Silambarasan (born 3 February 1983) is an Indian actor, director, singer and television celebrity who works in Tamil cinema. He began his career playing minor roles as a child artist in films produced by his father, T. Rajendar. His debut, as a lead actor, was in Kadhal Azhivathillai (2002), which was produced and directed by his father. [1] [2]
His second film Dum (2003), a remake of the 2002 Kannada film Appu , fared well commercially. [2] [3] In the same year he appeared in Alai , a box office failure. [4] Silambarasan had three releases in 2004. The first was Kovil , which deals with the relationship between a Hindu boy and a Christian girl. [5] Silambarasan was praised by Malathi Rangarajan of The Hindu for acting with "restraint and maturity". [6] It was a box office success. [7] Silambarasan appeared next in Kuththu , a remake of the Telugu film Dil . [7] The film received unfavourable reviews but had a successful theatrical run. [8] His final release in 2004 was Manmadhan , which he also wrote. The film was a major success, [3] and propelled Silambarasan to stardom. [9] The following year, he had only one release: Thotti Jaya , in which he plays an orphaned gangster who finds love. [10] In 2006, Silambarasan had two releases: Saravana (directed by K. S. Ravikumar) and Vallavan which he helped write and directed himself. [11] [12] The film was a box office success. [13] He starred in two films in 2008: the action-masala films Kaalai and Silambattam . Neither received positive reviews, but the latter was profitable. [14] [15]
Silambarasan's sole release in 2010 as a lead actor was the romance Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa , directed and written by Gautham Vasudev Menon. The film attained cult status in Tamil cinema, and was a major breakthrough in his career. [16] It was considered an image makeover for Silambarasan as most of his earlier films were in the action genre. [17] The following year, he appeared in two films. The first was the ensemble drama Vaanam , where he stars as an impoverished cable operator. [18] The second was Osthe , a remake of the Hindi film Dabangg where he played a police officer. [19] Podaa Podi , which began production in 2008 and was released in 2012, was a commercial failure. [13] [20] His next appearance as a lead actor was in Vaalu (2015), followed by two releases in 2016: Pandiraj's Idhu Namma Aalu and Menon's Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada . [21] [22] He went on to appear in Anbanavan Asaradhavan Adangadhavan (2017) and collaborated with Mani Ratnam for the first time in Chekka Chivantha Vaanam (2018) and Sundar. C in Vantha Rajavathaan Varuven (2019). After a long hiatus, Silambarasan had two releases in 2021: Eeswaran and Maanaadu . Upon release, Maanaadu received positive reviews from audiences and critics and was a success at the box office. Maanaadu and Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu proved to be a comeback for STR. The next appearance in Pathu Thala Directed by onlible.N.Krishna got a big response from fan base . He will next be seen in a local period film directed by Desingh Periyasamy produced by Kamal Haasan under RKFI banner announced as STR48.
† | Denotes films that have not yet been released |
Year | Film | Role(s) | Notes | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
1984 | Uravai Kaatha Kili | Silambarasu | Child artist | [23] |
1986 | Mythili Ennai Kaathali | Girl | Uncredited role as a child artist; special appearance in the song "Ada Ponana Manasey" | [24] |
1987 | Oru Thayin Sabhatham | Himself | Child artist; special appearance in the songs "Dharmanthan Jeyikkumunga" and "Enathu Ganamun" | [23] |
1988 | En Thangai Kalyani | Simbhu | Child artist | [24] |
1989 | Samsara Sangeetham | Simbhu | Child artist | [25] |
1991 | Shanti Enathu Shanti | Babu | Child artist | [26] |
1992 | Enga Veetu Velan | Velan | Child artist | [27] [28] |
