T. J. Gnanavel, a multifaceted writer and director, launched his career in 2011 with a significant contribution to the Tamil crime action film Payanam. His creative endeavors began with crafting the story and screenplay for this cinematic production, marking his debut in the industry.
Following this inaugural venture, Gnanavel was involved in the project Dhoni, a 2012 Tamil family drama starring Prakash Raj and Radhika Apte. His talents were showcased as he wrote the dialogues for this film, further solidifying his reputation as a skilled wordsmith.
After a brief hiatus, Gnanavel returned to the spotlight in 2017 with his directorial debut, Kootathil Oruthan. This comedy, featuring Ashok Selvan and Priya Anand in key roles, not only showcased Gnanavel's directorial prowess but also highlighted his versatility as a writer. He not only directed the film but also penned the story, screenplay, and dialogues, emphasizing his ability to multitask and excel in various creative roles.