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{{short description|Indian Tamil film actor (born 1959)}}
{{short description|Indian actor (born 1963)}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}}
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| name              = Anandaraj
| name              = Anandaraj
| image              = Anand-raj-20180907124227-31266.jpg
| image              = Anand-raj-20180907124227-31266.jpg
| caste              =
| alma_mater        = [[M.G.R. Government Film and Television Training Institute]]
| alma_mater        = [[M.G.R. Government Film and Television Training Institute]]
| birth_date        = {{Birth date and age|1959|05|15|df=y}}
| birth_date        = {{Birth date and age|1958|11|10|df=y}}
| birth_place        = [[Pondicherry (city)|Pondicherry]], [[Puducherry (union territory)|Puducherry]], India
| birth_place        = [[Pondicherry (city)|Pondicherry]], [[Puducherry (union territory)|Puducherry]], India
| birthname          = <!-- use only if different than 'name' -->
| birthname          = <!-- use only if different than 'name' -->
| years_active      = 1988{{ndash}}present
| years_active      = 1988{{ndash}}present
| occupation        = Actor
| occupation        = Actor
| website            =
| party              = [[All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]]
| partner            = Thilakavathi
| children          = 2
| website            =  
}}
}}
'''Anandaraj''' (born: May 15, 1959) is an Indian actor. He has acted in villain roles in several [[Tamil films]] and has appeared in over a two hundred films in different languages including Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam and Hindi.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nettv4u.com/celebrity/tamil/movie-actor/anandaraj|title=Kollywood Movie Actor Anandaraj Biography, News, Photos, Videos|website=nettv4u}}</ref>
'''Anandaraj''' (born 10 November  1958) is an Indian [[actor]]. He has acted in mainly in villain roles and few comedic roles in several [[Tamil films]] and appeared in over a three hundred films in different languages including [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Kannada]], [[Malayalam]] and Hindi.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nettv4u.com/celebrity/tamil/movie-actor/anandaraj|title=Kollywood Movie Actor Anandaraj Biography, News, Photos, Videos|website=nettv4u}}</ref>


==Career==
==Career==


Anandaraj was born and brought up in [[Pondicherry]]. His father was a businessman. After schooling, he wanted his son to be a police officer, but Anandaraj wanted to try something different as he was fascinated with films. His family supported his dreams. He joined in [[M.G.R. Government Film and Television Training Institute]], [[Chennai]] for a course. [[Cinema of Karnataka|Kannada]] actor [[Shiva Rajkumar]] was his classmate.
Anandaraj was born and brought up in [[Puducherry (city)|Pondicherry]]. After schooling, his father wanted him to become a police officer, but Anandaraj wanted to try something different as he was fascinated with films. His family supported his dreams. He joined [[M.G.R. Government Film and Television Training Institute]], [[Chennai]] for a course. [[Cinema of Karnataka|Kannada]] actor [[Shiva Rajkumar]] was his classmate.


Anandaraj was under the impression that offers would come his way, but later he had to struggle for an opportunity and finally started off with the 1988 film ''[[Oruvar Vaazhum Aalayam]]'', starring [[Prabhu (actor)|Prabhu]] and [[Sivakumar]], and later ''[[En Thangachi Padichava]]'', directed by [[P. Vasu]], gave him the much-needed break in all the four south Indian languages.<ref name="AnandRaj">{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/My-wife-is-happy-that-I-am-a-villain-Anand-Raj/articleshow/45098013.cms|title=My wife is happy that I am a villain Anand Raj|work=The Times of India|date=2014-11-11|access-date=2014-11-12}}</ref> He did [[Suresh Krissna]]’s ''[[Raja Kaiya Vacha]]'' (1990) with [[Prabhu (actor)|Prabhu]], in which he essayed a positive role. However, he appeared with [[Vijayakanth]] and starred in several films together.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/interviews/2018/nov/11/films-are-too-hero-centric-these-days-8709.html|title="Films are too hero-centric these days"|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>
Anandaraj was under the impression that offers would come his way, but later he had to struggle for an opportunity and finally started off with the 1988 film ''[[Oruvar Vaazhum Aalayam]]'', starring [[Prabhu (actor)|Prabhu]] and [[Sivakumar]], and later ''[[En Thangachi Padichava]]'', directed by [[P. Vasu]], gave him the much-needed break in all the four south Indian languages.<ref name="AnandRaj">{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/My-wife-is-happy-that-I-am-a-villain-Anand-Raj/articleshow/45098013.cms|title=My wife is happy that I am a villain Anand Raj|work=The Times of India|date=2014-11-11|access-date=2014-11-12}}</ref> He did [[Suresh Krissna]]’s ''[[Raja Kaiya Vacha]]'' (1990) with [[Prabhu (actor)|Prabhu]], in which he essayed a positive role. However, he appeared with [[Vijayakanth]] and starred in several films together.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/interviews/2018/nov/11/films-are-too-hero-centric-these-days-8709.html|title="Films are too hero-centric these days"|website=[[Cinema Express]]|date=11 November 2018 }}</ref>


On playing the hero roles, Anand Raj mentioned: "When one gets popular being a villain, people around you always push you to take the next step and it was one of those phases when I took up offers to play the lead role". He went on to play lead roles in the films ''[[Palaivana Paravaigal]]'', ''[[Kaaval Nilayam]]'', ''Thambi Oorukku Puthusu'', ''[[Government Mappillai]]'', ''[[Pokkiri Thambi]]'', ''Kizhakku Veluthathchu'', ''[[David Uncle]]'', ''[[En Rajangam]]'', ''[[Puthiya Aatchi]]'' and ''My India''. Even though directors offered him good scripts, the films just didn't work well at the box office.<ref name=AnandRaj/><ref name="news">{{Citation|last=M. K. Megan|title=Graduating from acting as crook to hero|newspaper=[[New Straits Times]]|date=2 October 1992|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=nllPAAAAIBAJ&sjid=GZADAAAAIBAJ&hl=fr&pg=4302%2C779516|access-date=17 January 2013}}</ref> The huge popularity that Anandaraj gained during the late eighties elevated him to the status of hero and he and [[R. Sarathkumar]] together starred in a few action films. While Sarathkumar hit stardom, Anandaraj who was billed above him in their films together did not sustain his position and went back to playing small roles. He has acted as a villain alongside most of the top actors, like [[Nandamuri Balakrishna|Balakrishna]] (''[[Muddula Mavayya]]''), [[Vijayakanth]] (''[[Pulan Visaranai]]''), [[Chiranjeevi]] (''[[Gang Leader]]'') [[Rajnikanth]] (''[[Baashha]]''), [[Mammootty]] (''[[Makkal Aatchi]]''), [[R. Sarathkumar]] (''[[Suryavamsam (1997 film)|Suryavamsam]]'') and [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]] (''[[Pokkiri]]'').
On playing the hero roles, Anand Raj mentioned: "When one gets popular being a villain, people around you always push you to take the next step and it was one of those phases when I took up offers to play the lead role". He went on to play lead roles in the films ''[[Palaivana Paravaigal]]'', ''[[Kaaval Nilayam]]'', ''Thambi Oorukku Puthusu'', ''[[Government Mappillai]]'', ''[[Pokkiri Thambi]]'', ''Kizhakku Veluthathchu'', ''[[David Uncle]]'', ''[[En Rajangam]]'', ''[[Puthiya Aatchi]]'' and ''My India''. Even though directors offered him good scripts, the films just didn't work well at the box office.<ref name=AnandRaj/><ref name="news">{{Citation|last=M. K. Megan|title=Graduating from acting as crook to hero|newspaper=[[New Straits Times]]|date=2 October 1992|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=nllPAAAAIBAJ&sjid=GZADAAAAIBAJ&hl=fr&pg=4302%2C779516|access-date=17 January 2013}}</ref> The huge popularity that Anandaraj gained during the late eighties elevated him to the status of hero and he and [[R. Sarathkumar]] together starred in a few action films. While Sarathkumar hit stardom, Anandaraj who was billed above him in their films together did not sustain his position and went back to playing small roles.  
 
