Ponvannan (born 9 May 1963) is an Indian film actor and director, who has worked in the Tamil film industry. After beginning his career as an artist, Ponvannan apprenticed as a director and dialogue writer under Bharathiraja. He subsequently made his directorial debut with Annai Vayal (1992), before making the critically acclaimed venture, Jameela (2003). He has since appeared as a supporting actor in films, winning acclaim for his role in films including Paruthiveeran (2007), Ayan (2009) and Kaaviya Thalaivan (2014). In October 2015, he was elected as the Vice President of the Nadigar Sangam alongside Karunas.

Biography

Ponvannan married actress Saranya, daughter of Malayalam film maker A. B. Raj, in 1995. Saranya made her breakthrough as an actress with Mani Ratnam's Nayakan (1987) and has since become one of the most prominent supporting actresses in South Indian films. The couple have two daughters.