S. P. Muthuraman, also referred to as SPM,[1] is an Indian film director who works in the Tamil film industry. He has directed 72 films in Tamil. He was one of the most successful commercial directors in Tamil cinema.[2] Initially he worked mainly with R. Muthuraman, Jaishankar, Rajinikanth, Sivaji Ganesan and Kamal Haasan.[3]
S. P. Muthuraman debuted as an assistant director in the film Kalathur Kannamma (1960).[4][5] He has received two South Filmfare Awards and a Best Director award from the Tamil Nadu State Government.
Since 1977, his association with Rajinikanth proved to be extremely successful, as they went on work together in 25 films. Muthuraman was mainly responsible for moulding Rajini's career and turning him into a commercial star.[6] He was also the associate producer of the Rajinikanth starrer Sivaji.
Muthuraman was born on 7 April 1935 as the second of seven children in a family in Karaikudi. As per the norms in their region, Muthuraman's parents gave him another name - Rajaram Mohan - which became obsolete over time.[7] His father Karaikudi Rama.Subbaiah was one of the forerunners of the Dravidian Movement and a member of the erstwhile Tamil Nadu Legislative Council during 1972-78. Muthuraman's youngest brother is the Dravidian ideologue Suba Veerapandian.[8]
Muthuraman started his film career through AVM Productions as an editor, then an assistant director to the duo Krishnan–Panju, eventually working with A. Bhimsingh, D. Yoganand, Puttanna Kanagal, M. Krishnan Nair and A. C. Tirulokchandar.[9]
He married Kamala in 1960. The couple have 3 children. His wife Kamala died on 15 October 1992 before the release of his 70th film, Pandiyan.[10]
Muthuraman wrote a weekly column for The Hindu Tamil named Cinema Eduththu Paar; all articles were later published as a single book in paperback format.[11]
Year | Film | Notes |
---|---|---|
1995 | Thottil Kuzhandhai | Last film |
1992 | Pandian | 70th Movie |
1992 | Kaaval Geetham | |
1991 | Jeevana Chadarangam | Telugu film |
1991 | Thaiyalkaran | |
1990 | Guru Sishyulu | Telugu film |
1990 | Athisaya Piravi | |
1990 | Thiyagu | |
1990 | Ulagam Pirandhadhu Enakkaga | |
1989 | Raja Chinna Roja | |
1988 | Dharmathin Thalaivan | |
1988 | Nallavan | |
1988 | Guru Sishyan | |
1987 | Manithan | |
1987 | Per Sollum Pillai | |
1987 | Velaikaran | |
1987 | Samsaram Oka Chadarangam | Telugu film |
1986 | Dharma Devathai | |
1986 | Mr. Bharath | |
1985 | Japanil Kalyanaraman | |
1985 | Sri Raghavendrar | |
1985 | Uyarndha Ullam | 50th Film |
1985 | En Selvame | |
1985 | Ammavum Neeye Appavum Neeye | |
1985 | Nalla Thambi | |
1984 | Enakkul Oruvan | |
1984 | Nallavanuku Nallavan | |
1984 | Oorukku Upadesam | |
1984 | Naan Mahaan Alla | |
1983 | Thoongadhey Thambi Thoongadhey | |
1983 | Adutha Varisu | |
1983 | Oru Kai Pappom | |
1983 | Paayum Puli | |
1982 | Sakalakala Vallavan | |
1982 | Enkeyo Ketta Kural | |
1982 | Puthukavithai | |
1982 | Pokkiri Raja | |
1981 | Kudumbam Oru Kadambam | |
1981 | Ranuva Veeran | |
1981 | Netrikkann | |
1981 | Kazhugu | |
1980 | Rusi Kanda Poonai | |
1980 | Murattu Kaalai | |
1980 | Rishi Moolam | |
1979 | Vetrikku Oruvan | |
1979 | Aarilirunthu Arubathu Varai | Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Director |
1979 | Oru Koyil Iru Dheebangal | |
1979 | Kadavul Amaitha Medai | |
1979 | Kavari Maan | |
1978 | Priya | Made simultaneously in Kannada as Priya |
1978 | Sakka Podu Podu Raja | |
1978 | Vattathukkul Chaduram | 25th Film |
1978 | Kaatrinile Varum Geetham | |
1977 | Aalukkoru Aasai | |
1977 | Aadu Puli Attam | |
1977 | Bhuvana Oru Kelvi Kuri | Filmfare Award for Best Director – Tamil |
1977 | Pennai Solli Kutramillai | |
1977 | Sonthamadi Nee Enakku | |
1976 | Mogam Muppadhu Varusham | |
1976 | Oru Kodiyil Iru Malargal | |
1976 | Oru Oodhappu Kan Simittugiradhu | Filmfare Award for Best Director – Tamil |
1976 | Kaalangalil Aval Vasantham | |
1976 | Thunive Thunai | |
1975 | Aan Pillai Singam | |
1975 | Mayangukiral Oru Maadhu | |
1975 | Yarukku Maappillai Yaro | |
1974 | Anbu Thangai | |
1974 | Engamma Sapatham | |
1973 | Dheiva Kuzhandhaigal | |
1973 | Kasi Yathirai | |
1973 | Petha Manam Pithu | |
1972 | Kanimuthu Paappa |
1997 | Nimmadhi Ungal Choice | |
Filmfare Award for Best Tamil Director | |
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1972–1990 |
|
1991–2010 |
|
2011–present |
|
Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Director | |
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1967–1980 |
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1981–2000 |
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2001–present |
|