Indian languages, with notable works in Tamil and Telugu.
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Priyadarshan has received several accolades, including three National Film Awards, multiple Kerala State Film Awards, and the Padma Shri in 2012.
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Priyadarshan began his cinematic journey in the early 1980s, primarily working in Malayalam cinema.
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Priyadarshan directed several notable films during this period, including Mazha Peyyunnu Maddalam Kottunnu, Thalavattam, Vellanakalude Nadu, Chithram, Vandanam, and Kilukkam.
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In 2013, Priyadarshan announced that Rangrezz would be his last Hindi film for the time being, as he shifted his focus back to Malayalam cinema.
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Priyadarshan received his early education at the Government Model School in Thiruvananthapuram, and later a Master of Arts in Philosophy from University College Thiruvananthapuram.
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Priyadarshan was an avid reader in his teens, and during college, he began writing short plays and skits for All India Radio.
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Priyadarshan was influenced by the films of director P Venu.
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Priyadarshan has been active in Indian cinema since 1984 as a director and screenwriter, directing over 95 films across Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, and Telugu.
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In 1984, Priyadarshan made his directorial debut with Poochakkoru Mookkuthi, a slapstick comedy produced by his friends Suresh Kumar and Sanal Kumar, with financial backing from Thiruvenkadam.
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Priyadarshan then experimented with a family thriller, Parayanumvayya Parayathirikkanumvayya, starring Mammootty and Shankar.
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Priyadarshan regained success with Mazha Peyyunnu Maddalam Kottunnu, Ayalvasi Oru Daridravasi, and Dheem Tharikida Thom.
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Priyadarshan then made Punnaram Cholli Cholli, his first film without Mohanlal, followed by Boeing Boeing and Aram + Aram = Kinnaram.
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Priyadarshan gained recognition as a serious director with the successful family drama Thalavattam.
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Priyadarshan's Tamil film Chinnamanikkuyile remained unreleased, while his work in Malayalam continued with Cheppu, which was a success.
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In 1988, Priyadarshan directed multiple films that contributed to his growing recognition in Indian cinema.
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Priyadarshan then directed Aryan, an action film written by T Damodaran, which depicted the Mumbai underworld and achieved commercial success, running for over 150 days in theaters.
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Priyadarshan expanded into Tamil cinema when he was invited by M Karunanidhi to direct Gopura Vasalile for his son's production house.
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Priyadarshan made his Bollywood debut in 1992 with Muskurahat, a remake of Kilukkam, though it failed at the box office.
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Priyadarshan gained national recognition in 1996 when he directed the Miss World pageant held in Bangalore.
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In 1997, Priyadarshan directed two commercially successful films: Chandralekha in Malayalam and Virasat in Hindi, the latter being an adaptation of Bharathan's Tamil film Thevar Magan.
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In 2000, Priyadarshan directed Hera Pheri, a Hindi adaptation of the Malayalam film Ramji Rao Speaking.
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Pre-production commenced, but Priyadarshan left the project due to creative differences, leading to Sundar C taking over as director.
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In 2001, Priyadarshan directed the comedy film Kakkakuyil, reuniting Mohanlal and Mukesh, a successful duo from the 1980s and 1990s.
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In Hindi cinema, Priyadarshan maintained his success with films such as Chup Chup Ke, Bhagam Bhag, Malamaal Weekly, Dhol, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, De Dana Dan, and Mere Baap Pehle Aap.
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In late 2015, Priyadarshan announced a crime thriller in Malayalam with Mohanlal.
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The screenplay and dialogues, written by Priyadarshan based on a story by Govind Vijayan, received positive reviews and became a blockbuster, breaking records and becoming the highest-grossing Malayalam film of the year within 16 days of release.
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In early 2018, Priyadarshan began pre-production on Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham, a Malayalam-language historical period film set in the 16th century.
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In 2023, Priyadarshan produced and directed Corona Papers, a Malayalam film starring Shane Nigam.
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In 2024, Priyadarshan announced the release of Bhooth Bangla, a horror-comedy film starring Akshay Kumar, marking their long-awaited collaboration after 14 years.
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Priyadarshan is reportedly directing two Hindi films in 2024, including a remake of his Malayalam film Oppam, featuring Saif Ali Khan.
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Priyadarshan has directed numerous advertisement films for brands such as Coca-Cola, American Express, Nokia, Parker Pens, Asian Paints, Kinley, and Max New York Life Insurance.
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Priyadarshan has received numerous awards from both the State and Central governments, as well as from various film organizations.
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Priyadarshan has won the prestigious National Film Award three times and has been recognized for his exceptional contributions to Indian cinema.