Santhana Bharathi | |
|---|---|
 Santhana Bharathi in 2014 | |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1975–present |
| Notable credits | |
| Parent |
|
| Family | R. S. Shivaji (brother) |
Santhana Bharathi is an Indian film director and actor who has primarily worked in Tamil cinema. He directed Gunaa (1991), which won third prize for the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Film. [1] He also directed Mahanadhi (1994), which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil [2] and the Tamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize. [3]
Bharathi's father M. R. Santhanam was an actor and producer, one of the earliest members of the Nadigar Sangam. His brother R. S. Shivaji was also an actor. Bharathi's son Sanjay Bharathi is also a director. [4] [5]
Santhana Bharathi joined director C. V. Sridhar as an assistant. Bharathi started his career with P. Vasu as a co-director and made films such as Panneer Pushpangal (1981), Madhu Malar (1981), Mella Pesungal (1983), Sahasame Jeevitham (1984) and Needhiyin Nizhal (1985). According to Vasu, "We compromised on certain things as we had different approaches to the subject. That's the reason why some of our other movies failed to make a big impression in the box office, prompting us to take our own paths". [6]
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1978 | Ilamai Oonjal Aadukirathu | |
| 1981 | Raja Paarvai | Man in lift (Cameo appearance) |
| 1981 | Amavasya Chandrudu (Telugu) | Man in lift (Cameo apparence) |
| 1988 | Ullathil Nalla Ullam | Father |
| En Jeevan Paduthu | ||
| 1989 | Karagattakaran | Chinnarasu |
| 1990 | Aarathi Edungadi | |
| Ethir Kaatru | Minister Azhagesan | |
| Velai Kidaichuduchu | Speaker | |
| 1991 | Onnum Theriyatha Papa | Jana |
| Thambikku Oru Pattu | Ponnusaamy | |
| Michael Madana Kama Rajan | Michael's foster father | |
| 1992 | Ele, My Friend (English) | Kallar Village Chief |
| 1994 | Nammavar | Sakthivel |
| Magalir Mattum | Father of the groom | |
| 1995 | Mr. Madras | Guest appearance |
| Seethanam | ||
| 1996 | Love Birds | |
| Amman Kovil Vaasalile | Guest appearance | |
| Tamizh Selvan | ||
| 1997 | Vivasaayi Magan | |
| 1998 | Velai | |
| Veera Thalattu | ||
| Poonthottam | Suresh's father | |
| Guru Paarvai | Priya's father | |
| 1999 | En Swasa Kaatre | |
| Unnaruge Naan Irundhal | ||
| Aasaiyil Oru Kaditham | Chandini's father | |
| 2000 | Mugavaree | RK Ram |
| Budget Padmanabhan | ||
| Vaanavil | ||
| Penngal | ||
| 2001 | Friends | Sethupathi |
| Ullam Kollai Poguthae | Doctor | |
| Dosth | Judge | |
| Samudhiram | Lakshmi's father | |
| Kadal Pookkal | ||
| 2002 | Alli Arjuna | House owner |
| Panchatanthiram | Bharathi | |
| King | Dr. Cheenu | |
| Villain | Father Karunakaran | |
| 2003 | Anbe Sivam | Padayatchi's assistant |
| Nala Damayanthi | Flight Passenger | |
| Winner | Neelaveni's uncle | |
| 2004 | Vasool Raja MBBS | Gangadharan |
| 2005 | Aayudham | |
| Sukran | Judge | |
| Mumbai Xpress | Chettiar | |
| Amudhey | Nancy's father | |
| Kaatrullavarai | Peethambharan | |
| White Rainbow (Hindi) | Priest | |
| Anbe Aaruyire | College Chairman | |
| 2006 | Aathi | Pottabhi |
| Jerry | Jerry's father | |
| Aran | Sandhya's father | |
| Paramasivan | Malar's father | |
| Varalaru | Gayathri's servant | |
| Kizhakku Kadalkarai Salai | Politician | |
| 2007 | Nam Naadu | Political member |
| Puli Varudhu | Shenbagam's father | |
| Marudhamalai | ||
| 2008 | Thotta | |
| Dasavathaaram | Ragavendra's brother-in-law | |
| Satyam | Minister Malarmannan | |
| Kuselan | Kuppusamy's assistant | |
| 2009 | Padikkadavan | Ramalingam |
| Rajadhi Raja | ||
| Ragavan | ||
| Maasilamani | Councillor | |
| Madurai Sambavam | Caroline's father | |
| Unnaipol Oruvan | Karamchand Lala | |
| 2010 | Porkkalam | Sadha |
| Kattradhu Kalavu | Vaikavardhan | |
| Ochayee | Aandi Thevar | |
| Virudhagiri | Police commissioner | |
| 2011 | Siruthai | Home Minister |
| Ponnar Shankar | ||
| Eththan | Selvi's father | |
| Marudhavelu | Judge | |
| 2012 | Maasi | Maasilamani's Corrupt Senior Officer |
| Kadhal Pisase | Businessman | |
| 2013 | Alex Pandian | Home Minister |
| Chennaiyil Oru Naal | ||
| Oruvar Meethu Iruvar Sainthu | ||
