If there is one man that we can trust to call the shots with romance, it is director Gautham Menon. His movies are classy, stylish and carve a niche for themselves with ease. Right from his debut movie, he has made us swoon and many of us became suckers for romance, thanks to him. Let’s take a walk down the memory lane and revisit some of Gautham Menon’s best movies.
Minnale (2001)
This was Gautham Menon’s first movie, starring R. Madhavan and Reema Sen in the lead. Following an unconventional storyline, this movie redefined romance for many of us. Reports say that Madhavan (an upcoming actor at the time) had asked Menon to narrate the script to Mani Ratnam, who Madhavan considers his mentor.
The movie went on to become a blockbuster and the movie’s soundtrack remains one of the most-loved even today.
The film was remade in Hindi, with Madhavan and Dia Mirza in the lead, titled Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein. 
Kaakha Kaakha (2003)
Post the success of Minnale, Gautham Menon started working on this movie, with Suriya and Jyothika in the lead. The plot follows the life of a gritty police officer that falls in love with a school teacher. To add to the mix, there is a psychotic villain (played by Jeevan), seeking revenge. Interestingly, Gautham Menon plays a cameo in the movie.
This movie is probably best remembered for the chemistry between the lead pair and the soundtrack. This film also clicked at the box office and Gautham Menon became a name to reckon with.
The popular track Ondra Renda Aasaigal from this movie is a remake of the Hindi song Dil Ko Tumse Pyar Hua, composed by Harris Jeyaraj for Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein. Harris also composed the music for Khaaka Khaaka.
Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu (2006)
Kaakha Kaakha became a raging hit at the box office and it is said that Kamal Haasan had decided to work with Gautham Menon after this. Gautham had reportedly approached Kamal with Pachaikili Muthucharam, but the actor had requested a different script and that is how Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu came about. This movie too had music by Harris Jayaraj, it marked their third collaboration.
The script was not cliched and delivered a mature love story in a dignified manner, with a racy screenplay. Kamal and Jyothika delivered one of their best performances. This movie marked the second investigative cop thriller movie and it is said that he wishes to make a trilogy in this same genre.
Vaaranam Aayiram (2008)
Post Kaakha Kaakha, Gautham Menon and Suriya expressed their desire to work together again. According to reports, Gautham terms this film nearly autobiographical. The film went on to become highly successful and brought home many awards.
It is reported that many other actors were considered for the female lead, before zeroing in on Sameera Reddy and Divya Spandana. Actor Simran too has an important role in the movie. Other actors that had been considered to play a role in the film include Deepika Padukone, Asin, Andrea, Genelia, and Tabu.
This movie too had songs by Harris Jayaraj and went on to become chartbusters.
Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa (2010)
This movie marked the first time Gautham Menon collaborated with A.R. Rahman and needless to say, the songs are now immortal. The film’s fresh pairing of Silambarasan and Trisha won our hearts and the movie was a blockbuster hit.
It was remade in Telugu and Hindi and saw success there too. According to reports, the movie was initially titled Vennilavae Vennillavae, and the film’s cinematographer Manoj Paramahamsa suggested they use the second line ‘Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa’ as the title.
Yennai Arindhaal (2015)
Featuring Ajith Kumar, Trisha and Anushka Shetty in the lead, the film completed Gautham Menon’s desire to complete a cop trilogy. Ajith and Trisha portrayed a husband and wife and their chemistry was highly appreciated.
It is reported that actors Karthik and Prashanth were being considered to play the role of the antagonist in the movie and finally, Arun Vijay was cast.
Actor Aditi Balan also plays a small appearance in the movie, alongside Trisha.
The movie marked the coming together of Gautham Menon and Harris Jayaraj after Vaaranam Aayiram.
Following this, Gautham directed the Simbu-Manjima Mohan starrer Achcham Enbadhu Madamaiyada in 2016. He is currently working on Enai Noki Paayum Thota starring Dhanush and Megha Akash and Dhruva Natchathiram starring Chiyaan Vikram.
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