He has acted as a villain alongside most of the top actors, like [[Nandamuri Balakrishna|Balakrishna]] (''[[Muddula Mavayya]]''), [[Vijayakanth]] (''[[Pulan Visaranai]]''), [[Chiranjeevi]] (''[[Gang Leader]]''), [[Rajinikanth]] (''[[Baashha]]''), [[Mammootty]] (''[[Makkal Aatchi]]''), [[R. Sarathkumar]] (''[[Suryavamsam (1997 film)|Suryavamsam]]''), [[Arjun Sarja|Arjun]] (''[[Ezhumalai]]'') and [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]] (''[[Pokkiri]]'').


Many years later, Anandaraj made a sudden switch to comedy in ''[[Mundasupatti]]'' directed by Ramkumar released in 2014 that had audiences falling off their seats and there had been no looking back since then. Anandaraj has become a hot favorite of young directors who write quirky characters for him which he performs with his signature style that has gained him a huge fan following in the younger generation of movie goers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/happy-birthday-anandaraj-special-article-tamil-news-273749|title=Happy Birthday Ananadaraj from terrifying villain to hilarious comedian - Tamil News|date=10 November 2020|website=IndiaGlitz.com}}</ref>
Many years later, Anandaraj made a sudden switch to comedy in ''[[Mundasupatti]]'' directed by Ramkumar released in 2014 that had audiences falling off their seats and there had been no looking back since then. Anandaraj has become a hot favorite of young directors who write quirky characters for him which he performs with his signature style that has gained him a huge fan following in the younger generation of movie goers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/happy-birthday-anandaraj-special-article-tamil-news-273749|title=Happy Birthday Ananadaraj from terrifying villain to hilarious comedian - Tamil News|date=10 November 2020|website=IndiaGlitz.com}}</ref>
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Director [[Prabhu Deva]] offered Anandaraj the lead in the role and asked him not to react to anything, even though a baddie is expected to give exaggerated expressions. [[Prabhu Deva]] wanted Anandaraj to sport a certain look, so he underwent intense training for a year and lost about 12 kilos and fulfilled Prabhu Deva's expectation to get signed for ''[[Action Jackson (2014 film)|Action Jackson]]'' (2014). He played a don in the film and his look was completely different from the one he had tried in the south, as he spots a lizard tattoo on his head.<ref name=AnandRaj/>
Director [[Prabhu Deva]] offered Anandaraj the lead in the role and asked him not to react to anything, even though a baddie is expected to give exaggerated expressions. [[Prabhu Deva]] wanted Anandaraj to sport a certain look, so he underwent intense training for a year and lost about 12 kilos and fulfilled Prabhu Deva's expectation to get signed for ''[[Action Jackson (2014 film)|Action Jackson]]'' (2014). He played a don in the film and his look was completely different from the one he had tried in the south, as he spots a lizard tattoo on his head.<ref name=AnandRaj/>


He joined [[Vijay Sethupathi]] and [[Nayanthara]] starrer ''[[Naanum Rowdydhaan]]'' (2015). Though Anandaraj doesn’t play the main antagonist role, his character will have shades of grey.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.onlykollywood.com/anandaraj-joins-naanum-rowdy-thaan/|title=Anandaraj joins Naanum Rowdy Thaan|date=2 January 2015|website=Only Kollywood}}</ref> In ''[[Maragadha Naanayam]]'' (2017), he plays a character called Twinkle Ramanathan. His other films include ''[[Katha Nayagan (2017 film)|Katha Nayagan]]'' (2017), ''[[Sathya (2017 Tamil film)|Sathya]]'' (2017) and ''[[Gulaebaghavali]]'' (2018). He’s almost perfected the role of the comic villain.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/interviews/2017/jun/18/the-villain-who-isnt-634.html|title=The villain who isn't: Anandraj|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> For the film ''[[Jackpot (2019 film)|Jackpot]]'' (2019), Anandaraj received Best comedian from [[Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards|Vikatan]].  He played a role in ''[[Bigil]]'' (2019) has expressed his disappointment over the filmmaker for the way he approached his character in the film in post production.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.chennaimemes.in/actor-anand-raj-regrets-for-acting-in-bigil-watch/|title=Actor Anand Raj Regrets For Acting In “BIGIL” !! WATCH &#124; Chennai Memes|first=Dhiwaharan|last=Palani}}</ref>
He joined [[Vijay Sethupathi]] and [[Nayanthara]] starrer ''[[Naanum Rowdydhaan]]'' (2015). Though Anandaraj doesn't play the main antagonist role.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.onlykollywood.com/anandaraj-joins-naanum-rowdy-thaan/|title=Anandaraj joins Naanum Rowdy Thaan|date=2 January 2015|website=Only Kollywood}}</ref> His other films include ''[[Maragadha Naanayam]]'' (2017) ''[[Katha Nayagan (2017 film)|Katha Nayagan]]'' (2017), ''[[Sathya (2017 Tamil film)|Sathya]]'' (2017) and ''[[Gulaebaghavali]]'' (2018). He's almost perfected the role of the comic villain.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/interviews/2017/jun/18/the-villain-who-isnt-634.html|title=The villain who isn't: Anandraj|website=[[Cinema Express]]|date=18 June 2017 }}</ref> For the film ''[[Jackpot (2019 film)|Jackpot]]'' (2019), Anandaraj received Best comedian from [[Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards|Vikatan]].  He played a role in ''[[Bigil]]'' (2019) has expressed his disappointment over the filmmaker for the way he approached his character in the film in post production.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tamil.behindtalkies.com/actor-anand-raj-regrets-for-acting-in-bigil/|title = இன்ட்ரோ வைக்க கூட மனசில்லயா. ஏன் இதுல நடிச்சனு திட்னாங்க. பிகில் படத்தால் ஆனந்த் ராஜ் வேதனை. வீடியோ| date=28 January 2020 }}</ref> He acted in [[Santhanam (actor)|Santhanam]]'s films subsequently such as ''[[Biskoth]]'' (2020), ''[[Dikkiloona]]'' (2021) and ''[[80s Buildup]]'' (2023).


==Personal life==
==Personal life==


Anandaraj was born in [[Pondicherry|Puducherry]] and is the second son in the family of eight.<ref>https://nettv4u.com/celebrity/tamil/movie-actor/anandaraj</ref> He is married and has a daughter and a son.
Anandaraj was born in [[Puducherry (city)|Puducherry]]. He is the second son in the family of eight.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nettv4u.com/celebrity/tamil/movie-actor/anandaraj|title=Kollywood Movie Actor Anandaraj Biography, News, Photos, Videos}}</ref> He is married and has a daughter, a son and a grandson


== Politics ==
== Politics ==
Actor Anandraj is a loyalite of [[J. Jayalalithaa|Jayalalitha]] and has joined [[All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|ADMK]] under her leadership. He supported [[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]] and stated that he will personally vote for the party on 2014. After Jayalalitha's death he quitted ADMK. He later said Mudaliar community should vote for [[None of the above|NOTA]].
Actor Anandraj is loyal to [[J. Jayalalithaa|Jayalalitha]] and has joined [[All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|AIADMK]] under her leadership. He supported [[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]] and stated that he will personally vote for the party in 2014. After Jayalalitha's death he quit ADMK. He later said Mudaliar community should vote for [[None of the above|NOTA]].