1993 | Pettredutha Pillai | Kumaran | Child artist | [29] |
Sabash Babu | Babu | Child artist | [30] | |
1994 | Oru Vasantha Geetham | Silambhu | Child artist | [31] |
1995 | Thai Thangai Paasam | Velu | Child artist | [32] |
1999 | Monisha En Monalisa | Himself | Child artist; special appearance in the song "Mo Mo Monisha" | [33] |
2001 | Sonnal Thaan Kaadhala | Himself | Cameo appearance in the songs "Chukkumala" and "Velaa" | [34] [35] |
2002 | Kadhal Virus | Himself | Cameo appearance | [36] |
Kadhal Azhivathillai | Simbhu | Debut as a lead actor | [37] | |
2003 | Dum | Sathya | [38] | |
Alai | Aadhi | [39] | ||
2004 | Kovil | Sakthivel | [6] | |
Kuththu | Gurumoorthy | [7] | ||
Manmadhan | Madhankumar (Manmadhan), Madhanraj [a] | Dual role ; Also screenwriter | [40] | |
2005 | Thotti Jaya | Jayachandran (Thotti Jaya) [b] | [10] | |
2006 | Saravana | Saravana | [11] | |
Vallavan | Vallavan [b] | Also director and screenwriter | [41] | |
2008 | Kaalai | Jeeva | [42] | |
Silambattam | Vichu, Thamizharasan [a] | Dual role | [43] | |
2010 | Goa | Madhankumar | Cameo appearance | [44] |
Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa | Karthik Sivakumar | [45] | ||
Ye Maaya Chesave | Himself | Telugu film; cameo appearance | [46] | |
2011 | Vaanam | Thillai Raja ("Cable" Raja) [b] | [18] | |
Osthe | Osthe Velan | [19] | ||
2012 | Podaa Podi | Arjun | [47] | |
2013 | Kanna Laddu Thinna Aasaiya | Himself | Cameo appearance | [48] |
2014 | Inga Enna Solluthu | Raghu | Cameo appearance | [49] |
2015 | Dongaata | Himself | Telugu film; cameo appearance | [50] |
Kaaka Muttai | Himself | Cameo appearance | [51] | |
Vaalu | Sakthi (Sharp) [b] | [52] | ||
2016 | Idhu Namma Aalu | Shiva | [21] | |
Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada | Rajinikanth Muralidharan | [22] [53] | ||
2017 | Anbanavan Asaradhavan Adangadhavan | Madura Michael, Ashwin Thatha, Thikku Siva [c] | Triple role | [54] |
2018 | Chekka Chivantha Vaanam | Ethirajan Senapathi | [55] | |
Kaatrin Mozhi | Himself | Cameo appearance | [56] | |
2019 | Vantha Rajavathaan Varuven | Adithya (Raja) [b] | [57] | |
90 ML | Himself | Cameo appearance | [58] | |
2021 | Eeswaran | Eeswaran | [59] | |
Maanaadu | Abdul Khaliq | [60] | ||
2022 | Maha | Malik | Cameo appearance | [61] |
Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu | Muthuveeran (Muthu) | [62] | ||
2023 | Pathu Thala | A. G. Raavanan (A. G. R.) | [63] | |
2025 | Thug Life | [64] | ||
STR 48 | TBA | Dual roles | [65] |
Year | Film | Role(s) | Notes | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2020 | Karthik Dial Seytha Yenn | Karthik Sivakumar | [66] | |
Year | Show | Role(s) | Notes | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2007 | Jodi Number One | Judge | Reality Show | Vijay TV |
2022 | Bigg Boss Ultimate | Host | Reality Show | Hotstar |
Year | Title | For Whom / Character | Notes | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2009 | Slumdog Millionaire | Dev Patel / Jamal Malik | Naanum Kodeeswaran Tamil Version | [67] |
2017 | Katha Nayagan | — | Narrator | [68] |
Silambarasan Thesingu Rajendar, popularly known as Simbu or by his initials as STR, is an Indian actor and playback singer who primarily works in Tamil cinema. He is the eldest son of director T. Rajendar. He began his acting career by playing roles as a child artist in films directed by his father, before his first lead role in his father's Kadhal Azhivathillai (2002). He is a recipient of two Edison Awards and three SIIMA Awards.
Vijay Thesingu Rajendar, also known as T. R., is an Indian actor, film director, film producer, musician, cinematographer, film distributor and politician who works primarily in the Tamil film industry. He lives in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Rajendar is known for being able to speak in rhyming sentences spontaneously and incessant rapping.
