Director
Sriram Raghavan is an Indian film director and screenwriter known for his work in Hindi cinema. He was born on June 22, 1963, in Bombay (Mumbai), Maharashtra, to a Tamil family. Raghavan grew up in Pune and attended St. Vincent's High School before studying economics at Fergusson College in Pune. He later graduated from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune.
Raghavan's career in filmmaking began with a documentary called "Raman Raghav," which he made before joining FTII. He then worked as a writer for television soaps, including popular shows like CID and Aahat. Raghavan also directed an episode of the Star Bestsellers series called "First Kill." He gained recognition when he directed his debut feature film, "Ek Hasina Thi" (2004), a dark thriller starring Saif Ali Khan and Urmila Matondkar.
His second film, "Johnny Gaddaar" (2007), a neo-noir thriller and the debut of Neil Nitin Mukesh, received critical acclaim but didn't perform well at the box office. Over time, it has gained a cult following. Raghavan then directed the action spy film "Agent Vinod" (2012), starring Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan. Although the film received mixed reviews and failed commercially, it showcased Raghavan's distinct style.
Raghavan's next film, "Badlapur" (2015), was a revenge thriller starring Varun Dhawan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Huma Qureshi, and Yami Gautam. The film received positive reviews and won several awards, including six Filmfare Awards. It was a moderate box office success.
In 2018, Raghavan directed the critically acclaimed black comedy crime thriller "Andhadhun." The film starred Ayushmann Khurrana, Tabu, and Radhika Apte. Inspired by a French short film, "L'Accordeur" (The Piano Tuner), Raghavan's "Andhadhun" received widespread acclaim for its gripping narrative and unconventional storytelling. It became a commercial success and earned over ₹4.56 billion (US$57 million) worldwide, with a significant contribution from the Chinese box office. It became Raghavan's highest-grossing release and one of Indian cinema's biggest hits.
Sriram Raghavan is known for his unique style of filmmaking, characterized by neo-noir elements, dark themes, and gripping storytelling. His films often explore complex characters and delve into the depths of human nature. Raghavan has received several awards and accolades for his work, including two National Film Awards and two Filmfare Awards.