S.J. Suryah

S.J. Suryah, born Selvaraj Justin Pandian on July 20, 1968, in Vasudevanallur, Tenkasi district, Tamil Nadu, is a multifaceted Indian filmmaker and actor known for his eccentric style and bold cinematic choices. He is one of the few personalities in Tamil cinema who has achieved success both as a director and as a character actor.

S.J. Suryah made a stunning directorial debut with “Vaali” (1999), a psychological thriller starring Ajith Kumar in a dual role, which became a blockbuster. He followed this with “Kushi” (2000) starring Vijay and Jyotika, another massive hit. His subsequent directorial ventures “New” (2004) and “Anbe Aaruyire” (2005), in which he also acted, showcased his unique filmmaking vision.

In recent years, S.J. Suryah has reinvented himself as one of Tamil cinema’s most sought-after character actors and antagonists. His flamboyant villain performance in “Mersal” (2017) opposite Vijay earned him widespread acclaim, followed by memorable roles in “Monster” (2019), “Don” (2022), and “Mark Antony” (2023). His over-the-top, theatrical acting style has become his signature, making him a fan favourite. He has won the Filmfare Award for Best Director - Tamil and continues to be one of the most distinctive creative forces in Tamil cinema.