Anandaraj | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 10 November 1963 Pondicherry, Puducherry, India |
| Alma mater | M.G.R. Government Film and Television Training Institute |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1988–present |
| Political party | All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam |
| Partner | Arak merchant |
| Children | 2 |
Anandaraj (born November 10, 1963) is an Indian actor, He has acted in villain roles in several Tamil films and has appeared in over a three hundred films in different languages including Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi. [1]
Anandaraj was born and brought up in Pondicherry. His father was a civil surgeon. Mother Was Famous (50S, 60S) Telugu Singer Swarnalatha Alias Mahalakshmi. After schooling, he wanted his son to be a police officer, but Anandaraj wanted to try something different as he was fascinated with films. His family supported his dreams. He joined in M.G.R. Government Film and Television Training Institute, Chennai for a course. Kannada actor Shiva Rajkumar was his classmate.
Anandaraj was under the impression that offers would come his way, but later he had to struggle for an opportunity and finally started off with the 1988 film Oruvar Vaazhum Aalayam , starring Prabhu and Sivakumar, and later En Thangachi Padichava , directed by P. Vasu, gave him the much-needed break in all the four south Indian languages. [2] He did Suresh Krissna’s Raja Kaiya Vacha (1990) with Prabhu, in which he essayed a positive role. However, he appeared with Vijayakanth and starred in several films together. [3]
On playing the hero roles, Anand Raj mentioned: "When one gets popular being a villain, people around you always push you to take the next step and it was one of those phases when I took up offers to play the lead role". He went on to play lead roles in the films Palaivana Paravaigal , Kaaval Nilayam , Thambi Oorukku Puthusu, Government Mappillai , Pokkiri Thambi , Kizhakku Veluthathchu, David Uncle , En Rajangam , Puthiya Aatchi and My India. Even though directors offered him good scripts, the films just didn't work well at the box office. [2] [4] The huge popularity that Anandaraj gained during the late eighties elevated him to the status of hero and he and R. Sarathkumar together starred in a few action films. While Sarathkumar hit stardom, Anandaraj who was billed above him in their films together did not sustain his position and went back to playing small roles.
He has acted as a villain alongside most of the top actors, like Balakrishna ( Muddula Mavayya ), Vijayakanth ( Pulan Visaranai ), Chiranjeevi ( Gang Leader ), Rajinikanth ( Baashha ), Mammootty ( Makkal Aatchi ), R. Sarathkumar ( Suryavamsam ), Arjun ( Ezhumalai ) and Vijay ( Pokkiri ).
Many years later, Anandaraj made a sudden switch to comedy in Mundasupatti directed by Ramkumar released in 2014 that had audiences falling off their seats and there had been no looking back since then. Anandaraj has become a hot favorite of young directors who write quirky characters for him which he performs with his signature style that has gained him a huge fan following in the younger generation of movie goers. [5]
Director Prabhu Deva offered Anandaraj the lead in the role and asked him not to react to anything, even though a baddie is expected to give exaggerated expressions. Prabhu Deva wanted Anandaraj to sport a certain look, so he underwent intense training for a year and lost about 12 kilos and fulfilled Prabhu Deva's expectation to get signed for Action Jackson (2014). He played a don in the film and his look was completely different from the one he had tried in the south, as he spots a lizard tattoo on his head. [2]
He joined Vijay Sethupathi and Nayanthara starrer Naanum Rowdydhaan (2015). Though Anandaraj doesn't play the main antagonist role. [6] His other films include Maragadha Naanayam (2017) Katha Nayagan (2017), Sathya (2017) and Gulaebaghavali (2018). He's almost perfected the role of the comic villain. [7] For the film Jackpot (2019), Anandaraj received Best comedian from Vikatan. He played a role in Bigil (2019) has expressed his disappointment over the filmmaker for the way he approached his character in the film in post production. [8] He acted in Santhanam's films subsequently such as Biskoth (2020), Dikkiloona (2021) and 80s Buildup (2023).
Anandaraj was born in Puducherry. He is the second son in the family of eight. [9] He is married and has a daughter, a son and a grandson
Actor Anandraj is loyal to Jayalalitha and has joined AIADMK under her leadership. He supported BJP and stated that he will personally vote for the party in 2014. After Jayalalitha's death he quit ADMK. He later said Mudaliar community should vote for NOTA.
