It has been 20 years since Sundar C debuted as a director with Murai Maaman` starring Khushbu and Jayaram in the lead roles. It was a simple village story about a not so brainy hero who enlists the help of his elder brother who matches his own IQ and scheme to get married to his Delhi bred sister`s daughter. The film was a surprise hit at the time. A year later Sundar came up with yet another simple tale of mistaken identity with Ullathai Allithaa` obviously inspired by the Sivaji Ganesan- Chandrababu starrer Sabaash Meena` which lifted Karthick`s sagging career to never before seen heights and the film going on to become one of the biggest grosser of all time in Kollywood history.

There was no looking back after that as Sundar did Arunachalam` with Superstar Rajinikanth and a host of other money making ventures with simple story lines featuring the big names of the time Karthick, Sathyaraj, Sarathkumar, Arjun, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Ajith and Madhavan.

Sundar then made a successful foray as a hero in Thalai Nagaram` which was a super hit and then taking a break from direction, followed it up with a string of films with mixed results. Just when one thought that the director in him has completely disappeared, he bounced back in 2012 with another genuine laugh riot Kalakalappu` and then continued with Theeya Velai Seyannum Kumaru` and Aranmanai ` providing solid entertainment and strong box office returns.

One hears from Sundar`s regular crew that the hit director will never get tensed on sets in whatever situation and what is more will make sure there is a pleasant work atmosphere for all concerned with fun and frolic but still come up with worthwhile films for the audience. This unique quality of the director warrants respect as we hear of others who are supposed to be over serious on sets hurting cast and crew physically as well as sentimentally but still manage to offer only less than mediocre stuff.

For those who dismiss Sundar as a commercial director who can only make comedy films, please remember that the timeless gem Anbe Sivam` starring Kamal Haasan and Madhavan is directed by him and all of us would like him to do more such films.

On Sundar`s birthday today we wish him long years of health and happiness and success for his forthcoming Aranmanai 2` and all the other simple but enthralling entertainment to follow.