==Filmography==
==Filmography==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
===Tamil films===
|+Key
| style="background:#FFFFCC;"| {{dagger|alt=Films that have not yet been released}}
| Denotes films that have not yet been released
|}
 
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+
|-
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Film
! scope="col" | Role
! class="unsortable" scope="col" | Notes
|-
|rowspan="7"|1988 || ''[[Oruvar Vaazhum Aalayam]]'' || Henchmen ||
|-
| ''[[Thaimel Aanai]]'' || Johnny ||
|-
| ''[[Jeeva (1988 film)|Jeeva]]'' || Main Henchmen ||
|-
| ''[[En Thangachi Padichava]]'' || Gaja ||
|-
| ''[[Senthoora Poove]]'' || Udayappan ||
|-
| ''[[Paatti Sollai Thattathe]]'' || Autorickshaw driver ||
|-
| ''[[Kalicharan (1988 film)|Kalicharan]]'' || Anandraj ||
|-
|rowspan="3"|1989 || ''[[Pillaikkaga]]'' || Nagadevan ||
|-
| ''[[Rajadhi Raja (1989 film)|Rajadhi Raja]]'' || Kangeyan ||
|-
|''Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu'' || Maruthupandi ||
|-
|rowspan="15"|1990 ||''[[Nalla Kaalam Porandaachu]]'' || Joe ||
|-
| ''[[Pulan Visaranai]]'' || Dharma ||
|-
| ''[[Paattukku Naan Adimai]]'' || Vajervelu ||
|-
| ''[[Pudhu Padagan]]'' || Arumugam || Guest appearance
|-
| ''[[Thangathin Thangam]]'' || Mariappan's Son ||
|-
| ''[[Kalyana Rasi]]'' || Periyathambi ||
|-
| ''[[Urudhi Mozhi]]'' || Johnny ||
|-
| ''[[Ulagam Pirandhadhu Enakkaga]]'' || Kumar ||
|-
| ''[[Periya Idathu Pillai]]'' || Anand ||
|-
| ''[[Velai Kidaichuduchu]]'' || Baasha ||
|-
| ''[[Palaivana Paravaigal]]'' || Machi ||
|-
| ''[[Vellaiya Thevan]]'' || Semmangkalai ||
|-
| ''[[Namma Ooru Poovatha]]'' || Rajappa ||
|-
| ''[[Raja Kaiya Vacha]]'' || Japan ||
|-
| ''[[Ethir Kaatru]]'' || Devaraj ||
|-
|rowspan="5"|1991 || ''[[Kaaval Nilayam]]'' || Raja ||
|-
| ''[[Maanagara Kaaval]]'' || Robin ||[[12th Cinema Express Awards|Cinema Express Award for Best Villain]]
|-
| ''Iravu Sooriyan'' || ||
|-
| ''[[Moondrezhuthil En Moochirukkum]]'' || Amirtharajah ||
|-
|-
! Year !! Film !! Role !! Language !! Notes
| ''Thambi Oorukku Pudhusu'' || ||
|-
|-
|rowspan="7"|1988 || ''[[Oruvar Vaazhum Aalayam]]'' || || Tamil ||
|rowspan="7"|1992 || ''[[Government Mappillai]]'' || Sundarapandian ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Thaimel Aanai]]'' || || [[Tamil language|Tamil]] ||
| ''[[Unna Nenachen Pattu Padichen]]'' || Maarithevan ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Jeeva (1988 film)|Jeeva]]'' || || Tamil ||
| ''[[Bharathan (1992 film)|Bharathan]]'' || Gangadharan ||
|-
|-
| ''[[En Thangachi Padichava]]'' || Gaja || Tamil ||
| ''[[Pokkiri Thambi]]'' || Thambidurai ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Senthoora Poove]]'' || Udayappan || Tamil ||
| ''Kizhakku Velathachu'' || ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Paatti Sollai Thattathe]]'' || Autorickshaw driver || Tamil ||
| ''[[Thaali Kattiya Raasa]]'' || ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Kalicharan (1988 film)|Kalicharan]]'' || Anandraj || Tamil ||
|''[[David Uncle]]'' || David ||
|-
|-
|rowspan="9"|1989 || ''[[Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu (1989 film)|Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu]]'' || || Tamil ||
|rowspan="2"|1993 || ''[[Kattalai (film)|Kattalai]]'' || ||
|-
|-
| '' Nal Valthukkal'' || || Tamil ||
| ''[[Rajadurai (film)|Rajadurai]]'' || Mayandi  ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Rajadhi Raja (1989 film)|Rajadhi Raja]]'' || || Tamil ||
|rowspan="4"|1994 || ''[[En Rajangam]]'' || Gopalakrishnan ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Bamma Maata Bangaru Baata]]'' || Anasuya's husband || [[Telugu language|Telugu]] ||
| ''[[Vandicholai Chinraasu]]'' || Santhanapandian ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Muddula Mavayya]]'' || Gaja || Telugu ||
| ''[[Jallikattu Kaalai]]'' || Loose Gounder ||
|-
|-
| ''Palnati Rudraiah'' || || Telugu ||
| ''[[Magudikkaran]]'' || ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Lankeswarudu]]'' || || Telugu ||
|rowspan="13"|1995 || ''[[Baashha]]'' || Indaran  ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Ontari Poratam]]'' || Govinda Yadav || Telugu ||
| ''[[Kattumarakaran]]'' || ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Two Town Rowdy]]'' || Rowdy || Telugu ||
| ''[[Thottil Kuzhandhai]]'' || Rajarathnam ||
|-
|-
|rowspan="17"|1990 ||''[[Prananiki Pranam]]'' || Bahadoor || Telugu ||
| ''[[Puthiya Aatchi]]'' || Marappan ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Nalla Kaalam Porandaachu]]'' || Joe || Tamil ||
| ''[[Nandhavana Theru]]'' || Rajasekhar ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Pulan Visaranai]]'' || Dharma || Tamil ||
| ''[[Thirumoorthy]]'' || Govindan ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Paattukku Naan Adimai]]'' || || Tamil ||
| ''[[Thedi Vandha Raasa]]'' || ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Pudhu Padagan]]'' || Arumugam || Tamil || Guest appearance
| ''[[Mr. Madras]]'' || Thiruttani ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Thangathin Thangam]]'' || || Tamil ||
| ''[[Makkal Aatchi]]'' || Rangachari ||
|-
| ''[[Ragasiya Police]]'' || Azhagam Perumal ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Kalyana Rasi]]'' || || Tamil ||
| ''[[Maaman Magal (1995 film)|Maaman Magal]]'' || Paramasivam ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Urudhi Mozhi]]'' || || Tamil ||
| ''[[Thondan (1995 film)|Thondan]]'' || Ilavenil ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Ulagam Pirandhadhu Enakkaga]]'' || || Tamil ||
| ''[[Varraar Sandiyar]]'' || Maruthu ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Periya Idathu Pillai]]'' || || Tamil ||
|rowspan="5"|1996 || ''[[Aruva Velu]]'' || Alavanthar ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Velai Kidaichuduchu]]'' || Baasha || Tamil ||
| ''[[Kizhakku Mugam]]'' || Nagaraj ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Iddaru Iddare (1990 film)|Iddaru Iddare]]'' || Teja || Telugu ||
| ''[[Sengottai (film)|Sengottai]]'' || Inspector Thangamani || Guest appearance
|-
|-
| ''[[Palaivana Paravaigal]]'' || Machi || Tamil ||
| ''[[Manikkam]]'' || ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Vellaiya Thevan]]'' || || Tamil ||
| ''Andha Naal'' || Father James ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Namma Ooru Poovatha]]'' || || Tamil ||
|rowspan="7"|1997 || ''[[Aravindhan]]'' || Ramanathan ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Raja Kaiya Vacha]]'' || Japan || Tamil ||
| ''My India'' ||||
|-
|-
| ''[[Ethir Kaatru]]'' || Devaraj || Tamil ||
| ''[[Suryavamsam (1997 film)|Suryavamsam]]'' || Dharamalingam Gounder || [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Villain]]<br />Cinema Express Award for Best Villain
|-
|-
|rowspan="7"|1991 || ''[[Sathruvu]]'' || Satya Murthy || Telugu ||
| ''[[Abhimanyu (1997 film)|Abhimanyu]]'' || || Guest appearance
|-
|-
| ''[[Gang Leader]]'' || Kanakambaram || Telugu ||
| ''[[Adimai Changili]]'' || ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Kaaval Nilayam]]'' || Raja || Tamil ||
| ''[[Janakiraman]]'' || ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Maanagara Kaaval]]'' || Robin || Tamil ||
| ''[[Arasiyal]]'' || Vikram || Guest appearance
|-
|-
| ''Iravu Sooriyan'' || || Tamil ||
|rowspan="9"|1998 ||''[[Moovendhar]]'' || Velliangiri ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Moondrezhuthil En Moochirukkum]]'' || Amirtharajah || Tamil ||
| ''[[Naam Iruvar Nammaku Iruvar]]'' || Thief  ||
|-
|-
| ''Thambi Oorukku Pudhusu'' || || Tamil ||
| ''[[Sandhippoma]]'' || ||
|-
|-
|rowspan="7"|1992 || ''[[Government Mappillai]]'' || Sundarapandian || Tamil ||
| ''[[Kalyana Galatta]]'' || ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Unna Nenachen Pattu Padichen]]'' || || Tamil ||
| ''[[Simmarasi]]'' || Maragatham || Dinakaran Cinema Award for Best Villain Actor
|-
|-
| ''[[Bharathan (1992 film)|Bharathan]]'' || Gangadharan || Tamil ||
| ''[[Desiya Geetham]]'' || ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Pokkiri Thambi]]'' || Thambidurai || Tamil ||
| ''[[Urimai Por]]'' || J. K. B. ||
|-
|-
| ''Kizhakku Velathachu'' || || Tamil ||
| ''[[Pudhumai Pithan (1998 film)|Pudhumai Pithan]]'' || || Guest appearance
|-
|-
| ''[[Thaali Kattiya Raasa]]'' || || Tamil ||
| ''[[Pooveli]]'' || Maha's uncle ||
|-
|-
|''[[David Uncle]]'' || David || Tamil ||
|rowspan="9"|1999 || ''[[Periyanna]]'' || ||
|-
|-
|rowspan="3"|1993 || ''[[Kattalai (film)|Kattalai]]'' || || Tamil ||  
| ''[[Kummi Paattu]]'' || Pachhamalayan ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Rajadurai (film)|Rajadurai]]'' || Mayandi  || Tamil ||  
| ''[[Oruvan (1999 film)|Oruvan]]'' || Peter Fernandez ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Bava Bavamaridi]]'' || Bhoopati || Telugu ||  
| ''[[Malabar Police]]'' || Varadappan ||
|-
|-
|rowspan="6"|1994 || ''[[The City (1994 film)|The City]]'' || || [[Malayalam]] ||
| ''[[Kannupada Poguthaiya]]'' || Maniyaandar ||
|-
|-
| ''[[En Rajangam]]'' || Gopalakrishnan || Tamil ||
| ''[[Kanmani Unakkaga]]'' || Prathap ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Vandicholai Chinraasu]]'' || Santhanapandian || Tamil ||
| ''[[Unnaruge Naan Irundhal]]'' || Jamindar ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Jallikattu Kaalai]]'' || Loose Gounder || Tamil ||
| ''[[Paattali]]'' || Rajarathinam ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Magudikkaran]]'' || || Tamil ||
| ''[[Time (1999 film)|Time]]'' || Local Rogue ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Jaana (film)|Jaana]]'' || Anand || [[Kannada]] ||
|rowspan="6"|2000 || ''[[Vaanathaippola]]'' || Rajadurai ||
|-
|-
|rowspan="14"|1995 || ''[[Baashha]]'' || Indaran  || Tamil ||
|''[[Vetri Kodi Kattu]]'' || Dubai Job Agency's Middleman ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Kattumarakaran]]'' || || Tamil ||
|''[[Krodham 2]]'' || Yogaraj ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Thottil Kuzhandhai]]'' || Rajarathnam || Tamil ||
|''[[Anbudan]]'' || ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Puthiya Aatchi]]'' || Marappan || Tamil ||
| ''[[Vanna Thamizh Pattu]]'' || Rasappan ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Nandhavana Theru]]'' || Rajasekhar || Tamil ||
| ''[[Independence Day (2000 film)|Independence Day]]'' || ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Thirumoorthy]]'' || Govindan || Tamil ||
|rowspan="2"|2001 ||  ''[[Seerivarum Kaalai]]'' || Police Inspector ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Pedarayudu]]'' || Bhupathi || Telugu ||
| ''[[Narasimha (2001 film)|Narasimha]]'' || Thilagarnambi ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Thedi Vandha Raasa]]'' || || Tamil ||
|rowspan="3"|2002 || ''[[Varushamellam Vasantham]]'' || Police Inspector || Guest Appearance
|-
|-
| ''[[Mr. Madras]]'' || Thiruttani || Tamil ||
