Raghuvaran: Difference between revisions

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| name              = Raghuvaran
| name              = Raghuvaran
| image              = RaghuSir.JPG
| image              = RaghuSir.JPG
| image_size        = 220px
| image_size        =  
| birth_date        = {{Birth date|df=yes|1958|12|11|}}
| birth_date        = {{Birth date|df=yes|1958|12|11|}}
| birth_place        = [[Kollengode, Palakkad|Kollengode]], [[Kerala]], India
| birth_place        = [[Kollengode, Palakkad|Kollengode]], [[Kerala]], [[India]]
| birth_name        = Raghuvaran Velayutham
| birth_name        = Raghuvaran Velayuthan Nair
| death_date        = {{death date and age|2008|3|19|1958|12|10|df=yes}}
| death_date        = {{death date and age|2008|3|19|1958|12|10|df=yes}}
| death_place        = [[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], India
| death_place        = [[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]]
| nationality        = [[India]]n
| occupation        = Actor
| occupation        = Film actor
| years_active      = 1982-2008
| years_active      = 1982-2008
| spouse            = {{marriage|[[Rohini (actress)|Rohini]]|1996|2004|end=divorced}}
| spouse            = {{marriage|[[Rohini (actress)|Rohini]]|1996|2004|end=divorced}}
| children          = Rishivaran (b.1998)
| children          = 1
| parents            = Velayutham Nair<br>Kasthuri
}}
}}


'''Raghuvaran Velayutham''' (11 December 1958 – 19 March 2008) was an Indian actor who predominantly acted in films made in [[South India]]. He has acted in more than 200 [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]], [[Kannada language|Kannada]] and [[Hindi]] films. According to the ''[[Hindustan Times]]'', "The actor had carved a niche for himself with his special style and voice modulation."<ref name="hindustantimes.com">{{cite web|url= http://www.hindustantimes.com/storypage/storypage.aspx?id=8305be9a-d217-4636-a749-584a567e2614&MatchID1=4678&TeamID1=6&TeamID2=3&MatchType1=1&SeriesID1=1179&PrimaryID=4678&Headline=Actor+Raghuvaran+passes+away|title= Actor Raghuvaran passes away- Hindustan Times<!-- Bot generated title -->|url-status= dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081212134325/http://www.hindustantimes.com/storypage/storypage.aspx?id=8305be9a-d217-4636-a749-584a567e2614&MatchID1=4678&TeamID1=6&TeamID2=3&MatchType1=1&SeriesID1=1179&PrimaryID=4678&Headline=Actor+Raghuvaran+passes+away|archive-date= 12 December 2008|df= dmy-all}}</ref>
'''Raghuvaran Velayuthan Nair''' (11 December 1958 – 19 March 2008) was an Indian actor who predominantly acted in films made in [[South India]]. He has acted in more than 200 [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Malayalam]], [[Kannada]] and [[Hindi]] films. According to the ''[[Hindustan Times]]'', "the actor had carved a niche for himself with his special style and voice modulation."<ref name="hindustantimes.com">{{cite web|url= http://www.hindustantimes.com/storypage/storypage.aspx?id=8305be9a-d217-4636-a749-584a567e2614&MatchID1=4678&TeamID1=6&TeamID2=3&MatchType1=1&SeriesID1=1179&PrimaryID=4678&Headline=Actor+Raghuvaran+passes+away|title= Actor Raghuvaran passes away- Hindustan Times<!-- Bot generated title -->|url-status= dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081212134325/http://www.hindustantimes.com/storypage/storypage.aspx?id=8305be9a-d217-4636-a749-584a567e2614&MatchID1=4678&TeamID1=6&TeamID2=3&MatchType1=1&SeriesID1=1179&PrimaryID=4678&Headline=Actor+Raghuvaran+passes+away|archive-date= 12 December 2008|df= dmy-all}}</ref>


He played the protagonist of a Tamil soap opera, ''Oru Manidhanin Kadhai'', about a well-to-do man who becomes an alcoholic. He received critical acclaim for his role as Father Alphonso in the Malayalam movie ''[[Daivathinte Vikruthikal]]'', directed by [[Lenin Rajendran]] and based on [[M. Mukundan]]'s novel of the same name.
He played the protagonist of a Tamil soap opera, ''[[Oru Manithanin Kathai#Adaptations|Oru Manithanin Kathai]]'', about a well-to-do man who becomes an alcoholic. He received critical acclaim for his role as Father Alphonso in the Malayalam movie ''[[Daivathinte Vikruthikal]]'', directed by [[Lenin Rajendran]] and based on [[M. Mukundan]]'s novel of the same name.


