Raghava Lawrence | |
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Born | Lawrence Murugaiyan 29 October 1976 |
Occupations |
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Years active | 1989–present |
Spouse | Latha Lawrence |
Children | 1 |
Raghava Lawrence (born Raghava Murugaiyan) is an Indian actor, choreographer, film director, composer, playback singer, lyricist, film producer and philanthropist known for his works primarily in Tamil cinema. After making his debut as a dance choreographer in 1993, he began looking for acting opportunities. He began his career as an actor in 1998, in a Telugu film. He adopted the name "Raghava" in 2001, and worked for many prominent actors and directors in Tamil cinema throughout his career. He got his breakthrough with Telugu film Style and then Muni . Lawrence is also known for his intricate hip-hop and westernised dance moves and has won four Filmfare Awards, three Nandi Awards and two Tamil Nadu State Film Award for best choreography.
In 2015, after the death of former Indian president A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, Lawrence set up a charity trust in his name and donated ₹1 crore (US$120,000). [1] [2]
Lawrence was born on 29 October 1976 into a Tamil speaking family of Murugaiyan and Kanmani. Lawrence had a brain tumor when he was a child. [3] [4] [5] He attributes the curing of his tumor to the deity, Raghavendra Swamy, [6] and in an act of devotion, he took the name Raghava [4] He built the Raghavendra Swamy Brindavanam Temple at Thirumullaivayal on the Avadi-Ambattur route, which opened on 1 January 2010. [7] Raghava also has a younger brother, Elviin Lawrence.
He was working as a car cleaner for fight master Super Subbarayan. [4] Rajinikanth saw him dancing and helped him to join the Dancers Union. [5] [4] [8] Lawrence first appeared in a song in Samsara Sangeetham a Tamil film in 1989 directed by T. Rajendran. Then he appeared in Donga Police in 1991, also doing some dances with Prabhu Deva. He was a background dancer in the song Chikku Bukku Chikku Bukku Railey in Gentleman (1993). [4] He also appeared in dance sequences in Muta Mesthri (1993), Rakshana (1993) and Allari Priyudu (1993). [4] Chiranjeevi offered him the job of choreographing the dances for Hitler (1997). Pleased with Lawrence's work, Chiranjeevi asked him to choreograph dances for Master (1997), his next film too. [4] Producer T V D Prasad offered him the role of a hero in his venture Speed Dancer (1999). [4] [5] That film was a flop. [3] After that he acted small roles in Tamil like Ajith Kumar's Unnai Kodu Ennai Tharuven (2000) and Prashanth's Parthen Rasithen (2000). [3] Director K. Balachander invited him to act in his 100th film Parthale Paravasam (2001). [8] [5]
He acted as a first lead role in the Tamil with Arpudham (2002). As described by review sify , the latest in the line is Lawrence, who like his predecessor Prabhu Deva, is determined to be a hero. Arputham has a decent screenplay and Lawrence is tolerable. Thereafter, Style (2002). He also made a guest appearance with Vijay in the Tamil movie Thirumalai (2003). After a guest appearance in the film Thendral (2004), he directed his first film in Telugu, Mass (2004) starring Nagarjuna and Jyothika. The movie was a commercial success. [9] [10]
He subsequently directed and acted in Style (2006) co-starring with Prabhu Deva and featuring Nagarjuna and Chiranjeevi in guest roles.He got his breakthrough with Muni (2007), a horror thriller film. [11] Thereafter, he directed another film, Don (2007). The film starring Nagarjuna and Anushka Shetty. Raghava acted in second roles and made the film depending only on style and technical aspects. The movie had an average response. [12] Raghava continues to play in different categories films such as Pandi (2008), Rajadhi Raja (2009) and Irumbukkottai Murattu Singam (2010). Pandi was a moderate success, [13] while Rajadhi Raja was released to negative reviews, and Irumbukkottai Murattu Singam was released to mixed reviews. [14] [15]
