V. Z. Durai
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V. Z. Durai | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Occupation | Film director |
| Years active | 2000–present |
| Known for | Right Eye Theatres |
V. Z. Durai (also credited as Dhorai VZ) is an Indian film director, producer, actor, and advertising filmmaker who works primarily in the Tamil film industry.[1]. He is known for directing the blockbuster debut Mugavaree (2000), the cult classic gangster film Thotti Jaya (2005), and the successful horror-thriller Iruttu (2019). He also founded the production company Right Eye Theatres and the advertising firm Addlime.
2000–2010 : Debut and breakthrough
Durai made his directorial debut with Mugavaree (2000), produced by S. S. Chakravarthy and starring Ajith Kumar and Jyothika. Despite having no prior film experience, Durai received significant production support from Chakravarthy. The film was a commercial success [2][3] , running for over 100 days in cinemas. Ajith Kumar gifted Durai a car as a token of appreciation before the film's release.[4] The film won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Family Film and was nominated for the National Film Award for Best Debut Director.
The success of the film led to the Durai and Kumar to make another film together featuring co-stars R. Madhavan and Vikram. However, they later scrapped and dropped the film.
In 2003, he directed Kadhal Sadugudu [5]featuring Vikram and Priyanka Trivedi. While not a major commercial success, it remains a notable entry in his filmography.
In 2005, Durai directed Thotti Jaya, a gangster film starring Silambarasan and Gopika. The film became a blockbuster [6]and later attained cult classic status, with fans and media celebrating it even 15 years after release. It marked Silambarasan's first gangster role. A sequel to this is much anticipated.
His fourth directorial venture, Nepali (2008), starred Bharath and Meera Jasmine. Critics noted it was a stylistic departure from his earlier work; it received mixed reviews but performed well at the box office[7].
2010–2019 : Hiatus, experimental films, and comeback
After Nepali, Durai took a five-year hiatus from directing feature films, during which he focused on international advertising campaigns and construction projects.
He returned in 2013 with 6 Candles (stylized as *6*), starring Shaam and Poonam Kaur. Shaam reportedly went without sleep for days during filming.[8] The film received praise from directors like Bala, who honoured Durai with a gold chain, and Kannada actor Sudeep Sanjeev, who praised both Shaam and Durai for their excellent work. It won two Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards (Best Story, Best Villain) and was nominated for the National Film Award for Best Film.
After another five-year hiatus, he directed Yemaali (2018) [9], an experimental drama starring Samuthirakani and Roshini. The film received mixed reviews but showcased his willingness to experiment.
In 2019, he directed the horror-thriller Iruttu [10]starring Sundar C and Sakshi Chaudhary. The film was a commercial success, completing 50 days in theatres and being praised for its investigative horror elements. The film was a break for Sundar C.
2020–present: Production house and sequels
Durai founded his own production company, Right Eye Theatres, and began developing franchise sequels. He directed and produced Thalainagaram 2 (2022), a sequel to the 2006 hit Thalainagaram, starring Sundar C and Palak Lalwani. [11]
He also completed Narkaali (2024), starring actor-director Ameer, which faced delays in release.[12]
As of 2024, Durai is attached to direct Thotti Jaya 2, the long-awaited sequel to his 2005 cult classic Thotti Jaya, with Silambarasan reprising his role. The film's music is composed by Santhosh Narayanan, with cinematography by E. Krishnasamy and editing by R. Sudharsan.
Advertising and other work
Durai founded Addlime, an advertising film company through which he directed international commercials in Dubai, Ukraine, Thailand, and London. In London, he directed corporate films for Medican Medical Cannabis. He and his wife have collaborated on advertisements for The Chennai Silks, City Union Bank, and BharatMatrimony.[13]
Prior to full-time filmmaking, he worked in construction management, including luxury resort projects for Taj Hotels in the Maldives.
Filmography
As director
| Year | Title | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Mugavaree | Also cameo appearance; Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Family Film | [14] |
| 2002 | Ramanaa | As an Actor | |
| 2003 | Kadhal Sadugudu | [5] | |
| 2005 | Thotti Jaya | Also cameo appearance; cult classic | [6] |
| 2008 | Nepali | Also cameo appearance | [7] |
| 2013 | 6 | Also known as *6*; 2 Ananda Vikatan Awards; National Award nominee | [15] |
| 2018 | Yemaali | [16] | |
| 2019 | Iruttu | Also cameo appearance; commercial success | [17] |
| 2022 | Thalainagaram 2 | Also actor and producer | [11] |
| 2024 | Narkaali | Also actor | [12] |
| TBA | Thotti Jaya 2 | Announced; with Silambarasan, music by Santhosh Narayanan |