Raghuvaran's six songs, composed and sung by him, were officially released by actor [[Rajinikanth]] and the album was received by actress [[Rohini (actress)|Rohini]] and Raghuvaran's son Rishi Varan.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/did-you-know-raghuvaran-was-musician-rajinikanth-launches-late-actor-s-music-album-75828|title=Did you know Raghuvaran was a musician? Rajinikanth launches late actor's music album|date=3 February 2018|work=The News Minute|access-date=9 February 2018|archive-date=30 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190130230146/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/did-you-know-raghuvaran-was-musician-rajinikanth-launches-late-actor-s-music-album-75828|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Raghuvaran's six-song music album, composed and sung by him, were officially released by actor [[Rajinikanth]] and the album was received by actress [[Rohini (actress)|Rohini]] and Raghuvaran's son Rishi Varan.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/did-you-know-raghuvaran-was-musician-rajinikanth-launches-late-actor-s-music-album-75828|title=Did you know Raghuvaran was a musician? Rajinikanth launches late actor's music album|date=3 February 2018|work=The News Minute|access-date=9 February 2018|archive-date=30 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190130230146/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/did-you-know-raghuvaran-was-musician-rajinikanth-launches-late-actor-s-music-album-75828|url-status=dead}}</ref>


==Personal Life==
==Personal life==


He was born as the eldest among four children in 1958<ref name="hindustantimes.com"/> at [[Kollengode-I|Kollengode]] in Palakkad district in [[Kerala]]. He was the grandson of Mr. N. Radhakrishnan Nair and son of Chunkamannathu N. R. Velayutham Nair and Kasthuri Chakkungal.<ref name="cinidiary.com">[https://web.archive.org/web/20200526001909/http://cinidiary.com/people.php?pigsection=Actor&picata=1&no_of_displayed_rows=47&no_of_rows_page=10&sletter=]</ref> When his father moved his hotel business from [[Mathur-I|Mathur]] to [[Coimbatore]], the family shifted to Coimbatore. He had his primary education from Stanes angloindian Higher Secondary School, Coimbatore.{{Citation needed|reason=Reliable source needed for the whole sentence|date=March 2021}} He also learned piano from [[Trinity College London]].<ref name="cinidiary.com"/>
Raghuvaran Velayuthan Nair was born on 11 December 1958 as the eldest among four children<ref name="hindustantimes.com"/> at [[Kollengode-I|Kollengode]] in Palakkad district in [[Kerala]]. He was the grandson of Mr. N. Radhakrishnan Nair and son of Chunkamannathu N. R. Velayudhan Nair and Kasthuri Chakkungal.<ref name="cinidiary.com">{{cite web |url=http://cinidiary.com/people.php?pigsection=Actor&picata=1&no_of_displayed_rows=47&no_of_rows_page=10&sletter= |title=CINIDIARY - A Complete Online Malayalam Cinema News Portal |website=cinidiary.com |access-date=15 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200526001909/http://cinidiary.com/people.php?pigsection=Actor&picata=1&no_of_displayed_rows=47&no_of_rows_page=10&sletter= |archive-date=26 May 2020 |url-status=dead}}</ref> When his father moved his hotel business from [[Mathur-I|Mathur]] to [[Coimbatore]], the family shifted to Coimbatore. He had his primary education from Stanes Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School, Coimbatore. He also learned piano from [[Trinity College London]].<ref name="cinidiary.com"/>


He discontinued his Bachelor of Arts in History from Coimbatore (Government Arts College) to pursue a career in acting.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yf1Dbi37kWc#t=10m26s |title=Archived copy |access-date=9 October 2014 |archive-date=9 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170509042340/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yf1Dbi37kWc#t=10m26s |url-status=live }}</ref> He landed a minor role in the Kannada film ''Swapna Thingalgal''. He began acting in minor roles in Telugu and Kannada films.
He discontinued his Bachelor of Arts in history from Coimbatore (Government Arts College) to pursue a career in acting.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yf1Dbi37kWc#t=10m26s |title=- YouTube |website=[[YouTube]] |access-date=9 October 2014 |archive-date=9 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170509042340/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yf1Dbi37kWc#t=10m26s |url-status=live }}</ref> He landed a minor role in the Kannada film ''Swapna Thingalgal''. He began acting in minor roles in Telugu and Kannada films.


From 1979 to 1983, he was part of an acting drama troupe in Chennai, Chennai Kings, which also included the Tamil actor, [[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]]. He was spotted and cast as the lead actor in ''[[Ezhavathu Manithan]]'', which was his biggest role to date.
From 1979 to 1983, he was part of an acting drama troupe in Chennai, Chennai Kings, which also included the Tamil actor, [[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]]. He was spotted and cast as the lead actor in ''[[Ezhavathu Manithan]]'', which was his biggest role to date.


He married [[Rohini (actress)|Rohini]] in 1996 and their son Rishi Varan was born in 1998. The couple later separated and divorced in 2004.<ref name="hindustantimes.com"/>
He married [[Rohini (actress)|Rohini]] in 1996 and their son Rishi Varan was born in 2000. The couple later separated and divorced in 2004.<ref name="hindustantimes.com"/>


