A spate of southern heroes have turned
producers in the recent past for several reasons. While some did so to
distribute their films, others decided to back creative films and
introduce fresh talent.
Cine Gallery lists some of the actors who have successfully struck a balance between acting and producing.
Suriya: With 2013 Tamil blockbuster
"Singam 2", Suriya turned producer. He floated a new production house
called 2D Entertainment, named after his children Dev and Diya. He
distributed "Singam 2" under his home banner and is now keen to back
low-budget offbeat films. He had earlier said that doors of his
production house will be open for young filmmakers with interesting
stories.
Dhanush: After co-producing his wife
Aishwarya's directorial debut "3", Dhanush produced Tamil superhit
"Ethir Neechal" with Sivakarthikeyan last year under his home banner
Wunderbar Films. Following its overwhelming success, Dhanush has now
teamed with the film's same team to produce another film called "Taana".
He's also producing a Tamil children's film called "Kaaka Muttai".
Vishal: When Vishal's 2012 Tamil film "Madha Gaja Raja" got embroiled in a financial
hassle and its release was stalled, he decided to start his own
production to ensure none of his films meet the same fate again.
Starting Vishal Film Factory, he produced Tamil thriller "Pandiya
Naadu", which turned out to be a blockbuster. Since then, he has been
smartly involved in collaborative production of most of his films. Under
his home banner, he also co-produced "Naan Sigappu Manithan" and
upcoming "Poojai".
Arya: While Arya distributed his 2010
Tamil hit "Boss Engira Bhaskaran", his first film as producer is
upcoming romantic-drama "Amarakaaviyam". Arya also is relaunching his
brother Sathya, who had a disastrous cinematic debut last year with the
film "Puthagama". "Amarakaaviyam" is being directed by Arya's best
friend Jeeva Shankar.
Santhanam: Comedian Santhanam recently
turned hero with Tamil comedy "Vallavanuku Pullum Aayudham". He
co-produced the film, which is running successfully in cinemas, with PVP
Cinema, as he couldn't find a producer to back a film featuring him in a
lead role. He distributed the film under his home banner Handmade
Films.
Kalyan Ram: Telugu actor Kalyan Ram
turned producer with his last release titled "Om", which turned out to
be a dud. Following the film's failure, he has decided to concentrate on
producing and is therefore all set to produce the sequel to Telugu
blockbuster "Kick". He had recently said that he is now open to hearing
out new scripts and that he will give newcomers a chance to work in
projects under his banner.