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Oruvar Vaazhum Aalayam | Henchmen | |
| Thaimel Aanai | Johny | ||
| Jeeva | Main Henchmen | ||
| En Thangachi Padichava | Gaja | ||
| Senthoora Poove | Udayappan | ||
| Paatti Sollai Thattathe | Autorickshaw driver | ||
| Kalicharan | Anandraj | ||
| 1989 | Pillaikkaga | Nagadevan | |
| Rajadhi Raja | Kangeyan | ||
| Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu | Maruthupandi | ||
| 1990 | Nalla Kaalam Porandaachu | Joe | |
| Pulan Visaranai | Dharma | ||
| Paattukku Naan Adimai | Vajervelu | ||
| Pudhu Padagan | Arumugam | Guest appearance | |
| Thangathin Thangam | Mariappan's Son | ||
| Kalyana Rasi | Periyathambi | ||
| Urudhi Mozhi | Johnny | ||
| Ulagam Pirandhadhu Enakkaga | Kumar | ||
| Periya Idathu Pillai | Anand | ||
| Velai Kidaichuduchu | Baasha | ||
| Palaivana Paravaigal | Machi | ||
| Vellaiya Thevan | Semmangkalai | ||
| Namma Ooru Poovatha | Rajappa | ||
| Raja Kaiya Vacha | Japan | ||
| Ethir Kaatru | Devaraj | ||
| 1991 | Kaaval Nilayam | Raja | |
| Maanagara Kaaval | Robin | ||
| Iravu Sooriyan | |||
| Moondrezhuthil En Moochirukkum | Amirtharajah | ||
| Thambi Oorukku Pudhusu | |||
| 1992 | Government Mappillai | Sundarapandian | |
| Unna Nenachen Pattu Padichen | |||
| Bharathan | Gangadharan | ||
| Pokkiri Thambi | Thambidurai | ||
| Kizhakku Velathachu | |||
| Thaali Kattiya Raasa | |||
| David Uncle | David | ||
| 1993 | Kattalai | ||
| Rajadurai | Mayandi | ||
| 1994 | En Rajangam | Gopalakrishnan | |
| Vandicholai Chinraasu | Santhanapandian | ||
| Jallikattu Kaalai | Loose Gounder | ||
| Magudikkaran | |||
| 1995 | Baashha | Indaran | |
| Kattumarakaran | |||
| Thottil Kuzhandhai | Rajarathnam | ||
| Puthiya Aatchi | Marappan | ||
| Nandhavana Theru | Rajasekhar | ||
| Thirumoorthy | Govindan | ||
| Thedi Vandha Raasa | |||
| Mr. Madras | Thiruttani | ||
| Makkal Aatchi | Rangachari | ||
| Ragasiya Police | Azhagam Perumal | ||
| Maaman Magal | Paramasivam | ||
| Thondan | Ilavenil | ||
| Varraar Sandiyar | Maruthu | ||
| 1996 | Aruva Velu | Alavanthar | |
| Kizhakku Mugam | Nagaraj | ||
| Sengottai | Inspector Thangamani | Guest appearance | |
| Andha Naal | Father James | ||
| Manikkam | |||
| 1997 | Aravindhan | Ramanathan | |
| My India | |||
| Suryavamsam | Dharamalingam Gounder | Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Villain Cinema Express Award for Best Villain | |
| Abhimanyu | Guest appearance | ||
| Adimai Changili | |||
| Janakiraman | |||
| Arasiyal | Vikram | Guest appearance | |
| 1998 | Moovendhar | Velliangiri | |
| Naam Iruvar Nammaku Iruvar | Thief | ||
| Sandhippoma | |||
| Kalyana Galatta | |||
| Simmarasi | Maragatham | Dinakaran Cinema Award for Best Villain Actor | |
| Desiya Geetham | |||
| Urimai Por | J. K. B. | ||
| Pudhumai Pithan | Guest appearance | ||
| Pooveli | Maha's uncle | ||
| 1999 | Periyanna | ||
| Kummi Paattu | Pachhamalayan | ||
| Oruvan | Peter Fernandez | ||
| Malabar Police | Varadappan | ||
| Kannupada Poguthaiya | Maniyaandar | ||
| Kanmani Unakkaga | Prathap | ||
| Unnaruge Naan Irundhal | Jamindar | ||
| Paattali | Rajarathinam | ||
| Time | Local Rogue | ||
| 2000 | Vaanathaippola | Rajadurai | |
| Vetri Kodi Kattu | Dubai Job Agency's Middleman | ||
| Krodham 2 | Yogaraj | ||
| Anbudan | |||
| Vanna Thamizh Pattu | Rasappan | ||
| Independence Day | |||
| 2001 | Seerivarum Kaalai | Police Inspector | |
| Narasimha | Thilagarnambi | ||
| 2002 | Varushamellam Vasantham | Police Inspector | Guest Appearance |
| Ezhumalai | Nagalingam's brother in law | ||
| Style | Marthandam | ||