| All in All Azhagu Raja | Khader Bhai | |
| Jannal Oram | Senior Bus Repair Mechanic | |
| 2014 | Vallinam | Puzhaldasan |
| Tenaliraman | Ex Chettiar/Man | |
| Aranmanai | Chairman | |
| Poojai | Annathandavam's lawyer | |
| Pagadai Pagadai | ||
| 2015 | Aambala | Thalaivar |
| Sandamarutham | Magistrate | |
| Eli | Jail Warden Ezhumalai | |
| Kathirvel Kakka | ||
| Thoongaa Vanam | Thandapani | |
| 2016 | Thozha | Police officer |
| Oopiri (Telugu) | Police officer | |
| Meen Kuzhambum Mann Paanaiyum | Pavithra's grandfather | |
| Kadavul Irukaan Kumaru | Church Priest | |
| Chennai 600028 II | Chellaiya | |
| 2017 | Shivalinga | Abdullah |
| 7 Naatkal | Chief Minister | |
| Yaanum Theeyavan | Sethuramalingam | |
| 2018 | Kalakalappu 2 | Ganesh's foster father |
| Diya | Chief Minister | |
| Kanam (Telugu) | Chief Minister | |
| Tamizh Padam 2 | Nakul | |
| 2019 | Goko Mako | Yamagundan |
| LKG | Politician | |
| Ayogya | Home Minister | |
| Gorilla | Ramaiya | |
| Thavam | ||
| RK Nagar | Chairman Sundaramoorthy | |
| 2020 | Dagaalty | Malli's father |
| Indha Nilai Maarum | ||
| 2021 | Operation JuJuPi | Politician |
| Plan Panni Pannanum | Karikalan | |
| 2022 | Vikram | Agent Uppiliappan |
| Rivet | ||
| Dha Dha | ||
| 2023 | Ghosty |
| Year | Title | Role | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006–2008 | Lakshmi | Sun TV | |
| 2013 | Ponnunjal | Sun TV | |
| 2019 | Pondati | Roadside Romeos | |
| 2021 | Kuruthi Kalam | Paneerselvam | MX Player |
| 2022 | Suzhal: The Vortex | Kodandaraman | Amazon Prime Video |
| 2022–present | Iniya | Tiruvasagam | Sun TV |
| 2024 | Thalaimai Seyalagam | ZEE5 | |
| Year | Film | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Panneer Pushpangal | Co-directed with P. Vasu |
| 1981 | Madhu Malar | Co-directed with P. Vasu |
| 1983 | Mella Pesungal | Co-directed with P. Vasu |
| 1984 | Sahasame Jeevitham | Telugu film; Co-directed with P. Vasu |
| 1985 | Needhiyin Nizhal | Co-directed with P. Vasu |
| 1987 | Kadamai Kanniyam Kattupaadu | remake of Aavanazhi |
| 1988 | En Thamizh En Makkal | |
| Poovizhi Raja | ||
| 1990 | Kavalukku Kettikaran | |
| 1991 | Guna | 3rd prize – Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Film [1] |
| 1993 | Chinna Mapillai | |
| 1994 | Mahanadhi | Tamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize [3] National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil [2] |
| Vietnam Colony | remake of Malayalam film of same name | |
| 1995 | Engirundho Vandhan | remake of Malayalam film Chithram |
Bharathiraja is an Indian film director and actor who works mainly in the Tamil film industry. Making his debut in 1977 with 16 Vayathinile, he is known for realistic and sensitive portrayals of rural life in his films. As of 2017, he has won six National Film Awards, four Filmfare Awards South, six Tamil Nadu State Film Awards and a Nandi Award. He has also directed films in Telugu and Hindi. The Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri award, India's fourth-highest civilian honour, in 2004 for his contribution to the film industry. In 2005, he was conferred with the Doctor of Letters from Sathyabama University.
Murali Karthikeyan Muthuraman, better known by his stage name Karthik, is an Indian actor, playback singer and politician who works in Tamil cinema. He is the son of veteran actor R. Muthuraman. Known as Navarasa Nayagan, Karthik was one of the biggest stars in the industry in '80s and '90s. He was first introduced by Bharathiraja in the Tamil film Alaigal Oivathillai (1981) and became a lead actor in Tamil films eventually. He has also appeared in some Telugu films where he was initially credited as Murali. Karthik is often appreciated for his ability to emote. He has acted in more than 125 films. He has been the recipient of four Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, a Nandi Award and four Filmfare Awards South.
M. Nassar is an Indian actor, director, producer, dubbing artist, singer and politician who mainly works in the Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam film industries. He has also worked in few Kannada, English, Hindi and Bengali films. He is the incumbent president of the Nadigar Sangam.
