Filmmaker Gautham Vasudev Menon’s 25-year career in cinema is being marked with a musical celebration dedicated to the memorable songs from his films. Titled ‘Ondra Renda’, the concert series has already taken place in Chennai and is scheduled to reach Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on October 10.
The event will feature an ensemble of popular playback singers, including Karthik, Shruti Haasan, Krishh, Blaaze, Saindhavi, Paal Dabba, Sathya Prakash and Haripriya. They will be accompanied by musicians such as Keba Jeremiah, Lalit Talluri, Manoj Kumar, Keith Peters and Bhuvanesh Narayanan.
Menon made his directorial debut with the romantic drama ‘Minnale’ in 2001, establishing a filmmaking style that would become synonymous with romance, youthful relationships and emotionally grounded storytelling. He subsequently delivered acclaimed films such as ‘Vaaranam Aayiram’ (2008), ‘Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa’ (2010) and ‘Neethane En Ponvasantham’ (2012).
He also made a significant mark in the action genre through his police dramas ‘Kaakha Kaakha’ (2003), ‘Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu’ (2006) and ‘Yennai Arindhaal’ (2015). His films have been particularly recognised for their music, with several soundtracks becoming enduring favourites among Tamil cinema audiences.
His most recent directorial venture was the Mammootty-led film ‘Dominic and the Ladies’ Purse’, released in 2025.
Menon has also expanded his presence in front of the camera in recent years. His acting credits include the Malayalam film ‘Trance’ and the Tamil romantic thriller ‘Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal’, both released in 2020. He was also associated with ‘Jana Nayagan’, Vijay’s film project marking the actor’s planned farewell to cinema.
With ‘Ondra Renda’, audiences will have an opportunity to revisit the music that has accompanied some of Menon’s most memorable cinematic moments, celebrating a quarter-century of filmmaking through live performances.