G. Dhananjayan
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G. Dhananjayan | |
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![]() Shri Pranab Mukherjee presenting the Swarna Kamal Award for the Best Film Critic to Shri G. Dhananjayan | |
Born | SenjiagaramChennai,Tamil Nadu, India |
Occupation(s) | Management Professional, Director – BOFTA Film Institute |
Years active | 2006–present |
Spouse | Lalitha Dhananjayan |
Children | DL Harita, DL Revati |
G. Dhananjayan (GD)is an Indian film producer, distributor, columnist, author of four books on Indian films, and founder-director BOFTA Film Institute.[1]He has produced films in theTamil,Telugu,MalayalamandHindilanguages,[2]includingSankat City(2009),Kanden Kadhalai(2009),Mugamoodi(2012),Anjaan(2014) andIrudhi Suttru(2016),Kaatrin_Mozhi(2018),Kabadadaari(2021),Kodiyil Oruvan(2021) and many other films. He has won twoNational Film Awards.
Education and work
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/46/Pranab_Mukherjee_presenting_the_Special_Mention_Certificate_for_%E2%80%9CPride_of_Tamil_Cinema%E2%80%9D_%281931-2013%29_in_the_category_of_Best_Writing_on_Cinema_to_the_Author%2C_Shri_G._Dhananjayan%2C_at_the_62nd_National_Film_Awards_Function.jpg/220px-thumbnail.jpg)
G. Dhananjayan holds an MBA degree from Sydenham Institute of ManagementSIMSREE,University of Mumbai(1991 batch),[3]and earned his Ph.D. from Mumbai University for his thesis on the Indian Film Industry in March 2019.
He worked inAsian Paints Ltd,Kansai Nerolac Paints,Saregama,Bharti Airtel,andVodafonefor more than 15 years before joiningMoser BaerEntertainment in 2006. Dhananjayan was the company'sChief Operating Officer[4][5]of Home Video Business and then chief executive officer of the Film Business.
GD was one of the two founding members ofMoser BaerEntertainment in April 2006. Within 6 months, GD acquired the copyright/marketing rights for over 10,000 film titles in ten languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Bengali, Marathi, Gujarati, Punjabi to launch DVDs and VCDs under the banner ofMoser Baer.This allowed competition with unauthorized copies of DVDs typically sold for very low prices.[6]
GD was associated withUTV Motion Pictures(now called Disney-India) from January 2011 till February 2016 and was instrumental in producing several films in the South.
GD spends considerable time interacting with students[7]of various Film Institutes across India. He also delivered speeches at IIT, NIT, and other management institutes on film business. GD is invited to various forums and programs to speak on the film business, management, and many other topics.
GD was the founding Director of BOFTA Film Institute,[8]a pioneer in Film Education in Tamil Nadu where the students learn from the Masters. The Institute, which commenced its operation in 2015 is rated as one of the best Film Institutes in Tamil Nadu for its quality of education. The Master Classes conducted by GD with several Filmmakers and Actors has set a benchmark and the videos remain popular in YouTube.
GD has also made documentaries on legendary filmmakers. His first documentary on Producer-Director-Writer Panchu Arunachalam titled 'A Creator with Midas Touch' which was selected and screened at Indian Panorama of International Film Festival in Goa (2016) received widespread appreciation. His second documentary on legendary director Krishnan–Panju was selected and screened at Mumbai International Film Festival (2017) and received critical acclaim.
GD joined hands with Lyricist and Screenplay WriterMadhan_Karkyin 2023 and started a pioneering initiative of SCRIPTick, a ready-to-shoot script bank to help talented screenwriters.[9]
GD is regularly interviewed by many popular YouTube channels wherein he shares his views openly and objectively. His interviews are pretty popular among people interested in the film business.
Movie production
[edit]AtMoser BaerEntertainment GD ventured into film production with "Shaurya"in Hindi and"Vellitherai"in Tamil. Moser Baer then produced"Sankat City"and" Hide & Seek "in Hindi,"Raman Thediya Seethai","Poo","Abhiyum Naanum","Kanden Kadhalai","Aval Peyar Thamizharasi",and"Siddhu +2"with K. Bhagyaraj in Tamil and"Kaana Kanmani"in Malayalam in two years.