He takes the series Muni in Kanchana (2011). Sarath Kumar play in the main role. The movie was commercially successful. [16] In 2012, he directed Telugu movie Rebel starring Prabhas and Tamannaah. [17] He acted in Kanchana 2 (2015). In 2017, he starred in an action Masala film, Motta Shiva Ketta Shiva . Sify described the film as, "Crass, loud and brainless." [18] Then another of genre horror Shivalinga , remake a Kannada language with the same name directed by P. Vasu. Shakthi Vasudevan, son of director, also starred in the important role for two versions. The story is a cop investigating the suspicious death of a Muslim finds out that his own wife has become possessed by the young man's ghost. [19] Raghava Lawrence is back with the fourth movie in the series – Muni 4: Kanchana 3: Kaali (2019), with the new change being three heroines. [20] The film has received a good collections at the box office. [21] In 2020, he made his directorial debut in Hindi cinema with film, Laxmii, a remake of Muni 2: Kanchana. [22]
On November 10, 2023, the movie Jigarthanda DoubleX , featuring actors Raghava Lawrence and SJ Suryah in the lead roles, was released as a prequel to the original film, Jigarthanda . [23]
On 14 April, 2024, it was announced that Lawrence will be starring in a film titled Benz , directed by Bakkiyaraj Kannan and written and produced by Lokesh Kanagaraj [24] ,which was confirmed as a part of the Lokesh Cinematic Universe in October 2024. [25]
He did many social service activities in which he has aided many heart surgeries for small children. [26] [27] [28] He was one of the supporters of the bull-riding sport jallikattu after its ban in 2017. During a protest in Tamil Nadu in January 2017, he provided food, medicine and basic needs to the protesters and promised to support them until the protests were over. [29] He asked for an appointment with Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan to donate 1 crore as relief fund for the Kerala flood victims. [30] [31]
Year | Film | Director | Writer | Producer | Language | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2004 | Mass | Yes | Yes | No | Telugu | |
2006 | Style | Yes | Yes | No | Telugu | |
2007 | Muni | Yes | Yes | No | Tamil | |
Don | Yes | Yes | No | Telugu | ||
2011 | Kanchana | Yes | Yes | Yes | Tamil | |
2012 | Rebel | Yes | Yes | No | Telugu | |
2015 | Kanchana 2 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Tamil | |
2019 | Kanchana 3 | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
2020 | Laxmii | Yes | Yes | No | Hindi | A Remake of Kanchana (2011) |
Year | Film | Role(s) | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1999 | Speed Dancer | Seenu | Telugu film |
2000 | Unnai Kodu Ennai Tharuven | Ganapathi | |
2000 | Parthen Rasithen | Doss | |
2001 | Parthale Paravasam | Azhagu | |
2002 | Arpudham | Ashok Kumar | |
Style | Rishaanth | ||
2004 | Thendral | Kumar | |
Mass | Cameo | Telugu film | |
2006 | Style | Raghava | Telugu film |
2007 | Muni | Ganesh | |
Don | Raghava | Telugu film | |
2008 | Pandi | Pandi | |
2009 | Rajadhi Raja | Raja | |
2010 | Irumbukkottai Murattu Singam | Singam & Singaram [a] | Double role |
2011 | Muni 2: Kanchana | Raghava | |
2015 | Muni 3: Kanchana 2 | Raghava & Shiva [a] | Dual role |
2017 | Motta Siva Ketta Siva | ACP Shivakumar | Also playback singer for song "Motta Paiyan" |
Shivalinga | Shivalingeswaran | ||
2019 | Muni 4: Kanchana 3 | Raghava & Kaali [a] | Dual role |
2023 | Rudhran | Rudhran | [32] |
Chandramukhi 2 | Pandian & Sengottaiyan Vettaiyan [a] | Dual role | |
Jigarthanda DoubleX | Alliyus "Alliyan" Caesar | [33] | |
2025 | Adhigaram† | TBA | Filming [34] |
TBA{{Benz}} | {{Benz}}data-sort-value="" style="background: #DDF; color:black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="skin-invert no table-no2" | TBA | Post-production |
Year | Film | Song | Language | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
1993 | Uzhaippali | "Uzhaippali Illatha" | Tamil | |
Gentleman | "Chikku Bukku Rayile" | |||
Mutha Mestri | "Ee Pettakku" | Telugu | ||
1994 | Chinna Madam | "Kora Kizhangukku Kodi" | Tamil | |
1995 | Thai Thangai Paasam | "Roopu Tera Masthana" | ||
1996 | Akka Bagunnava | "Aalesha Deko Pyaree" | Telugu | |
1997 | Hitler | "Nadaka Kalisina Navaraatri" | ||
1998 | Prema Pallaki | "Kannepilla Pongulu " | ||
Suryudu | "Manasu Petti" | |||
1999 | Amarkalam | "Maha Ganapathi" | Tamil | |
2000 | Bagunnara? | "Tirumala Tirupati Venkatesa" | Telugu | |
Unnai Kodu Ennai Tharuven | "Sollu Thalaiva" | Tamil | ||
Kshemamga Velli Labhamga Randi | "Lovvuki Age" | Telugu | ||