| 2003 | Aasai Aasaiyai | Commissioner Srinivas IPS | |
| Kadhaludan | Guest appearance | ||
| Yes Madam | |||
| Sena | Mastan Bhai | ||
| Diwan | Meenakshi's father | ||
| Vadakku Vaasal | Inspector Alex Pandian | ||
| 2004 | Campus | ||
| Engal Anna | Durairaj | ||
| Arasatchi | Advocate Brammanadham | ||
| Giri | Pasupathy, Pasupathy's father | ||
| Meesai Madhavan | Rani's father | ||
| 2005 | Iyer IPS | Pasupathy | |
| Kannadi Pookal | Sakthivel's Friend | ||
| 2006 | Perarasu | DCP Kesavan Nair | |
| 2007 | Pokkiri | Narasimha | |
| 2008 | Ashoka | Chandramohan | |
| Vallamai Tharayo | Nandita's father | ||
| Nayagan | Gang leader | ||
| 2009 | Villu | J.D | |
| 2010 | Kola Kolaya Mundhirika | Veerappan | |
| Goa | Village Rowdy | ||
| Indrasena | |||
| Agam Puram | Muthuraj | Guest appearance | |
| 2011 | En Ullam Unnai Theduthey | ||
| 2014 | Mundasupatti | Zamindar Ekambaram | |
| 2015 | Pulan Visaranai 2 | John | |
| Paayum Puli | Inspector Manikandan | ||
| Naanum Rowdydhaan | Pondicherry Don | ||
| 2016 | Dhilluku Dhuddu | Kumar's father | |
| 2017 | Bruce Lee | Inspector Shanmugapandiyan | |
| Maragadha Naanayam | 'Twinkle' Ramanathan | ||
| Katha Nayagan | Dubai Sheik | ||
| Sathya | Inspector Chowdhary | ||
| 2018 | Gulaebaghavali | Munish's boss | |
| Thaanaa Serndha Koottam | Gandhi Appa (Kuthaalingam) | ||
| Pakka | Nattamai | ||
| Iravukku Aayiram Kangal | Murugesan | ||
| Kalavani Mappillai | Thulasi's father | ||
| Evanukku Engeyo Matcham Irukku | Annachi | ||
| Johnny | Prakash | ||
| Silukkuvarupatti Singam | Share Auto Chandran | ||
| 2019 | Ayogya | 'Bullet' Rajendran | |
| Gurkha | Alex | ||
| Jackpot | Maanasthan / Inspector Maanasthi | Ananda Vikatan Cinema Award for Best comedian | |
| Bigil | Anand (Rock) | ||
| 2020 | Biskoth | Narasimhan | |
| 2021 | Vanakkam Da Mappilei | Ramachandran | |
| Dikkiloona | Arivu's Boss | ||
| 2022 | Idiot | Raasu Gounde | |
| Cobra | Laundry Man | ||
| Prince | Inspector Muthupandi | ||
| Naai Sekar Returns | Dass | ||
| 2023 | Vallavanukkum Vallavan | Inspector Poonthamalli | |
| Rayar Parambarai | Gopal, Mortuary worker | ||
| 80s Buildup | Gopal | ||
| Conjuring Kannappan | Devil Armstrong | ||
| 2024 | Vithaikkaaran | ‘Dollar’ Azhagu | |
| Uyir Thamizhukku | Pazhakadai Ramachandran | ||
| Vasco Da Gama | Lakshana's father | ||
| TBA | Chennai City Gangsters † | [10] | |
| † | Denotes films that have not yet been released |
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Bamma Maata Bangaru Baata | Anasuya's husband | |
| Muddula Mavayya | Gaja | ||
| Palnati Rudraiah | |||
| Lankeswarudu | Ananth Raj | ||
| Ontari Poratam | Govinda Yadav | ||
| Two Town Rowdy | Rowdy | ||
| 1990 | Prananiki Pranam | Bahadoor | |
| Iddaru Iddare | Teja | ||
| 1991 | Sathruvu | Satya Murthy | |
| Gang Leader | Kanakambaram | ||
| 1993 | Bava Bavamaridi | Bhoopati | |
| 1995 | Pedarayudu | Bhupathi | |
| 1996 | Ramudochadu | Gavaraju | |
| 1997 | Shubhakankshalu | Moses | |
| Taraka Ramudu | Gajapati's brother-in-law | ||
| 1998 | Suryavamsam | Singaraju Lingaraju | |
| 2002 | Seema Simham | Police Inspector | |
| Bharatasimha Reddy | Devudayya's brother-in-law | ||
| Siva Rama Raju | Veeraju Varma | ||
| Chennakesava Reddy | Dhanunjaya Reddy | ||
| 2003 | Raghavendra | Ankineedu | |
| Inspector | Pandey | [11] | |
| Avuna | |||
| Tiger Harischandra Prasad | Killer Koteswar Rao | ||
| 2005 | 786 Khaidi Premakatha | Harischandra Prasad | [12] |
| 2009 | Adhineta | Mahendra Bhupati | |
| 2016 | Parvathipuram | Dubbed in Telugu as Veera Khadgam (2023) | |
| 2024 | Inti No. 13 | Gajanand |
