Rangayana Raghu

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Rangayana Raghu
Rangayana Raghu During the shoot of Ishtakamya.jpg
Raghu during the filming of Ishtakamya , 2015
Born (1965-04-17) 17 April 1965 (age 60)
Koththuru, Pavagada, Tumkur, Mysore State (now Karnataka), India
NationalityIndian
OccupationActor
Years active1995–present
SpouseMangala
Children1

Koththuru Chikkarangappa Raghunath (born 17 April 1965), [1] known by his screen name Rangayana Raghu, is an Indian film and stage actor, known for his work in Kannada cinema. He is a recipient of multiple Filmfare Awards South, SIIMA Awards, and two Karnataka State Film Awards.

Contents

Born in Koththuru, a village in the Tumkur district of the erstwhile Mysore State (now Karnataka), to a Bayalaata artist, Raghu was inspired to act as a teenager. He began his career in theatre and worked as a stage actor with B. V. Karanth's theatre group Rangayana, from 1988 to 1999. His first feature film, Suggi, got shelved, and Bhoomi Thayiya Chochchala Maga (1998) was his first release. During the initial phase of his career, Raghu usually portrayed comedic or negative-shaded characters and played supporting roles. His first major break came when he appeared as an antagonist in Dhumm (2002). He is best noted for his performance in the 2007 film Duniya which won him his second Karnataka State Film Award for Best Supporting Actor. His other notable roles during this period came in Ranga SSLC (2004), Suntaragaali (2006), Cyanide (2006), Raam (2009), Olave Mandara (2011) and Jayammana Maga (2013).

Later, Raghu progressed to play more character and lead roles, while also appearing frequently in comedic roles. He became noted for his versatility, and earned praise for his performances in films such as Badava Rascal (2021), Family Pack (2022), Rangasamudra (2024) and Shakhahaari (2024). [2] [3] He has appeared in more than 400 films. [4]

Early life

Raghu was born as Kotturu Chikkarangappa Raghunath on 17 April 1965 as the ninth child of Chikkarangaiah and Veeramma, in a village Kotturu, in Pavagada taluk of the Tumkur district of the erstwhile Mysore State (now Karnataka). [1] His father Chikkarangaiah was an agriculturist and folk artist who played Bayalaata. Raghu completed his schooling and college education in National College, Bangalore, where he developed an interest in acting. He was encouraged to act in plays by Rajashekhar, the son of noted playwright, Chandrashekhara Kambara. He also referred Raghu to the theatre institute, Rangayana in Mysore in 1988. [5] [6]

Career

Raghu trained as an actor in Rangayana before joining films in the mid-1990s. He last performed on stage in 2001. In 2004, he started the theatre group, Sanchari, with his wife, Mangala. [7] [8]

Raghu made his film debut in the 1995 Kannada-language film Suggi directed by Hamsalekha that eventually got shelved. [9] His first release was Bhoomi Thayiya Chochchala Maga (1998), that saw him appear in a supporting role. [5] He then appeared in the 2002 film Dhumm , which followed minor roles in Megha Banthu Megha (1998) and Aryabhata (1999). His major breakthrough was Yogaraj Bhat's debut directorial venture Mani (2003). Raghu then received praise for his performances in films like Ranga SSLC (2004), Duniya (2007), Modalasala (2010), Alemari (2012), and Director's Special (2013). [10] [11] Raghu made his debut in Tulu films in 2018 with My Name is Annappa. [12]

Raghu played a respected folk artist humiliated by a wealthy man in Rangasamudra (2024), a film set in the North Karnataka region. His only grandson intends to restore his grandfather's lost self-respect by buying him a car. A. Sharadhaa of The New Indian Express wrote, "Rangayana Raghu shines every time he graces the screen, as a folk artist, he exemplifies a life of dignity." [13] In the thriller, Shakhahaari (2024), he played an innocent Subbanna Bhat, who runs a small hotel, and has to shield a man on the run who is accused of murdering his wife. The film and Raghu's performance received praise from critics. The reviewer for Deccan Herald wrote: "Veteran Rangayana Raghu is brilliant in a nuanced role demanding wholesome acting. He seamlessly traverses through varied emotions." [14]