| ''[[Ezhumalai]]'' || Nagalingam's brother in law ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Makkal Aatchi]]'' || Rangachari || Tamil ||
| ''[[Style (2002 film)|Style]]'' || Marthandam ||
|-  
|-
| ''[[Ragasiya Police]]'' || Azhagam Perumal || Tamil ||  
| rowspan="6" |2003 || ''[[Aasai Aasaiyai]]'' || Commissioner Srinivas IPS||
|-
|''[[Kadhaludan]]'' || || Guest appearance
|-
| ''[[Yes Madam (2003 film)|Yes Madam]]'' || ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Maaman Magal (1995 film)|Maaman Magal]]'' || Paramasivam || Tamil ||
| ''[[Sena (film)|Sena]]'' || Mastan Bhai ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Thondan (1995 film)|Thondan]]'' || Ilavenil || Tamil ||
| ''[[Diwan (film)|Diwan]]'' || Meenakshi's father ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Varraar Sandiyar]]'' || Maruthu || Tamil ||
| ''Vadakku Vaasal'' || Inspector Alex Pandian ||
|-
|-
|rowspan="7"|1996 || ''[[Aruva Velu]]'' || Alavanthar || Tamil ||
|rowspan="5"|2004 || ''[[Campus (film)|Campus]]'' || ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Kizhakku Mugam]]'' || Nagaraj || Tamil ||
| ''[[Engal Anna]]'' || Durairaj ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Sengottai (film)|Sengottai]]'' || Inspector Thangamani || Tamil || Guest appearance
| ''[[Arasatchi]]'' || Advocate Brammanadham ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Andha Naal (1996 film)|Andha Naal]]'' || Father James || Tamil ||
| ''[[Giri (film)|Giri]]'' || Pasupathy, Pasupathy's father ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Manikkam]]'' || || Tamil ||
| ''[[Meesai Madhavan]]'' || Rani's father ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Ramudochadu]]'' || Gavaraju || Telugu ||
|rowspan="2"|2005 || ''[[Iyer IPS]]'' || Pasupathy ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Palegara]]'' || || Kannada ||
| ''[[Kannadi Pookal]]'' || Sakthivel's Friend ||
|-
|-
|rowspan="9"|1997 || ''[[Shubhakankshalu]]'' || Moses|| Telugu ||
| 2006 || ''[[Perarasu (film)|Perarasu]]'' || DCP Kesavan Nair ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Aravindhan]]'' || Ramanathan || Tamil ||
|rowspan="1"|2007 || ''[[Pokkiri]]'' || Narasimha ||
|-
|-
| ''My India'' |||| Tamil ||
|rowspan="3"|2008 || ''[[Ashoka (2008 film)|Ashoka]]'' || Chandramohan ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Suryavamsam (1997 film)|Suryavamsam]]'' || Dharamalingam Gounder || Tamil || [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Villain]]<br />Cinema Express Award for Best Villain
| ''[[Vallamai Tharayo]]'' || Nandita's father ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Abhimanyu (1997 film)|Abhimanyu]]'' || || Tamil || Guest appearance
| ''[[Nayagan (2008 film)|Nayagan]]'' || Gang leader ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Adimai Changili]]'' || || Tamil ||
| 2009 || ''[[Villu (film)|Villu]]'' || J.D ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Janakiraman]]'' || || Tamil ||
|rowspan="4"|2010 || ''[[Kola Kolaya Mundhirika]]'' || Veerappan ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Taraka Ramudu]]'' || Gajapati's brother-in-law || Telugu ||
| ''[[Goa (2010 film)|Goa]]'' || Village Rowdy ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Arasiyal]]'' || Vikram || Tamil || Guest appearance
| ''Indrasena'' || ||
|-
|-
|rowspan="10"|1998 ||''[[Moovendhar]]'' || Velliangiri || Tamil ||
| ''[[Agam Puram]]'' || Muthuraj || Guest appearance
|-
|-
| ''[[Naam Iruvar Nammaku Iruvar]]'' || || Tamil ||
| 2011 || ''En Ullam Unnai Theduthey'' || ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Suryavamsam (1998 film)|Suryavamsam]]'' || Singaraju Lingaraju || Telugu ||
| 2014 || ''[[Mundasupatti]]'' || Zamindar Ekambaram ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Sandhippoma]]'' || || Tamil ||
|rowspan="3"|2015 || ''[[Pulan Visaranai 2]]'' || John ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Kalyana Galatta]]'' || || Tamil ||
| ''[[Paayum Puli (2015 film)|Paayum Puli]]'' || Inspector Manikandan ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Simmarasi]]'' || Maragatham || Tamil || Dinakaran Cinema Award for Best Villain Actor
| ''[[Naanum Rowdydhaan]]'' || Pondicherry Don ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Desiya Geetham]]'' || || Tamil ||
| 2016 || ''[[Dhilluku Dhuddu]]'' || Kumar's father ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Urimai Por]]'' || J. K. B. || Tamil ||
|rowspan="4"|2017 || ''[[Bruce Lee (2017 film)|Bruce Lee]]'' || Inspector Shanmugapandiyan ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Pudhumai Pithan (1998 film)|Pudhumai Pithan]]'' || || Tamil || Guest appearance
| ''[[Maragadha Naanayam]]'' || 'Twinkle' Ramanathan ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Pooveli]]'' || Maha's uncle || Tamil ||
| ''[[Katha Nayagan (2017 film)|Katha Nayagan]]'' || Dubai Sheik ||
|-
|-
|rowspan="9"|1999 || ''[[Periyanna]]'' || || Tamil ||
| ''[[Sathya (2017 Tamil film)|Sathya]]'' || Inspector Chowdhary ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Kummi Paattu]]'' || Pachhamalayan || Tamil ||  
|rowspan="8"|2018 || ''[[Gulaebaghavali]]'' || Munish's boss ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Oruvan (1999 film)|Oruvan]]'' || Peter Fernandez || Tamil ||
| ''[[Thaanaa Serndha Koottam]]'' || Gandhi Appa (Kuthaalingam) ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Malabar Police]]'' || Varadappan || Tamil ||
| ''[[Pakka (film)|Pakka]]'' || Nattamai ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Kannupada Poguthaiya]]'' || Maniyaandar || Tamil ||  
| ''[[Iravukku Aayiram Kangal]]'' || Murugesan ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Kanmani Unakkaga]]'' || Prathap || Tamil ||
| ''[[Kalavani Mappillai]]'' || Thulasi's father ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Unnaruge Naan Irundhal]]'' || Jamindar || Tamil ||  
| ''[[Evanukku Engeyo Matcham Irukku]]'' || Annachi ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Paattali]]'' || || Tamil ||
| ''[[Johnny (2018 film)|Johnny]]'' || Prakash ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Time (1999 film)|Time]]'' || Local Rogue || Tamil ||
| ''[[Silukkuvarupatti Singam]]'' || Share Auto Chandran ||
|-
|-
|rowspan="6"|2000 || ''[[Vaanathaippola]]'' || || Tamil ||
|rowspan="4"|2019 || ''[[Ayogya (2019 film)|Ayogya]]'' || 'Bullet' Rajendran ||
|-
|-
|''[[Vetri Kodi Kattu]]'' || Dubai Job Agency's Middleman || Tamil ||  
| ''[[Gurkha (2019 film)|Gurkha]]'' || Alex ||
|-
|-
|''[[Krodham 2]]'' || Yogaraj || Tamil ||  
| ''[[Jackpot (2019 film)|Jackpot]]'' || Maanasthan / Inspector Maanasthi || [[Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards|Ananda Vikatan Cinema Award for Best comedian]]
|-
|-
|''[[Anbudan]]'' || || Tamil ||  
| ''[[Bigil]]'' || Anand (Rock) ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Vanna Thamizh Pattu]]'' || Rasappan || Tamil ||  
| 2020 || ''[[Biskoth]]'' || Narasimhan ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Independence Day (2000 film)|Independence Day]]'' || || Tamil/Kannada ||  
| rowspan="2"| 2021 || ''[[Vanakkam Da Mappilei]]'' || Ramachandran ||
|-
|-
|rowspan="3"|2001 ||  ''[[Seerivarum Kaalai]]'' || || Tamil ||  
| ''[[Dikkiloona]]'' || Arivu's Boss ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Simharasi (film)|Simharasi]]'' || || Telugu ||  
| rowspan="4" | 2022 || ''[[Idiot (2022 film)|Idiot]]'' || Raasu Gounde ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Narasimha (2001 film)|Narasimha]]'' || Thilagarnambi || Tamil ||
| ''[[Cobra (2022 film)|Cobra]]'' || Laundry Man ||
|-
|-
|rowspan="6"|2002 || ''[[Seema Simham]]'' || Police Inspector || Telugu ||
| ''[[Prince (2022 film)|Prince]]'' || Inspector Muthupandi ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Varushamellam Vasantham]]'' || || Tamil ||
|''[[Naai Sekar Returns]]'' || Dass
|-
|-
| ''[[Ezhumalai]]'' || || Tamil ||
| rowspan="4" | 2023 || ''[[Vallavanukkum Vallavan]]'' || Inspector Poonthamalli ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Siva Rama Raju]]'' || Veeraju Varma || Telugu ||
|''[[Rayar Parambarai]]'' || Gopal, Mortuary worker ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Chennakesava Reddy]]'' || Dhanunjaya Reddy || Telugu ||
| ''[[80s Buildup]]'' || Gopal ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Style (2002 film)|Style]]'' || Marthandam || Tamil ||
| ''[[Conjuring Kannappan]]'' || Devil Armstrong ||
|-
|-
|rowspan="8"|2003 || ''[[Aasai Aasaiyai]]'' || Commissioner Srinivas IPS|| Tamil ||
| rowspan="3"| 2024 || ''[[Vithaikkaaran]]'' || ‘Dollar’ Azhagu ||  
|-
|-
|''[[Kadhaludan]]'' || || Tamil || Guest appearance
| ''[[Uyir Thamizhukku]]'' || Pazhakadai Ramachandran ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Yes Madam (2003 film)|Yes Madam]]'' || || Tamil ||
|''[[Vasco Da Gama (film)|Vasco Da Gama]]'' || Lakshana's father ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Raghavendra (film)|Raghavendra]]'' || Ankineedu || Telugu ||
| rowspan="3" | 2025 || ''[[Baby and Baby]]'' || Rajan ||  
|-
|-
| ''[[Sena (film)|Sena]]'' || Mastan Bhai || Tamil ||
| ''[[Chennai City Gangsters]]'' || Split Soosai ||<ref>{{cite web|date=2024-09-05 |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2024/Sep/05/anand-raj-to-play-split-soosai-in-chennai-city-gangsters |title=Anand Raj to play Split Soosai in Chennai City Gangsters|website=[[Cinema Express]] |language=en|access-date=2024-09-22 |archive-date=2024-09-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240922074759/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2024/Sep/05/anand-raj-to-play-split-soosai-in-chennai-city-gangsters|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kumar |first=Akshay |date=2025-05-05 |title=Vaibhav-Athulya Ravi's Chennai City Gangsters gets a release date |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2025/May/05/vaibhav-athulya-ravis-chennai-city-gangsters-gets-a-release-date |access-date=2025-05-05 |website=Cinema Express |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|-
| ''[[Ice (2003 film)|Ice]]'' || || Tamil ||
|''[[Madharas Mafia Company]]'' || Pungavanam ||<ref>{{Cite web |last=தினத்தந்தி |date=2025-11-08 |title=ஆனந்தராஜின் “மெட்ராஸ் மாபியா கம்பெனி” படத்தின் ரிலீஸ் தேதி அறிவிப்பு |url=https://www.dailythanthi.com/cinema/cinemanews/anandarajs-madras-mafia-company-release-date-announced-1189121 |access-date=2025-11-12 |website=www.dailythanthi.com |language=ta}}</ref>
|-
|-
| ''[[Diwan (film)|Diwan]]'' || Meenakshi's father || Tamil ||
| rowspan="1" | 2026 ||''[[Vaa Vaathiyaar]]'' || ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Vadakku Vaasal]]'' || Inspector Alex Pandian || Tamil ||
<!---------------------------------------------------------->
<!-- Per WP:FILMOGRAPHY: Do not add future projects until -->
<!-- filming has begun as verified by a reliable source.  -->
<!---------------------------------------------------------->
|}
{{pending films key}}
 
