Gopi Nainar, born on 19 August 1974, is an Indian film director and screenwriter known for his impactful storytelling in Tamil cinema. He made his directorial debut with the critically acclaimed film Aramm (2017), featuring Nayanthara in the lead role. The film, which addresses social issues like water scarcity and bureaucratic apathy, was both a commercial success and a critical darling, earning accolades for its powerful narrative and performances. Aramm won several awards, including the Filmfare Award for Best Film – Tamil and Best Director for Nainar.

Following the success of Aramm, Nainar announced a sequel, Aramm 2, which is currently in development. In 2024, he directed Karuppar Nagaram, a film centered around the sport of football in North Madras. The movie stars Jai, Aishwarya Rajesh, and J.D. Chakravarthy, and it delves into the lives of young athletes navigating challenges in their community. The film’s teaser, released in November 2023, showcased intense scenes highlighting themes of ambition and social struggle.

Nainar’s journey into filmmaking was marked by perseverance and a commitment to social issues. Before his directorial debut, he gained attention for alleging that his story was used without credit in the film Kaththi (2014). Despite this setback, he continued to pursue his passion for storytelling, eventually making a significant impact with Aramm. His work is characterized by a focus on societal themes and a dedication to highlighting the struggles of marginalized communities.