Gautham Vasudev Menon Height, Age, Wife, Children, Family, Biography & More

Some Lesser Known Facts About Gautham Vasudev Menon

• Gautham Vasudev Menon is an accomplished Indian filmmaker who primarily works in the Tamil film industry. His expertise spans various roles such as director, producer, screenwriter, and actor.

• In addition to his work in the Tamil film industry, Gautham Vasudev Menon has also directed several films in Hindi and Telugu. Many of these films are adaptations or remakes of his own Tamil films, where he has brought his stories and vision to a wider audience by recreating them in different languages.

• Gautham Vasudev Menon’s films have garnered high appreciation from both critics and audiences alike. His work as a director has consistently received positive acclaim for its storytelling, characterization, and technical aspects. His ability to connect with the audience and deliver compelling narratives has contributed to the widespread appreciation of his films.

• Indeed, Gautham Vasudev Menon’s film “Vaaranam Aayiram” (2008) was honoured with the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil. This recognition highlights the film’s exceptional quality and its impact on Tamil cinema.

• Gautham Vasudev Menon’s background reflects his mixed heritage. His father hails from Kerala and is of Malayali descent, while his mother is Tamil. His father passed away on 14 February 2007.

• Gautham Vasudev Menon’s passion for filmmaking blossomed during his college years. He found inspiration in films such as “Nayakan” (1987), an Indian Tamil language drama film, and “Dead Poets Society” (1989), an American drama film. These films left a significant impact on Gautham and played a pivotal role in shaping his aspirations as a filmmaker.

• In addition to his passion for filmmaking, Gautham Vasudev Menon displayed diverse talents during his college years. He was actively involved in cricket, showcasing his skills on the field. Furthermore, Gautham had a talent for singing and choreography, engaging in these artistic pursuits alongside his academic pursuits. These varied interests and talents indicate his multifaceted nature and creative spirit during his college days. ^[8]The Hindu

• During his college years, Gautham Vasudev Menon shared his aspiration of becoming a filmmaker with his parents. It was his mother who provided guidance and support, encouraging him to gain practical experience by shooting commercials and taking an apprenticeship under the renowned filmmaker Rajiv Menon. This guidance and mentorship early on in his career likely played a crucial role in shaping Gautham’s skills and paving the way for his successful journey in the world of filmmaking. ^[9]Rediff

• Gautham Vasudev Menon’s interest in filmmaking began during his college years, and he started writing his first script during this time. This period in his life served as a formative phase for him as he began exploring his passion for storytelling and scriptwriting. The experiences and influences he encountered during college likely played a significant role in shaping his early creative endeavours as a filmmaker. ^[10]The Hindu

• Gautham Vasudev Menon showcased his writing talents even during his college years, as he penned the scripts for several of his notable films. This includes “Minnale” (2001), “Vaaranam Aayiram” (2008), “Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa” (2010), “Neethaane En Ponvasantham” (2012), and “Enai Noki Paayum Thota” (2019). His early writing endeavours likely laid the foundation for his successful career as a writer and director in the Tamil film industry. Additionally, Gautham has also contributed as a dialogue writer for the Tamil version of the film “99 Songs” (2021), further showcasing his versatility and involvement in various aspects of filmmaking beyond directing.

• Gautham Vasudev Menon directed a Tamil language romantic drama film in 2000-2001, initially titled “O Lala.” However, the film’s title was eventually changed to “Minnale” with R. Madhavan playing the lead role. “Minnale” was released in February 2001 and proved to be a successful venture, receiving positive responses from both audiences and critics. The film’s popularity contributed to Gautham’s growing reputation as a director in the Tamil film industry.

• In 2003, Gautham Vasudev Menon directed the police thriller film “Kaakha Kaakha.” The movie delves into the personal life of a police officer and explores the challenges faced when dealing with gangsters. “Kaakha Kaakha” proved to be a commercial success, resonating with the audience and receiving positive feedback. The film’s engaging storytelling and compelling portrayal of the protagonist’s struggles contributed to its popularity and established Gautham as a talented director in the industry.