=== Telugu films ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+
|-
|-
|rowspan="6"|2004 || ''[[Campus (film)|Campus]]'' || || Tamil ||
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Film
! scope="col" | Role
! class="unsortable" scope="col" | Notes
|-
|-
| ''[[Engal Anna]]'' || Durairaj || Tamil ||
| rowspan="6"|1989 || ''[[Bamma Maata Bangaru Baata]]'' || Anasuya's husband ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Sathyam (2004 film)|Sathyam]]'' || Mambally Mukundan Menon || Malayalam ||
| ''[[Muddula Mavayya]]'' || Gaja ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Arasatchi]]'' ||  || Tamil ||
| ''Palnati Rudraiah'' ||  ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Giri (film)|Giri]]'' || Pasupathy, Pasupathy's father || Tamil ||
| ''[[Lankeswarudu]]'' || Ananth Raj ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Meesai Madhavan]]'' || Rani's father || Tamil ||
| ''[[Ontari Poratam]]'' || Govinda Yadav ||
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"|2005 || ''[[Iyer IPS]]'' || Pasupathy || Tamil ||
| ''[[Two Town Rowdy]]'' || Rowdy ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Kannadi Pookal]]'' || || Tamil ||
| rowspan="2"| 1990 ||''[[Prananiki Pranam]]'' || Bahadoor ||
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"|2006 || ''[[Perarasu (film)|Perarasu]]'' || DCP Kesavan Nair || Tamil ||
| ''[[Iddaru Iddare (1990 film)|Iddaru Iddare]]'' || Teja ||
|-
|-
| ''Jayam'' || Bharathan || [[Malayalam]] ||
|rowspan="2"|1991 || ''[[Sathruvu]]'' || Satya Murthy ||
|-
|-
|rowspan="1"|2007 || ''[[Pokkiri]]'' || Narasimha || Tamil ||
| ''[[Gang Leader]]'' || Kanakambaram ||
|-
|-
|rowspan="3"|2008 || ''[[Ashoka (film)|Ashoka]]'' || || Tamil ||
| 1993 || ''[[Bava Bavamaridi]]'' || Bhoopati ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Vallamai Tharayo]]'' || Nandita's father || Tamil ||
| 1995 || ''[[Pedarayudu]]'' || Bhupathi ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Nayagan (2008 film)|Nayagan]]'' || Gang leader || Tamil ||
| 1996 || ''[[Ramudochadu]]'' || Gavaraju ||
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"|2009 || ''[[Villu (film)|Villu]]'' || J.D || Tamil ||
| rowspan="2"|1997 || ''[[Shubhakankshalu]]'' || Moses||
|-
|-
| ''[[Adhineta]]'' || Mahendra Bhupati || Telugu ||
| ''[[Taraka Ramudu]]'' || Gajapati's brother-in-law ||
|-
|-
|rowspan="4"|2010 || ''[[Kola Kolaya Mundhirika]]'' || Veerappan || Tamil ||
| 1998 || ''[[Suryavamsam (1998 film)|Suryavamsam]]'' || Singaraju Lingaraju ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Goa (2010 film)|Goa]]'' || || Tamil ||
|rowspan="4"|2002 || ''[[Seema Simham]]'' || Police Inspector ||
|-
|-
| ''Indrasena'' ||  || Tamil ||
| ''[[Bharatasimha Reddy]]'' ||  Devudayya's brother-in-law ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Agam Puram]]'' || Muthuraj || Tamil || Guest appearance
| ''[[Siva Rama Raju]]'' || Veeraju Varma ||
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"|2011 || ''[[Doubles (2011 film)|Doubles]]'' || Pathan || Malayalam ||
| ''[[Chennakesava Reddy]]'' || Dhanunjaya Reddy ||
|-
|-
| ''En Ullam Unnai Theduthey'' || || Tamil ||
| rowspan="4"|2003 || ''[[Raghavendra (film)|Raghavendra]]'' || Ankineedu ||
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"|2014 || ''[[Mundasupatti]]'' || Zamindar Ekambaram || Tamil ||
| ''Inspector'' || Pandey || <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-inspector.html|title=Telugu cinema review - Inspector - Brahmaji, Sindhu Menon - KS Nageswara Rao - Mahendra|website=www.idlebrain.com}}</ref>
|-
|-
| ''[[Action Jackson (2014 film)|Action Jackson]]'' || Xavier || Hindi ||
| ''[[Avuna]]'' || ||  
|-
|-
|rowspan="3"|2015 || ''[[Pulan Visaranai 2]]'' || || Tamil ||
| ''[[Tiger Harischandra Prasad]]'' || Killer Koteswar Rao ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Paayum Puli (2015 film)|Paayum Puli]]'' || Inspector Manikandan || Tamil ||  
| 2005 || ''[[786 Khaidi Premakatha]]'' || Harischandra Prasad || <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-786.html|title=Movie review - 786 (Khaidi Premakatha)|date=4 February 2005|work=[[Idlebrain.com]]|last=Jeevi}}</ref>
|-
|-
| ''[[Naanum Rowdydhaan]]'' || Pondicherry Don || Tamil ||
|-
|-
|rowspan="3"|2016 || ''[[Oru Nodiyil]]'' || rowspan="2" | Anna || Tamil ||
| 2009 || ''[[Adhineta]]'' || Mahendra Bhupati ||
|-
| 2016 || ''Parvathipuram'' ||  ||  Dubbed in Telugu as ''Veera Khadgam'' (2023)
|-
| 2024 || ''[[Inti No. 13]]'' || Gajanand ||  
|}
 
