In the vibrant heart of Chennai, a unique talent has emerged from the bustling streets of Valasaravakkam, now thriving in Perumbakkam. Meet Srikantan Anand, a filmmaker whose journey through life and cinema reflects resilience, passion, and an unwavering commitment to storytelling.
Srikantan was born into a family enriched by creativity; his mother, Kalaimamani Dr. Uma Anand, is a revered music professor. His grandfather Padmashri. K.N. Dandayudapani Pillai was a legendry Choreographer. He was the guru of Former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa and actress Srividhya and more. Basically Srikantan from an art and entertainment gene, Growing up as an only child, he was nurtured in an environment that encouraged artistic exploration.
Though he showcased remarkable talent in cricket, his dreams took a sharp turn when he faced the tragic loss of his father during a crucial selection period. Instead of letting this setback define him, Srikantan channelled his emotions into writing, crafting scripts as early as his school days.
After completing his B.Com degree at Vivekananda College in Chennai, Srikantan’s cinematic journey truly began. During his college years, he produced short films that showcased his burgeoning talent. Notably, he directed “Colours,” featuring the popular actor Kayal Chandran, and “Identity,” which starred the now-renowned Sivakarthikeyan.
With the guidance of his mother, who understood his passion for filmmaking, He sought mentorship from the legendary Balu Mahendra. He was a stalwart in the film industry, recognized Srikantan’s potential. Under his mentorship for over a year and a half, He learned that cinema is an expansive sea of stories. Balu Mahendra emphasized the importance of reading widely and studying films, instilling in Srikantan a deep respect for the craft. His humble and friendly demeanour made the learning experience even more enriching.
In 2011, Srikantan completed his training at the Balu Mahendra Institute. From 2012 to 2014, he made a name for himself directing advertisements featuring celebrities like Suriya and Sarathkumar, including notable campaigns for the Tamil Nadu Police Department.
However, his passion for cinema was undeniable, and in 2016, he ventured into filmmaking, starting with “Thappu Thanda” But, the project brought challenges that limited his creative freedom, leaving him disheartened.
Despite setbacks, He collaborated with producer Alex for the film “Vanam,” which marked a significant turning point in his career. Partnering with senior writer John, known for his work on “Guna” and “Kuruthi Punal,” Srikantan dedicated nearly a year to researching tribal cultures to authentically portray their stories.
The shoot for “Vanam” movie began in 2019 and was completed in just 25 days. However, the release faced hurdles; heavy rain and competing films impacted its box office performance. Reflecting on this, Srikantan expressed, “I was completely fall apart because we did our maximum effort in the movie, but in the end, it was as if it became nothing.” Yet, despite commercial challenges, “Vanam” received critical acclaim, highlighting Srikantan’s ability to craft a narrative on a budget while utilizing the beauty of nature.
Today, Srikantan is actively writing a script for ZEE5, preparing to bring new stories to life. He understands that while a creator can envision a masterpiece, it takes a great team to bring that vision to the big screen or an OTT platform.
In addition to his filmmaking pursuits, Srikantan married in 2022 and launched his own advertising agency, the Fortunate Group, in 2023. He has successfully partnered with national and international cricket players, further establishing his presence in the advertising industry. Recently, he has done advertisements with actors Kamal Haasan and Vijay Sethupathi, as well as cricketers MS Dhoni, Natarajan, and Sai Kishore, showing a significant growth in his advertising field
Srikantan’s journey from a young scriptwriter to a filmmaker navigating the complex world of cinema is nothing short of inspiring. With each project, he continues to evolve, embracing challenges and celebrating victories. His story serves as a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams—a true inspiration for aspiring filmmakers everywhere. As he continues to write and direct, one can only anticipate the incredible stories he will bring to life next.
