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| birth_name = Thambi Ramaiah Jagannathapillai
| birth_name = Thambi Ramaiah Jagannathapillai
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1956|06|19}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1956|06|19}}
| birth_place = [[Pudukottai District|Pudukottai]], [[Tamil Nadu]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/12/27/stories/2010122752190200.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306105141/http://www.hindu.com/2010/12/27/stories/2010122752190200.htm |archive-date=6 March 2014|title=Tickling the funny bone |date=27 December 2010 |url-status=dead |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=13 January 2019}}</ref>
| birth_place = [[Pudukottai District|Pudukottai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/12/27/stories/2010122752190200.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306105141/http://www.hindu.com/2010/12/27/stories/2010122752190200.htm |archive-date=6 March 2014|title=Tickling the funny bone |date=27 December 2010 |url-status=dead |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=13 January 2019}}</ref>
| nationality  =
| height =
| spouse = Shanthy Ramaiah
| spouse = Shanthy Ramaiah
| parents = {{unbulleted list|Jagannathapillai|Pappammal}}
| children = 2 including [[Umapathy Ramaiah|Umapathy]]
| children = {{unbulleted list|[[Umapathy Ramaiah|Umapathy]]|Viveka}}
| occupation = Actor, comedian, director, lyricist
| occupation = Actor, comedian, director, lyricist
| yearsactive = 1998–present
| yearsactive = 1998–present
}}
}}


'''Thambi Ramaiah''' is an Indian actor, director and comedian who works in the [[Tamil film industry]]. He has also worked occasionally as a lyricist.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Chennai/article41564.ece |title=He says that he does not read books, but read people |work=The Hindu|date=31 October 2009 |access-date=18 June 2013}}</ref> He directed three films, ''[[Manu Needhi]]'' (2000), ''[[Indiralohathil Na Azhagappan]]'' (2008) and ''[[Maniyaar Kudumbam]]'' (2018).
'''Thambi Ramaiah''' is an Indian actor, director and comedian who works in the [[Tamil film industry]]. He has also worked occasionally as a lyricist.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Chennai/article41564.ece |title=He says that he does not read books, but read people |work=The Hindu|date=31 October 2009 |access-date=18 June 2013}}</ref> He directed three films, ''[[Manu Needhi]]'' (2000), ''[[Indiralohathil Na Azhagappan]]'' (2008) and ''[[Maniyaar Kudumbam]]'' (2018). He has won one [[National Film Award]], two [[SIIMA]] Awards, two [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award]] and one [[Filmfare Award South]] in his career.


==Career==
==Career==
Thambi Ramaiah was born in Rarapuram village in [[Pudukkottai]], and initially entered the film industry hoping to become a screenwriter. His father was a poet and a fiction writer and his mother was a housewife, while Ramaiah was their eldest child. He earned pocket money during his school days by writing love letters for his classmates.<ref name="ss1">{{cite web|author=Neelima Menon |url=http://silverscreen.in/features/interviews/life-of-the-party-the-thambi-ramaiah-interview/ |title=Life of the Party: The Thambi Ramaiah Interview |publisher=Silverscreen.in |date=2014-11-18 |access-date=2016-12-01}}</ref> He also had an interest in lyric writing, often writing lyrics for parody versions of popular songs, while becoming trained in various instruments including the harmonium and guitar. At the age of 20, he moved to [[Chennai]] and tried to make a breakthrough into the film industry, but was hindered by his lack of contacts and instead worked for a private company for nine years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.videos.behindwoods.com/videos-q1-09/actor-actress-interview/thambi-ramiah-14-03-12.html |title=Thambi Ramaiah - Tamil Cinema Actor Interview - Thambi Ramaiah &#124; Kumki &#124; Saattai &#124; Kazhugu - Behindwoods.com |publisher=Videos.behindwoods.com |access-date=2016-12-01}}</ref> He got a break in 1994 and took up a job as a dialogue writer for a serial on Sun TV, doubling up as an assistant director, script writer and lyricist. He then earned opportunities to work as an assistant director in films directed by [[T. Rajender]] and [[P. Vasu]], and he considers the latter his teacher of screenplay-writing.<ref name="ss1"/> He made a cameo acting appearance in Vasu's film ''[[Malabar Police]]'' (1999) in a scene featuring [[Goundamani]]. The following year, he made his directorial début with ''[[Manu Needhi]]'' (2000), which starred [[Murali (Tamil actor)|Murali]] and [[Napolean (actor)|Napolean]] in the lead roles. He carried on playing supporting roles in films as well as writing comedy tracks, also directing the [[Vadivelu]]-starrer ''[[Indiralohathil Na Azhagappan]]'' (2008).
 