Chala Bagundi | "Yentabagundi Basu" | |||
Thirunelveli | "Yele Azhagamma" | Tamil | ||
2001 | Asura | "Maha Ganapathi" | Kannada | |
2002 | Varushamellam Vasantham | "Naan Ready Neenga Readya" | Tamil | |
Roja Kootam | "Subbamma" | |||
Baba | "Maya Maya" | |||
2003 | Ninne Istapaddanu | "Krishna Zilla" | Telugu | |
Satyam | "Kuch Kuch" | |||
Naaga | "Nayudori Pilla" | |||
Andhrawala | "Naire Naire" | |||
Pudhiya Geethai | "Annamalai" | Tamil | ||
Thirumalai | "Thaamthakka Dheemthakka" | |||
2004 | Mass | "Mass" | Telugu | |
2010 | Pen Singam | "Adi Aadi Asaiyum Iduppu" | Tamil | |
2014 | Kathai Thiraikathai Vasanam Iyakkam | "Live The Moment" |
Song(s) | Year | Film | Composer |
---|---|---|---|
Thala Suttuthe Maamu | 2007 | Muni | Bharadwaj |
Motta Motta Paiyyan | 2017 | Motta Siva Ketta Siva | Amresh Ganesh |
Lo Lo Lo Local | |||
Year | Film | Language | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
2007 | Don | Telugu | Songs only; score composed by S. Chinna |
2012 | Rebel |
Year | Film | Song | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
2011 | Kanchana | "Nillu Nillu" | |
Award | Category | Film | Year | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Filmfare Awards South | Best Choreography | Annayya | 2000 | Won | |
Paarthale Paravasam | 2001 | Won | [35] | ||
Indra | 2002 | Won | [36] | ||
Style | 2006 | Won | [37] | ||
Nandi Awards | Best Choreographer | Annayya | 2000 | Won | |
Indra | 2002 | Won | |||
Style | 2006 | Won | |||
Tamil Nadu State Film Awards | Best Choreographer | Kannupada Poguthaiya | 1999 | Won | |
Kanchana | 2011 | Won | [38] |
Akkineni Nagarjuna Rao, known mononymously as Nagarjuna, is an Indian actor and film producer who works predominantly in Telugu, Hindi and Tamil films. One of the highest paid South Indian actor, Nagarjuna has appeared in over 90 films. He is a recipient of two National Film Awards for Ninne Pelladata (1996) and Annamayya (1997), ten state Nandi Awards and three Filmfare Awards South.
Suhasini Rajaram Naidu, known professionally as Sneha, is an Indian actress who works primarily in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam films in lead roles to supporting roles.
Mass is a 2004 Indian Telugu-language masala film directed by Raghava Lawrence, in his directorial debut, and produced by Nagarjuna under Annapurna Studios. The film stars Nagarjuna in the titular role, alongside Jyothika, Charmy Kaur, Raghuvaran and Rahul Dev. The music was composed by Devi Sri Prasad, while Shyam K. Naidu and Marthand K. Venkatesh handled the cinematography and editing respectively.
Style is a 2006 Indian Telugu-language dance film written and directed by Raghava Lawrence. Produced by Larsco entertainments, the film stars Prabhu Deva, Raghava Lawrence, Raja, Kamalinee Mukherjee and Charmme Kaur in important roles with Chiranjeevi and Nagarjuna Akkineni in cameo appearances. The film marks Lawrence's second directorial venture after Mass. The soundtrack was composed by Mani Sharma.
Chimbu Devan is an Indian film director, writer, cartoonist, and screenwriter known for his works in Tamil cinema. His films mostly explore the fantasy and historical genres and also comedy. He debuted with the historical comedy-drama film, Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikecei (2006).
Sweety Shetty, known by her stage name Anushka Shetty, is an Indian actress known for her work majorly in Telugu and Tamil cinema. She is the recipient of three Filmfare Awards South, two Nandi Awards, two SIIMA Awards and one Tamil Nadu State Film Award. Having appeared over 50 films in a variety of roles, she is one of the highest-paid South Indian actresses. She was honoured with Kalaimamani in 2010 by the Government of Tamil Nadu.
Raghavendra is a 2003 Indian Telugu-language action film directed by Suresh Krishna and written by Posani Krishna Murali. It stars Prabhas, Anshu and Shweta Agarwal. The music was scored by Mani Sharma. It was also dubbed in Hindi as Sanyasi: The Warrior Saint (2008) and Malayalam as Sakthi in spite of being remade by Suresh himself in Hindi as Rocky: The Rebel.
Kanchana may refer to:
Lakshmi Rai, professionally credited as Raai Laxmi, is an Indian actress and model who predominantly works in Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi languages.
