View Profile
✓
Actor
Karthik Subbaraj
Active Tamil Cinema
- FromMadurai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Based inChennai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Age36–45
- Active2012 – Present
- Updated
Karthik Subbaraj – Biography
Karthik Subbaraj – Full Information
- Full Name: Karthik Subbaraj
- Popular Name: Karthik Subbaraj
- Nickname: KaSu
- Profession: Film Director, Screenwriter, Film Producer, Actor (Cameos)
- Profession Category: Filmmaker, Director, Writer
- Known For: Pizza (2012), Jigarthanda (2014), Petta (2019), Jigarthanda DoubleX (2023), Retro (2025)
- Date of Birth: 19 March 1983
- Age: 43 years (as of 2026)
- Birthplace: Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Hometown: Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Current Residence: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Nationality: Indian
- Religion: Not Publicly Disclosed
- Zodiac Sign: Pisces
Physical Appearance
- Height: Approx. 5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
- Weight: Approx. 82 kg
- Eye Colour: Dark Brown
- Hair Colour: Black
Family
- Father: Gajaraj (Actor)
- Mother: Not Publicly Disclosed
- Siblings: Not Publicly Known
- Marital Status: Married
- Spouse: Sathya Prema (m. 2011)
- Children: Not Publicly Disclosed
Education
- School: SBOA Matriculation and Higher Secondary School, Madurai
- College: Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Madurai
- Qualification: Graduate in Mechatronics Engineering
Career Highlight
| Year | Career Highlight |
|---|---|
| 2006–2011 | Worked as a software engineer at Infosys in Bengaluru and the United States before leaving the profession to pursue filmmaking, creating acclaimed short films including Kaatchipizhai. |
| 2012 | Made his feature directorial debut with the horror thriller Pizza, which became a cult blockbuster and established him as a promising filmmaker. |
| 2013 | Made a cameo acting appearance in the black comedy Soodhu Kavvum. |
| 2014 | Wrote and directed the critically acclaimed gangster drama Jigarthanda, earning widespread recognition for his distinctive filmmaking style. |
| 2016 | Directed Iraivi, receiving praise for its exploration of gender dynamics and social issues. |
| 2019 | Fulfilled a career milestone by directing Superstar Rajinikanth in the blockbuster Petta while also making a cameo appearance. |
| 2022 | Directed the action drama Mahaan starring Vikram and Dhruv Vikram. |
| 2023 | Released Jigarthanda DoubleX, which became both a critical and commercial success. |
| 2025 | Directed the action thriller Retro (originally announced as Suriya 44), starring Suriya. |
| 2026 | Co-produced the romantic drama 29 under Stone Bench Creations and announced his landmark 10th directorial film in collaboration with producer Guneet Monga and composer Ilaiyaraaja. |
Awards List
| Year | Award Category | Award Name | Film / Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Best Story & Best Debut Director | Vijay Awards | Pizza | Won |
| 2013 | Best Debutant Director (Tamil) | South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA) | Pizza | Nominated |
| 2015 | Best Director – Tamil | Filmfare Awards South | Jigarthanda | Nominated |
| 2024 | Best Director | Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards | Jigarthanda DoubleX | Won |
| 2024 | Best Director – Tamil | South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA) | Jigarthanda DoubleX | Won |
At a Glance
0
Awards
90
Popularity Score
90
Trending
92%
Profile Complete
Social Reach
About Karthik Subbaraj
Has Karthik Subbaraj ever acted in movies?
Yes. While he is primarily a director, he has played brief cameo roles as an actor, notably in the cult dark-comedy Soodhu Kavvum (2013) and inside his own directorial project Petta (2019) alongside Rajinikanth.
What is his latest movie project in 2026?
He is currently directing his milestone 10th feature film, a unique independent festival project produced by Oscar-winner Guneet Monga Kapoor, featuring an original musical score by the legendary maestro Ilaiyaraaja.
What did Karthik Subbaraj do before becoming a director?
He holds a degree in Mechatronics Engineering and worked for multiple years as a software systems engineer for Infosys in Bangalore and overseas before turning to filmmaking.
Is his father also in the film industry?
Yes, his father, Gajaraj, is a well-known veteran supporting actor in the Tamil film industry who has appeared in hit movies like Mundasupatti, Kabali, and Jigarthanda.
What is his production company called?
He runs a highly prominent independent production banner called Stone Bench Creations, which has produced hits like Meyaadha Maan, Penguin, and the 2026 film 29.
How would you rate this celebrity?
Share your opinion to help other fans discover new talent.