• In 2006, Gautham Vasudev Menon directed the film “Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu,” featuring Kamal Haasan in the lead role. The story revolved around an Indian police officer who moves to America to investigate a case involving a psychotic serial killer. The film was released in August 2006 and achieved significant popularity, becoming the third consecutive Tamil hit for Gautham Vasudev Menon. The film’s intriguing storyline, intense performances, and Gautham’s distinctive directorial style contributed to its success among audiences and further solidified Gautham’s reputation as a talented filmmaker.

• In 2007, Gautham Vasudev Menon directed the film “Pachaikili Muthucharam,” featuring Sarath Kumar in the lead role. While Gautham’s direction received appreciation, the film did not fare well at the box office. Gautham mentioned that he felt Sarath Kumar was not the ideal choice for the film and also revealed that he was not in the right state of mind during the shooting period due to his father’s illness. Tragically, Gautham’s father passed away on February 14, 2007, just a day after the film’s release. This personal loss likely impacted Gautham’s state of mind during that period. Despite the film’s underperformance, Gautham Vasudev Menon’s directorial skills were recognized by critics and audiences.

• In 2008, Gautham Vasudev Menon directed the film “Vaaranam Aayiram,” which turned out to be a tremendous success. The film not only garnered critical acclaim but also achieved remarkable commercial success. “Vaaranam Aayiram” received widespread recognition and accolades, including five Filmfare Awards, nine Vijay Awards, and the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil. The film’s compelling storytelling, strong performances, and emotional depth resonated with audiences, resulting in its significant box office earnings of approximately 220 million rupees worldwide. The success of “Vaaranam Aayiram” further solidified Gautham Vasudev Menon’s position as a prominent filmmaker in the Tamil film industry. ^[11]Behindwoods

• In 2010, Gautham Vasudev Menon directed the romantic drama film “Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa.” The film created a significant milestone as it became the first Tamil project to have its music soundtrack premiere outside India. The soundtrack of the film was launched at the prestigious British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) in London, which was a remarkable achievement. The successful and amazing launch at BAFTA further highlighted the global appeal and recognition of the film’s music. This event showcased Gautham Vasudev Menon’s commitment to pushing boundaries and taking Tamil cinema to an international platform. ^[12]Behindwoods

• In 2011, Gautham Vasudev Menon directed the psychological thriller film “Nadunisi Naaygal.” It marked his first home production under Photon Kathaas. However, the film did not perform well at the box office and had a below-average reception. Gautham’s next release in 2012 was “Neethaane En Ponvasantham,” which was also a home production under Photon Kathaas. The film explored the romantic relationship between two characters over different time periods. While the film generated some buzz, its overall performance at the box office was moderate. These two films reflect Gautham Vasudev Menon’s venture into producing his own projects and experimenting with different genres, showcasing his willingness to take creative risks in his filmmaking journey.

• In February 2015, Gautham Vasudev Menon co-wrote and directed the action thriller film “Yennai Arindhaal.” This film marked the third instalment in his police film franchise, following “Kaakha Kaakha” (2003) and “Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu” (2006). While the film received mixed to positive reviews from audiences, Gautham’s work as a director was widely appreciated. “Yennai Arindhaal” also stood out as Gautham Vasudev Menon’s first commercially successful Tamil film in five years. The film’s box office performance and positive reception further solidified Gautham’s position as a skilled filmmaker in the industry. The film’s combination of action, drama, and Gautham’s signature storytelling style contributed to its success among the audience and marked a significant milestone in Gautham’s career. ^[13]The Hindu

• In 2016, he directed a thrilling movie called “Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada,” which had both romantic and action elements. At the same time, they were also shooting a Telugu version of the film called “Sahasam Swasaga Sagipo.” During an interview, Menon mentioned that he funded the Tamil version of the movie using the money he received from the producers of the Telugu version.

• Some of his other Tamil movies include “Enai Noki Paayum Thota” (2019), “Putham Pudhu Kaalai” (2020), “Kutty Story” (2021), “Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu Part 1: The Kindling” (2022), and several others.

• After the Tamil movie “Minnale” achieved success in 2001, producer Vashu Bhagnani approached Gautham Menon to direct the Hindi version of the film titled “Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein” (2001). Menon had reservations about remaking the film in Hindi, but it took him just half an hour to agree. However, he was displeased with producer Vashu’s decision to replace the original technical team of the film. ^[14]Rediff The movie featured R. Madhavan, Dia Mirza, and Saif Ali Khan in the lead roles. It was released in October 2001 but unfortunately, it did not perform well at the box office and received below-average results.

