At various stages of his career, Kannan had the privilege to be mentored by veteran directors Bharathiraja, S.P.Muthuraman and K. Balachander.

Subamuhurtham, directed by Raghu and produced under the banner of Indralayam paved the way to Kannan's entry into the Tamil film industry.

His subsequent theatre drama, Jaathigal Illayadi Pappa was adopted into the film Vedham Pudhithu, directed by Bharathiraaja, for which Kannan penned the story and dialogue.

Later projects like Siva, Pagalil Pournami (1990), and Kaaval Geetham (1992) established Kannan as a prominent writer in the Tamil film Industry.

He has penned TV serials like Nimmadhi ungal Choice II & III, Jannal (Marabu Kavithaigal) and Sahaana.