Thambi Ramaiah was born in Rarapuram village in [[Pudukkottai]], and initially entered the film industry hoping to become a screenwriter. His father was a poet and a fiction writer and his mother was a housewife, while Ramaiah was their eldest child. He earned pocket money during his school days by writing love letters for his classmates.<ref name="ss1">{{cite web|author=Neelima Menon |url=http://silverscreen.in/features/interviews/life-of-the-party-the-thambi-ramaiah-interview/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129083144/http://silverscreen.in/features/interviews/life-of-the-party-the-thambi-ramaiah-interview/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 November 2014 |title=Life of the Party: The Thambi Ramaiah Interview |publisher=Silverscreen.in |date=2014-11-18 |access-date=2016-12-01}}</ref> He also had an interest in lyric writing, often writing lyrics for parody versions of popular songs, while becoming trained in various instruments including the harmonium and guitar. At the age of 20, he moved to [[Chennai]] and tried to make a breakthrough into the film industry, but was hindered by his lack of contacts and instead worked for a private company for nine years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.videos.behindwoods.com/videos-q1-09/actor-actress-interview/thambi-ramiah-14-03-12.html |title=Thambi Ramaiah - Tamil Cinema Actor Interview - Thambi Ramaiah &#124; Kumki &#124; Saattai &#124; Kazhugu - Behindwoods.com |publisher=Videos.behindwoods.com |access-date=2016-12-01}}</ref> He got a break in 1994 and took up a job as a dialogue writer for a serial on Sun TV, doubling up as an assistant director, script writer and lyricist. He then earned opportunities to work as an assistant director in films directed by [[T. Rajender]] and [[P. Vasu]], and he considers the latter his teacher of screenplay-writing.<ref name="ss1"/> He made a cameo acting appearance in Vasu's film ''[[Malabar Police]]'' (1999) in a scene featuring [[Goundamani]]. The following year, he made his directorial début with ''[[Manu Needhi]]'' (2000), which starred [[Murali (Tamil actor)|Murali]] and [[Napolean (actor)|Napolean]]. He carried on playing supporting roles in films as well as writing comedy tracks, also directing the [[Vadivelu]]-starrer ''[[Indiralohathil Na Azhagappan]]'' (2008).


He made a breakthrough as an actor portraying a friendly cop in [[Prabhu Solomon]]'s romantic film ''[[Mynaa]]'' (2010) and won the [[National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor]] for his performance. He subsequently won positive reviews for his performances in films including ''[[Saattai]]'', ''[[Kumki (film)|Kumki]]'' (2012) and ''[[Kathai Thiraikathai Vasanam Iyakkam]]'' (2014). At the peak of his career in 2013–2014, he worked for up to four films a day, while being on locations for close to 25 days a month. He also served as his own manager and often was in charge of his own make-up and costumes in films.<ref name="ss1"/>
He made a breakthrough as an actor portraying a friendly cop in [[Prabhu Solomon]]'s romantic film ''[[Mynaa]]'' (2010) and won the [[National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor]] for his performance. He subsequently won positive reviews for his performances in films including ''[[Saattai]]'', ''[[Kumki (film)|Kumki]]'' (2012) and ''[[Kathai Thiraikathai Vasanam Iyakkam]]'' (2014). At the peak of his career in 2013–2014, he worked for up to four films a day, while being on locations for close to 25 days a month. He also served as his own manager and often was in charge of his own make-up and costumes in films.<ref name="ss1"/>


In 2014, he announced plans to introduce his son, [[Umapathy Ramaiah]], as an actor. His son later made his debut in ''[[Adhagappattathu Magajanangalay]]'' (2016).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150806/entertainment-kollywood/article/thambi-ramaiah%E2%80%99s-advice-his-son|title=Thambi Ramaiah's advice to his son|first=Anupama|last=Subramanian|date=6 August 2015|website=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref>
In 2014, he announced plans to introduce his son, [[Umapathy Ramaiah]], as an actor. His son later made his debut in ''[[Adhagappattathu Magajanangalay]]'' (2016).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150806/entertainment-kollywood/article/thambi-ramaiah%E2%80%99s-advice-his-son|title=Thambi Ramaiah's advice to his son|first=Anupama|last=Subramanian|date=6 August 2015|website=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref> He made his comeback as a director after a gap debut after a 10-year hiatus with the film, ''[[Maniyaar Kudumbam]]'' (2018), starring his son Umapathy in the lead role. He also marks the debut of Thambi Ramaiah as a music director.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Cheran’s next directorial Maniyar Kudumbam to star Thambi Ramaiah’s son|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2018/Jun/29/cherans-next-directorial-maniyar-kudumbam-to-star-thambi-ramaiahs-son-1835724.html |access-date=2018-06-30 |work= The new Indian Express}}</ref>
 
In 2021, he has played in lead role in [[Samuthirakani]]'s ''[[Vinodhaya Sitham]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Vinodhaya Sitham Movie Review: Thambi Ramaiah, Samuthirakani present a heartwarming tale of the last ride|url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/review/2021/Oct/15/vinodhaya-sitham-movie-review-thambi-ramaiah-samuthirakani-27280.html |access-date=2021-10-15 |work=Cinema Express}}</ref> In 2024, ''[[Rajakili]]'', which marks the directorial debut of Umapathy, also has Thambi Ramaiah as a music composer. The latter has also written the story, lyrics, and dialogue.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Thambi Ramaiah, Samuthirakani return with 'Rajakili' exploring life's uncertainty and human values|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2024/Dec/13/thambi-ramaiah-samuthirakani-return-with-rajakili-exploring-lifes-uncertainty-and-human-values |access-date=2024-12-13 |work= The new Indian Express}}</ref>