=== Other language films ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+
|-
|-
| ''[[Oru Nodiyil|Parvathipuram]]''|| Telugu ||
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Film
! scope="col" | Role
! scope="col" | Language
|-
|-
| ''[[Dhilluku Dhuddu]]'' || Kumar's father || Tamil ||
| rowspan="2"|1994 ||  ''[[The City (1994 film)|The City]]'' || Raja || [[Malayalam]]
|-
|-
|rowspan="4"|2017 || ''[[Bruce Lee (2017 film)|Bruce Lee]]'' || Inspector Shanmugapandiyan || Tamil ||
| ''[[Jaana (film)|Jaana]]'' || Anand || rowspan="9"|[[Kannada]]
|-
|-
| ''[[Maragadha Naanayam]]'' || 'Twinkle' Ramanathan || Tamil ||
| 1996 || ''[[Palegara]]'' ||  
|-
|-
| ''[[Katha Nayagan (2017 film)|Katha Nayagan]]'' || Dubai Sheik || Tamil ||
| 1997 || ''Raaja'' ||  
|-
|-
| ''[[Sathya (2017 Tamil film)|Sathya]]'' || Inspector Chowdhary || Tamil ||
| rowspan="4"|2000 || ''Mahathma'' ||  
|-
|-
|rowspan="8"|2018 || ''[[Gulaebaghavali]]'' || Munish's boss || Tamil ||
| ''Papigala Lokadalli'' ||  
|-
|-
| ''[[Thaanaa Serndha Koottam]]'' || Gandhi Appa (Kuthaalingam) || Tamil ||
| ''Krishnarjuna'' ||  
|-
|-
| ''[[Pakka (film)|Pakka]]'' || Nattamai || Tamil ||  
| ''[[Independence Day (2000 film)|Independence Day]]'' ||  
|-
|-
| ''[[Iravukku Aayiram Kangal]]'' || Murugesan || Tamil ||
| rowspan="2"|2003 ||  ''[[Kiccha]]'' || Minister
|-
|-
| ''[[Kalavani Mappillai]]'' || Thulasi's father || Tamil ||  
| ''Vijaya Dashami'' ||  
|-
|-
| ''[[Evanukku Engeyo Matcham Irukku]]'' || Annachi || Tamil ||  
| 2004 || ''[[Sathyam (2004 film)|Sathyam]]'' || Commissioner Mambally Mukundan Menon || rowspan="2"|Malayalam
|-
|-
| ''[[Johnny (2018 film)|Johnny]]'' || Prakash || Tamil ||
| 2006 || ''Jayam'' || Bharathan
|-
|-
| ''[[Silukkuvarupatti Singam]]'' || Share Auto Chandran || Tamil ||
| 2008 ||  ''[[Indra (2008 film)|Indra]]'' || || rowspan="3"|Kannada
|-
|-
|rowspan="4"|2019 || ''[[Ayogya (2019 film)|Ayogya]]'' || 'Bullet' Rajendran || Tamil ||
| 2009 || ''Machaa'' ||  
|-
|-
| ''[[Gurkha (2019 film)|Gurkha]]'' || Alex || Tamil ||  
| 2010 ||  ''Meshtru'' ||  
|-
|-
| ''[[Jackpot (2019 film)|Jackpot]]'' || Maanasthan / Inspector Maanasthi || Tamil || [[Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards|Ananda Vikatan Cinema Award for Best comedian]]
| 2011 || ''[[Doubles (2011 film)|Doubles]]'' || Pathan || Malayalam
|-
|-
| ''[[Bigil]]'' || Anand (Rock) || Tamil ||
| 2012 || ''Swaranjali'' || || Kannada
|-
|-
| 2020 || ''[[Biskoth]]'' || Narasimhan || Tamil ||
| 2014 || ''[[Action Jackson (2014 film)|Action Jackson]]'' || Xavier Fonseca || Hindi
|-
|-
| rowspan="1"| 2021 || ''[[Vanakkam Da Mappilei]]'' || Ramachandran || Tamil ||
|}
|}


