Suraj Venjaramoodu

Last updated

Suraj Venjaramoodu
Photo of Suraj captured by Ujwal Rajeev.jpg
Suraj in 2022
Born (1976-06-30) 30 June 1976 (age 48)
Venjarammoodu, Kerala, India
EducationGovernment ITI, Attingal
Occupations
Years active2000–present
Works Full list
Spouse
Supriya Suraj
(m. 2005)
Children3
Awards

Suraj Vasudevan (born 30 June 1976), professionally credited as Suraj Venjaramoodu, is an Indian actor, comedian, impressionist, and television presenter, who appears in Malayalam films, television and stage plays. He has acted in more than 250 films. He has won a National Film Award [1] and four Kerala State Film Awards.

Contents

Throughout the 2000s and towards mid-2010s, he played comedic roles in numerous films and won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Comedian three times (2009, 2010, 2013). In his later career, he found success in playing character and leading roles. In 2013, Suraj won the National Film Award for Best Actor for his lead role in Perariyathavar . In 2019, he won Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor for Android Kunjappan Version 5.25 and Vikruthi . [2]

Early life

Suraj is the youngest of the three children of Venjaramood K. Vasudevan Nair, a retired soldier from the Indian Army and Vilasini, a housewife. [3] He was called "Kuttappan" by his parents and relatives. His elder brother V. Saji, was also an officer in Indian Army. His sister Sunitha V. V. is married and settled in Thiruvananthapuram. Suraj also wanted to serve in the Army after completing his Secondary School Leaving Certificate, but had to give up as he broke his arm in a bicycle accident. He received his primary education from K.V.M.L.P.S, Venjaramoodu. [4] He completed his Mechanical diploma course from Government ITI, Attingal and turned to mimicry soon after. His breakthrough came with Jagapoka, a comedy program which was broadcast on Kairali TV. [5]

Film career

Suraj started his career as a stand-up comedian. His mimicry shows were a success with the audience and he was noted for his artificial mockery of the Thiruvananthapuram accent. Later, he was also criticised for this from some audience during his early film career. [6] He first acted in a film named Jagapoga which was a spoof of Malayalam movies. [7] He played the role of Pachan as well as Dadasahib in this film. However the movie was a box office flop and received negative reviews. Suraj then went on to act in several minor roles in films such as Rasikan , Achuvinte Amma , Bus Conductor and Rasathanthram . Suraj grabbed the attention in Malayalam film industry after he assisted Mammootty with the Thiruvananthapuram accent in Rajamanikyam (2005). He would go on to act alongside Mammootty in many comedy films. The duo is considered one of the most memorable onscreen duos in Malayalam cinema. His first breakthrough came with Thuruppugulan (2006) where he played the sidekick role for the character of Mammootty. [8] Suraj then went on to play the comedy roles in several hit films such as Classmates, Pachakkuthira, Chotta Mumbai and Hallo. In 2007, he got his first major supporting role again in a Mammootty starrer Mayavi, which became another major breakthrough in his career. [9] Suraj received appreciation for his role as Peethamparan in Annan Thambi and Jabbar in Lollipop, both of which released in 2008. He played the lead role for the first time with Duplicate (2009). Suraj's iconic comedy character Dasamoolam Damu came out with the movie Chattambinaadu (2009) starring Mammootty. The character became popular several years after the release of Chattambinaadu and eventually attained a cult status. [10] [11] He won his first Kerala State Film Award in 2009, by winning the award for the Best Comedian for his performance in Ivar Vivahitharayal . He won the award again two times in 2010 and 2013 for the movies Oru Naal Varum and Daivathinte Swantham Cleetus respectively. [12] Suraj's another popular comedy character is Idivettu Sugunan which came out with Pokkiriraja (2010). He was also praised for his role as Vadivelu in the Dileep starrer comedy movie Karyasthan. Suraj played some memorable roles in the movies China Town and Teja Bhai & family, both released in 2011. His other memorable comedy roles came out with the movies such as Mallu Singh , Mr. Marumakan , 101 Weddings , Manthrikan , Sound Thoma, Pullipulikalum Aattinkuttiyum , Ring Master , Bhaiyya Bhaiyya , Cousins and Two Countries . [13]

Suraj's potential to play the character and lead roles came out in 2013 as he won that year's National Award for his performance in Perariyathavar , at the 61st National Film Awards. Noted filmmaker and jury chairman Saeed Mirza, while announcing Suraj's award in a press meet, said: "Suraj has played a municipal sweeper [in the film] but it is an incredibly dignified performance. He excels in comedy but in this film Suraj has brilliantly played a reticent character. I would not have been able to sleep had his name not been in the list of awardees". [14]

