Priyadarshan is an famous Indian film director and screenwriter. He was born on 30th January 1957 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. Priyadarshan began his filmmaking career in the early 1980s, making a significant mark in Malayalam cinema. Known for his versatile storytelling and flair for comedy and drama, he directed notable films such as Mazha Peyyunnu Maddalam Kottunnu (1986), Thalavattam (1986), Vellanakalude Nadu (1988), Chithram (1988), Vandanam (1989), and Kilukkam (1991). His success continued through the 1990s with acclaimed works like Abhimanyu (1991), Mithunam (1993), Thenmavin Kombath (1994), Kaalapaani (1996), Chandralekha (1997), and Megham (1999), establishing him as one of Malayalam cinema’s most celebrated and commercially successful directors.

In 1984, Priyadarshan made his directorial debut with Poochakkoru Mookkuthi, a slapstick comedy produced by his friends Suresh Kumar and Sanal Kumar, with financial support from Thiruvenkadam. The film starred Mohanlal, who was already a rising star, alongside Shankar in a parallel lead role. Blending humor with engaging storytelling, the film earned critical acclaim and quickly became a commercial hit. Its success was marked by a theatrical run of over 100 days in Kerala, establishing Priyadarshan as a promising new director in Malayalam cinema and laying the foundation for his long and successful career in Indian filmmaking.

In 2023, Priyadarshan returned to Malayalam cinema with Corona Papers, a thriller starring Shane Nigam. The film was an official remake of the Tamil movie 8 Thottakkal, which itself drew inspiration from Akira Kurosawa’s 1949 classic Stray Dog. Released on April 6, 2023, Corona Papers received generally positive reviews for its storytelling and performances, and it achieved moderate success at the box office. It marked a noteworthy addition to Priyadarshan’s diverse filmography, showcasing his ability to adapt and reinterpret classic narratives for modern audiences.

That same year, Priyadarshan also directed the Tamil film Appatha, featuring veteran actress Urvashi in the lead role. Released directly on JioCinema on July 29, 2023, the film gained significant attention as it marked Urvashi’s 700th project—a milestone in her illustrious career. Appatha was also recognized internationally, being showcased at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Film Festival, further emphasizing Priyadarshan’s continued relevance and appeal across audiences and cultures.

Looking ahead, Priyadarshan has an exciting lineup for 2024. He announced Bhooth Bangla, a horror-comedy starring Akshay Kumar, rekindling their popular collaboration after 14 years. This announcement generated considerable buzz, especially among fans of their earlier hits. In addition to Bhooth Bangla, Priyadarshan is also reportedly working on two Hindi films, one of which is a remake of his acclaimed Malayalam thriller Oppam. The Hindi version is expected to feature Saif Ali Khan in the lead role, marking another high-profile project in the veteran filmmaker’s dynamic career.