==Filmography==
==Filmography==
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{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
|-
! Year
! Year !! Title !! Role !! class="unsortable" | Notes
! Film
|-
! Role
| 1999 || ''[[Malabar Police]]'' || Perumal || Credited as Ramaiah
! class="unsortable" | Notes
|-
|-
| 1999 || ''[[Malabar Police]]'' || Perumal ||
| 2001 || ''[[Manu Needhi]]'' || Broker Dharmalingam ||  
|-
|-
| 2001 || ''[[Manu Needhi]]'' || Broker Dharmalingam || Also director
| 2003 || ''[[Kovilpatti Veeralakshmi]]'' || Tea Shop Owner ||  
|-
|-
| rowspan="2"|2004 || ''[[Arul]]'' || Sethupathy's assistant ||
| rowspan="2"|2004 || ''[[Arul (film)|Arul]]'' || Sethupathy's assistant ||
|-
|-
|''[[Jore]]'' ||  ||
|''[[Jore (film)|Jore]]'' ||  ||
|-
|-
| rowspan="4"| 2005 || ''[[Kodambakkam (film)|Kodambakkam]]'' || ||
| rowspan="5"| 2005 || ''[[Kodambakkam (film)|Kodambakkam]]'' || Dhanam's father ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Bambara Kannaley]]'' || ||
| ''[[Bambara Kannaley]]'' || || Uncredited role
|-
|-
|''[[Vetrivel Sakthivel]]'' || Selvi's father-in-law ||
|''[[Vetrivel Sakthivel]]'' || Selvi's father-in-law ||
Line 52: Line 51:
| ''[[Aaru (film)|Aaru]]'' || Subbu ||
| ''[[Aaru (film)|Aaru]]'' || Subbu ||
|-
|-
| rowspan="7"| 2006 ||''[[Kovai Brothers]]'' || Astrologer ||
|''[[Aanai]]'' || RTO officer ||
|-
| rowspan="9"| 2006 || ''[[Idhaya Thirudan]]'' || Police constable ||  Uncredited role
|-
|''[[Kovai Brothers]]'' || Astrologer ||
|-
|-
|''[[Imsai Arasan 23m Pulikesi]]'' || ||
|''[[Imsai Arasan 23m Pulikesi]]'' ||priest||
|-
|-
|''[[Nee Venunda Chellam]]'' || ||
|''[[Nee Venunda Chellam]]'' || ||  
|-
|-
|''[[Sillunu Oru Kadhal]]'' || Vellaichaamy's assistant ||
|''[[Sillunu Oru Kadhal]]'' || Vellaichaamy's assistant ||
|-
|-
|''[[Thalaimagan]]'' || ||
|''[[Thalaimagan]]'' || Inspector Veeraraj ||
|-
|''[[Vathiyar]]'' ||Flower seller||
|-
|-
|''[[Vathiyar]]'' || ||
|''[[Nenjil]]'' || ||  
|-
|-
|''[[Thagapansamy]]'' || ||
|''[[Thagapansamy]]'' || ||
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| rowspan="4"| 2007 ||''[[Maa Madurai]]'' || Osamma's husband ||
| rowspan="4"| 2007 ||''[[Maa Madurai]]'' || Osamma's husband ||
|-
|-
|''[[Thottal Poo Malarum]]'' || ||
|''[[Thottal Poo Malarum]]'' ||Kabaaleeswaran's friend||
|-
|-
|''[[Oram Po]]'' || Rani's father ||
|''[[Oram Po]]'' || Rani's father ||
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|''[[Malai Malai]]'' || ||
|''[[Malai Malai]]'' || ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Odipolama]]'' || ||
| ''[[Odipolama]]'' ||Visu's uncle||
|-
| rowspan="5"| 2010 || ''[[Magane En Marumagane]]'' ||Singaram's sidekick||
|-
|-
| rowspan="4"| 2010 || ''[[Magane En Marumagane]]'' || ||
| ''[[Kaadhal Solla Vandhen]]'' || College Principal ||  
|-
|-
| ''[[Kaadhal Solla Vandhen]]'' || Principal ||  
| ''[[Vaada (2010 film)|Vaada]]'' || ||
|-
|-
|''[[Mynaa]]'' || Ramaiah || '''Winner''', [[Vijay Award for Best Supporting Actor]]<br />'''Winner''', [[National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor]]<br />'''Winner''', [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Comedian]]<br />Nominated, [[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor - Tamil]]
|''[[Mynaa]]'' || Ramaiah || '''Winner''', [[Vijay Award for Best Supporting Actor]]<br />'''Winner''', [[National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor]]<br />'''Winner''', [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Comedian]]<br />Nominated, [[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor - Tamil]]
Line 96: Line 103:
|''[[Mandhira Punnagai (2010 film)|Mandhira Punnagai]]'' || Manmadhan Naidu ||
|''[[Mandhira Punnagai (2010 film)|Mandhira Punnagai]]'' || Manmadhan Naidu ||
|-
|-
| rowspan="5"| 2011 || ''[[Nanjupuram]]'' || ||
| rowspan="5"| 2011 || ''[[Nanjupuram]]'' ||Village President||
|-
|-
|''[[Aayiram Vilakku]]'' ||  ||  
|''[[Aayiram Vilakku]]'' ||  ||  
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|''[[Vaagai Sooda Vaa]]'' || Twonaalettu (2×4=8) ||
|''[[Vaagai Sooda Vaa]]'' || Twonaalettu (2×4=8) ||
|-
|-
|''[[Osthe]]'' || Maasaana Moorthy ||  
|''[[Osthe]]'' || Masana Moorthy ||  
|-
|-
|''[[Rajapattai]]'' || Shanmugham ||  
|''[[Rajapattai]]'' || Shanmugham ||  
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|''[[Pandi Oliperukki Nilayam]]'' || Muthiah ||
|''[[Pandi Oliperukki Nilayam]]'' || Muthiah ||
|-
|-
|''Mannaru'' ||  || Also writer
|''[[Mannaru]]'' ||  || Also writer
|-
|-
|''[[Saattai]]'' || Singaperumal ||  '''Winner''', [[Norway Tamil Film Festival Awards|Norway Tamil Film Festival Award for Best Villain]]<br/> Nominated, [[2nd South Indian International Movie Awards|SIIMA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role]]<br/>Nominated, [[Vijay Award for Best Villain]]
|''[[Saattai]]'' || Singaperumal ||  '''Winner''', [[Norway Tamil Film Festival Awards|Norway Tamil Film Festival Award for Best Villain]]<br/> Nominated, [[2nd South Indian International Movie Awards|SIIMA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role]]<br/>Nominated, [[Vijay Award for Best Villain]]
Line 152: Line 159:
| ''[[Nedunchaalai]]'' || Master ||
| ''[[Nedunchaalai]]'' || Master ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Ennamo Nadakkudhu]]'' || ||
| ''[[Ennamo Nadakkudhu]]'' || Burma's friend ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Un Samayal Arayil]]'' || Krishna ||
| ''[[Un Samayal Arayil]]'' || Krishna ||
Line 164: Line 171:
| ''[[Aindhaam Thalaimurai Sidha Vaidhiya Sigamani]]'' || Silambu Chinnadurai ||  
