Malayalam director studied aeronautical engineering in Bengaluru. Then made a real-life-inspired horror-comedy hit debut film. Recently, he delivered a Rs 200 crore hit movie with Suriya

Suriya has delivered another box-office success this year with his latest film, Scene. Released in theatres on November 6, the Tamil action-comedy has performed well despite facing competition from Ranbir Kapoor's Ramayana. The film, which also features Nazriya Nazim and Naslen, has reportedly crossed Rs 200 crore worldwide. But did you know that its writer and director, Jithu Madhavan, studied aeronautical engineering in Bengaluru before finding his calling in cinema?

Who is Jithu Madhavan? From engineering to becoming hit Malayalam filmmaker

Before becoming a filmmaker, Jithu Madhavan was an aeronautical engineering student in Bengaluru. He lived in Marathahalli with a group of friends and studied in the city between 2005 and 2009. Interestingly, some of his experiences during those years would later become the inspiration for his films.




Jithu made his directorial debut with the 2023 Malayalam horror-comedy Romancham. The film was inspired by an unusual real-life experience from his days in Bengaluru. Recalling the incident, the director told ONManorama, "I was terrified when I experienced those things. However, years later, everything seemed hilarious while recalling those experiences, with my friends. That is how the movie became a horror - comedy."

That mix of fear and humour gave him the idea for Romancham. Starring Soubin Shahir, Arjun Ashokan and Sajin Gopu, the horror-comedy received a strong response from audiences and became a commercial success.

After Romancham, Jithu Madhavan made Aavesham

Jithu followed his debut with another successful film, Aavesham, in 2024. Starring Fahadh Faasil, the action-comedy revolves around three engineering students from Kerala who move to Bengaluru for their studies. Their lives take an unexpected turn when they get involved with a local gangster, played by Fahadh.

Interestingly, the film once again explored the lives of young people living in Bengaluru, a city that Jithu knew well from his own student days. Aavesham became a major box-office success.

With two successful films, Jithu had established himself as a filmmaker who could bring unusual characters and entertaining situations to the screen. His next project, however, took him beyond Malayalam cinema.

Jithu Madhavan's Tamil debut with Suriya crosses Rs 200 crore

Jithu made his Tamil directorial debut with Scene, previously known as Suriya 47. The film stars Suriya as DSP Inbaraj, an unconventional police officer who is forced to reopen an unfinished case with an unpredictable team. Blending action, crime and comedy, the film brings together actors from the Tamil and Malayalam film industries.

Apart from Suriya, the film features Nazriya Nazim and Naslen in prominent roles. It also marks Nazriya's return to Tamil cinema after 12 years. Jyotika and Tovino Thomas appear in special roles, while Sushin Shyam has composed the music. The composer has previously collaborated with Jithu on his Malayalam projects.

Released on November 6, Scene has reportedly crossed Rs 200 crore worldwide within its first week, according to Sacnilk.com. Its box-office performance has also been notable given the competition from Ramayana.