Latest revision as of 20:40, 25 March 2026


Anandaraj
Born (1958-11-10) 10 November 1958 (age 67)
Pondicherry, Puducherry, India
Alma materM.G.R. Government Film and Television Training Institute
OccupationActor
Years active1988–present
Political partyAll India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
Partner(s)Thilakavathi
Children2

Anandaraj (born 10 November 1958) is an Indian actor. He has acted in mainly in villain roles and few comedic roles in several Tamil films and appeared in over a three hundred films in different languages including Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi.[1]

Career[edit | edit source]

Anandaraj was born and brought up in Pondicherry. After schooling, his father wanted him to become a police officer, but Anandaraj wanted to try something different as he was fascinated with films. His family supported his dreams. He joined M.G.R. Government Film and Television Training Institute, Chennai for a course. Kannada actor Shiva Rajkumar was his classmate.

Anandaraj was under the impression that offers would come his way, but later he had to struggle for an opportunity and finally started off with the 1988 film Oruvar Vaazhum Aalayam, starring Prabhu and Sivakumar, and later En Thangachi Padichava, directed by P. Vasu, gave him the much-needed break in all the four south Indian languages.[2] He did Suresh Krissna’s Raja Kaiya Vacha (1990) with Prabhu, in which he essayed a positive role. However, he appeared with Vijayakanth and starred in several films together.[3]

On playing the hero roles, Anand Raj mentioned: "When one gets popular being a villain, people around you always push you to take the next step and it was one of those phases when I took up offers to play the lead role". He went on to play lead roles in the films Palaivana Paravaigal, Kaaval Nilayam, Thambi Oorukku Puthusu, Government Mappillai, Pokkiri Thambi, Kizhakku Veluthathchu, David Uncle, En Rajangam, Puthiya Aatchi and My India. Even though directors offered him good scripts, the films just didn't work well at the box office.[2][4] The huge popularity that Anandaraj gained during the late eighties elevated him to the status of hero and he and R. Sarathkumar together starred in a few action films. While Sarathkumar hit stardom, Anandaraj who was billed above him in their films together did not sustain his position and went back to playing small roles.

He has acted as a villain alongside most of the top actors, like Balakrishna (Muddula Mavayya), Vijayakanth (Pulan Visaranai), Chiranjeevi (Gang Leader), Rajinikanth (Baashha), Mammootty (Makkal Aatchi), R. Sarathkumar (Suryavamsam), Arjun (Ezhumalai) and Vijay (Pokkiri).

Many years later, Anandaraj made a sudden switch to comedy in Mundasupatti directed by Ramkumar released in 2014 that had audiences falling off their seats and there had been no looking back since then. Anandaraj has become a hot favorite of young directors who write quirky characters for him which he performs with his signature style that has gained him a huge fan following in the younger generation of movie goers.[5]

Director Prabhu Deva offered Anandaraj the lead in the role and asked him not to react to anything, even though a baddie is expected to give exaggerated expressions. Prabhu Deva wanted Anandaraj to sport a certain look, so he underwent intense training for a year and lost about 12 kilos and fulfilled Prabhu Deva's expectation to get signed for Action Jackson (2014). He played a don in the film and his look was completely different from the one he had tried in the south, as he spots a lizard tattoo on his head.[2]

He joined Vijay Sethupathi and Nayanthara starrer Naanum Rowdydhaan (2015). Though Anandaraj doesn't play the main antagonist role.[6] His other films include Maragadha Naanayam (2017) Katha Nayagan (2017), Sathya (2017) and Gulaebaghavali (2018). He's almost perfected the role of the comic villain.[7] For the film Jackpot (2019), Anandaraj received Best comedian from Vikatan. He played a role in Bigil (2019) has expressed his disappointment over the filmmaker for the way he approached his character in the film in post production.[8] He acted in Santhanam's films subsequently such as Biskoth (2020), Dikkiloona (2021) and 80s Buildup (2023).

Personal life[edit | edit source]

Anandaraj was born in Puducherry. He is the second son in the family of eight.[9] He is married and has a daughter, a son and a grandson

Politics[edit | edit source]

Actor Anandraj is loyal to Jayalalitha and has joined AIADMK under her leadership. He supported BJP and stated that he will personally vote for the party in 2014. After Jayalalitha's death he quit ADMK. He later said Mudaliar community should vote for NOTA.

Filmography[edit | edit source]

Tamil films[edit | edit source]