| ''[[Aindhaam Thalaimurai Sidha Vaidhiya Sigamani]]'' || Silambu Chinnadurai ||  
|-
|-
| ''[[Vanavarayan Vallavarayan]]'' || ||  
| ''[[Vanavarayan Vallavarayan]]'' ||Vanavarayan & Vallavarayan's father||  
|-
|-
| ''[[Rettai Vaalu]]'' ||  Ramasamy Padayatchi ||  
| ''[[Rettai Vaalu]]'' ||  Ramasamy Padayatchi ||  
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| ''[[Nerungi Vaa Muthamidathe]]'' || Rajagopalan ||
| ''[[Nerungi Vaa Muthamidathe]]'' || Rajagopalan ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Gnana Kirukkan]]'' || ||
| ''[[Gnana Kirukkan]]'' ||Selvamani||
|-
|-
| ''[[Oru Oorla Rendu Raja]]'' || Good Samaritan ||
| ''[[Oru Oorla Rendu Raja]]'' || Good Samaritan ||
Line 184: Line 191:
| ''[[Sandamarutham]]'' || Nirukalathan ||
| ''[[Sandamarutham]]'' || Nirukalathan ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Vajram (2015 film)|Vajram]]'' || ||
| ''[[Vajram (2015 film)|Vajram]]'' ||Ramaiah||
|-
|-
| ''[[En Vazhi Thani Vazhi (2015 film)|En Vazhi Thani Vazhi]]'' || ||
| ''[[En Vazhi Thani Vazhi (2015 film)|En Vazhi Thani Vazhi]]'' || ||
Line 198: Line 205:
| ''[[Thani Oruvan]]'' || Sengalvarayan || [[2nd South Indian International Movie Awards|SIIMA Award for Best Comedian]]
| ''[[Thani Oruvan]]'' || Sengalvarayan || [[2nd South Indian International Movie Awards|SIIMA Award for Best Comedian]]
|-
|-
|''[[Adhibar]]''|| ||  
|''[[Adhibar]]''||Siva's uncle||  
|-
|-
| ''[[Strawberry (film)|Strawberry]]'' || ||
| ''[[Strawberry (film)|Strawberry]]'' ||Arnold's friend||
|-
|-
| ''[[Yatchan]]'' || Sotta Mani ||  
| ''[[Yatchan]]'' || Sotta Mani ||  
Line 222: Line 229:
| ''[[Vetrivel]]'' || Othasai ||
| ''[[Vetrivel]]'' || Othasai ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Appa (2016 film)|Appa]]'' || Singaperumal || Main Antagonist
| ''[[Appa (2016 film)|Appa]]'' || Singaperumal ||  
|-
|-
| ''[[Tamilselvanum Thaniyar Anjalum]]'' || Manikandan ||
| ''[[Tamilselvanum Thaniyar Anjalum]]'' || Manikandan ||
Line 230: Line 237:
| ''[[Thodari]]'' || Chandrakanth ||
| ''[[Thodari]]'' || Chandrakanth ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Virumandikum Sivanandikum]]'' || Ganduchamy ||
| ''[[Virumandikkum Sivanandikkum]]'' || Ganduchamy ||
|-
|-
|rowspan="14"|2017||''[[Bairavaa]]''|| Narayanan ||
|rowspan="14"|2017||''[[Bairavaa]]''|| Narayanan ||
Line 256: Line 263:
| ''[[12-12-1950]]'' || Vanangamudi ||  
| ''[[12-12-1950]]'' || Vanangamudi ||  
|-
|-
| ''Palli Paruvathile'' || ||  
| ''[[Palli Paruvathile]]'' || ||  
|-
|-
| ''[[Velaikkaran (2017 film)|Velaikkaran]]'' || Stella Bruce ||  
| ''[[Velaikkaran (2017 film)|Velaikkaran]]'' || Stella Bruce ||  
Line 284: Line 291:
| ''[[Adutha Saattai]]'' || Singaperumal ||  
| ''[[Adutha Saattai]]'' || Singaperumal ||  
|-
|-
| rowspan="9"| 2021 || ''[[Bhoomi (2021 film)|Bhoomi]]'' || Velusaamy ||
| rowspan="10"| 2021 || ''[[Bhoomi (2021 film)|Bhoomi]]'' || Velusaamy ||Released on [[Disney+ Hotstar]]
|-
|-
| ''[[Michaelpatty Raja]]'' || Magician ||
| ''[[Michaelpatty Raja]]'' || Magician ||
Line 294: Line 301:
| ''[[Rudra Thandavam (2021 film)|Rudra Thandavam]]'' || Police Constable Joseph Murray ||  
| ''[[Rudra Thandavam (2021 film)|Rudra Thandavam]]'' || Police Constable Joseph Murray ||  
|-
|-
| ''[[Vinodhaya Sitham]]'' || Parasuram || Zee5 release
| ''[[Vinodhaya Sitham]]'' || Parasuram || Released on [[ZEE5]]
|-
|-
| ''[[Enemy (2021 film)|Enemy]]'' || 'Risk' Ramalingam ||  
| ''[[Enemy (2021 film)|Enemy]]'' || 'Risk' Ramalingam ||  
|-
|-
| ''[[Raajavamsam]]'' ||  ||  
| ''[[Raajavamsam]]'' || Kalyanasundaram ||
|-
| ''[[Thanne Vandi]]'' ||  ||  
|-
|-
| ''[[Velan (film)|Velan]]'' ||  Ananda Kuttan ||  
| ''[[Velan (film)|Velan]]'' ||  Ananda Kuttan ||  
|-
| rowspan="4"| 2022 || ''[[Maha (film)|Maha]]'' || Constable Alex Pandian ||
|-
|''[[The Legend (2022 film)|The Legend]]'' || Thulasi's father ||
|-
| ''[[Lilly Rani]]'' || Moorthy ||
|-
| ''[[Sembi]]'' || Anbu ||
|-
| rowspan="2"| 2023 || ''[[Thalainagaram 2]]'' || Malik ||
|-
| ''[[Kick (2023 film)|Kick]]'' || Michael Jackson "MJ" ||
|-
| rowspan=4 | 2024 || ''[[Inga Naan Thaan Kingu]]'' || Jaameen ||
|-
| ''[[Indian 2]]'' || Thangavel ||
|-
| ''[[Rajakili]]'' || Murugappa Sendrayar || Also writer and composer
|-
| ''[[Thiru.Manickam]]'' || Gurumoorthy ||
|-
| rowspan=2 | 2025 || ''Yaadhum Ariyaan''|| ||
|-
| ''[[Muthal Pakkam]]'' || Inspector Ramaiah ||<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mullappilly |first=Sreejith |date=2025-07-26 |title=Muthal Pakkam Trailer: Vetri is back as a cop on a manhunt |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2025/Jul/26/muthal-pakkam-trailer-vetri-is-back-as-a-cop-on-a-manhunt |access-date=2025-08-06 |website=Cinema Express |language=en}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan=3 | 2026 || ''[[Thalaivar Thambi Thalaimaiyil]]'' || Mani ||
|-
| ''[[Hot Spot 2 Much]]'' || Sharmitha's father || Anthology film; segment: ''Black & White''
|-
| ''[[Lucky the Superstar]]'' || Ramu || Voice role<ref>{{Cite web|date=20 February 2026|title=Lucky The Superstar Movie Review: Conveniences undercut cheer in this canine fantasy|url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/review/2026/Feb/20/lucky-the-superstar-movie-review-conveniences-undercut-cheer-in-this-canine-fantasy|website=[[Cinema Express]]}}</ref>
|-
|}
==== Web series ====
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Year
!Title
!Role
!Network
|-
|2022
|''[[Victim (web series)|Victim]]''
|Kandan, Sikkandar
|[[SonyLIV]]
|}
|}