Vadivelu is an Indian actor, comedian and playback singer. Since the 1990s, he has acted mainly as a comedian in Tamil cinema and is renowned for his slapstick comedies. Vadivelu has won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Comedian five times for his works in Kaalam Maari Pochu (1996), Vetri Kodi Kattu (2000), Thavasi (2001), Imsai Arasan 23m Pulikesi (2006) and Kathavarayan (2008). He has also won the Filmfare Award for Best Comedian – Tamil two times for his work in Chandramukhi (2005) and Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikecei (2006). He has won the Vikatan Award for Best Comedian in Pokkiri (2007). He also won the Vijay Award for Best Comedian for his work in Marudhamalai (2007) and was nominated three times in the Best Comedian category for his work in Aadhavan (2009), Nagaram (2010) and Kaavalan (2011). He has acted as a hero in six films in Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikecei (2006), Indiralohathil Na Azhagappan (2008), Tenaliraman (2014), Eli (2015), Naai Sekar Returns (2022) and Maamannan (2023).
Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa is a 2010 Indian Tamil-language musical romantic drama film written and directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon, starring Silambarasan and Trisha. Jointly produced by Elred Kumar, Jayaraman, VTV Ganesh and P. Madan under the banner Escape Artists Motion Pictures and RS Infotainment, the film was distributed by Udhayanidhi Stalin's Red Giant Movies. The story was simultaneously shot in Telugu as Ye Maaya Chesave, starring Naga Chaitanya and Samantha.
Manmadhan (transl. Cupid), alternatively spelled as Maanmathaun, is a 2004 Indian Tamil-language romantic crime thriller film directed by A. J. Murugan in his debut. Silambarasan plays dual roles for the first time in his career while Jyothika plays the female lead, with Sindhu Tolani, Santhanam, Atul Kulkarni, and Goundamani playing supporting roles. The music was composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja.
Vaanam (transl. Sky) is a 2011 Indian Tamil-language action drama film written and directed by Krish. A remake of his own Telugu film Vedam (2010), the film features an ensemble cast of Silambarasan, Bharath, Prakash Raj, Anushka Shetty, Santhanam, Sonia Agarwal and Saranya Ponvannan. The score and soundtrack were composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, while cinematography and editing were handled by Nirav Shah and Anthony, respectively. The film, jointly produced by VTV Ganesh and R. Ganesh, and was distributed by Dayanidhi Azhagiri's Cloud Nine Movies.
Podaa Podi is a 2012 Indian Tamil-language musical romantic comedy film written and directed by debutant Vignesh Shivan, starring Silambarasan and debutant Varalakshmi. The score and soundtrack of the film were composed by Dharan Kumar, while cinematography and editing were handled by Duncan Telford and Anthony Gonsalves, respectively. The film started production in 2008 and was released on 13 November 2012 as a Diwali release. The film received mixed reviews.
Vivek (1961–2021) was an Indian actor and comedian who worked mainly in Tamil cinema. He won three Filmfare Best Comedian Awards for his performances in Run, Saamy and Perazhagan. In April 2009, Vivek received the Padma Shri award by the Government of India for his contribution to the arts. He was introduced to filmdom by renowned director K. Balachander.
Vettai (transl. Hunt) is a 2012 Indian Tamil-language action film co-produced, written and directed by N. Linguswamy. The film stars Arya and R. Madhavan in the lead roles, while Sameera Reddy, Amala Paul, Ashutosh Rana, Nassar and Thambi Ramaiah appear in supporting roles. The music was composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, and cinematography and editing handled by Nirav Shah and Anthony.
"Evan Di Unna Pethan" is a song by Indian artist and film composer Yuvan Shankar Raja. A part of the soundtrack album to the 2011 film Vaanam, it was released as a single track on 1 December 2010.
Vaanam is the soundtrack album composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja for the 2011 Tamil film of the same name directed by Krish and stars Silambarasan, Bharath, Anushka Shetty, Santhanam, Sonia Agarwal and Saranya Ponvannan. The film featured five songs with the lyrics of Silambarasan, Yuvan, Abhishek–Lawrence and Na. Muthukumar.
