[2] He achieved further commercial successes with his subsequent directorials Saroja (2008), Goa (2010), Mankatha (2011), Biriyani (2013), Masss (2015), Maanaadu (2021) and The Greatest of All Time (2024).

In 1996, he, his brother Premgi Amaren and his childhood friend S. P. B. Charan set up a music band called Next Generation,[2] which also featured Yugendran and Thaman as members,[5][6] and did several stage performances.

Prabhu starred in two more ventures, alongside his friends S. P. B. Charan and Yugendran; Wanted, directed by Premgi Amaren,[8][9] and Agathiyan's Kadhal Samrajyam,[10][11] both failing to release as well.

The film emerged as a sleeper hit,[12][13] garnering high critical acclaim and becoming labelled a "cult classic" in the following years,[14] which led to the lead cast growing in popularity.

He next directed the comedy thriller film Saroja (2008), the title being derived from a hit number from Chennai 600028,[15] which also featured an ensemble cast including Charan and Premgi.

The film followed the journey of four young men who, by taking a diversion off the main road, land into the hands of a kidnapper gang; it received positive response from critics and at the box office as well.