Year Film Role Notes
1988 Oruvar Vaazhum Aalayam Henchmen
Thaimel Aanai Johnny
Jeeva Main Henchmen
En Thangachi Padichava Gaja
Senthoora Poove Udayappan
Paatti Sollai Thattathe Autorickshaw driver
Kalicharan Anandraj
1989 Pillaikkaga Nagadevan
Rajadhi Raja Kangeyan
Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu Maruthupandi
1990 Nalla Kaalam Porandaachu Joe
Pulan Visaranai Dharma
Paattukku Naan Adimai Vajervelu
Pudhu Padagan Arumugam Guest appearance
Thangathin Thangam Mariappan's Son
Kalyana Rasi Periyathambi
Urudhi Mozhi Johnny
Ulagam Pirandhadhu Enakkaga Kumar
Periya Idathu Pillai Anand
Velai Kidaichuduchu Baasha
Palaivana Paravaigal Machi
Vellaiya Thevan Semmangkalai
Namma Ooru Poovatha Rajappa
Raja Kaiya Vacha Japan
Ethir Kaatru Devaraj
1991 Kaaval Nilayam Raja
Maanagara Kaaval Robin Cinema Express Award for Best Villain
Iravu Sooriyan
Moondrezhuthil En Moochirukkum Amirtharajah
Thambi Oorukku Pudhusu
1992 Government Mappillai Sundarapandian
Unna Nenachen Pattu Padichen Maarithevan
Bharathan Gangadharan
Pokkiri Thambi Thambidurai
Kizhakku Velathachu
Thaali Kattiya Raasa
David Uncle David
1993 Kattalai
Rajadurai Mayandi
1994 En Rajangam Gopalakrishnan
Vandicholai Chinraasu Santhanapandian
Jallikattu Kaalai Loose Gounder
Magudikkaran
1995 Baashha Indaran
Kattumarakaran
Thottil Kuzhandhai Rajarathnam
Puthiya Aatchi Marappan
Nandhavana Theru Rajasekhar
Thirumoorthy Govindan
Thedi Vandha Raasa
Mr. Madras Thiruttani
Makkal Aatchi Rangachari
Ragasiya Police Azhagam Perumal
Maaman Magal Paramasivam
Thondan Ilavenil
Varraar Sandiyar Maruthu
1996 Aruva Velu Alavanthar
Kizhakku Mugam Nagaraj
Sengottai Inspector Thangamani Guest appearance
Manikkam
Andha Naal Father James
1997 Aravindhan Ramanathan
My India
Suryavamsam Dharamalingam Gounder Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Villain
Cinema Express Award for Best Villain
Abhimanyu Guest appearance
Adimai Changili
Janakiraman
Arasiyal Vikram Guest appearance
1998 Moovendhar Velliangiri
Naam Iruvar Nammaku Iruvar Thief
Sandhippoma
Kalyana Galatta
Simmarasi Maragatham Dinakaran Cinema Award for Best Villain Actor
Desiya Geetham
Urimai Por J. K. B.
Pudhumai Pithan Guest appearance
Pooveli Maha's uncle
1999 Periyanna
Kummi Paattu Pachhamalayan
Oruvan Peter Fernandez
Malabar Police Varadappan
Kannupada Poguthaiya Maniyaandar
Kanmani Unakkaga Prathap
Unnaruge Naan Irundhal Jamindar
Paattali Rajarathinam
Time Local Rogue
2000 Vaanathaippola Rajadurai
Vetri Kodi Kattu Dubai Job Agency's Middleman
Krodham 2 Yogaraj
Anbudan
Vanna Thamizh Pattu Rasappan
Independence Day
2001 Seerivarum Kaalai Police Inspector
Narasimha Thilagarnambi
2002 Varushamellam Vasantham Police Inspector Guest Appearance
Ezhumalai Nagalingam's brother in law
Style Marthandam
2003 Aasai Aasaiyai Commissioner Srinivas IPS
Kadhaludan Guest appearance
Yes Madam
Sena Mastan Bhai
Diwan Meenakshi's father
Vadakku Vaasal Inspector Alex Pandian
2004 Campus
Engal Anna Durairaj
Arasatchi Advocate Brammanadham
Giri Pasupathy, Pasupathy's father
Meesai Madhavan Rani's father
2005 Iyer IPS Pasupathy
Kannadi Pookal Sakthivel's Friend
2006 Perarasu DCP Kesavan Nair
2007 Pokkiri Narasimha
2008 Ashoka Chandramohan
Vallamai Tharayo Nandita's father
Nayagan Gang leader
2009 Villu J.D
2010 Kola Kolaya Mundhirika Veerappan
Goa Village Rowdy
Indrasena
Agam Puram Muthuraj Guest appearance
2011 En Ullam Unnai Theduthey
2014 Mundasupatti Zamindar Ekambaram
2015 Pulan Visaranai 2 John
Paayum Puli Inspector Manikandan
Naanum Rowdydhaan Pondicherry Don
2016 Dhilluku Dhuddu Kumar's father
2017 Bruce Lee Inspector Shanmugapandiyan
Maragadha Naanayam 'Twinkle' Ramanathan
Katha Nayagan Dubai Sheik
Sathya Inspector Chowdhary
2018 Gulaebaghavali Munish's boss
Thaanaa Serndha Koottam Gandhi Appa (Kuthaalingam)
Pakka Nattamai
Iravukku Aayiram Kangal Murugesan
Kalavani Mappillai Thulasi's father
Evanukku Engeyo Matcham Irukku Annachi
Johnny Prakash
Silukkuvarupatti Singam Share Auto Chandran
2019 Ayogya 'Bullet' Rajendran
Gurkha Alex
Jackpot Maanasthan / Inspector Maanasthi Ananda Vikatan Cinema Award for Best comedian
Bigil Anand (Rock)
2020 Biskoth Narasimhan
2021 Vanakkam Da Mappilei Ramachandran
Dikkiloona Arivu's Boss
2022 Idiot Raasu Gounde
Cobra Laundry Man
Prince Inspector Muthupandi
Naai Sekar Returns Dass
2023 Vallavanukkum Vallavan Inspector Poonthamalli
Rayar Parambarai Gopal, Mortuary worker
80s Buildup Gopal
Conjuring Kannappan Devil Armstrong
2024 Vithaikkaaran ‘Dollar’ Azhagu
Uyir Thamizhukku Pazhakadai Ramachandran
Vasco Da Gama Lakshana's father
2025 Baby and Baby Rajan
Chennai City Gangsters Split Soosai [10][11]
Madharas Mafia Company Pungavanam [12]
2026 Vaa Vaathiyaar
Key
Films that have not yet been released Denotes films that have not yet been released

Telugu films[edit | edit source]

Year Film Role Notes
1989 Bamma Maata Bangaru Baata Anasuya's husband
Muddula Mavayya Gaja
Palnati Rudraiah
Lankeswarudu Ananth Raj
Ontari Poratam Govinda Yadav
Two Town Rowdy Rowdy
1990 Prananiki Pranam Bahadoor
Iddaru Iddare Teja
1991 Sathruvu Satya Murthy
Gang Leader Kanakambaram
1993 Bava Bavamaridi Bhoopati
1995 Pedarayudu Bhupathi
1996 Ramudochadu Gavaraju
1997 Shubhakankshalu Moses
Taraka Ramudu Gajapati's brother-in-law
1998 Suryavamsam Singaraju Lingaraju
2002 Seema Simham Police Inspector
Bharatasimha Reddy Devudayya's brother-in-law
Siva Rama Raju Veeraju Varma
Chennakesava Reddy Dhanunjaya Reddy
2003 Raghavendra Ankineedu
Inspector Pandey [13]
Avuna
Tiger Harischandra Prasad Killer Koteswar Rao
2005 786 Khaidi Premakatha Harischandra Prasad [14]
2009 Adhineta Mahendra Bhupati
2016 Parvathipuram Dubbed in Telugu as Veera Khadgam (2023)
2024 Inti No. 13 Gajanand

Other language films[edit | edit source]

Year Film Role Language
1994 The City Raja Malayalam
Jaana Anand Kannada
1996 Palegara
1997 Raaja
2000 Mahathma
Papigala Lokadalli
Krishnarjuna
Independence Day
2003 Kiccha Minister
Vijaya Dashami
2004 Sathyam Commissioner Mambally Mukundan Menon Malayalam
2006 Jayam Bharathan
2008 Indra Kannada
2009 Machaa
2010 Meshtru
2011 Doubles Pathan Malayalam
2012 Swaranjali Kannada
2014 Action Jackson Xavier Fonseca Hindi

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Kollywood Movie Actor Anandaraj Biography, News, Photos, Videos". nettv4u.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "My wife is happy that I am a villain Anand Raj". The Times of India. 11 November 2014. Retrieved 12 November 2014.
  3. ↑ ""Films are too hero-centric these days"". Cinema Express. 11 November 2018.
  4. ↑ M. K. Megan (2 October 1992), "Graduating from acting as crook to hero", New Straits Times, retrieved 17 January 2013
  5. ↑ "Happy Birthday Ananadaraj from terrifying villain to hilarious comedian - Tamil News". IndiaGlitz.com. 10 November 2020.
  6. ↑ "Anandaraj joins Naanum Rowdy Thaan". Only Kollywood. 2 January 2015.
  7. ↑ "The villain who isn't: Anandraj". Cinema Express. 18 June 2017.
  8. ↑ "இன்ட்ரோ வைக்க கூட மனசில்லயா. ஏன் இதுல நடிச்சனு திட்னாங்க. பிகில் படத்தால் ஆனந்த் ராஜ் வேதனை. வீடியோ". 28 January 2020.
  9. ↑ "Kollywood Movie Actor Anandaraj Biography, News, Photos, Videos".
  10. ↑ "Anand Raj to play Split Soosai in Chennai City Gangsters". Cinema Express. 5 September 2024. Archived from the original on 22 September 2024. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
  11. ↑ Kumar, Akshay (5 May 2025). "Vaibhav-Athulya Ravi's Chennai City Gangsters gets a release date". Cinema Express. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
  12. ↑ தினத்தந்தி (8 November 2025). "ஆனந்தராஜின் "மெட்ராஸ் மாபியா கம்பெனி" படத்தின் ரிலீஸ் தேதி அறிவிப்பு". www.dailythanthi.com (in தமிழ்). Retrieved 12 November 2025.
  13. ↑ "Telugu cinema review - Inspector - Brahmaji, Sindhu Menon - KS Nageswara Rao - Mahendra". www.idlebrain.com.
  14. ↑ Jeevi (4 February 2005). "Movie review - 786 (Khaidi Premakatha)". Idlebrain.com.
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