Priyadarshan

As a college student in Thiruvananthapuram, Priyadarshan wrote short plays and skits for All India Radio. Born in the city on 30 January 1957, he studied at the Government Model School and took an MA in Philosophy from University College. Mohanlal was among his friends then. After working as an assistant scriptwriter he directed his first film, the comedy Poochakkoru Mookkuthi (1984), and his career as director and screenwriter has since been split largely between Malayalam and Hindi cinema, with films in Tamil and Telugu as well. The 1980s and 1990s brought a long run of Malayalam titles, among them Boeing Boeing, Thalavattam, Chithram, Vandanam, Kilukkam, Mithunam, Thenmavin Kombathu, Kaalapaani, Chandralekha and Megham. His Hindi work began with Gardish and Virasat, and comedies such as Hera Pheri, Hungama, Garam Masala, Bhagam Bhag, Bhool Bhulaiyaa and Bhooth Bangla (2026) came later. He has directed more than 90 films and holds three National Film Awards, several Kerala State Film Awards and the Padma Shri, given in 2012. Thenmavin Kombathu returned to theatres in a 4K version in 2026, 32 years after its release, and Mohanlal described it as his favourite among their films together.