V. Z. Durai

V. Z. Durai (also credited as Dhorai VZ) is an Indian film director, producer, actor, and advertising filmmaker who works primarily in the Tamil film industry. He is known for directing the blockbuster debut Mugavaree, the cult classic gangster film Thotti Jaya (2005), and the successful horror-thriller Iruttu (2019). He also founded the production company Right Eye Theatres and the advertising firm Addlime.

Film career 2000–2010 : Debut and breakthrough Durai made his directorial debut with Mugavaree (2000), produced by S. S. Chakravarthy and starring Ajith Kumar and Jyothika. Despite having no prior film experience, Durai received significant production support from Chakravarthy. The film was a commercial success, running for over 100 days in cinemas. Ajith Kumar gifted Durai a car as a token of appreciation before the film's release. The film won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Family Film and was nominated for the National Film Award for Best Debut Director.

The success of the film led to the Durai and Kumar to make another film together featuring co-stars R. Madhavan and Vikram. However, they later scrapped and dropped the film.

In 2003, he directed Kadhal Sadugudu The film received praise from directors like Bala, who honoured Durai with a gold chain, and Kannada actor Sudeep Sanjeev, who praised both Shaam and Durai for their excellent work. It won two Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards (Best Story, Best Villain) and was nominated for the National Film Award for Best Film.

After another five-year hiatus, he directed Yemaali (2018), an experimental drama starring Samuthirakani and Roshini. The film received mixed reviews but showcased his willingness to experiment.

In 2019, he directed the horror-thriller Iruttu starring Sundar C and Sakshi Chaudhary. The film was a commercial success, completing 50 days in theatres and being praised for its investigative horror elements. The film was a break for Sundar C.

2020–present: Production house and sequels Durai founded his own production company, Right Eye Theatres, and began developing franchise sequels. He directed and produced Thalainagaram 2 (2022), a sequel to the 2006 hit Thalainagaram, starring Sundar C and Palak Lalwani.

Prior to full-time filmmaking, he worked in construction management, including luxury resort projects for Taj Hotels in the Maldives.

Filmography

As director + List of Films Year Title Notes 2000 Mugavaree Also cameo appearance; Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Family Film 2002 Ramanaa As an Actor 2003 Kadhal Sadugudu 2005 Thotti Jaya Also cameo appearance; cult classic 2008 Nepali Also cameo appearance 2013 6 Also known as *6*; 2 Ananda Vikatan Awards; National Award nominee 2018 Yemaali 2019 Iruttu Also cameo appearance; commercial success 2022 Thalainagaram 2 Also actor and producer 2024 Narkaali Also actor TBAThotti Jaya 2Announced; with Silambarasan, music by Santhosh Narayanan

Accolades

Honours NIC Arts Production House for Excellence Commercial Success;– Honoured for Mugavaree (2000)