==Career==
==Career==


Following his beginnings on the stage, and a diploma in acting from [[M.G.R. Government Film and Television Training Institute]] in Chennai, Raghuvaran approached many Kollywood studios aiming for performance oriented roles and finally got selected as hero. The offbeat film named ''[[Ezhavathu Manithan]]'' (Seventh Man),<ref name="gulf-times.com">{{cite web|url= http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=208243&version=1&template_id=40&parent_id=22|title= Gulf Times article|url-status= dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080324072815/http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=208243&version=1&template_id=40&parent_id=22|archive-date= 24 March 2008|df= dmy-all}}</ref> directed by Hariharan won many awards, but not many offers for him. A few more films followed with him as hero, like ''[[Oru Odai Nadhiyagirathu]]'' and ''Nee Thodumbothu'' released, but did not become successes. The villain role in ''[[Silk Silk Silk]]'' was noticed and the film's success opened the gate of offers for him. The villain act continued in films like ''[[Kutravaaligal]]'', ''[[Mr. Bharath]]'', ''Mandhira Punnagai'' and ''[[Oorkavalan]]''. He appeared as hero as well as supporting actor in between releases as well. The major ones are ''[[Mudivalla Arambam]]'' and ''[[Samsaram Adhu Minsaram]]''.
Following his beginnings on the stage, and a diploma in acting from [[M.G.R. Government Film and Television Training Institute]] in Chennai, Raghuvaran approached many Kollywood studios aiming for performance oriented roles and finally got selected as hero. The offbeat film named ''[[Ezhavathu Manithan]]'' (Seventh Man),<ref name="gulf-times.com">{{cite web|url= http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=208243&version=1&template_id=40&parent_id=22|title= Gulf Times article|url-status= dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080324072815/http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=208243&version=1&template_id=40&parent_id=22|archive-date= 24 March 2008|df= dmy-all}}</ref> directed by Hariharan won many awards, but not many offers for him. A few more films followed with him as hero, like ''[[Oru Odai Nadhiyagirathu]]'' and ''Nee Thodumbothu'' released, but did not become successes. The villain role in ''[[Silk Silk Silk]]'' was noticed and the film's success opened the gate of offers for him. The villain act continued in films like ''[[Kutravaaligal]]'', ''[[Mr. Bharath]]'', ''[[Manthira Punnagai (1986 film)|Manthira Punnagai]]'', ''[[Poovizhi Vasalile]]'', ''[[Makkal En Pakkam]]'', ''[[Oorkavalan]]'' and ''[[Puriyaadha Pudhir]]''.  


===In a leading role===
Raghuvaran did many films as hero and most of them did good business as well. The films ''[[Kavithai Paada Neramillai]]'', ''[[Koottu Puzhukkal]]'' and ''[[Michael Raj]]'' helped to stabilize his career. The police officer in ''[[Thaimel Aanai]]'' (1988), the rowdy with a golden heart in ''[[Kai Naattu]]'' (1988), the lawyer in ''[[Kaliyugam (1988 Film)|Kaliyugam]]'' (1988), the common man in ''[[En Vazhi Thani Vazhi (1988 film)|En Vazhi Thani Vazhi]]'' (1988) and the honest Medical student turned Goonda in ''[[Kuttravali]]'' (1989) helped Raghuvaran's market value as hero to reach greater heights. But his desire to try all types of roles, like supporting actor as well as villain simultaneously halted the progress as hero, even though he played hero roles in ''[[Anjali (1990 film)|Anjali]]'' (1990) and Malayalam movies ''[[Vyooham (1990 film)|Vyooham]]'' (1990) followed by ''[[Kavacham (1992 film)|Kavacham]]'' (1992).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.deccanherald.com/Content/Mar302008/enter2008032960090.asp|title=Raghuvaran: a classy villain|access-date=15 March 2014|date=30 March 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140315231946/http://archive.deccanherald.com/Content/Mar302008/enter2008032960090.asp|archive-date=15 March 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Raghuvaran featured as the bad guy in big-ticket Tamil films like [[S. Shankar|Shankar]]'s films ''[[Kaadhalan]]'' (1994) and ''[[Mudhalvan]]'' (1999).


In the mid 1980s, Raghuvaran did many films as hero and most of them did good business as well. The films ''[[Michael Raj]]'', ''[[Megam Karuththirukku]]'', ''[[Kootu Puzhukkal]]'' and ''[[Kavithai Paada Neramillai]]'' helped to stabilize his career. The lawyer in ''[[Kaliyugam (1988 Film)|Kaliyugam]]'', the police officer in ''[[Thaimel Aanai]]'', the rowdy with a golden heart in ''[[Kai Naattu]]'', the honest Medical student turned Goonda in ''[[Kuttravali]]'' and the common man in ''[[En Vazhi Thani Vazhi (1988 film)|En Vazhi Thani Vazhi]]'' helped Raghuvaran's market value as hero to reach greater heights. But his desire to try all types of roles, like supporting actor as well as villain simultaneously halted the progress as hero, even though he played hero roles in ''[[Vyooham]]'', ''[[Kavacham]]'' and ''[[Anjali (1990 film)|Anjali]]'' later. His supporting roles in ''[[Annanagar Mudhal Theru]]'' and ''[[Siva (1989 Tamil film)|Siva]]'' were well received too.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.deccanherald.com/Content/Mar302008/enter2008032960090.asp|title=Raghuvaran: a classy villain|access-date=15 March 2014|date=30 March 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140315231946/http://archive.deccanherald.com/Content/Mar302008/enter2008032960090.asp|archive-date=15 March 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
Raghuvaran was pitted against [[Dilip Kumar]] in his [[Bollywood]] debut ''[[Izzatdaar]]'' (1990) and his popularity further soared at the national level with [[Ram Gopal Varma]]'s gangster flick ''[[Shiva (1990 film)|Shiva]]'' (1990), where he played the dreaded gangster ''Bhawani''. Other [[Bollywood]] films include  ''[[Rakshak (1996 film)|Rakshak]]'' (1996) opposite [[Sunil Shetty]] (1996), ''Hitler'' (1998) opposite [[Mithun Chakraborty]], ''[[Lal Baadshah]]'' (1999) opposite [[Amitabh Bachchan]].  and ''[[Grahan (film)|Grahan]]'' along with [[Jackie Shroff]], where he replaced a busy [[Nana Patekar]] in 2001.


