SY Gowtham Raj is a Tamil film director, writer and lyricist who was born on 12 February 1986 in Aranthangi, Pudukottai, Tamil Nadu.

He completed his BA English from Alagappa University and studied at MGR Government Film and Television Institute before entering the film industry. He made his directorial debut with Raatchasi (2019), a female-centric drama starring Jyothika, which won him critical acclaim and awards.