Priyadarshan: From Cricketer Dream to National Award-Winning Director

• Priyadarshan, born January 30, 1957, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is a prolific Indian filmmaker known for directing nearly a hundred films in Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu cinema.
• Initially aspiring to be a cricketer, an eye injury shifted his path towards filmmaking, influenced by his father, a librarian, and his literary background.
• His career began with journalism and scriptwriting, leading to a pivotal collaboration with actor Mohanlal, which launched his directorial debut *Poochakkoru Mookkuthi* in 1984.
• Priyadarshan gained widespread recognition in Hindi cinema with *Hera Pheri* (2000) and showcased his versatility with critically acclaimed dramas like *Kanchivaram* (2008) and *Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea* (2021), both winning National Film Awards.
• He plans to retire after completing projects like *Bhoot Bangla*, *Haiwaan*, and *Hera Pheri 3*, with his 100th film reuniting him with Mohanlal.

Why It Matters: Priyadarshan's journey from aspiring cricketer to acclaimed director highlights his diverse impact on Indian cinema.