Filmmaker Cheran has been elected President of the South Indian Film Writers’ Association after securing 279 votes in the latest polls held in Chennai.
The polling for the 2026–2029 term took place at the auditorium of the South Indian Cine Musicians’ Union in Vadapalani, witnessing active participation from members of the சங்கம்.
Cheran contested under the ‘Namma K. Bhagyaraj’ panel, which went head-to-head with the ‘Thiraikkathai Mannan Bhagyaraj’ panel led by V. C. Guhanathan. With a decisive mandate, Cheran emerged victorious, including 12 postal votes counted in his favour.
The election also saw contests for other key posts, Pattukkottai Prabhakar and Manoj Kumar competed for the General Secretary post, while R. Sundarrajan and Liaquat Ali Khan were in the fray for Treasurer.
The ‘Namma K. Bhagyaraj’ panel secured a comprehensive victory, marking a new leadership phase for the association.
Elections for the South Indian Film Writers’ Association are typically held once every three years. This year’s elections was initially scheduled earlier but was postponed following the demise of veteran filmmaker and former association president K. Bhagyaraj.
With Cheran at the helm, expectations are high among members for renewed focus on writers’ welfare and creative recognition in the film industry.