===Experimentation===
Known for playing the antagonist in a number of box office hits during the course of his career, he shared screen space with several big names in Tamil cinema, with his most memorable on-screen foe being none other than 'Superstar' [[Rajinikanth]]. The duo had appeared together in ''[[Mr. Bharath]]'' (1986), ''[[Oorkavalan]]'' (1987), ''[[Manithan (1987 film)|Manithan]]'' (1987), ''[[Siva (1989 Tamil film)|Siva]]'' (1989), ''[[Raja Chinna Roja]]'' (1989), ''[[Baashha]]'' (1995), ''[[Muthu (film)|Muthu]]'' (1995), ''[[Arunachalam (film)|Arunachalam]]'' (1997) and ''[[Sivaji (film)|Sivaji]]'' (2007).


Raghuvaran was pitted against [[Dilip Kumar]] in his [[Bollywood]] debut ''[[Izzatdaar]]'' and his popularity further soared at the national level with [[Ram Gopal Varma]]'s gangster flick ''[[Shiva (1990 film)|Shiva]]'', where he played the dreaded gangster ''Bhawani''. Other [[Bollywood]] films include  ''[[Rakshak (1996 film)|Rakshak]]'' opposite [[Sunil Shetty]] (1996), ''[[Lal Baadshah]]'' opposite [[Amitabh Bachchan]] (1999), ''[[Hitler (1998 film)|Hitler]]'' opposite [[Mithun Chakraborty]] (1998) and ''[[Grahan]]'' along with [[Jackie Shroff]], where he replaced a busy [[Nana Patekar]] in 2001.
He later returned to supporting roles – sometimes as a father or as a mentor in films such as ''[[Run (2002 film)|Run]]'' (2002), ''[[Bala (2002 film)|Bala]]'' (2002), ''[[Alai (film)|Alai]]'' (2003), ''[[Thirumalai]]'' (2003) and ''[[Yaaradi Nee Mohini]]'' (2008).<ref>{{cite news|title=Farewell, Raghuvaran!|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/mar/21raghu.htm|access-date=30 January 2017|date=24 March 2008|archive-date=3 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803102823/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/mar/21raghu.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
In a career span lasting for more than 26 years, Raghuvaran performed each role with his trademark mannerisms, often stealing the thunder from more established stars and even heroes. His magnetic baritone voice was an advantage and he modulated it to suit his variety of roles. He also set his own style of mannerisms and brought a distinct dialogue delivery and even changed his gait in many films. All this dedication won him more fans and helped  his popularity soar ever higher.
 
He has received several state and Filmfare Awards for his performances in Tamil, Malayalam and Telugu films. He began his career as a supporting actor in a number of films in Tamil including Mani Rathnam's ''[[Anjali (1990 film)|Anjali]]'' as the father of an autistic child. He later played villains in ''[[Baashha|Baasha]]'' as Mark Anthony, ''[[Mudhalvan]]'' as Aranganathan (corrupt Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu), ''[[Shiva (1989 film)|Shiva]]'' and ''[[Muthu (film)|Muthu]]'' as Ilaimaran. He later returned to supporting roles – sometimes as a father or as a mentor in films such as ''[[Alai (film)|Alai]]'', ''[[Yaaradi Nee Mohini]]'', ''[[Thirumalai]]'' and ''[[Bala (2002 film)|Bala]]''.<ref>{{cite news|title=Farewell, Raghuvaran!|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/mar/21raghu.htm|access-date=30 January 2017|date=24 March 2008|archive-date=3 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803102823/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/mar/21raghu.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>


==Death==
==Death==
Raghuvaran died on 19 March 2008.<ref name="hindustantimes.com"/> The cause of death was due to organ failure because of excessive alcohol consumption.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/37336.html |title=Archived copy |access-date=17 September 2013 |archive-date=17 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017084002/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/37336.html |url-status=live }}</ref> His death occurred during the filming stages of several films, including  ''[[Kanthaswamy]]'' (2009),wherein Raghuvaran's portions were reshot with [[Ashish Vidyarthi]], which resulted in the film's delayed release. His posthumous film, ''[[Aatadista]]'', released shortly after his death.
Raghuvaran died on 19 March 2008, aged 49.<ref name="hindustantimes.com"/> The cause of death was due to organ failure because of excessive alcohol consumption.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/37336.html |title=Tamil Cinema News &#124; Tamil Movie Reviews &#124; Tamil Movie Trailers - IndiaGlitz Tamil |access-date=17 September 2013 |archive-date=17 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017084002/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/37336.html |url-status=live }}</ref> His death occurred during the filming stages of several films, including  ''[[Kanthaswamy]]'' (2009), wherein Raghuvaran's portions were reshot with [[Ashish Vidyarthi]], which resulted in the film's delayed release. His posthumous film, ''[[Aatadista]]'', released shortly after his death.