Line 306: Line 359:
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|- style="background:#000;"
|- style="background:#000;"
! Year !! Film !! Cast !!class=unsortable| Notes
! Year !! Film !!class=unsortable| Notes
|-
|-
| 2000 || ''[[Manu Needhi]]'' || [[Murali (Tamil actor)|Murali]], [[Prathyusha]] ||
| 2000 || ''[[Manu Needhi]]'' ||
|-
|-
| 2008 || ''[[Indiralohathil Na Azhagappan]]'' || [[Vadivelu]], Yamini Sharma ||  
| 2008 || ''[[Indiralohathil Na Azhagappan]]'' ||
|-
|-
| 2018 || ''[[Maniyaar Kudumbam]]'' || [[Umapathy Ramaiah|Umapathy]], [[Mrudula Murali]] ||  
| 2018 || ''[[Maniyaar Kudumbam]]'' ||  
|}
|}


===As singer===
===As singer===
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|- style="background:#ccc; text-align:center;"
! Year !! Film !! Song !! Composer !! Lyrics !! Notes
! Year !! Film !! Song !! Composer !! Lyrics !! Notes
|-
|-
|2013 ||''Vu'' ||"Oru Padi Mela" ||Abhijith Ramasamy || Murugan Manthiram ||
|2013 ||''Vu'' ||"Oru Padi Mela" ||Abhijith Ramasamy || Murugan Manthiram ||
|-
|-
|2010 ||''Oru Koodai Mutham'' ||"Nongala Enakku" ||Shanthan || Thambi Ramaiah ||<ref name = okm>https://gaana.com/album/oru-koodai-mutham-tamil</ref>
| 2015 || ''[[Asurakulam]]'' || "Polladhavaa" || [[C. Sathya]] || [[Yugabharathi]] || <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/thambi-ramaiah-sings-a-folk-song-for-asurakulam/articleshow/52683783.cms|title=Thambi Ramaiah sings a folk song for Asurakulam|work=The Times of India|last=CR|first=Sharanya|date=14 January 2017}}</ref>
|-
|2010 ||''Oru Koodai Mutham'' ||"Nongala Enakku" ||Shanthan || Thambi Ramaiah ||<ref name = okm>{{cite web|url=https://gaana.com/album/oru-koodai-mutham-tamil |title=Oru Koodai Mutham Tamil Songs Download: Oru Koodai Mutham Tamil MP3 Odia Songs Online Free on |publisher=Gaana |date= |accessdate=2022-08-23}}</ref>
|-
|-
|2010 ||''Oru Koodai Mutham'' ||"Pappa Poranthathu" ||Shanthan || Thambi Ramaiah ||<ref name = okm/>
|2010 ||''Oru Koodai Mutham'' ||"Pappa Poranthathu" ||Shanthan || Thambi Ramaiah ||<ref name = okm/>
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[[Category:Male actors from Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Male actors from Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian male actors]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian male actors]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian film directors]]
[[Category:Film directors from Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Film directors from Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:1956 births]]
[[Category:1956 births]]