AtUTV Motion Pictures(now called Disney-India) GD had acquired and also produced films in Tamil and Malayalam. The first film, UTV marketed after his joining wasDeiva Thirumagalwhich was a critically acclaimed movie. He was involved in producing, marketing, and distributing films. Under his supervision UTV co-produced in Tamil "Vettai"andVazhakku Enn 18/9with Director N. Lingusamy's Thirrupathi Brothers,Kalakalappuand "Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru"with Sundar C's Avni Cinemax, M.Saravanan—Vikram Prabhu'Ivan Veramathiriand Suriya'sAnjaanwith Director N. Lingusamy's Thirrupathi Brothers, and "Naan Sigappu Manithan"with Vishal Film Factory. GD had produced under UTV banner"Muran","Mugamoodi","Thaandavam","Settai","Sigaram Thodu",Director S.P.Jhananathan—Arya-Vijay Sethupathi's"Purampokku"and Director Vishnuvaradhan—Arya's"Yatchan"in Tamil. In Malayalam UTV had produced"Grandmaster"and"Husbands in Goa".In his last assignment with UTV, GD was involved in the marketing of DirectorSudha Kongaraand Madhavan's “Irudhi Suttru"in 2016.
GD is currently an independent consulting film producer and distributor. In 2018, he produced Tamil filmsMr. Chandramouli[10][11]byThiru (director),starringKarthik (actor),Gautham Karthik,Regina Cassandra,Varalaxmi Sarathkumar,Santhosh Prathapand others andKaatrin Mozhi[12][13]byRadha Mohan,starringJyothika,Vidharth,Lakshmi Manchu,KabadadaariwithSibi_SathyarajandKapatadhaariin Telugu withSumanth.
GD is one of the Partners of the newly created company Infiniti Film Ventures in 2019 and the company has producedKodiyil_Oruvan,Kolai_(film),and Ratham released till 2023.
GD is known for his full involvement while producing the film with his director and observes the way the movie is molded in shape without setbacks. DirectorCheranonce mentioned in an interview that producers should be like GD by visiting the shooting spots and being a part of the production process so that they will know what hurdles the film crew is facing while making a movie.
Movie Distribution
[edit]GD distributed the film “Zero"in 2016 under his production banner Blue Ocean Entertainment. In May 2017, he commenced his distribution company Creative Entertainers and Distributors and distributed the successful film “Ivan Thanthiran".[14][15]In 2018 GD distributed the filmU Turn[16][17]starringSamantha Prabhuin Tamil Nadu, which became a success.
GD's recently distributed film is "Kolaigaran"[18]which was released on June 7, 2019,[19]and "Kavalthurai Ungal Nanban"which got released on November 27, 2020. Both films were commercial successes.[20][21][22]
Writing career
[edit]GD is passionate about writing and has contributed several articles to the Times of India, The Hindu Tamil, Dinathanthi Next, Deccan Chronicle, Indian Management, DNA, India Today, and other publications.
GD has written a book about Tamil cinema titledThe Best of Tamil Cinema: 1931 to 2010,[23][24][25]in English, which was released by Legendary Actor Kamal Haasan on 2 March 2011 in the presence of eminent film makers.[26]Super StarRajinikanthpersonally appreciated the book by giving a memento for the fantastic research and writing on Tamil cinema.[27]The book has reached out to many universities worldwide and has become a reference point on Tamil cinema for many interested foreigners to know about Tamil cinema.
GD's second book was "Pride of Tamil Cinema", released in 2014.[28]The book was released at Indian Panorama, Goa in 2014 and it went on to win the National Award (Special Mention) for Best Writing on Cinema for the year 2014. The book is highly appreciated by the film industry for the impeccable documentation of the films.
GD's monthly column in 'Galatta Cinema' for two years was widely read by eminent personalities in South Indian Cinema and was appreciated for his professional contribution to South Cinema. His article series in the Tamil newspaper 'The Hindu' was widely read and appreciated for the valuable contribution he is doing by enlightening the readers on the happenings in Tamil cinema and the changes required. His collection of Tamil articles was published by 'The Hindu' under the title ‘Vellithirayin Vetri Manthirangal’ which is today one of the best sellers from their publication.