==Filmography==
==Filmography==
 
=== Tamil films ===
===1982–89===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
 
! Year !! Film !! Role  
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size: 95%;"
! Notes
! Year !! Film !! Role !! Language !! Notes
|-
| rowspan=2| 1982 || ''[[Ezhavathu Manithan]]'' || Anand ||
|-
| ''Marumagale Vazhga'' || Dr. Saravanan ||
|-
| rowspan="3" | 1983 ||  ''[[Silk Silk Silk]]'' || Ashok Kumar ||
|-
|''Vasanthame Varuga'' || Suriyanarayanan ||
|-
| ''[[Oru Odai Nadhiyagirathu]]'' || Bhaskar ||
|-
| rowspan=1| 1984 || ''Nee Thodumbothu'' || ||
|-
| rowspan=2| 1985 || ''[[Kutravaaligal]]'' || ||
|-
| ''Engirunthalum Vazhga'' || ||
|-
| rowspan=4| 1986 || ''[[Mr. Bharath]]'' || Michael ||
|-
| ''Meendum Pallavi'' || Selvan ||
|-
| ''[[Samsaram Adhu Minsaram]]'' || Chidamabaram ||
|-
| ''[[Manthira Punnagai (1986 film)|Manthira Punnagai]]'' || Daniel Miranda ||
|-
|-
| rowspan=3| 1982 || ''[[Kakka (Film)|Kakka]]'' || || Malayalam || Anti Hero
| rowspan="12" | 1987 || ''[[Poovizhi Vasalile]]'' || Anand ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Ezhavathu Manithan]]'' || Anand || Tamil || Hero
| ''[[Megam Karuththirukku]]'' || Mathru Moorthy ||
|-
|-
| ''Marumagale Vazhga'' || Dr. Saravanan || Tamil || Supporting
| ''[[Makkal En Pakkam]]'' || Ramesh ||
|-
|-
| rowspan="4" | 1983 || ''[[Oru Odai Nadhiyagirathu]]'' || || Tamil || Hero
| ''[[Kavithai Paada Neramillai]]'' || ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Rugma (film)|Rugma]]'' || || Malayalam || Supporting
| ''[[Oorkavalan]]'' || Rajadurai ||
|-
|-
|''Vasanthame Varuga''
| ''[[Koottu Puzhukkal]]'' || Surya ||
|Suriyanarayanan
|Tamil
|Supporting
|-
|-
| ''[[Silk Silk Silk]]'' || || Tamil || Villain
| ''[[Manithan (1987 film)|Manithan]]'' || Kumaravelu ||
|-
|-
| rowspan=2| 1984 || ''Nee Thodumbothu'' || || Tamil || Hero
| ''[[Ivargal Varungala Thoongal]]'' || Raja ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Mudivalla Arambam]]'' || || Tamil || Hero
| ''[[Puyal Paadum Paattu]]'' || Police Inspector ||
|-
|-
| rowspan=2| 1985 || ''[[Kutravaaligal]]'' || || Tamil || Villain
| ''Arul Tharum Ayyappan'' || Person praying || Cameo appearance
|-
|-
| ''[[Engirunthalum Vazhga]]'' || || Tamil || Hero
|''[[Kavalan Avan Kovalan]]''
|Himself
|Guest appearance
|-
|-
| rowspan=4| 1986 || ''[[Mr. Bharath]]'' || Michael || Tamil || Villain
| ''[[Michael Raj]]'' || Michael Raj ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Samsaram Adhu Minsaram]]'' || Chidamabaram || Tamil || Supporting
| rowspan="9" |1988 || ''[[Annanagar Mudhal Theru]]'' || Janardhanan ||
|-
|-
| ''Meendum Pallavi'' || || Tamil || Hero
| ''[[Kuttravali]]'' || Raja ||
|-
|-
| ''Mandhira Punnagai'' || Daniel Miranda || Tamil || Villain
| ''[[Irandil Ondru]]'' || Ragan ||
|-
|-
| rowspan=12| 1987 || | ''[[Poovizhi Vasalile]]''||Anand || Tamil || Villain
| ''[[Thaimel Aanai]]'' || Vinod ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Makkal En Pakkam]]'' || Ramesh || Tamil || Supporting
| ''[[En Bommukutty Ammavukku]]'' || Alex ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Michael Raj]]'' || || Tamil || Hero
| ''[[Kai Naattu]]'' || Laber ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Pasivadi Pranam]]'' || Venu || Telugu || Villain
| ''[[Kaliyugam (1988 Film)|Kaliyugam]]'' || Mahesh ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Megam Karuththirukku]]'' || || Tamil || Supporting
| ''Koyil Mani Osai'' || Rajavelu ||
|-
|-
| ''Nyayaniki Sankellu'' || || Telugu || Villain
| ''[[En Vazhi Thani Vazhi (1988 film)|En Vazhi Thani Vazhi]]'' || Advocate Raja ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Kootu Puzhukkal]]'' || || Tamil || Hero
| rowspan=3| 1989 || ''[[Siva (1989 Tamil film)|Siva]]'' || John ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Kavithai Paada Neramillai]]'' || || Tamil || Hero
| ''[[Idhu Unga Kudumbam]]'' || ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Oorkavalan]]'' || Rajadurai || Tamil || Villain
| ''[[Raja Chinna Roja]]'' || Bhaskar ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Manithan (1987 film)|Manithan]]'' || Kumaravelu || Tamil || Villain
| rowspan=4| 1990 ||  ''[[Pagalil Pournami]]'' || Hindu saint ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Ivargal Varungala Thoongal]]'' || || Tamil || Supporting
| ''[[Anjali (1990 film)|Anjali]]'' || Shekar ||
|-
|-
| ''Arul Tharum Ayyappan'' || || Tamil || Supporting
| ''[[Puriyaadha Pudhir]]'' || Chakravarthi ||
|-
|-
| rowspan=10|1988 || ''[[En Bommukutty Ammavukku]]'' || Alex || Tamil || Supporting
| ''[[Thiyagu (film)|Thiyagu]]'' || Thiyagu ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Kaliyugam (1988 Film)|Kaliyugam]]'' || || Tamil || Hero
| 1991 ||''[[Pudhiya Raagam]]'' || Raghuraman ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Thaimel Aanai]]'' || Vinod|| Tamil || Hero
| 1992 || ''Uyarnthavan'' || Bhaskhar ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Kai Naattu]]'' || || Tamil || Hero
| rowspan=3| 1993 || ''Konjum Kili'' || Dr. Izzet Peter ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Kuttravali]]'' || || Tamil || Hero
| ''[[Pudhiya Mugam]]'' || Terrorist in Airport || Cameo appearance
|-
|-
| ''Koil Mani Osai'' || || Tamil || Villain
| ''[[Dhool Parakuthu]]'' || Aarumugam ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Irandil Ondru]]'' || || Tamil || Villain
| rowspan=4| 1994 || ''[[Paasamalargal]]'' || Bar customer || Cameo appearance
|-
|-
| ''[[En Vazhi Thani Vazhi (1988 film)|En Vazhi Thani Vazhi]]'' || || Tamil || Hero
| ''[[Thozhar Pandian]]'' || ||  
|-
|-
| ''[[Annanagar Mudhal Theru]]'' || Janardhanan || Tamil || Supporting
| ''[[Kaadhalan]]'' || Mallikarjuna ||
|-
|-
| ''Kanchana Seeta'' || || Telugu || Supporting
| ''[[Veera Padhakkam]]'' || Vadivelu ||
|-
|-
| rowspan=8| 1989 || ''[[Siva (1989 Tamil film)|Siva]]'' || John || Tamil || Supporting
| rowspan=8| 1995 || ''[[Baashha]]'' || Mark Antony ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Rudranetra]]'' || Black Cobra || Telugu || Villain
| ''[[Manathile Oru Paattu]]'' || James  || Cameo appearance
|-
|-
| ''[[Lankeshwarudu]]'' || || Telugu || Villain
| ''Rani Maharani'' || ||
|-
|-
| ''Rettai Kuzhal Thuppaki'' || || Tamil || Villain
| ''[[Witness (1995 film)|Witness]]'' || Ramesh ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Raja Chinna Roja]]'' || Raghu || Tamil || Villain
| ''[[Kolangal (1995 film)|Kolangal]]'' || Bairavan ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Siva (1989 Telugu film)|Shiva]]'' || Bhavani || Telugu || Villain
| ''[[Muthu (film)|Muthu]]'' || Rajasekharan ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Idhu Unga Kudumbam]]'' || || Tamil || Hero
| ''[[Maa Manithan (1995 film)|Maa Manithan]]'' || Sigamani ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Dhanushkodi (1989 film)|Dhanushkodi]]'' || || Malayalam || Supporting
| ''[[Thotta Chinungi]]'' || Gopal ||
|-
|-
|}
| rowspan=2| 1996 ||''[[Take It Easy Urvashi]]'' || Jaya ||
 
