Southern heroes who have donned the producer's hat

A spate of southern heroes have turned producers in the recent past for several reasons. While some did so to distribute their films, others decided to back creative films and introduce fresh talent.

IANS lists some of the actors who have successfully struck a balance between acting and producing.

Suriya: With 2013 Tamil blockbuster "Singam 2", Suriya turned producer. He floated a new production house called 2D Entertainment, named after his children Dev and Diya. He distributed "Singam 2" under his home banner and is now keen to back low-budget offbeat films. He had earlier said that doors of his production house will be open for young filmmakers with interesting stories.

Dhanush: After co-producing his wife Aishwarya's directorial debut "3", Dhanush produced Tamil superhit "Ethir Neechal" with Sivakarthikeyan last year under his home banner Wunderbar Films. Following its overwhelming success, Dhanush has now teamed with the film's same team to produce another film called "Taana". He's also producing a Tamil children's film called "Kaaka Muttai".

Vishal: When Vishal's 2012 Tamil film "Madha Gaja Raja" got embroiled in a financial hassle and its release was stalled, he decided to start his own production to ensure none of his films meet the same fate again. Starting Vishal Film Factory, he produced Tamil thriller "Pandiya Naadu", which turned out to be a blockbuster. Since then, he has been smartly involved in collaborative production of most of his films. Under his home banner, he also co-produced "Naan Sigappu Manithan" and upcoming "Poojai".

Arya: While Arya distributed his 2010 Tamil hit "Boss Engira Bhaskaran", his first film as producer is upcoming romantic-drama "Amarakaaviyam". Arya also is relaunching his brother Sathya, who had a disastrous cinematic debut last year with the film "Puthagama. "Amarakaaviyam" is being directed by Arya's best friend Jeeva Shankar.

Santhanam: Comedian Santhanam recently turned hero with Tamil comedy "Vallavanuku Pullum Aayudham". He co-produced the film, which is running successfully in cinemas, with PVP Cinema, as he couldn't find a producer to back a film featuring him in a lead role. He distributed the film under his home banner Handmade Films.

Kalyan Ram: Telugu actor Kalyan Ram turned producer with his last release titled "Om", which turned out to be a dud. Following the film's failure, he has decided to concentrate on producing and is therefore all set to produce the sequel to Telugu blockbuster "Kick". He had recently said that he is now open to hearing out new scripts and that he will give newcomers a chance to work in projects under his banner.

Pawan Kalyan: Following the success of Telugu actioner "Gabbar Singh", actor-politician Pawan Kalyan decided to turn producer with the film's sequel, which is in the making. He is also co-producing the Telugu remake of "OMG: Oh My God" with Suresh Productions.

(Haricharan Pudipeddi can be contacted at haricharanpudipeddi@gmail.com)