| Year | Film | Role | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | The City | Raja | Malayalam |
| Jaana | Anand | Kannada | |
| 1996 | Palegara | ||
| 1997 | Raaja | ||
| 2000 | Mahathma | ||
| Papigala Lokadalli | |||
| Krishnarjuna | |||
| Independence Day | |||
| 2003 | Kiccha | Minister | |
| Vijaya Dashami | |||
| 2004 | Sathyam | Commissioner Mambally Mukundan Menon | Malayalam |
| 2006 | Jayam | Bharathan | |
| 2008 | Indra | Kannada | |
| 2009 | Machaa | ||
| 2010 | Meshtru | ||
| 2011 | Doubles | Pathan | Malayalam |
| 2014 | Action Jackson | Xavier Fonseca | Hindi |
Rangaraj Subbiah, known professionally as Sathyaraj, is an Indian actor, film producer, film director and a media personality who appears predominantly in Tamil films. He also appears in works in Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi. He is a recipient of three Filmfare Award South and three Tamil Nadu State Film Awards.
Ramanathan Sarathkumar is an Indian actor, politician and former bodybuilder who works predominantly in Tamil cinema in addition to Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi films. He has acted in more than 145 films and won two Tamil Nadu State Film Awards and three Filmfare Awards South.
Prakash Raj is an Indian actor, film director, producer, television presenter, and politician. Known for his works in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, English, and Hindi-language films, he is the recipient of several accolades, including five National Film Awards, eight Nandi Awards, eight Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, six Filmfare Awards South, four SIIMA Awards, three CineMAA Awards, and three Vijay Awards. Apart from his native languages Tulu and Kannada, Raj's fluency in Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, English, and Marathi has placed him among the most sought after actors in Indian cinema.
Prabhu Deva is an Indian dance choreographer, film director, producer and actor who has worked predominantly in Tamil, Hindi and Telugu language films. In a career spanning 32 years, he has performed and designed dancing styles and has garnered two National Film Awards for Best Choreography. In 2019, he was awarded the Padma Shri for his contributions to dance.
Udaya Chandrika, better known by her screen name Radha is a former Indian actress, who predominantly appeared in Tamil and Telugu films in addition to a few Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi films. She was one of the top heroines in the film industry for about a decade, from 1981 to 1991, dominating the 1980s era.
Pokkiri (transl. Rogue) is a 2007 Indian Tamil-language action film directed by Prabhu Deva and produced by Kanagarathna Movies. It is the Tamil remake of the 2006 Telugu film Pokiri directed by story writer Puri Jagannadh. The film stars Vijay in the lead role alongside Asin, Prakash Raj, Nassar, Mukesh Tiwari, Vadivelu, Sriman, Anandaraj, Napoleon, Vincent Asokan, Subbaraju and Master Bharath. The film is about a young IPS officer who works for Police Commissioner Mohammed Maideen Khan IPS and goes undercover as a rogue to take out the anti-socials.
Vaanathaippola is a 2000 Indian Tamil-language drama film written and directed by Vikraman. The film stars Vijayakanth in a dual role. The supporting cast includes Meena, Prabhu Deva, Livingston, Kausalya and Anju Aravind. Produced by V. Ravichandran under Oscar Films, the film's music was composed by S. A. Rajkumar and the cinematography handled by Arthur A. Wilson. The film tells the story of a caring brother who makes sacrifices to ensure his three younger brothers succeed in life.
