Latest news with #BaluMahendra
Time of India
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Madha Yaanai Koottam director Vikram Sugumaran dies of cardiac arrest at 47!
Having begun his career working as an assistant to Balu Mahendra, Vikram was also the co-writer of Vetri Maaran's Aadukalam. He is survived by his wife and children. Filmmaker Vikram Sugumaran , whose directorial works include the rural drama Madha Yaanai Koottam (2013) and Raavana Kottam (2023), passed away due to cardiac arrest on Monday. He was 47. The director had reportedly experienced severe chest pain as he was returning from Madurai to Chennai after narrating a story to a producer. He was immediately taken to the hospital but could not be saved. Having begun his career working as an assistant to Balu Mahendra, Vikram was also the co-writer of Vetri Maaran's Aadukalam. He is survived by his wife and children. More than a director, Vikram was a brother to me; I learnt a lot from him: Shanthnu Bhagyaraj More than a director, Vikram was a brother to me, and I learnt so much from him. He always told me to do films that were rooted, as only then would people accept me as one of their own. When he designed Raavana Kottam for me, he took me to the deep south of Tamil Nadu, made me stay there and introduced me to the culture of that area. The way he filmed his script and penned dialogues was a learning experience for aspiring directors like me. Vikram was a lonely person and didn't share a lot and kept things to himself. But I've personally seen how casually and happily he could speak. I used to tell him to not take everything to heart and let this side of him out. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pistol de sudură laser multifuncțional siginificant Află mai multe Undo I feel bad he was struggling alone and not talking to anyone in his last few days. I wish he had called people like me and spoken. His death has been a shock. There was more to him than what the world has seen. I feel bad he left us before making the cinema that he wanted to. He'd narrate a script so beautifully, you'll be able to visualise the film: Viji Chandrasekhar Vikram was so hard-working. He approached me for Madha Yaanai Koottam after seeing the poster of my film Aarohanam; he didn't know who I was back then, but he immediately said, 'She is my Sevanamma' (her character in Madha Yaanai Koottam). When he narrated a script, he would explain things so beautifully that you would be able to visualise the film even before he actually made it. He called me excitedly a few weeks ago and said that he wanted to discuss a script with me. I asked him why he was taking long breaks between films, and he said that he was structuring a script. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Time of India
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Who is Vikram Sugumaran? A filmmaker, who voiced rural realism in Tamil cinema
Vikram Sugumaran , known for his socially conscious and rooted storytelling, passed away on June 2, 2025, at the age of 48 due to a sudden cardiac arrest during a journey from Madurai to Chennai. His demise has left a deep void in the Tamil film industry, with colleagues and fans mourning the loss of a director who fearlessly explored the socio-political undercurrents of Tamil Nadu through cinema. Vikram Sugumaran's work resonated for its raw honesty and portrayal of life beyond the urban narrative, making his sudden departure all the more heartbreaking. From Paramakudi to the silver screen Born in Paramakudi in the Ramanathapuram district, Vikram Sugumaran moved to Chennai with aspirations of making it in the film world. He began his career learning the ropes under the legendary Balu Mahendra and later worked closely with director Vetrimaaran , contributing dialogues to the critically acclaimed 'Aadukalam' (2011). These early influences shaped his grounded cinematic voice, known for its emotional honesty and regional authenticity. A promising debut with a bold voice Vikram Sugumaran stepped into direction with 'Madha Yaanai Koottam' (2013), a hard-hitting rural drama that explored caste conflict and familial divisions. Starring Kathir and Oviya, the film garnered critical acclaim for its unflinching portrayal of rural Tamil Nadu and its layered character arcs. Produced by composer G.V. Prakash Kumar, the film announced Sugumaran as a bold new storyteller who wasn't afraid to tackle uncomfortable realities. A Fearless Voice for Social Change His 2023 film 'Raavana Kottam,' featuring Shanthanu Bhagyaraj and Anandhi, carried forward his legacy of socio-political commentary. Despite facing backlash and controversy, the film dared to question societal divides and manipulative politics that happened in the director's hometown. With just two films as a director, Vikram Sugumaran carved a unique identity, one defined by courage, conviction, and an unwavering commitment to telling stories that mattered. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
News18
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Remembering Vikram Sugumaran: An Unabashedly Political Filmmaker
1/7 Tamil filmmaker Vikram Sugumaran, renowned for his raw rural narratives and socially conscious storytelling, has passed away after suffering a heart attack. According to a report by Asianet, the director died while travelling by bus from Madurai to Chennai. 3/7 He followed it with Raavana Kottam (2023), a political drama featuring Shanthanu, Anandhi, Prabhu, and Ilavarasu, which was well received by many. A native of Paramakudi in Ramanathapuram district, Vikram Sugumaran began his career as an assistant director to the legendary Balu Mahendra. He worked with Balu Mahendra on Kathai Neram (2001 - 2002), a series of 56 short films between 1999 and 2000, as well as on the feature film Julie Ganapathi (2003).
Time of India
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Vikram Sugumaran Death News: Tamil Director Vikram Sugumaran passes away at 48 due to cardiac arrest while travelling by bus
Tamil filmmaker passed away suddenly today on June 2 due to a cardiac arrest while traveling from Madurai to Chennai by bus. His colleagues and friends expressed their grief and paid tribute on social media. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Humble beginnings and film aspirations hailed from Paramakudi in Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu. Driven by a passion for acting and filmmaking, he moved to Chennai to pursue his dreams in the film industry. His early career was shaped under the mentorship of the legendary filmmaker Balu Mahendra, where Vikram worked as an assistant and contributed to several short films around 1999-2000. He was also involved in projects like 'Julie Ganapathy' during this formative period. Acting debut and film appearances As an actor, Vikram made his debut in the critically acclaimed 'Polladhavan', directed by Vetrimaaran, and later appeared in Sasikumar's 'Kodiveeran'. However, his true calling was behind the camera, where he made a mark with his directorial debut 'Madha Yaanaik Koottam' in 2013. The film, set in a rural backdrop, was praised for its raw and realistic portrayal of village life, earning Vikram recognition for his storytelling skills. After a hiatus, Vikram returned to directing with 'Ravana Kottam' in 2023, featuring a strong cast including Shanthanu, Anandhi, Prabhu, and Ilavarasu. His last project, 'Therum Borum', was said to be related to climbing and mountaineering. The film community mourned Vikram's sudden passing. Actor Shanthnu shared heartfelt memories and photos with Vikram on social media, expressing his sorrow and admiration. He wrote, "#Rip dearest brother @VikramSugumara3 I've learnt so much from you & will always cherish every moment Gone too soon You will be missed #RIPVikramSugumaran". Justin Prabhakaran wrote, "A filmmaker who dreamed beyond frames, but left us too soon. Gone with countless stories untold. May your soul rest in peace Vikram Sugumaran sir #RIPVikramSugumaran" Actor Kayal Devaraj also expressed shock and sadness over the news.