Suraj received critical appreciation for his acting with a potent cameo in Action Hero Biju (2016). [15] This movie was also a turning point in his career and a breakthrough performance as he underwent a complete evolution with his acting. [16] In Karinkunnam 6's , he portrayed a ruthless police officer and in Oru Muthassi Gadha , he played the lead role. Suraj returned to do the comedy role with the 2016 blockbuster Pulimurugan . In the movie Aby (2017) he played the character of a selfish neighbour. Suraj's another critically acclaimed performance came out with Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum (2017), where he played a lead character alongside Fahad Fasil, who also received appreciation for his performance. [17] He went on to play lead roles in Varnyathil Aashanka and Kuttanpillayude Sivarathri (2018). He bagged the Kerala State Film Award for the Best Actor in 2019 for his performance in Vikruthi and Android Kunjappan Version 5.25 , both the films in which he played a lead role alongside Soubin Shahir. [18] His performance in Driving License alongside Prithviraj also received appreciation. [19] In 2021, Suraj played the lead role in The Great Indian Kitchen which received positive reactions from various film critics and was well received by the audience. [20] In 2022, he played a pivotal role in Prithviraj starrer Jana Gana Mana which was critically acclaimed and was a commercial success.

Personal life

In 2005, Suraj married Supriya at Vaikuntam Auditorium, near Padmanabhaswamy Temple. They have three children: Kashinathan, Vasudev and Hridya. Kashinathan has acted in the films Annan Thampi and Teja Bhai & Family . [21]

Filmography

Awards and nominations

Suraj Venjaramoodu awards and nominations
The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee presenting the Rajat Kamal Award for Best Actor (Shared) Perariyathavar (Malayalam) to Shri Suraj Venjaramoodu, at the 61st National Film Awards function, in New Delhi on May 03, 2014.jpg
The President, Pranab Mukherjee presenting the Rajat Kamal Award for Best Actor (for Perariyathavar) to Suraj Venjaramoodu, at the 61st National Film Awards function held at New Delhi on May 03, 2014
Totals [lower-alpha 1]
Wins22
Nominations26
Note
  1. Certain award groups do not simply award one winner. They recognize several different recipients, have runners-up, and have third place. Since this is a specific recognition and is different from losing an award, runner-up mentions are considered wins in this award tally. For simplification and to avoid errors, each award in this list has been presumed to have had a prior nomination.
List of Suraj Venjaramoodu awards and nominations
AwardYearCategoryFilmResult
National Film Awards 2013 Best Actor Perariyathavar Won
Kerala State Film Awards 2009 Best Comedian Ivar Vivahitharayal Won [22]
2010 Oru Naal Varum Won [23]
2013 Daivathinte Swantham Cleetus
Pullipulikalum Aattinkuttiyum
Won [24]
2019 Best Actor Vikruthi
Android Kunjappan Version 5.25
Won [25]
South Indian International Movie Awards 2012Best Actor in a Comedy Role (Malayalam) Mr. Marumakan Won [26]
2013 Pullipulikalum Aattinkuttiyum Nominated
2017Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Malayalam) Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum Nominated
2019Best Actor (Malayalam) Vikruthi
Android Kunjappan Version 5.25
Nominated [27]
Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Malayalam) Driving Licence
Finals
Nominated
CPC Cine Awards 2019Best Actor in a Lead Role Vikruthi
Android Kunjappan Version 5.25
Driving Licence
Finals
Won
North American Film Awards2018Best Supporting Actor Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum Won [28]
Asianet Film Awards 2007Best Actor in Humorous Role Hallo Won
2010Various filmsWon
2011Various filmsWon
2014 Cousins Won
2017Best Character Actor Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum Won
2018 Theevandi
Njan Marykutty
Kuttanpillayude Sivarathri
Won
2019Best Actor Critics Award Android Kunjappan Version 5.25 Won
Vanitha Film Awards 2010Best ComedianVarious filmsWon
2018Best Supporting Actor Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum Won [29]
2020Special Performance (Actor) Android Kunjappan Version 5.25
Driving Licence
Won [30]
Asiavision Awards 2013Best Comedian Pullipulikalum Aattinkuttiyum
Daivathinte Swantham Cleetus
Won
2017Outstanding Performer Of the Year(male) Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum Won [31]
Asianet Comedy Awards 2016Award for Multifaceted TalentVarious FilmsWon [32]
2017Top TV Performer
All-time favorite of Media (TV)
Various TV ShowsWon
Filmfare Awards South 2024 Best Supporting Actor in Malayalam Jana Gana Mana Nominated [33]