The Filmfare Best Actor Award is given by the Filmfare as part of its annual Filmfare Awards South for Tamil film lead actors. The Filmfare Awards South Awards were extended to "Best Actor" in 1972. The year indicates the year of release of the film.
The Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award is given by the Filmfare magazine as part of its annual Filmfare Awards South for Tamil (Kollywood) films.
Nirav Shah is an Indian cinematographer. He has worked on a number of major box office hits in Tamil, Hindi and Malayalam since his debut with the 2004 Hindi film Paisa Vasool.
Villu (transl. Bow) is a 2009 Indian Tamil-language action comedy film directed by Prabhu Deva and produced by Ayngaran International. The film stars Vijay in the main dual lead role as father and son alongside Nayanthara, Prakash Raj, Vadivelu, Manoj K. Jayan, Devaraj, Anandaraj, Sriman. Mumaith Khan, Zabyn Khan, and Khushbu appear as item numbers. It is partly based on the Hindi-language 1998 film Soldier, directed by Abbas–Mustan. The film follows Pugazh, an undercover police officer, who avenges the death of his father who was an honest army officer falsely accused and killed by corrupt army officers.
Engal Anna is a 2004 Indian Tamil-language comedy drama film directed by Siddique. The film stars Vijayakanth in the main lead role with Prabhu Deva, Pandiarajan, Vadivelu, Namitha, Swarnamalya, and Indraja in other roles, while Lal, Manivannan, and Anandaraj playing supporting roles. It is the Tamil remake of the 2003 Malayalam film Chronic Bachelor.
Ravichandran Samanna, known professionally as Nizhalgal Ravi, is an Indian film, television and voice actor who works mainly in Tamil cinema. He has performed in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam films and television series. He started his career in 1980 with the film Nizhalgal. He has acted in 560 films. He is best known for his dubbing work for Amitabh Bachchan in Tamil.
Ramakrishnan, better known by his stage name Ramki, is an Indian actor best known for his work in Tamil films. He made his debut in Chinna Poove Mella Pesu (1987). He was a lead actor from 1987 to 2004.
Oruvan is a 1999 Indian Tamil-language action drama film directed by Suresh Krissna. The film stars Sarathkumar, Pooja Batra and Devayani, while Raghuvaran and Anandaraj play supporting roles. Produced by Lakshmi Movie Makers, the film had cinematography handled by S. Saravanan and music composed by Deva. It was released on 25 June 1999.
Pulan Visaranai (transl. Investigation) is a 1990 Indian Tamil-language action thriller film directed by R. K. Selvamani in his directoral debut. The film stars Vijayakanth and R. Sarathkumar, while Rupini, M. N. Nambiar, Radha Ravi and Anandaraj play supporting roles. It was released on 14 January 1990. The film was remade in Hindi as Ravan Raaj: A True Story (1995). The character of the antagonist Dharma is loosely based on the serial killer Auto Shankar. A sequel, Pulan Visaranai 2, was released in 2015.
Vanna Thamizh Paatu is a 2000 Indian Tamil-language romantic drama film directed by P. Vasu. The film stars Prabhu, débutantes Vaijayanthi and Mani Chandana. It was released on 17 November 2000.
Pavithran is an Indian film director, who has made many hit Tamil films. He was active primarily in the 1990s collaborating in ventures which often included Sarathkumar in pivotal roles. He was awarded the Tamil Nadu state Kalaimamani award for his works in the film industry. He is known to have made his assistants huge stars in the film Industry. His assistant film directors include S. Shankar, A. Venkatesh, Balaji Sakthivel, Vincent Selva, Saravana Subbiah and many more. He has also introduced stars like Prabhu Deva, Devayani. During the 1990s his movies with newcomers like Sarathkumar, Ajith Kumar, and Vijay, who later became established actors in the industry. He also introduced comedians like Soori and Vimal in his movie Mattuthavani.
Devi (transl. Goddess) is a 2016 Indian trilingual comedy horror film co-written and directed by A. L. Vijay. It features Tamannaah Bhatia in the title role with Prabhu Deva and Sonu Sood in the lead roles and RJ Balaji, Saptagiri, Rajiv Thakur and Murali Sharma in supporting roles. In addition to Tamil, the film was also simultaneously shot in Telugu and Hindi titled Abhinetri (transl. Actress) and Tutak Tutak Tutiya, respectively.