• In 2012, Gautham directed the Hindi version of his Tamil film “Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa,” titled “Ekk Deewana Tha.” Unfortunately, the film’s performance was below average and it ended up being a box-office failure.

• In 2004, Gautham Vasudev Menon created the Telugu version of his Tamil film “Kaakha Kaakha,” titled “Gharshana.” The film received a significant amount of positive feedback for its technical brilliance and Gautham’s exceptional work. His filmmaking skills were even compared to renowned directors like Mani Ratnam and Ram Gopal Verma.

• In 2010, Gautham Vasudev Menon directed the Telugu version of the Tamil film “Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa,” titled “Ye Maaya Chesave.” The movie received positive responses from both audiences and critics. In 2012, he directed “Yeto Vellipoyindhi Manasu,” which was his own production under Photon Kathaas. In 2016, Gautham Vasudev Menon directed the Telugu version of the Tamil film “Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada,” titled “Sahasam Swasaga Sagipo.”

• In 2019, Gautham Vasudev Menon released the Tamil web series “Queen,” which revolves around the life story of Indian politician Jayalalithaa. The series was made available on the streaming platform MX Player. The two anthology series, “Paava Kadhaigal” (2020) and “Navarasa” (2021), were released on the streaming platform Netflix. In 2020, Gautham Vasudev Menon produced and directed a Tamil short film titled “Karthik Dial Seytha Yenn.”

• In 2015, Gautham Vasudev Menon lent his voice to sing the song “Pudhu Oru Kadavu” for the Tamil comedy-drama film “Uppu Karuvaadu.” In addition to his directorial work, Gautham Vasudev Menon has showcased his singing talent in the Tamil film industry. He sang the song “Uyire Vaa” for the Tamil film “Puppy” in 2019. Furthermore, he contributed to the rap portion of the song “Nira” in the Tamil film “Takkar,” which was released in 2023.

• Gautham Vasudev Menon has made several cameo appearances in the films he has directed. Some notable instances include his appearance as the flower man in “Minnale” (2001), as police officer Vasudevan Nair in “Kaakha Kaakha” (2003), as a dancer in the song “Manjal Veyil” in “Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu” (2006), as a bus passenger in “Pachaikili Muthucharam” (2007), as an informer in “Vaaranam Aayiram” (2008), as himself in “Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa” (2010), as a police officer in “Yennai Arindhaal” (2015), as a police officer in “Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada” (2016), and as Aadhi in “Kutty Story” (2021).

• The Malayalam film “Anuragam” was released on May 5th, 2023. The movie features Gautham Vasudev Menon, Sheela, and Johny Antony in the lead roles. It is the directorial debut of Shahad. ^[15]News18

• Gautham Vasudev Menon has also worked as a dubbing artist for various actors in Tamil films. He provided his voice for Jeevan in “Kaakha Kaakha” (2003), Salim Baig in “Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu” (2006), Muthukumar in “Veppam” (2011), and Suresh Menon in “Thaanaa Serndha Koottam” (2018).

• In 2010, Gautham Vasudev Menon established his own production company, along with co-promoters Venky Somasundaram and Reshma Ghatala. The production company was named after Gautham’s original company, “Photon Factory,” which had previously produced several of his films. Their first Tamil home production under the new company, called Photon Kathaas, was “Nadunisi Naaygal” in 2011. The film performed above average at the box office. In 2012, Gautham Vasudev Menon produced two films under Photon Kathaas: “Neethaane En Ponvasantham” in Tamil and “Yeto Vellipoyindhi Manasu” in Telugu. For the production of the Tamil film “Neethaane En Ponvasantham” in 2012, Gautham collaborated with Elred Kumar of RS Infotainment. There were high expectations for the film’s success, but it performed just average at the box office. This led to issues between Gautham and Elred. Elred Kumar filed a legal case against Gautham and producer Madan, alleging that they had accepted a 40 million advance payment for a film but continuously delayed the project for various reasons. As a result, the other productions of Photon Kathaas faced difficulties. In 2016, Gautham Menon announced the closure of the Photon Kathaas production company, citing the legal cases filed by RS Infotainment against the company.