Controversies

An accident occurred on the Thammanam-Karanakodam road on the night of July 29, 2023 when Suraj was behind the wheel of a speeding car. The collision resulted in injuries to a bike rider, 31-year-old Sarath from Manjeri, who suffered a fracture in his right big toe along with injuries to other toes. This results in a ban of Suraj's licence by MVD. [34]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mohanlal</span> Indian actor and producer

Mohanlal Viswanathan is an Indian actor, film producer, playback singer, film distributor, and director who predominantly works in Malayalam film industry besides also having sporadically appeared in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu and Kannada films. Mohanlal has a prolific career spanning over four decades, during which he has acted in more than 400 films. Mohanlal's contributions to the Malayalam cinema have been praised by his contemporaries in the Indian film industry. The Government of India honoured him with Padma Shri in 2001, and Padma Bhushan in 2019, India's fourth and third highest civilian honours, for his contributions to Indian cinema. In 2009, he became the first actor in India to be awarded the honorary rank of lieutenant colonel in the Territorial Army. Mohanlal was named as one of "the men who changed the face of the Indian Cinema" by CNN.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mammootty</span> Indian actor and film producer

Muhammad Kutty Panaparambil Ismail, known mononymously by the hypocorism Mammootty, is an Indian actor and film producer who works predominantly in Malayalam-language films. He has also appeared in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, and English-language productions. In a career spanning five decades, he has appeared in more than 420 films, predominantly in lead roles. He is the recipient of several accolades, including three National Film Awards, nine Kerala State Film Awards, eleven Kerala Film Critics Awards and fifteen Filmfare Awards South. He was honored with the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award by the Government of India in 1998, for his contributions to cinema. He was also honored with the Kerala Prabha Award by the Government of Kerala in 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thilakan</span> Indian actor

Palappurathu Keshavan Surendranatha Thilakan was an Indian film and stage actor who appeared in over 200 Malayalam films. Thilakan was known for his elaborate method acting, realistic and spontaneous appearances and is considered to be one of the greatest actors in Malayalam Cinema.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Biju Menon</span> Indian actor

Biju Menon is an Indian actor who predominantly appears in Malayalam films, and also has a few Tamil and Telugu film credits. He made his debut in the 1994 Malayalam film Puthran. In a career spanning over two decades, he has appeared in over 150 films, and has won one National film award for Best Supporting Actor, three Kerala State Film Awards including one best actor, two Filmfare Awards South and nine Asianet Film Awards. He got the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor in 2021 for the film Aarkkariyam.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Salim Kumar</span> Indian film actor, director, and writer

Salim Kumar is an Indian actor, comedian, director and writer in Malayalam cinema. Mostly known for his comic and comedy roles, Salim Kumar is considered one of the best and most prominent comedians in the history of Malayalam cinema.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mammootty filmography</span> List of performances by Indian actor Mammootty

Mammootty, is an Indian actor and film producer who works predominantly in Malayalam films. He has acted in more than 400 films in Malayalam and other languages including Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, English and Kannada films. He has starred in both art house and blockbuster films.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indrans</span> Indian actor

K. Surendran, better known by his stage name Indrans, is an Indian actor and former costume designer, who appears in Malayalam films. He started his film career as a costume designer and actor in 1981 and got a breakthrough in 1994 with the comedy movie CID Unnikrishnan B.A., B.Ed. Indrans was popular for his comedy roles in the 1990s and 2000s.

Lalu Alex is an Indian actor who works in Malayalam and Tamil Films In a career spanning four decades, Lalu Alex has acted over 250 movies and is known for his character roles, comic roles and antagonistic roles in the Malayalam movie industry.

<i>Chattambinadu</i> 2009 Indian film

Chattambinaadu is a Malayalam-language action comedy film released in 2009. The film was directed by Shafi and written by Benny P. Nayarambalam. The film was made under Mammootty's production company Play House which distributed it as well. The film stars Mammootty, Siddique, Manoj K. Jayan, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Vinu Mohan and Raai Laxmi. The film's music was done by Alex Paul.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tini Tom</span> Indian actor (born 1972)

Tini Tom is an Indian actor, comedian and mimicry artist. He works in Malayalam films and television.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ramesh Pisharody</span> Indian stand-up-comedian, actor, director, impressionist

T. V. Ramesh, professionally credited as Ramesh Pisharody, is an Indian stand-up comedian, impressionist, television presenter, actor and film director. He works in Malayalam television shows, stage, and cinema. He is particularly known for his observational comedy.

