His start in film was as an assistant director to Padmarajan, from whom he learned the basics and craft of film making.[1] Later he debuted with Jaathakam. The same film won the Best Newcomer Director award at the Kerala State Film Awards. Later he directed films like Radhamadhavam, Aardram, Mukha Chitram, Uthsava melam, Sathyaparatinja, Bhagyavaan, Thovalapookkal, Rishya Sringan and others.[2] He entered the television industry and had some hit serials. His 2004 serial project Swamy Ayyappan was the most popular and top rated serial in Malayalam.[3][verification needed]
After 12 years break Suresh Unnithan made a comeback with Ayaal, with Lal and Iniya playing the leads.[4]