Mahanadhi is a 1994 Indian Tamil-language crime drama film directed by Santhana Bharathi and co-written by Kamal Haasan. The film stars Haasan and Sukanya, with S. N. Lakshmi, Tulasi, Shobana Vignesh, Dinesh, Poornam Viswanathan, Rajesh and V. M. C. Haneefa in supporting roles. It revolves around a widower and his family going through many miseries due to the machinations of a con artist.
Vasudevan Peethambaram, known professionally as P Vasu, is an Indian director, writer and actor who works predominantly in Tamil and Kannada films apart from a few Telugu, Hindi, and Malayalam language films. In a career spanning three decades, Vasu has directed over 65 films to his credit.
Gunaa is a 1991 Indian Tamil-language psychological romantic drama film directed by Santhana Bharathi and co-written by Sab John. The film stars Kamal Haasan, Rekha and newcomer Roshini in her only screen appearance. It revolves around a newly released psychiatric patient (Haasan) who kidnaps an heiress (Roshini) to make her fall in love with him. He believes she is an avatar of goddess Abhirami and it is his destiny to marry her.
Thangar Bachan is an Indian film director and actor, cinematographer and novelist. He has served as jury member in National Film Awards.
Ameer Sultan is an Indian film director, producer and actor, working in the Tamil film industry.
Sirkazhi Govindarajan was an Indian Carnatic vocalist and a leading playback singer of Indian cinema.
Sedapatti Suryanarayana Rajendran, also known by his initials SSR, was an Indian actor, film director, film producer and politician who worked in Tamil theatre and cinema.
Panneer Pushpangal is a 1981 Indian Tamil-language teen romance film jointly directed by Santhana Bharathi and P. Vasu in their directorial debut. The film stars Pratap, Vennira Aadai Moorthy and newcomers Suresh Kumar and Shanthi Krishna. It was released on 3 July 1981. It was dubbed into Telugu as Madhura Geetham and released on 20 March 1982.
The Nadigar Sangam, officially known as the South Indian Artistes' Association, is a union for film, television, and stage actors in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, based in Chennai. Formed in 1952, the group has a charitable trust fund to provide pensions to retired actors, voice support for actors caught in controversy, and have collectively protested socio-political issues.
Madras Rajagopalan Radhakrishnan Ravi is an Indian actor and politician who played supporting roles throughout his career. He is the son of actor M. R. Radha and the uncle of Vasu Vikram and half-brother of Radhika. He is a former chief member of the Tamil Nadu Film Artistes' Association. He is known for his roles as antagonists in Tamil films and a he acted in the serial Chellamae. He is also known for his controversial criticism of other film personalities.
Thiruvaiyaru Panchapakesa Rajalakshmi fondly known as "Cinema Rani T.P.R", was an Indian actress, first female director of South India, filmmaker, singer, producer & social reformist. She is the first Tamil and Telugu film heroine, the first South Indian female director, screenplay writer, singer, music director and producer. She supported Dravidian movement and was closely associated with Dravidian leaders.
Gnana Rajasekaran is an Indian filmmaker, screenwriter, playwright and Retired IAS Officer. His directional debut was Mogamul (1994) won the Indira Gandhi Award for Best Debut Film of a Director. His other works include Bharathi (2000), Periyar (2007) and Ramanujan (2014). As of 2014, Rajasekaran has won three National Film Awards, three Tamil Nadu State Film Awards. His films have been screened at international film festivals including the International Film Festival of India.
Kutty Padmini is an Indian actress who mainly works in Tamil cinema. She was a child star in her debut movie Abalai Anjugam (1959). She has also acted in Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi movies. She made her debut in Tamil cinema at the age of 3. She has acted with prominent personalities of Tamil cinema, including Sivaji Ganesan, M. G. Ramachandran, Gemini Ganesan, Jaishankar, Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan. She was the first female artist from Tamil Nadu to win the National Film Award for Best Child Artist for the movie Kuzhandaiyum Deivamum.
Mr. Madras is a 1995 Indian Tamil language comedy film directed by P. Vasu. The film stars Prabhu, Sukanya and Vineetha. It was released on 8 September 1995, and emerged a box-office bomb.
Piraisoodan was a Tamil poet and lyricist.
Raghu Balaiah, popularly known as Junior Balaiah, was an Indian actor who appeared in Tamil language films. The son of actor T. S. Balaiah, he primarily featured in supporting roles throughout his career, which stretched over 40 years.
R. S. Shivaji was an Indian actor, who was known for his work in Tamil films. He had often collaborated in films involving Kamal Haasan and Raaj Kamal Films International, working as an assistant director, sound designer and line producer on film projects.
'En Raasaavin Manasile' was declared the second best film for 1991. 'Guna' won the third prize and 'Cheran Pandiyan' the special prize.
Santhana Bharathi has won a National Award for directing Mahanadi (1994).