Latest revision as of 00:18, 25 March 2026


Thambi Ramaiah
Born
Thambi Ramaiah Jagannathapillai

(1956-06-19) 19 June 1956 (age 70)
Pudukottai, Tamil Nadu, India[1]
OccupationActor, comedian, director, lyricist
Years active1998–present
Spouse(s)Shanthy Ramaiah
Children2 including Umapathy

Thambi Ramaiah is an Indian actor, director and comedian who works in the Tamil film industry. He has also worked occasionally as a lyricist.[2] He directed three films, Manu Needhi (2000), Indiralohathil Na Azhagappan (2008) and Maniyaar Kudumbam (2018). He has won one National Film Award, two SIIMA Awards, two Tamil Nadu State Film Award and one Filmfare Award South in his career.

Career[edit | edit source]

Thambi Ramaiah was born in Rarapuram village in Pudukkottai, and initially entered the film industry hoping to become a screenwriter. His father was a poet and a fiction writer and his mother was a housewife, while Ramaiah was their eldest child. He earned pocket money during his school days by writing love letters for his classmates.[3] He also had an interest in lyric writing, often writing lyrics for parody versions of popular songs, while becoming trained in various instruments including the harmonium and guitar. At the age of 20, he moved to Chennai and tried to make a breakthrough into the film industry, but was hindered by his lack of contacts and instead worked for a private company for nine years.[4] He got a break in 1994 and took up a job as a dialogue writer for a serial on Sun TV, doubling up as an assistant director, script writer and lyricist. He then earned opportunities to work as an assistant director in films directed by T. Rajender and P. Vasu, and he considers the latter his teacher of screenplay-writing.[3] He made a cameo acting appearance in Vasu's film Malabar Police (1999) in a scene featuring Goundamani. The following year, he made his directorial début with Manu Needhi (2000), which starred Murali and Napolean. He carried on playing supporting roles in films as well as writing comedy tracks, also directing the Vadivelu-starrer Indiralohathil Na Azhagappan (2008).