• In an interview, Gautham Vasudev Menon revealed that working with the team of Minnale (2001) was challenging because most of them were newcomers in the industry, except for Suresh Urs, an experienced technician involved in the film’s production. Madhavan, the film’s lead actor, was also in the early stages of his career and had concerns about taking on the role. Menon mentioned that he faced immense pressure when Madhavan requested him to narrate the film’s story to his mentor, Mani Ratnam, to gauge whether Minnale would be a wise career move for him. Menon complied with the request, but unfortunately, Mani Ratnam was not impressed with the film’s storyline. Despite this setback, Madhavan decided to proceed with the project. When Minnale was released in February 2001, it turned out to be a major success, receiving positive responses from both the audience and critics alike.

• Gautham Vasudev Menon has faced the unfortunate situation of starting the shooting of several films, only to see them being delayed and eventually shelved for various reasons.

• Gautham Vasudev Menon has encountered public clashes and disputes with several actors, including Ram Pothineni, Suriya, Simbu, Dhanush, and others, regarding their behaviour and other issues. Some actors have accused Gautham of not providing timely remuneration. ^[16]India Today

• Gautham Vasudev Menon has expressed his preference for not having his films dubbed in different languages. As a result, several of his films have been re-directed or remade in different languages instead of being directly dubbed.

• In a 2008 interview, Gautham Vasudev Menon expressed his aspiration to collaborate with renowned American actor Robert De Niro.

• Gautham Vasudev Menon is widely appreciated for his distinct filmmaking style, which often revolves around middle-class narratives. His films frequently showcase actors in urban casual wear and with a command over the English language, adding a realistic touch to the characters and settings. In contrast to certain films where female leads are sometimes relegated to supporting or decorative roles, Gautham Menon portrays female characters with strength and agency, giving them substantial and meaningful roles in his stories. This approach has garnered praise from audiences for offering a more realistic and empowered depiction of women in his films. ^[17]Baradwaj Rangan

• In 2012, Gautham Vasudev Menon directed two versions of a film, one in Tamil and the other in Telugu. He had plans to direct a third version in Hindi titled Assi Nabbe Poorey Sau. For this Hindi version, Gautham decided to cast Aditya Roy Kapoor in the lead role. However, due to the underperformance of his previous Hindi film, Ekk Deewana Tha, the project did not take off as planned. The commercial failure of Ekk Deewana Tha likely affected the prospects of the Hindi version of Gautham’s film, leading to its shelving or indefinite postponement.

• Gautham Vasudev Menon has described the blockbuster film Vaaranam Aayiram (2008) as a very personal and close-to-heart project. He has stated that approximately 70 per cent of the film is inspired by his own life experiences, effectively considering it as his autobiography on screen. This suggests that the film holds significant sentimental value for Gautham, as it reflects his personal journey and incorporates elements from his own life. ^[18]Baradwaj Rangan

• Gautham Vasudev Menon has described himself as a reluctant writer. ^[19]The Hindu

• According to reports in 2007, Gautham Vasudev Menon embarked on the youth-centric film Chennaiyil Oru Mazhaikaalam with a cast of newcomers. The shooting of the film commenced in September 2007 and lasted for about 30 days. However, due to various reasons, including delays and concerns about the actors’ readiness, the project was eventually halted. Gautham Menon believed that the actors needed proper training before proceeding with the film and expressed the possibility of revisiting the project at a later stage in his career. ^[20]The Hindu ^[21]The Hindu

• In a different interview, Gautham Vasudev Menon mentioned his desire to make a Hindi remake of the film Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu with Amitabh Bachchan in the lead role back in 2006. However, for various reasons, the project did not materialize at that time. In 2012, Gautham Menon once again initiated negotiations with producers for the Hindi remake, but this time with Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role. It appears that Gautham Menon had a persistent interest in bringing Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu to a Hindi-speaking audience and explored different possibilities with renowned actors in the industry. The outcome of these negotiations and the eventual development of the Hindi remake would require further information beyond the provided details.