Shaji John, professionally credited by his stage name Kalabhavan Shajohn is an Indian actor, director and comedian who works primarily in Malayalam cinema. He started his career as a mimicry artist in Kalabhavan, Kochi. Making his debut in 1999 with My Dear Karadi and having made more than 90 appearances, he received a major breakthrough in his career with Drishyam (2013), in which he played a negative role. He made his directorial debut with Brother's Day starring Prithviraj. As of June 2021, he has starred in more than 130 Malayalam films.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Siju Wilson</span> Indian actor

Wilson Joseph, professionally credited as Siju Wilson, is an Indian actor and producer, who works in Malayalam films. He won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Film for his debut production Vasanthi (2019).

<i>Perariyathavar</i> 2014 Indian film

Perariyathavar is a 2015 Indian Malayalam film directed by Dr. Biju. The film revolves around two sweepers and the problems they encounter in life, depicting the agonies of the marginalised section of society. The film stars Suraj Venjaramoodu and Indrans. It won the National Film Award for Best Film on Environment Conservation/Preservation. Movie is credited as 200th film of Suraj. Suraj received the National Film Award for Best Actor for his performance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shine Tom Chacko</span> Indian actor

Shine Tom Chacko is an Indian actor and former assistant director who works in Malayalam cinema. After working as an assistant to director Kamal for about 9 years, he forayed into acting through the film, Gaddama. He played supporting roles in several films including Ee Adutha Kaalathu, Chapters, Annayum Rasoolum ,Masala Republic, Jigirthada doubleX and played his first lead role in Binu S Kalady's fantasy-comedy film Ithihasa (2014) which dealt with body-swapping.

Alencier Ley Lopez is an Indian film and theatre actor, who appears in Malayalam films. Lopez made his debut in the 1998 film Daya; and he worked in films like Annayum Rasoolum (2013), Njan Steve Lopez (2013), and Maheshinte Prathikaaram (2016).

<i>Vikruthi</i> 2019 film directed by Emcy Joseph

Vikruthi (transl. Mischief) is a 2019 Indian Malayalam-language comedy drama film directed by Emcy Joseph and produced by A. D. Sreekumar, Ganesh Menon and Lakshmi Warrier. The film stars Suraj Venjarammoodu and Soubin Shahir in the lead roles. The film is based on true events that occurred on a Kochi Metro train, where a picture of a sleeping hearing/speech-impaired man was taken and shared online by a passenger assuming he was drunk. It upsets the man and his family after it goes viral. The film was released on 4 October 2019. The film was remade in Tamil as Payanigal Gavanikkavum.

<i>Android Kunjappan Version 5.25</i> 2019 film directed by Ratheesh Balakrishnan Poduval

Android Kunjappan Version 5.25 is a 2019 Indian Malayalam-language science fiction comedy-drama film written and directed by Ratheesh Balakrishnan Poduval, produced by Santhosh T. Kuruvilla, and starring Suraj Venjaramoodu, Soubin Shahir, Sooraj Thelakkad, Kendy Zirdo, and Saiju Kurup.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeo Baby</span> Indian filmmaker

Jeo Baby is an Indian film director, scriptwriter and actor who works in Malayalam films. His family drama film The Great Indian Kitchen (2021) won the 51st Kerala State Film Award for Best Film and he received the Kerala State Film Award for Best Screenplay.

Suraj Vasudevan known as Suraj Venjaramoodu, is an Indian actor, comedian, and television presenter, who appears in Malayalam films, television and stage plays. He has won a National Film Award and four Kerala State Film Awards.

