Ayappa KM

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Ayappa KM is the Director and Co-founder of Early Man Film, a Mumbai-based production company, known for his offbeat directing style, unusual casting, satirical humour and strong visual aesthetic.

Starting as a copywriter at Orchard Advertising before moving to MTV, Ayappa honed the quirky sensibilities that would shape his work as a director. He later co-founded Early Man Film, directing notable campaigns including Jindal ‘The Steel of India’, Ambuja Cement ‘The Great Khali’, Reforest India ‘The Story of Kaveri’, Bold Care ‘K Serial’,  Nilaya ‘Anthology’ and several films for CRED such as ‘ Dravid’, ‘Antakshari’ & ‘Warner & SS Rajamouli’.

At the Good Ads Matter Awards 2025, Ayappa was named Director of the Year, while Early Man Film was named Production Company of the Year, winning two Grand Prix, 10 Golds and two Silvers. His work has also been recognised at Cannes Lions, D&AD and other international festivals.

He has also served on the Good Ads Matter Awards jury for Cinematography in 2025 and Music & Sound Design in 2026.

Beyond advertising, Ayappa has explored filmmaking with the documentary Kunde and shorts War Room and Runners. Recently, he has joined UK-based production company, Stink Films as Director, expanding his creative reach globally.

Catch Ayappa KM in conversation with some of India’s top 1% ad-film directors at the Good Ads Matter Directors' Roundtable — on our YouTube channel.

Social Media Handle:

• Instagram - @robotdogman

• Website - Ayappa KM