Viraat | |
---|---|
Born | Karthik S. Kumar 11 March 1993 |
Occupation | Actor |
Years active | 2019 - Present |
Karthik S. Kumar (born 11 March 1993) known by his screen name Viraat is an Indian actor who works primarily in Kannada cinema and television. [1] He rose to fame with the television series Jothe Jotheyali (2015) playing the lead character Abhay. [2] He made his film debut through Kiss (2019), which fetched him accolades and wider recognition. [3] He further went on to act in films such as Addhuri Love and Royal (2025).
Viraat was born in Mysore, Karnataka and had a passion for acting since his childhood. Even while pursuing his bachelors, Viraat enrolled himself in Rangayana, the theatre group in Mysore. He was trained in the institute which resulted up in him making stage appearances in as many as 35 plays. This experience landed him in to feature the lead role in the television series Jothe Jotheyali which aired more than 250 episodes.
After completing his tele-series, Viraat tried his luck to work in films and approached few directors. Impressed by A. P. Arjun's debut film, Addhuri , he made several attempts to meet Arjun and was instead spotted by his mother who recommended his name for his next film's audition. Eventually Viraat was finalized out of 200 other candidates to play the lead role in Kiss (2019). Arjun, besides directing the film also produced it under his A. P. Arjun Films. Viraat was paired opposite Sree Leela who also made her debut. The film released to mixed reviews from critics and became a commercial success at the box office with its 100 days successful run. [4] Viraat received favorable responses from critics for both his acting and dancing skills. [5] He was nominated at the SIIMA Awards under Best Debut actor category. [6] Following the success of Kiss, Viraat-Arjun teamed up yet again and announced their new project titled Addhuri Lover in 2021.[ citation needed ] However, the film remains unreleased due to the significant delay in production. Currently the project is in development hell with both Arjun and Viraat moving on to newer assignments.[ citation needed ]
Viraat's next project titled Royal released in 2025 which marked a comeback film for the director Dinakar Thoogudeepa after a gap of six years. [7] Viraat was paired opposite Sanjana Anand and the film was produced by Jayanna Combines. [8] Upon release, the film met with average response from critics and audiences. [9]
† | Denotes films that have not yet been released |
Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2019 | Kiss | Arjun | Nominated - SIIMA Award for Best Debut Actor | [10] |
2025 | Royal | Krishna | [11] | |
TBA | Addhuri Lover | TBA | Delayed | |
Year | Title | Role | Channel | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
2015 | Jothe Jotheyali | Abhay | Zee Kannada | Credited as Karthik S. Kumar |