• According to reports, during the shooting of the Tamil film Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu in 2006, the producer of the film made an attempt to commit suicide, which caused significant turmoil within the film unit. As a result, Kamal Haasan, the lead actor, expressed his intention to quit the project. However, it was Gautham Vasudev Menon who convinced Kamal to continue working on the film, citing the advance payments that had been received. Despite the challenges faced during production, Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu managed to garner love and appreciation from both audiences and critics upon its release. The film’s quality and reception demonstrated the resilience and talent of the entire team involved.

• Gautham Vasudev Menon had a plan to create an English version of the film Kaakha Kaakha and had considered collaborating with Ashok Amritraj, the chairman and CEO of Hyde Park Entertainment Group, for this project. However, for various reasons, the plan did not materialize and the English version of the film was not produced. It is not uncommon for filmmakers to explore the possibilities of remaking or adapting their successful films for different markets, and Gautham Menon’s idea to create an English version of Kaakha Kaakha showcased his aspirations for wider international reach. Nonetheless, the specific reasons for the plan’s failure to materialize were not disclosed in the given information.

• In 2004, Gautham Vasudev Menon made the decision to direct the Hindi adaptation of his Tamil movie “Kaakha Kaakha.” He had initially chosen Sunny Deol for the lead role, and he had even mentioned that the role had been written with Sunny Deol in mind five years prior. However, due to certain circumstances, the project did not take off. The Hindi version of the film, titled “Force,” was eventually released in 2011 with John Abraham and Genelia D’Souza in the lead roles. In 2010, producer Vipul Shah approached Gautham to direct the film, and initially, Gautham agreed but later withdrew from the project. As a result, Nishikant Kamat directed the film “Force.”

• In 2003, Gautham Vasudev Menon shared that his inspiration to create the film “Kaakha Kaakha” came from reading various articles about how specialized individuals were trained to confront and apprehend gangsters, and the subsequent threats faced by their families. He approached R. Madhavan, Ajith Kumar, and later Vikram to play the lead role, but all of them declined as they were not interested in portraying a police officer. Eventually, he cast Suriya for the role. Prior to commencing filming, Gautham Menon ensured that Suriya received training at a commando school to adequately prepare for the role. The film was released in August 2003 and received positive feedback from both audiences and critics.

• Gautham Vasudev Menon mentioned that he used to frequent movie theatres and observe the audience’s reactions to different scenes in films. He did this with the intention of gaining a profound understanding of the audience’s mindset. His goal was to cater to their preferences and choices when making his first film.

• During an interview in 2001, Gautham Vasudev Menon shared that he initially did not support the idea of a Hindi remake of the film “Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein.” His original plans involved directing Tamil and Malayalam films first, with Hindi films to follow later. However, he took approximately half an hour to make the final decision of directing the Hindi version. Gautham also mentioned that he was initially against changing the original crew of the film. However, director Vashu insisted on replacing the crew, believing that a new team would better understand the Hindi audience’s sensibilities.

• In a 2010 interview, Gautham Vasudev Menon expressed that it was Mani Ratnam’s film “Nayakan” released in 1987 that ignited his passion and aspiration to become a director. The impact of “Nayakan” played a significant role in inspiring Gautham to pursue his dreams in the field of directing.

• According to Gautham Vasudev Menon, he made the decision to become a filmmaker while he was still in college. He mentioned that his involvement in organizing cultural festivals for students and actively participating in various college events played a crucial role in building his confidence and shaping his life. These experiences contributed to his journey towards becoming a filmmaker.

• During an interview, Gautham Vasudev Menon revealed that he faced challenges while working with the team of the film “Minnale” in 2001, as most of them were newcomers to the industry. The only experienced technician involved was Suresh Urs. The film’s lead actor, Madhavan, was also in the early stages of his career and had concerns about taking on the role. Gautham Menon mentioned that he experienced pressure when Madhavan requested him to narrate the film’s story to his mentor, Mani Ratnam, to seek advice on whether it would be a good career move. However, Mani Ratnam was not impressed with the film’s storyline. Despite this, Madhavan decided to proceed with the project. “Minnale” was released in February 2001 and became a hit at the time, receiving positive responses from both audiences and critics.