Muni (transl. Sage) is a 2007 Indian Tamil-language comedy horror film directed by Raghava Lawrence and produced by Gemini Productions. The film stars Rajkiran, Lawrence and Vedhika. Nassar, Vinu Chakravarthy, Delhi Ganesh, Kadhal Dhandapani and Kovai Sarala play supporting roles. It follows Ganesh, a young man with phasmophobia, who gets possessed by Muniyandi "Muni" who tries to kill Dhandapani after he tricked and killed him.
Vedhika Kumar, known professionally as Vedhika is an Indian actress and model who primarily works in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam films. Vedhika is a recipient of an Asiavision Award and two Edison Awards, along with nominations for two Filmfare Awards South.
Irumbukkottai Murattu Singam is a 2010 Indian Tamil-language western action comedy film directed by Chimbu Deven, starring choreographer-turned-actor Raghava Lawrence in a double role alongside Padmapriya, Lakshmi Rai, and Sandhya alongside an ensemble supporting cast including Nassar, Sai Kumar, M. S. Bhaskar, and Senthil. The film follows an story imaginary western cowboy town in Tamil Nadu, which is set in the 19th century paying homages to many western films. The film's shooting commenced in April 2009 and was released on 7 May 2010 to mixed reviews. The film comically highlights the current world politics.
The Vijay for Best Comedian is given by STAR Vijay as part of its annual Vijay Awards ceremony for Tamil (Kollywood) films.
Kanchana is a 2011 Indian Tamil-language horror comedy film written, produced and directed by Raghava Lawrence. It is a sequel to his previous venture, Muni (2007) and the second installment in the Muni film series. The film stars Lawrence alongside Sarathkumar in the title role alongside Lakshmi Rai and Kovai Sarala while Devadarshini and Sriman play supporting roles.
Mysore Seshaiah Suresh Babu Naidu is an Indian actor, producer, director, and dubbing artist. He has acted predominantly in Telugu and Tamil languages.
Kanchana 2 is a 2015 Indian Tamil-language horror comedy film written, produced and directed by Raghava Lawrence, who enactes in dual role and reprises his role. Alongside him, the film stars Taapsee Pannu, Nithya Menen, Renuka, Jayaprakash, Rajendran, Suhasini Maniratnam, Sriman, Mayilsamy, with Kovai Sarala also reprising her role. It is the third instalment in the Muni film series, and is the sequel to Kanchana (2011). The film was remade in Kannada as Kalpana 2 (2016) starring Upendra.
Rasu Madhuravan was a Tamil film director known for family dramas. He began his career as an assistant director to Manivannan, and made his directorial debut with Poomagal Oorvalam. He died on 9 July 2013 from throat cancer.
Muni is an Indian Tamil-language horror comedy film series created and directed by Raghava Lawrence who also appeared in lead roles in all the films. The first film is Muni (2007) and the second is Muni 2: Kanchana (2011) with the third installment of the franchise titled Muni 3: Kanchana 2: Ganga (2015). The latest movie, the fourth instalment is Muni 4: Kanchana 3 (2019). and stars Raghava Lawrence and Kovai Sarala with Rajkiran, Sarathkumar, Devadarshini, Sriman, Vedhika, Vinu Chakravarthy, Raai Laxmi, Nithya Menon, Taapsee, Renuka, Oviya, Nikki Tamboli, Alexandra Ri Djavi. All films were successful at the box office, continuing the trend of the comedy-horror genre in Tamil cinema that began with Chandramukhi (2005).
Kanchana 3 is a 2019 Indian Tamil language action-comedy horror film co-produced, written and directed by Raghava Lawrence. The film stars Raghava Lawrence in a dual role with Oviya, Vedhika, Nikki Tamboli and Ri Djavi Alexandra. While Kovai Sarala, Soori, Tarun Arora, and Kabir Duhan Singh play supporting roles. Produced by Sun Pictures, the fourth installment in the Muni , the film began production during October 2018 and released on 19 April 2019. Later, the film was dubbed in Hindi as K3: Kaali Ka Karishma.
Jigarthanda DoubleX is a 2023 Indian Tamil-language action drama film written and directed by Karthik Subbaraj and jointly produced by him, Kaarthekeyen Santhanam, S. Kathiresan and Alankar Pandian under Stone Bench Films, Five Star Creations and Invenio Origin. The film is a prequel to Jigarthanda (2014) and stars Raghava Lawrence, S. J. Suryah, Nimisha Sajayan, Ilavarasu, Sathyan, Naveen Chandra, Shine Tom Chacko and Aravind Akash. Set in the 1970s, it revolves around an upcoming policeman trying to kill a gangster by going undercover as a filmmaker.