Sundar K. Vijayan

In the 1980s, Sundar assisted his father K. Vijayan at the age of 16 in films like Sattam, Vidhi, Mangamma Sabadham and Osai. He worked as a co-director for Viduthalai directing the portions of Rajinikanth and Vishnuvardhan. Producer K. Balaji who was impressed with his work in Bandham offered him to direct a film for his production company.^[3] He made his directorial debut with Revathi at the age of 18.^[1] Since Revathi was well received, he then directed Velicham with Karthik which did averagely at box-office. He was closely associated with actress Ranjini in the late 1980s.^[4] His father Vijayan died during the making of En Rathathin Rathame, so Sundar had to step in as director and completed the remaining portions of the film.^[1] After making Ennarugil Nee Irundhal, Vijayan did not receive further opportunities to direct films.^[1] With the advice of his relative, he shifted to television and made his first television series Paarvaigal starring Silk Smitha for Sun TV.^[1] His serial Madisar Mami did well which led to further opportunities for Sundar to direct many serials in television.^[3] He made many successful serials such as Jannal, Alaigal, Annamalai, Selvi and Arasi.^[1]

Vijayan also played a pivotal role in introducing actor Samuthirakani into Tamil cinema, by hiring him on as a copywriter during the 1990s.^[5] A number of directors, including Venu Arvind and Premsai, apprenticed under him during their period of training.^[6]

In the 2000s, Vijayan collaborated with a number of lead actresses including Radhika, Khushboo, Amala, Devayani and Meena for primetime television serials.^[7][8] By 2005, he had directed over 1500 episodes.^[9][3] He was awarded a Kalaimamani award in 2009 for his work on Tamil television.^[10][11]

• Sundar K. VijayanatIMDb