Filmography

YearTitleRoleRef.
1998 Bhoomi Thayiya Chochchala Maga Patil
Megha Banthu Megha
1999 Aryabhata
2001 Kothigalu Saar Kothigalu
2002 Dhumm
2003 Sri Ram Chakratheertha
Mani
Hrudayavantha
2004 Ranga SSLC Kunta Naga
Dharma
Sahukara Benkiyappa
Bhagawan Sharath Simha
Sarvabhouma Jayaraj
Omkara Divya's father
2005 Rakshasa Cheluvaraju
Valmiki Ballanna
Gunna Sharma
Swamy
Boyfriend
Jootata
2006 Cyanide Ranganath
Thangigagi Shadeshwara
Tenali Rama
Shishya
Honeymoon Express Ranganath
Suntaragaali D. Rajahuli
Tirupathi
7 O' Clock
Odahuttidavalu
2007 Poojari
Duniya
Maathaad Maathaadu Mallige
Gunavantha
Parodi
Snehana Preethina
Sixer
Geleya
Ganesha
2008 Hani Hani
Beladingalaagi Baa
Gaalipata
Payana
Inthi Ninna Preethiya
Taj Mahal
Vasanthakala
Avva
Dheemaku
Mast Maja Maadi
Kodagana Koli Nungitha
Yuga Yugagale Saagali
Minchina Ota
Sangama
Athmeeya
Bidda
2009 Rajakumari
Prem Kahani
Maleyali Jotheyali Rangappa
Raam
Olave Jeevana Lekkachaara Ratna
Junglee
Mr. Painter
Nanda
Kallara Santhe
Rajani
Kannadada Kiran Bedi
Gubbachchigalu
Muniya
2010Jokali
Appu and Pappu
Ullasa Utsaha
Mylari
Shankar IPS
Gubbi
Hendtheer Darbar
Sanchari
Huli
Rame Gowda vs Krishna Reddy
Kari Chirathe
Gang Leader
Antharathma
Dildar
Hoo
Tsunami
Modalasala
Jackie Meese Bheemanna
Kiccha Huccha
Eradane Maduve
Gandedhe
Aithalakkadi
Huduga Hudugi
Swayamvara
Chiru
2011 Olave Mandara
Happy Husband
Rama Rama Raghurama
Kaanchaana
Idonthara Love Story
Kaalgejje
Rajani
Ee Sanje
Kool...Sakkath Hot Maga
Veerabahu
Saarathi
Kannadi
Lakshmi
Alemari
Devadas
Tyagu
Swayam Krushi
Auto Manja
Johny Mera Naam Preethi Mera Kaam
Swamiji
Sanju Weds Geetha Saasa
O Manase
Gun
Hudugaru
Manase Mandaram
Thathaasthu
Belgaum
Tirugubothu
Prince
Boss
Tumba Ishta Swalpa Kashta
90
Paramathma
Jarasandha
Shyloo
2012 Ko Ko
Tsunami
Chingari
Alemari
Anna Bond
Breaking News
Villain
Jaanu
Dandupalya
Shiva
Romeo
Rambo Mangalore Annappa
Kalaya Tasmai Namaha
Mr. 420
Super Shastri
2013 Lakshmi
Topiwala
CID Eesha Narasimha
Aane Pataaki
Director's Special
Kaddipudi Jinke
Mahanadi
Mangana Kaiyalli Manikya
Case No. 18/9
Jayammana Maga Bhagavanta
Shathru
Chaddi Dosth
2014 Brahma
Crazy Star
Dil Rangeela
Manada Mareyalli
Agraja
Gajakesari Agni
Preethi Geethi Ityaadi
24 Carat
Power *** P. V. Bhushan
2015 Jackson
Krishna-Leela Chandrashekar
Nagaari
Rana Vikrama
Daksha
Bullet Basya
Dove
Ganga
Ramleela Mekedatu Papanna
Sharpshooter
2016 Parapancha
U the End A
Kala Bhairava
The Great Story of Sodabuddi
Chakravyuha ACP Raghu
Akira Gun Guddappa
Ishtakamya
Style King Naga
Mr. Mommaga
Brahma Vishnu Maheshwara
Crazy Boy
Lifeu Super
Golisoda
Doddmane Hudga Nanjunda
Dana Kayonu
Idolle Ramayana Inspector Ramdas
Nagarahavu
Madha Mathu Manasi
Naanu Mattu Varalakshmi
Sundaranga Jaana Anjaneya
2017 Lee
Mumbai
Melkote Manja
Smile Please Sadananda
Raajakumara Venky
Jani
Mugulu Nage Raghu [15]
2018Garuda
Kanaka [16]
O Premave
Gultoo Anantharamaiah
Johnny Johnny Yes Papa Pappa
Saaguva Daariyalli
Hyper
Kannadakkagi Ondannu Otthi
Aa Karaala Ratri Muthanna
Atharva
Loudspeaker
Ayogya
My Name is Annappa
Aadi Purana
Jagath Kiladi
Orange Giddappa
2019Girgitle
Missing Boy
Panchatantra Ranganna
Yaana
Dasharatha
Ayushman Bhava Raghu
Bharaate Patela
Sarvajanikarige Suvarnavakasha Shiva
2020 Drona Raghu
French Biriyani Mahadev
2021 Ramarjuna Peter
Inspector Vikram
Yuvarathnaa
Puksatte Lifu
Mugilpete
Sakath Chalapathi
Badava Rascal Rangegowda
2022 James Rakesh Kumar Pirangi
Gaalipata 2 Bhairegowda
Family Pack Manjunath/Manjanna
Wheelchair Romeo Jack Mama
2023 Love Birds
Gowli Kakka
Melody Drama
Kousalya Supraja Rama Siddegowda
Tagaru Palya Pandappa aka Pandu
2024 Rangasamudra
Case of Kondana
Just Pass
Shakhahaari
Karataka Damanaka
Dilkush
Night Curfew
Moorane Krishnappa
Kotee
The Judgement
Krishnam Pranaya Sakhi
Bhairadevi
2025 Forest Makalpatti Gopalaswamy
Vidyapati [17]
Agnyathavasi [18]

