Praveen Gandhi, also known by his birth name Praveenkanth, is an Indian film director, actor, producer, writer, and lyricist known for his contributions to Tamil cinema. He has directed, acted, and produced several films and appeared as a contestant in Bigg Boss Tamil Season 9 in 2025.
Personal Information
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Praveenkanth (Praveen Gandhi) |
| Date of Birth | 10 February 1974 |
| Place of Birth | Chennai, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Film Director, Actor, Producer, Writer, Lyricist |
| Years Active | 1997–present |
| Debut Film (Director) | Ratchagan (1997) |
| Reality TV | Bigg Boss Tamil Season 9 (2025) |
Early Life and Career
Praveen Gandhi was born on 10 February 1974 in Chennai, India. Initially aspiring to become an actor, he transitioned into directing after working as a co-director under filmmaker Priyadarshan. His directorial debut came with Ratchagan (1997), produced by K. T. Kunjumon, starring Nagarjuna and Sushmita Sen.
Film Career
Debut and Early Success
Gandhi’s first film, Ratchagan, was a high-budget production with extensive shooting across India. Despite its scale, it failed commercially. His second film, Jodi (1999), starring Prashanth and Simran, was a commercial and critical success, earning Gandhi recognition in the industry.
Subsequent Projects
He directed Star (2001), featuring Prashanth and Jyothika, which underperformed at the box office. In 2007, Gandhi acted and directed Thullal, but it received negative reviews. Several planned projects, including Muktha, Vilasam TN 03 6999, and Adayalam, were never completed.
Pulipaarvai (2014)
In 2014, Gandhi directed Pulipaarvai, based on the life of Balachandran Prabhakaran, the youngest son of LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran. Gandhi directed, produced, composed music, edited, and handled art direction. Despite his efforts, the film was a commercial failure.
Reality Television
In October 2025, Praveen Gandhi joined the cast of Bigg Boss Tamil Season 9, bringing his cinematic experience and personality to a new audience.
Filmography
| Year | Film | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Ratchagan | Director |
| 1999 | Jodi | Director & Cameo |
| 2001 | Star | Director |
| 2007 | Thullal | Director & Lead Actor |
| 2014 | Pulipaarvai | Director, Producer, Music Composer, Editor, Art Director |
| 2025 | Bigg Boss Tamil Season 9 | Reality TV Contestant |
Legacy
Praveen Gandhi is recognised for his ambitious projects, versatility, and contributions to Tamil cinema. Despite facing commercial setbacks, his dedication as a director, actor, and producer has earned him respect in the industry and a place in contemporary Tamil entertainment through Bigg Boss Tamil.
Praveen Gandhi FAQs
1. Who is Praveen Gandhi?
Praveen Gandhi, also known as Praveenkanth, is an Indian film director, actor, producer, and writer known for his contributions to Tamil cinema. He has directed several films and recently participated in Bigg Boss Tamil Season 9.
2. When and where was Praveen Gandhi born?
He was born on 10 February 1974 in Chennai, India.
3. What was Praveen Gandhi’s debut film?
His directorial debut was Ratchagan in 1997, starring Nagarjuna and Sushmita Sen.
4. Which are Praveen Gandhi’s most notable films?
Some of his notable films include:
- Jodi (1999) – Commercial success
- Star (2001) – Received mixed reviews
- Thullal (2007) – Gandhi also acted in the lead role
- Pulipaarvai (2014) – Based on the real-life story of Balachandran Prabhakaran
5. Has Praveen Gandhi acted in films?
Yes, besides directing, Gandhi has acted in films such as Thullal (2007) and made cameo appearances in films like Jodi (1999).
6. What other roles has Praveen Gandhi taken in filmmaking?
He has worked as a producer, music composer, editor, lyricist, and art director in various projects, most notably in Pulipaarvai (2014).
7. Is Praveen Gandhi active in reality TV?
Yes, he joined Bigg Boss Tamil Season 9 in October 2025 as a contestant.
8. What is Praveen Gandhi known for in Tamil cinema?
He is known for his ambitious projects, versatility, and contributions to Tamil cinema, including directing, acting, and composing music.
9. What is Praveen Gandhi currently doing?
He is currently gaining popularity through Bigg Boss Tamil Season 9 and may be involved in future film projects, although no new film releases have been officially announced.