He made a breakthrough as an actor portraying a friendly cop in Prabhu Solomon's romantic film Mynaa (2010) and won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance. He subsequently won positive reviews for his performances in films including Saattai, Kumki (2012) and Kathai Thiraikathai Vasanam Iyakkam (2014). At the peak of his career in 2013–2014, he worked for up to four films a day, while being on locations for close to 25 days a month. He also served as his own manager and often was in charge of his own make-up and costumes in films.[3]

In 2014, he announced plans to introduce his son, Umapathy Ramaiah, as an actor. His son later made his debut in Adhagappattathu Magajanangalay (2016).[5] He made his comeback as a director after a gap debut after a 10-year hiatus with the film, Maniyaar Kudumbam (2018), starring his son Umapathy in the lead role. He also marks the debut of Thambi Ramaiah as a music director.[6]

In 2021, he has played in lead role in Samuthirakani's Vinodhaya Sitham.[7] In 2024, Rajakili, which marks the directorial debut of Umapathy, also has Thambi Ramaiah as a music composer. The latter has also written the story, lyrics, and dialogue.[8]

Filmography[edit | edit source]

As actor[edit | edit source]

Year Title Role Notes
1999 Malabar Police Perumal Credited as Ramaiah
2001 Manu Needhi Broker Dharmalingam
2003 Kovilpatti Veeralakshmi Tea Shop Owner
2004 Arul Sethupathy's assistant
Jore
2005 Kodambakkam Dhanam's father
Bambara Kannaley Uncredited role
Vetrivel Sakthivel Selvi's father-in-law
Aaru Subbu
Aanai RTO officer
2006 Idhaya Thirudan Police constable Uncredited role
Kovai Brothers Astrologer
Imsai Arasan 23m Pulikesi priest
Nee Venunda Chellam
Sillunu Oru Kadhal Vellaichaamy's assistant
Thalaimagan Inspector Veeraraj
Vathiyar Flower seller
Nenjil
Thagapansamy
2007 Maa Madurai Osamma's husband
Thottal Poo Malarum Kabaaleeswaran's friend
Oram Po Rani's father
Piragu
2008 Indiralohathil Na Azhagappan Chithraguptan Also director
Theekuchi Kurangu Ramasamy
Arjunan Kadhali Unreleased
Kee Mu
2009 Guru En Aalu Lawyer
Malai Malai
Odipolama Visu's uncle
2010 Magane En Marumagane Singaram's sidekick
Kaadhal Solla Vandhen College Principal
Vaada
Mynaa Ramaiah Winner, Vijay Award for Best Supporting Actor
Winner, National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor
Winner, Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Comedian
Nominated, Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor - Tamil
Mandhira Punnagai Manmadhan Naidu
2011 Nanjupuram Village President
Aayiram Vilakku
Vaagai Sooda Vaa Twonaalettu (2×4=8)
Osthe Masana Moorthy
Rajapattai Shanmugham
2012 Vettai Constable
Ambuli Vethagiri
Kazhugu Shanmugam (Chittappa)
Pechiyakka Marumagan
Pandi Oliperukki Nilayam Muthiah
Mannaru Also writer
Saattai Singaperumal Winner, Norway Tamil Film Festival Award for Best Villain
Nominated, SIIMA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Nominated, Vijay Award for Best Villain
Thaandavam Thappachae Mama
Neerparavai Joseph Bharathi
Kumki Kothali Winner, SIIMA Award for Best Comedian
Winner, Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor - Tamil
2013 Lokpal SI Ramdas Malayalam film
Mathil Mel Poonai
Moondru Per Moondru Kadhal Thiruvengadam
Keeripulla
Neram Saravanar
Summa Nachunu Irukku Chinniah
Apple Penne Aarumugam
2014 Jilla Shivan's aide
Veeram Savarimuthu
Pulivaal Valliappan
Vu Ganesh
Nimirndhu Nil Head constable
Nedunchaalai Master
Ennamo Nadakkudhu Burma's friend
Un Samayal Arayil Krishna
Athithi Ondipuli
Kathai Thiraikathai Vasanam Iyakkam Seenu Winner, Vijay Award for Best Comedian
Winner, Ananda Vikatan Cinema Award for Best Comedian
Nominated, Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor - Tamil
Amara Kaaviyam Gnanam
Aindhaam Thalaimurai Sidha Vaidhiya Sigamani Silambu Chinnadurai
Vanavarayan Vallavarayan Vanavarayan & Vallavarayan's father
Rettai Vaalu Ramasamy Padayatchi
Yaan Chinna
Nerungi Vaa Muthamidathe Rajagopalan
Gnana Kirukkan Selvamani
Oru Oorla Rendu Raja Good Samaritan
Kaaviya Thalaivan Koduvaai
Kaadu Chettiar
2015 Isai Church priest
Sandamarutham Nirukalathan
Vajram Ramaiah
En Vazhi Thani Vazhi
Serndhu Polama Kumaran
Komban Rajakili
Kangaroo Thakapan Swami Nadar
Inimey Ippadithan Ulaganathan
Thani Oruvan Sengalvarayan SIIMA Award for Best Comedian
Adhibar Siva's uncle
Strawberry Arnold's friend
Yatchan Sotta Mani
Maanga
Puli Kodangi
Sivappu
Thiraipada Nagaram
Vedalam Thamizh's father
2016 Azhagu Kutti Chellam Orphanage owner
Peigal Jaakkirathai Pazhaivel Annachi
Saagasam ACP Seetharaman
Vetrivel Othasai
Appa Singaperumal
Tamilselvanum Thaniyar Anjalum Manikandan
Iru Mugan Muthaiah
Thodari Chandrakanth
Virumandikkum Sivanandikkum Ganduchamy
2017 Bairavaa Narayanan
Koditta Idangalai Nirappuga
Enakku Vaaitha Adimaigal Muthu Vinayagam
Kuttram 23 Thirupathi
Mupparimanam Santhosh
Motta Shiva Ketta Shiva Home Minister
Dora Vairam
Sangili Bungili Kadhava Thorae Jambulingam
Thondan Income tax officer
Vanamagan Pandian
Vizhithiru
12-12-1950 Vanangamudi
Palli Paruvathile
Velaikkaran Stella Bruce
2018 Thaanaa Serndha Koottam Iniyan's father
Maniyaar Kudumbam Narthanga Saamy also director and composer
Billa Pandi
2019 Viswasam Rosamani
Thirumanam Kumaraguru
Vilambaram Gem Ad Agency owner
Pottu Arjun's father
Aghavan
Mr. Local Lakshman
Thiruttu Kalyanam
100% Kadhal Ramasamy
Adutha Saattai Singaperumal
2021 Bhoomi Velusaamy Released on Disney+ Hotstar
Michaelpatty Raja Magician
Devadas Brothers
Thalaivii Madhavan Bilingual film (Tamil and Hindi)
Rudra Thandavam Police Constable Joseph Murray
Vinodhaya Sitham Parasuram Released on ZEE5
Enemy 'Risk' Ramalingam
Raajavamsam Kalyanasundaram
Thanne Vandi
Velan Ananda Kuttan
2022 Maha Constable Alex Pandian
The Legend Thulasi's father
Lilly Rani Moorthy
Sembi Anbu
2023 Thalainagaram 2 Malik
Kick Michael Jackson "MJ"
2024 Inga Naan Thaan Kingu Jaameen
Indian 2 Thangavel
Rajakili Murugappa Sendrayar Also writer and composer
Thiru.Manickam Gurumoorthy
2025 Yaadhum Ariyaan
Muthal Pakkam Inspector Ramaiah [9]
2026 Thalaivar Thambi Thalaimaiyil Mani
Hot Spot 2 Much Sharmitha's father Anthology film; segment: Black & White
Lucky the Superstar Ramu Voice role[10]