===1990–99===
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size: 95%;"
! Year !! Film !! Role !! Language !! Notes
|-
|-
| rowspan=7| 1990 || ''[[Vyooham]]'' || Tony Leous || Malayalam || Hero
|''[[Selva (film)|Selva]]'' || Varatharajan ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Puriyaadha Pudhir]]'' || Chakravarthi || Tamil || Villain
| rowspan=7| 1997 || ''[[Arunachalam (film)|Arunachalam]]'' || Vishwanath ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Izzatdaar]]'' || Indrajeet Sabharwal || Hindi || Villain
| ''[[Love Today (1997 film)|Love Today]]'' || Chandrasekar ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Anjali (1990 film)|Anjali]]'' || Shekar || Tamil || Hero
| ''[[Ullaasam]]'' || G. K. ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Thiyagu (film)|Thiyagu]]'' || Thiyagu || Tamil || Hero
| ''[[Abhimanyu (1997 film)|Abhimanyu]]'' || Maasilamani ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Shiva (1990 film)|Shiva]]'' || Bhavani || Hindi || Villain
| ''[[Nerukku Ner]]'' || Raghu ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Pagalil Pournami]]'' || || Tamil || Villain
| ''[[Aahaa..! (1997 film)|Aahaa..!]]'' || Raghuraman ||
|-
|-
| rowspan=4| 1991 || ''[[Chaitanya (film)|Chaitanya]]'' || Raana || Telugu || Villain
| ''[[Ratchagan]]'' || Gnaneswar ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Pudhiya Raagam]]'' || Raghuraman || Tamil || Villain
| rowspan=4| 1998 ||''[[Thulli Thirintha Kaalam]]'' || Chidambaram ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Daivathinte Vikrithikal]]'' || Alphonso || Malayalam || Hero
|''[[Iniyavale]]'' || Ramanathan ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Kizhakkan Pathrose]]'' || Anthony || Malayalam || Villain
|''[[Poonthottam]]'' || Panneerselvam ||
|-
|-
| rowspan=5| 1992 || ''[[Lathi (1992 film)|Lathi]]'' || Dawood || Telugu || Supporting
|''[[Nilaave Vaa]]'' || Siva ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Kavacham]]'' || Ravi || Malayalam || Hero
| rowspan=8| 1999 || ''[[Suriya Paarvai]]'' || Jayanth ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Soorya Manasam]]'' || Shivan || Malayalam || Villain
|''[[En Swasa Kaatre]]'' || Pandian ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Asadhyulu]]'' || Dr. Pratap || Telugu || Supporting
|''[[Endrendrum Kadhal]]'' || Shekar ||
|-
|-
| ''Uyarnthavan'' || || Tamil || Supporting
|''[[Oruvan (1999 film)|Oruvan]]'' || Krishna Prasad ||
|-
|-
| rowspan=3| 1993 || ''[[Addeham Enna Iddeham]]'' || Perera || Malayalam || Villain
|''[[Amarkkalam]]'' || Tulasi Das ||
|-
|-
| ''Konjum Kili'' || || Tamil || Supporting
|''[[Pooparika Varugirom]]'' || Ranganathan ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Dhool Parakuthu]]'' || || Tamil || Hero
|''[[Mudhalvan]]'' || Aranganathan ||
|-
|-
| rowspan=2| 1994 || ''[[Paasamalargal]]'' || || Tamil || Supporting
|''[[Iraniyan (film)|Iraniyan]]'' || Aande ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Kadhalan]]'' || Mallikarjuna || Tamil || Villain
| rowspan=8| 2000|| ''[[Kannukkul Nilavu]]'' || Dr. Rajasekhar ||
|-
|-
| rowspan=9| 1995 || ''[[Baashha]]'' || Mark Antony || Tamil || Villain
|''[[Good Luck (2000 film)|Good Luck]]'' || Chandra Mohan ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Peter Scott (film)|Peter Scott]]'' || Leo Fernandes || Malayalam || Supporting
|''[[Mugavaree]]'' || Shiva ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Manathile Oru Paattu]]'' || James || Tamil || Guest appearance<br />Supporting
|''[[Sudhandhiram]]'' || Raghu ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Maanthrikam]]'' || Abdul Rahiman || Malayalam || Supporting
|''[[Vallarasu]]'' || DGP Jaganathan ||
|-
|-
| ''Witness'' || || Tamil || Supporting
|''[[Kandukondain Kandukondain]]'' || Sowmya's Boss ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Mounam]]'' || Mr. X || Telugu || Villain
|''[[Parthen Rasithen]]'' || Panneer ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Kolangal (1995 film)|Kolangal]]'' || Bairavan || Tamil || Villain
|''[[Uyirile Kalanthathu]]'' || Raghuraman ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Muthu (film)|Muthu]]'' || Devan || Tamil || Villain
| rowspan=4| 2001 || ''[[Dosth (2001 Tamil film)|Dosth]]'' || Raghu ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Thotta Chinungi]]'' || Gopal || Tamil || Hero
| ''[[Narasimha (2001 film)|Narasimha]]'' || Raana ||