References

  1. "61st National Film Awards". Press Information Bureau. 17 April 2014. Archived from the original on 16 April 2014. Retrieved 17 April 2014.
  2. "Suraj Venjaramoodu, Kani Kusurthi and Lijo Jose Pellissery win big at 50th Kerala State Film Awards". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 13 October 2020. Retrieved 13 October 2020.
  3. "Contact Us | Vadizen Technologies". Archived from the original on 7 March 2019. Retrieved 6 March 2019.
  4. "പേരറിയിച്ചവന്‍...!!! | mangalam.com". www.mangalam.com. Archived from the original on 8 May 2014. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  5. "Kairali Tv". The Hindu . 9 September 2002. Archived from the original on 28 January 2004. Retrieved 1 December 2016.
  6. Nagarajan, Saraswathy (17 October 2020). "Suraj Venjaramoodu: It feels good when one's hard work is recognised". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X. Archived from the original on 3 June 2021. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
  7. "Review". Sify . 20 December 2001. Archived from the original on 28 April 2014. Retrieved 1 December 2016.
  8. "How Suraj Venjaramoodu Went From Playing The Fool To Hero". HuffPost. 15 February 2020. Archived from the original on 1 November 2020. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
  9. "From loud comedian to versatile actor: The evolution of Malayalam cinema's Suraj Venjaramoodu". The News Minute. 9 August 2017. Archived from the original on 9 July 2021. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
  10. "Shafi: Suraj and I decided to do Dasamoolam Damu because of his fans – Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 4 December 2020. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
  11. "ദശമൂലം ദാമു മടങ്ങി വരുമോ; ഒടുവില്‍ ആ സര്‍പ്രൈസ് പൊട്ടിച്ച് സുരാജ്". Mathrubhumi. 27 October 2019. Archived from the original on 9 July 2021. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
  12. "A flashback to 2013 | When Suraj was Best Comedian and Fahadh the Best Actor". OnManorama. Archived from the original on 9 July 2021. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
  13. "Happy Birthday Suraj Venjaramoodu: Interesting facts about the actor". The Times of India. 30 June 2021. Archived from the original on 30 June 2021. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
  14. Tankha, Madhur (16 April 2014). "Ship of Theseus named best film at National film awards". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X. Archived from the original on 9 July 2021. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
  15. "Top cameos by Mollywood stars". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 10 July 2021. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
  16. Madhu, Vignesh (2 August 2017). "Action Hero Bjiu was the mega bumper after which offers started pouring in: Suraj Venjaramoodu". onlookersmedia. Archived from the original on 9 July 2021. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
  17. "Suraj Venjaramoodu: I wondered why Dileesh gave me the role that he had kept for Fahadh – Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 9 July 2021. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
  18. നാരായണൻ, സംജദ് (3 December 2019). "'നടപ്പില്‍, നോട്ടത്തില്‍, വെറുപ്പിക്കലില്‍, മുരടന്‍സ്വഭാവത്തില്‍ ഒന്നിലും സുരാജെന്ന നടനില്ല'". Mathrubhumi. Archived from the original on 9 July 2021. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
  19. Anand, Shilpa Nair (8 November 2019). "Suraj Venjaramoodu on getting selective and serious". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X. Archived from the original on 9 July 2021. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
  20. "Suraj Venjaramoodu: I have always wished for good roles and now by working hard, I get to play them – Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 14 January 2021. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
  21. "Happy Birthday Suraj Venjaramoodu | സുരാജ് വെഞ്ഞാറമൂടിന് പിറന്നാൾ ആശംസയുമായി താരങ്ങൾ". News18 Malayalam. 30 June 2021. Archived from the original on 9 July 2021. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
  22. "Mammootty, Shwetha Menon win best actor awards". The Hindu. 6 April 2010. Archived from the original on 25 September 2021. Retrieved 25 September 2021.
  23. "Salim Kumar, Kavya receive Kerala state film awards". The Indian Express. 9 December 2011. Retrieved 25 September 2021.
  24. "Kerala State Film Awards: Mohanlal's 'Drishyam', Fahadh, Lal and Suraj Bag Awards [Complete List of Winners]". International Business Times. 20 April 2014. Archived from the original on 25 September 2021. Retrieved 25 September 2021.
  25. Balach, Logesh (13 October 2020). "Kerala announces 50th State Film Awards: See full list of winners". India Today . Archived from the original on 14 October 2020. Retrieved 13 October 2020.
  26. "Dhanush, Shruti Haasan win top laurels at SIIMA awards". NDTV. 14 September 2013. Archived from the original on 6 September 2023. Retrieved 25 September 2021.
  27. "Dhanush, Manju Warrier, Chetan Kumar, others: SIIMA Awards announces nominees". The News Minute. 28 August 2021. Archived from the original on 30 August 2021. Retrieved 25 September 2021.
  28. "The Winners of NAFA Awards 2018". NAFA Website. Archived from the original on 3 June 2020. Retrieved 25 September 2021.
  29. "Vanitha Film Awards 2018 : Winner's List". Vinodadarshan. Archived from the original on 25 September 2021. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
  30. "Vanitha film awards 2020: Mohanlal wins best actor, Manju Warrier is best actress". Onmanorama. 9 February 2020. Archived from the original on 28 September 2021. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
  31. "Asiavision Movie Awards 2017:Deepika Padukone, Dulquer Salman, Manju Warrier, Tovino Thomas grace the show". International Business Times. Archived from the original on 22 June 2018. Retrieved 25 September 2021.
  32. "Asianet Comedy Awards presented". The New Indian Express. 26 December 2016. Archived from the original on 25 September 2021. Retrieved 25 September 2021.
  33. "Filmfare Awards South 2023: Check out the winners". Deccan Chronicle. 12 July 2024. Retrieved 8 August 2024.
  34. "Actor and Comedian Suraj Venjaramood under trouble". Times of India .