Directors turning into actors!

Nagaram, Magizchi and Mandhira Punnagai, the three films released this Friday, have something in common - the hero of the film is the director himself!
While Nagaram Sundar C has been around as an actor for the last five years, directors Karu Palaniappan and Va Gowthaman turned heroes with Mandhira Punnagai and Magizchi respectively. Next Friday, ace director Mysskin is turning hero with the release of his long-delayed Nandalala!
They���������re not alone.In the last 7 years, about 55 directors have turned heroes in Tamil cinema. There are also directors like K S Ravikumar and Gautham Menon who make cameo appearances in their films. In Sasikumar���������s Eesan, producers and directors like A L Alagappan, Kaja Moideen, Gnanavel and others are making their debut.
What is it that entices hit directors who call the shots wear make-up and appear in front the camera? Take the case of Cheran, who was a successful writer and director doing meaningful films before turning hero with Autograph. Recently, at the first day first show of Karu Palaniappan���������s Mandhira Punnagai at a popular multiplex,
Cheran was mobbed by autograph hunters! Says he, ���������It is the characterisation and the content that make even a director popular as an actor with the audiences. I believe content is the king.���������
Most of the directors attribute the unavailability of star dates as a reason for them turning actors. Says Karu Palaniappan, ���������Mandhira Punnagai is a subject which no regular hero wanted to do. So, I decided to do it myself!���������
Mysskin too had approached many heroes to do Nandalala, but they rejected it citing lack of heroism in the subject as the reason. On why he chose to play the hero, Mysskin states, ���������Why not? Anybody can act! In my films, most of the cast are amateurs and I pick them up from roads.
Most of the stars I approached refused to do it as they felt it would mar their image. I cannot name or blame them. My film will certainly not elevate or boost their image. So, there was no other option and I decided to smear the grease paint.���������
The reasons for so many directors turning actors are many. Most of the directors are good actors by themselves! Recently, the two stalwarts - K Balachander and Bharathirajaa - performed well as actors in Rettaisuzhi despite being directors for a major part of their career. Concludes Sundar C, ���������There���������s nothing wrong in directors turning actors as long as they feel confident that they can carry the show and make the film successful at the box-office.���������
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