GD's fourth book titled 'The Art and Business of Cinema(ABC)' was released in December 2017 comprising nearly 100 articles that explains the various art and business facets of cinema. The collection of articles in this book is a must-read for interested filmmakers to understand the challenges in the industry and what to keep in mind to deliver a film successfully.[29][30]
GD's series of articles in various newspapers won him his second National Award as the Best Critic of the Year 2016.[31][32]
GD was also the compiling author of two books by legendary actor, painter, orator and philanthropist Sivakumar titled ‘Paintings of Sivakumar’ and ‘Golden Moments of Sivakumar’.[33][34]
In 2021, served for a brief period as the Head of Tamil content and digital business inSonyLIV.[35]In 2023, Dhananjayan andMadhan Karkystarted SCIPTICK, a "script bank" to help aspiring screenwriters better research their scripts.[36]
Filmography
[edit]As the Producer or Co-Producer at Moser Baer Entertainment
- Vellithirai(2008)
- Raman Thediya Seethai(2008)
- Poo(2008)
- Abhiyum Naanum(2008)
- Sankat City(2009)- Hindi
- Kana Kanmani(2009) – Malayalam
- Kanden Kadhalai(2009)
- Aval Peyar Thamizharasi(2010)
- Siddhu +2(2010)
- Hide & Seek(2010) – Hindi
- Mayilu(2012)
As Associate Producer at Disney-UTV Motion Pictures
- Deivathirumagal(2011)
- Muran(2011)
- Vettai(2012)
- Kalakalappu(2012)
- Vazhakku Enn 18/9(2012)
- Grandmaster(2012) – Malayalam
- Husbands in Goa(2012) – Malayalam
- Mugamoodi(2012)
- Thaandavam(2012)
- Settai(2013)
- Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru(2013)
- Ivan Veramathiri(2013)
- Naan Sigappu Manithan(2014)
- Anjaan(2014)
- Sigaram Thodu(2014)
- Purampokku(2014)
- Yatchan(2015)
- Irudhi Suttru(2016)
As Producer – Creative Entertainers
- Mr. Chandramouli(2018)
- Kaatrin Mozhi(2018)
- Kabadadaari(2021)
- Kapatadhaari(2021)
As Partner Producer – Infiniti Film Ventures
- Kodiyil_Oruvan(2021)
- Kolai_(film)(2023)
- Ratham(2023)
As Co-Producer
- Vanamagan(2017)
As Theatrical Distributor
- Zero(2016)
- Ivan Thanthiran(2017)
- U Turn(2018)
- Kolaigaran(2019)
- Asuran_(2019_film)(2019)
- Kavalthurai Ungal Nanban(2020)
As Digital Distributor
- Irudhi_Pakkam(2021)
- Kayamai_Kadakka(2021)
- Parole_(2022_film)(2022)
- Erumbu(2023)
As the Co-Producer at Studio Green
- Teddy (film)(2021)
- Kaatteri(2022)
- Theal (film)(2022)
- Pathu Thala(2023)
- 80s Buildup(2023)
- Rebel (2024 film)(2024)
- Vaa Vaathiyaare(2024)
- Thangalaan(2024)
- Kanguva(2024)
Documentary films
- A Creator with Midas Touch(documentary onPanchu Arunachalam)[37][38][39]
- The Pioneering Duo(documentary onKrishnan–Panju)[40][41]
As Actor
- Mandhira Punnagai(2010)
- Vandhaan Vendraan(2011)
- Kathai Thiraikathai Vasanam Iyakkam(2014)
- Idhu Namma Aalu(2016)
- Utharavu Maharaja(2018)
- Boomerang(2019)
- Kabadadaari(2021)
Books
[edit]- Best of Tamil Cinema: 1931 to 2010 (2 Volumes)[23][24][25]
- Pride of Tamil Cinema: 1931–2013[28]
- Vellithirayin Vetri Manthirangal (in Tamil)
- The Art and Business of Cinema (ABC)[29][30][42]
Awards
[edit]- 2015:National Film Award for Best Book on Cinema(Special Mention) –Pride of Tamil Cinema (1931–2013)[43]
- 2017:National Film Award for Best Film Critic[44]
References
[edit]- ^"BOFTA".
- ^"GD helps Disney-UTV establish credentials in south business".Box office India. Archived fromthe originalon 20 November 2016.Retrieved28 September2013.
- ^"Guest Leacture by Dhanajayan Govind in SIMSREE".17 August 2010.
- ^Ravikumar, R. (10 March 2009)."Ten films in Moser Baer's production kitty for 2009".The Hindu.Archived fromthe originalon 24 June 2014.Retrieved8 December2013.
- ^"Moser Baer joins Duet Movies for film production".The Hindu.5 September 2007.ISSN0971-751X.Retrieved22 May2018.
- ^"We want to be India's best entertainment company".rediff news.Retrieved17 April2008.