Awards and nominations

Karnataka State Film Awards
Filmfare Awards South
South Indian International Movie Awards
Udaya Film Awards
Suvarna Film Awards
IIFA Utsavam
Innovative Film Awards

References

  1. 1 2 Raghu, Rangayana (19 January 2016). Weekend with Ramesh Season 2 - Episode 8 - January 17, 2016 - Full Episode (in Kannada). Zee Kannada. Retrieved 17 February 2016.
  2. "I value every role, regardless of its duration on screen: 'Shakhahaari' actor Rangayana Raghu". The New Indian Express. 15 February 2024. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
  3. M. V., Vivek (5 March 2022). "Inside the mind of Rangayana Raghu". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
  4. "New-age filmmakers are redefining Kannada cinema: Rangayana Raghu". The Times of India. 15 May 2024. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
  5. 1 2 Sebastian, Shilpa (1 August 2020). "Rangayana Raghu: 'I was distracted by the term, cut'" . The Hindu. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
  6. "Rangayana Raghu Take up Plays". supergoodmovies.cpm. 15 October 2012. Retrieved 9 February 2014.
  7. "Building bonds via theatre". Deccan Herald. 20 December 2016. Retrieved 29 March 2018.
  8. "Kannada Hero Vijay Beats Stalwarts to Win National Award". The New Indian Express. bangalorefirst.in. Archived from the original on 7 March 2016. Retrieved 29 March 2018.
  9. "Best Supporting characters in Sandalwood". The Times of India. 10 September 2018. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
  10. "Duniya Review". nowrunning.com. 24 February 2007. Archived from the original on 11 May 2023. Retrieved 9 February 2014.
  11. "A dialogue with greed". The Hindu 2 June 2013. Retrieved 9 February 2014.
  12. Daithota, Madhu (20 July 2018). "Rangayana Raghu makes Tulu film debut". The Times of India. Retrieved 3 December 2018.
  13. Sharadhaa, A. (20 January 2024). "Rangasamudra Movie Review: A hearty journey of a grandfather and a grandson". Cinema Express. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
  14. B. M., Sujay (17 February 2024). "'Shakhahaari' movie review: Rangayana Raghu shines in unusual thriller". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
  15. SM, Shashiprasad (1 September 2017). "Mugulu Nage movie review: Smile with a teary end". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
  16. Upadhyaya, Prakash (26 January 2018). "Kanaka movie review: Live audience response". International Business Times India. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
  17. "Kannada Movie Review–Vidyapati (Kannada): It's all on Nagabhushana's shoulders - Bangalore Mirror". Bangalore Mirror . 11 April 2025. Archived from the original on 11 April 2025. Retrieved 20 April 2025.
  18. M.V, Vivek (11 April 2025). "'Agnyathavasi' movie review: Rangayana Raghu anchors this moody thriller that's content with its technical brilliance". The Hindu.
  19. "Innovative Film Awards, star studded, star oriented". chitratara.com. 3 May 2010. Archived from the original on 20 December 2013. Retrieved 28 January 2017.