|-
|-
| rowspan=5| 1996 || ''[[Anaganaga Oka Roju]]'' || Raghu || Telugu || Supporting
| ''[[Star (2001 film)|Star]]'' || Dhanushkodi ||
|-
| ''[[Majunu]]'' || Gajapathy ||
|-
|-
|''[[Rakshak (1996 film)|Rakshak]]'' || Raghu || Hindi ||Villain
| rowspan=8| 2002 || ''[[Red (2002 film)|Red]]'' || Sethupathy ||
|-
|-
|''Circle Inspector'' || || Kannada ||Villain
| ''[[Dhaya (film)|Dhaya]]'' || Major Rudhraiya ||
|-
|-
|''[[Selva (film)|Selva]]'' || Varatharajan || Tamil ||Villain
| ''[[Roja Kootam]]'' || Ilango's father ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Take It Easy Urvashi]]'' || Jaya || Tamil || Villain
| ''[[Run (2002 film)|Run]]'' || Shiva's brother-in-law ||
|-
|-
| rowspan=8| 1997 || ''[[Arunachalam (film)|Arunachalam]]'' || Vishwanath || Tamil || Villain
| ''[[University (film)|University]]'' || Tamilselvan ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Love Today (1997 film)|Love Today]]'' || Chandrasekar || Tamil || Supporting
| ''[[I Love You Da]]'' || Rajkishore ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Ullaasam]]'' || G. K. || Tamil || Supporting
| ''[[Bala (2002 film)|Bala]]'' || Jeyamani ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Kalavida]]'' || || Kannada || Villain
| ''[[Kadhal Virus]]'' || Kavitha's father ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Abhimanyu (1997 film)|Abhimanyu]]'' || Maasilamani || Tamil ||Villain
| rowspan=6| 2003 || ''[[Alaudin]]'' || Gangadhar ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Nerukku Ner]]'' || Raghu || Tamil || Supporting
| ''[[Alai (film)|Alai]]'' || Aathi's father ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Aahaa..! (1997 film)|Aahaa..!]]'' || Raghu || Tamil || Supporting
| ''[[Kaiyodu Kai]]'' || Manickavasagam ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Ratchagan]]'' || Easwar || Tamil ||Villain
| ''[[Anjaneya (film)|Anjaneya]]'' || Venketeswaran ||
|-
|-
| rowspan=9| 1998 || ''[[Aahaa..! (1998 film)|Aahaa..!]]'' || Raghuram || Telugu || Supporting
| ''[[Thirumalai]]'' || Artist ||
|-
|-
|''[[Suswagatham]]'' ||Dr. Chandra Shekar || Telugu || Supporting
| ''[[Anbe Un Vasam]]'' || V. Rathinavel Pandian ||
|-
|-
|''Jai Hind'' || || Kannada ||Villain
| rowspan=3| 2004 || ''[[Jana (film)|Jana]]'' || Jana's father ||
|-
|-
|''Government'' || || Kannada ||Villain
| ''[[Arasatchi]]'' || Ashok Mehta ||
|-
|-
|''[[Thulli Thirintha Kaalam]]'' || Chidambaram || Tamil || Supporting
| ''[[Jananam]]'' || Udhaya Moorthy ||
|-
|-
|''[[Hitler (1998 film)|Hitler]]'' || || Hindi ||Villain
| 2005 || ''[[Sachein]]'' || Gowtham ||
|-
|-
|''[[Iniyavale]]'' || Ramanathan || Tamil || Supporting
| 2006 || ''[[Sivappathigaram]]'' || Elango ||
|-
|-
|''[[Poonthottam]]'' || Panneerselvam || Tamil ||Villain
| rowspan=4| 2007 || ''[[Deepavali (2007 film)|Deepavali]]'' || Dr. Devasaghayam ||Cameo appearance
|-
|-
|''[[Nilaave Vaa]]'' ||Siva || Tamil || Supporting
| ''Nalladhor Veenai'' || ||
|-
|-
| rowspan=11| 1999 || ''[[Suriya Paarvai]]'' || Jayanth || Tamil || Villain
| ''[[Sivaji (film)|Sivaji]]'' || Chezhian ||
|-
|-
|''[[En Swasa Kaatre]]'' || Paneer || Tamil ||Supporting
| ''[[Marudhamalai (film)|Marudhamalai]]'' || Suryanarayanan ||
|-
|-
|''[[Endrendrum Kadhal]]'' || Shekar || Tamil || Supporting
| rowspan=6| 2008 || ''[[Bheemaa]]'' || Periyavar ||
|-
|-
|''[[Lal Baadshah]]'' || Vikram Singh || Hindi ||Villain
| ''[[Ashoka (2008 film)|Ashoka]]'' || Huzoor ||
|-
|-
|''[[Oruvan (1999 film)|Oruvan]]'' || Krishna Prasad || Tamil || Supporting
| ''[[Thodakkam]]'' || Vanchinathan ||
|-
|-
|''[[Amarkalam]]'' || Tulasi Das ||Tamil || Supporting
| ''[[Sila Nerangalil]]'' || Krishnan ||
|-
|-
|''Anaganaga Oka Ammayi'' || Bhavani Prasad || Telugu || Supporting
| ''[[Yaaradi Nee Mohini]]'' || Vasu's father || Posthumous film
|-
|-
|''[[Pooparika Varugirom]]'' || Ranganathan || Tamil || Supporting
| ''[[Ellam Avan Seyal]]'' || Jagadeeswaran || Posthumous film
|-
|-
|''[[Mudhalvan]]'' || Aranganathan || Tamil || Villain<br />'''Winner''', [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Villain]]
| 2009 || ''[[Adada Enna Azhagu]]'' || Himself || Posthumous film; cameo appearance
|-
|-
|''[[Iraniyan (film)|Iraniyan]]'' || Aande || Tamil ||Villain
| 2012 || ''[[Ullam (2012 film)|Ullam]]'' || Kavitha's father || Posthumous film; delayed release
|-
|-
|''[[Prathyartha]]'' || Rakesh || Kannada ||Villain
|}
|}