- ^"Guest Lecture by Dhananjayan Govind".pragyan.org.NIT Trichy.
- ^"BOFTA".
- ^"SCRIPTick".DT Next.22 February 2023.
- ^"G Dhananjayan thanks team Mr Chandramouli".4 July 2018.
- ^"Mr. Chandramouli to get started- The New Indian Express".
- ^"Watch: Simbu compliments Jyothika's 'sultry hello' in 'Kaatrin Mozhi' trailer".8 November 2018.
- ^"Jyothika wraps up the shooting of Kaatrin Mozhi. See pics".
- ^"G Dhananjayan gets distribution right of Ivan Thandhiran".29 May 2017.Retrieved11 February2018.
- ^"National Award Winner Dhananjayan Govind turns distributor with Ivan Thanthiran".moviecrow.Retrieved11 February2018.
- ^"G Dhananjayan to distribute Samantha's U turn in Tamil Nadu".24 August 2018.
- ^"Makers of Big Budget Films Have a Monopolistic Attitude, Says Producer G Dhananjayan".13 September 2018.
- ^"Distribution rights of 'Kolaikaaran' have been bagged by a famous production banner!".17 April 2019. Archived from the original on 19 April 2019.
{{cite web}}
:CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^"Vijay Antony's Kolaigaran tamilnadu theatrical Rights acquired by Dhananjayan's BOFTA".17 April 2019.
- ^"Dhananjayan's Creative Entertainers & Distributors acquires all rights to Kavalthurai Ungal Nanban".28 January 2020.
- ^"G. Dhananjayan acquires an interesting film – News".29 January 2020.
- ^"'Kavalthurai Ungal Nanban' screened across several theatres in Chennai ".27 November 2020.
- ^ab"The Best of Tamil Cinema, launched in style".Sify.Archived fromthe originalon 16 July 2014.Retrieved4 March2011.
- ^abNadu, Tamil (5 January 2011)."Chronicling the legacy of Tamil cinema".The Hindu.Archived fromthe originalon 10 January 2011.Retrieved8 December2013.
- ^abVenkateswaran, N (20 March 2011)."The chronicler of Kollywood".The Times of India.Archived fromthe originalon 7 September 2011.Retrieved8 December2013.
- ^"THE BEST OF TAMIL CINEMA 1931–2010 released by Dr Kamal".CNN.Retrieved3 March2011.
- ^"Rajinikanth appreciates Dhananjayan's book".Sify.Archived fromthe originalon 10 April 2011.Retrieved8 April2011.
- ^abtabloid!, Mythily Ramachandran, Special to (4 December 2014)."' Pride of Tamil Cinema,' a treat for film buffs ".Retrieved11 February2018.
{{cite web}}
:CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ab"Art and Business of Cinema".Cinema Express.
- ^abNathan, Archana (28 January 2018)."What Kollywood needs to do better: 'Don't release six films on the same day, create more heroes'".Scroll.in.Retrieved18 April2021.
- ^"National Award on Best Critic".pib.nic.in.
- ^"Indian Express List of National Awards".8 April 2017.
- ^"Paitings of Sivakumar".
- ^"Painting expo".
- ^Jha, Lata (11 June 2021)."SonyLIV appoints G. Dhananjayan as head of Tamil content".mint.Retrieved13 June2021.
- ^Suganth, M."Madhan Karky and Dhananjayan team up to create a script bank for Kollywood".The Times of India.ISSN0971-8257.Retrieved16 March2023.
- ^Srinivasan, Sudhir (26 March 2016)."The man who made Rajinikanth".The Hindu.ISSN0971-751X.Retrieved22 May2018.
- ^Srinivasan, Sudhir (26 March 2016)."The man who made Rajinikanth".The Hindu.
- ^"Documentary on Panchu Arunachalam".The Hindu.
- ^"Documentary on pioneers of Indian cinema launched".DT Next.10 April 2017. Archived fromthe originalon 22 May 2018.Retrieved22 May2018.
- ^"Producer-writer G. Dhananjayan next project on legendary director duo of Krishnan-Panju".
- ^"What Kollywood needs to do better: 'Don't release six films on the same day, create more heroes'".
- ^"62nd National Film Awards announced".Press Information Bureau(Press release). 24 March 2015.Retrieved24 March2015.
- ^"Producer Dhananjayan thanks the press for his National Award".7 April 2017.Retrieved11 February2018.