Hemakumar Lakshmanan is a young short film director and storyteller hailing from Soriyankuppam, Puducherry. With a strong passion for cinema and a deep respect for independent voices, he has been working to create space for aspiring filmmakers who often lack resources and visibility. His journey reflects a blend of academic discipline and creative dedication, making him both a creator and a supporter of Tamil short film culture.
He completed his Bachelor of Commerce at St. Joseph’s College of Arts and Science (Autonomous), Cuddalore. During his college years, Hemakumar developed an interest in storytelling, direction, and the technical aspects of filmmaking. Observing the challenges faced by student filmmakers, he realized that talent alone was not enough without the right platform and guidance. This realization became the foundation for his future work.
Currently, Hemakumar is pursuing his MBA at Christ College of Engineering and Technology, Puducherry. The management education has helped him understand project planning, team coordination, digital promotion, and audience engagement. He applies these skills directly to his film projects and to the platform he co-founded, ensuring that creativity is supported by structure and strategy.
As a director, Hemakumar has directed three notable short films: Ennam, Ramesh Kadai, and Kangal Illaa Kadhal. Each film explores human emotions, relationships, and everyday struggles with a realistic and grounded approach. Ennam focuses on inner conflicts and personal growth, Ramesh Kadai captures the rhythm of small-town life and trust within a community, while Kangal Illaa Kadhal delves into love and perception beyond the physical. His direction style emphasizes natural performances, authentic dialogues, and minimal yet effective visuals, making his films relatable to Tamil audiences.
Beyond his own filmmaking, Hemakumar is the Co-founder of Thiraipettagam, a dedicated page for short film makers. Thiraipettagam was created with a simple mission: to review, promote, and support short films free of cost. Many independent creators face the problem of limited reach and lack of constructive feedback. Thiraipettagam bridges this gap by providing honest reviews, sharing films on its social platforms, and connecting filmmakers with each other. The page operates without any paid promotions, ensuring that every creator gets equal opportunity based on the quality and effort of their work.
Through Thiraipettagam, Hemakumar has helped dozens of short films gain visibility and recognition. Filmmakers from Puducherry, Cuddalore, and across Tamil Nadu have used the platform to share their work with an audience that values independent cinema. The initiative has also become a learning space, where young directors receive feedback that helps them improve their craft for future projects.
Hemakumar’s approach to filmmaking is rooted in realism and simplicity. He believes that powerful stories do not require big budgets but require honesty, strong writing, and emotional connection. He often handles multiple roles during production, including direction, scripting, and editing coordination, to maintain the original vision of the film. His work reflects the culture, language, and lifestyle of Puducherry and surrounding regions, giving local stories a wider audience.
Balancing MBA studies with filmmaking and running Thiraipettagam is demanding, but Hemakumar manages it through careful planning and time management. He uses digital tools to organize shoots, content calendars, and communication with collaborators. This balance of academic knowledge and creative practice gives him a unique edge in both making films and building a sustainable platform for others.
Looking ahead, Hemakumar aims to expand Thiraipettagam into a larger community hub. His plans include organizing an online short film festival with zero entry fee, conducting free workshops on direction and editing, and creating a network for filmmakers to find crew members and collaborators. He also intends to produce more original short films under the Thiraipettagam banner to set examples for quality and storytelling.
At his core, Hemakumar is driven by the belief that every story deserves to be heard. He is not focused on fame but on building an ecosystem where new voices can grow. His work as a director and as a supporter of other creators shows his commitment to Tamil independent cinema. For aspiring filmmakers in Puducherry and beyond, Hemakumar Lakshmanan stands as an example of how passion, education, and community support can come together to create real impact