Osthe is a 2011 Indian Tamil-language action comedy film directed by S. Dharani, a remake of the 2010 Bollywood film Dabangg. It stars Silambarasan, Richa Gangopadhyay, Sonu Sood, Jithan Ramesh, Santhanam, VTV Ganesh, Nassar and Revathi. Osthe tells the story of a fearless police officer, "Osthi" Velan (Silambarasan), and his troubled relationship with his stepfather and half-brother as he embarks on a mission to take down a corrupt politician. Sonu Sood reprised his role from Dabangg.
"The Love Anthem" is an Indian song done by Silambarasan with a thought of spreading the message of love world over, written, sung and composed by the actor. A version of the song was officially released on 27 December 2011.
Vaalu is a 2015 Indian Tamil-language romantic action comedy film written and directed by debutante Vijay Chandar. The film stars Silambarasan and Hansika Motwani, with Santhanam, VTV Ganesh and Brahmanandam portraying supporting roles. The film was produced by S. S. Chakravarthy under the banner NIC Arts. S. Thaman composed the music while Sakthi and T. S. Suresh handled the cinematography and editing respectively.
Kanna Laddu Thinna Aasaiya, also known as KLTA, is an Indian 2013 Tamil-language romantic comedy film directed by KS Manikandan. It stars Santhanam, Srinivasan, newcomer Sethu and Vishakha Singh. The film marked Santhanam's venture into film production with his Handmade Films. The film was co-produced by Rama Narayanan while S. Thaman scored the film soundtrack. The plot revolves around three friends who fall for the same girl, who has just moved into their neighbourhood. The movie released on 13 January 2013 to positive reviews and became a blockbuster and pongal winner of 2013 at the box office. The movie is based on Indru Poi Naalai Vaa by K. Bhagyaraj.
Idhu Namma Aalu is a 2016 Indian Tamil-language romantic comedy film written, co-produced and directed by Pandiraj. The film stars Silambarasan, Nayantara and Andrea Jeremiah, while Soori and Jayaprakash portray supporting roles. This film was produced by T. Rajender and music was composed by Kuralarasan. This film released on 27 May 2016 was highly anticipated from audience and opened with mixed reviews but became an above average success at the box office. The film was partially reshot in Telugu as Sarasudu (2017) with Soori and Satyam Rajesh swapping roles.
Sathish Krishnan is an Indian actor, dancer and choreographer, who has worked in Tamil films. He is the recipient of National Film Award for Best Choreography.
Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada is a 2016 Indian Tamil-language romantic action thriller film written and directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon. The film stars Silambarasan and Manjima Mohan, while Baba Sehgal plays the role of a corrupt cop. The film revolves around a youngster who embarks on a road trip with his lady-love during which he meets with an accident which causes things to get out of control.
Maanaadu is a 2021 Indian Tamil-language science fiction action thriller film directed by Venkat Prabhu and produced by Suresh Kamatchi. The film stars Silambarasan, leading an ensemble cast which includes S. J. Suryah, Kalyani Priyadarshan, S. A. Chandrasekhar, Y. G. Mahendran, Karunakaran, Premgi Amaren, Aravind Akash and Anjena Kirti. It follows an NRI and a police officer who are trapped in a time loop, on the day of a public conference, and forced to live the same day over and over again.
Maanaadu is the soundtrack for the 2021 Tamil-language science fiction action thriller film of the same name, starring Silambarasan, and S. J. Suryah. The film is directed by Venkat Prabhu and produced by Suresh Kamatchi of V House Productions. The film's soundtrack is composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, after regularly collaborating with Prabhu and Silambarasan and lyrics are written by Madhan Karky and Arivu. The album featured two songs: "Meherezylaa" and "Voice of Unity", which did not feature in the film. These tracks were released as singles on 21 June and 3 November 2021; coinciding a promotional pre-release event held in Chennai. The music album consisting of 7 tracks, including few instrumentals being used in the background score was released on 7 November 2021 by U1 Records, and received positive response from critics and audiences.