The ace director turns 40 today
South Indian filmmaker Gautham Vasudev Menon was born on February 25, 1973. It’s a milestone birthday for Gautham Menon as he turns 40 today. While his latest release, the much-hyped Neethane En Ponvasantham received only a lukewarm response, Gautham can certainly look back on a list of hit films and a great deal of critical acclaim.
Beginning with the Madhavan-starrer Minnale in 2000, Gautham has made films that have pleased both critics and the masses. His style is refreshing and he handles both romance and action with a deft touch.
Among the top Gautham Menon films would definitely be Kaakka Kaakka, starring Suriya as a tough cop. A tender romance with Jyothika was woven into the action film. Vettaiyadu Vilayadu, with Kamal Haasan in the lead, was also a cop story from Gautham Menon and did excellent business at the box office. Vaaranam Aayiram was his award-winning family drama, said to be inspired by his own family.
But his best certainly was Vinnaithandi Varuvaya, the perfect romantic tale. His casting was spot-on, with STR adding a fine role to his repertoire and Trisha providing superb chemistry. The music was a hit, too. Gautham Menon also made this film in Telugu and in Hindi, where it wasn’t the rage it was down South.
His last film NEP was also a romance, but audiences felt it lacked the zing of VTV. Gautham has said he’d liked to make another police story to complete the trio, and also has plans for a TV series. Here’s wishing the director all the best with his new projects and a very happy birthday!