Web series[edit | edit source]

Year Title Role Network
2022 Victim Kandan, Sikkandar SonyLIV

As director[edit | edit source]

Year Film Notes
2000 Manu Needhi
2008 Indiralohathil Na Azhagappan
2018 Maniyaar Kudumbam

As singer[edit | edit source]

Year Film Song Composer Lyrics Notes
2013 Vu "Oru Padi Mela" Abhijith Ramasamy Murugan Manthiram
2015 Asurakulam "Polladhavaa" C. Sathya Yugabharathi [11]
2010 Oru Koodai Mutham "Nongala Enakku" Shanthan Thambi Ramaiah [12]
2010 Oru Koodai Mutham "Pappa Poranthathu" Shanthan Thambi Ramaiah [12]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Tickling the funny bone". The Hindu. 27 December 2010. Archived from the original on 6 March 2014. Retrieved 13 January 2019.
  2. ↑ "He says that he does not read books, but read people". The Hindu. 31 October 2009. Retrieved 18 June 2013.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Neelima Menon (18 November 2014). "Life of the Party: The Thambi Ramaiah Interview". Silverscreen.in. Archived from the original on 29 November 2014. Retrieved 1 December 2016.
  4. ↑ "Thambi Ramaiah - Tamil Cinema Actor Interview - Thambi Ramaiah | Kumki | Saattai | Kazhugu - Behindwoods.com". Videos.behindwoods.com. Retrieved 1 December 2016.
  5. ↑ Subramanian, Anupama (6 August 2015). "Thambi Ramaiah's advice to his son". Deccan Chronicle.
  6. ↑ "Cheran's next directorial Maniyar Kudumbam to star Thambi Ramaiah's son". The new Indian Express. Retrieved 30 June 2018.
  7. ↑ "Vinodhaya Sitham Movie Review: Thambi Ramaiah, Samuthirakani present a heartwarming tale of the last ride". Cinema Express. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
  8. ↑ "Thambi Ramaiah, Samuthirakani return with 'Rajakili' exploring life's uncertainty and human values". The new Indian Express. Retrieved 13 December 2024.
  9. ↑ Mullappilly, Sreejith (26 July 2025). "Muthal Pakkam Trailer: Vetri is back as a cop on a manhunt". Cinema Express. Retrieved 6 August 2025.
  10. ↑ "Lucky The Superstar Movie Review: Conveniences undercut cheer in this canine fantasy". Cinema Express. 20 February 2026.
  11. ↑ CR, Sharanya (14 January 2017). "Thambi Ramaiah sings a folk song for Asurakulam". The Times of India.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 "Oru Koodai Mutham Tamil Songs Download: Oru Koodai Mutham Tamil MP3 Odia Songs Online Free on". Gaana. Retrieved 23 August 2022.

External links[edit | edit source]

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