===2000–09===
=== Telugu films ===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size: 95%;"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year !! Film !! Role !! Language !! Notes
! Year !! Film !! Role  
! Notes
|-
| rowspan="2" |1987 || ''[[Pasivadi Pranam]]'' || Venu ||
|-
|''[[Jebu Donga (1987 film)|Jebu Donga]]'' || Teja ||
|-
| rowspan="3" |1988 ||''Kanchana Seeta'' || ||
|-
| ''Nyayaniki Sankellu'' || Dhanraj ||
|-
| ''Nyayaniki Siksha'' || Prajapathi Rao ||
|-
| rowspan="3"|1989 || ''[[Rudranetra]]'' || Black Cobra ||
|-
|-
| rowspan=10| 2000|| ''[[Kannukkul Nilavu]]'' || Dr.Rajasekhar || Tamil || Supporting
| ''[[Lankeshwarudu]]'' || ||  
|-
|-
|''[[Good Luck (2000 film)|Good Luck]]'' || Chandra Mohan || Tamil || Supporting
| ''[[Siva (1989 Telugu film)|Shiva]]'' || Bhavani ||
|-
|-
|''[[Sudhandhiram]]'' || Raghu || Tamil || Supporting
| 1991 || ''[[Chaitanya (film)|Chaitanya]]'' || Raana ||
|-
|-
|''[[Mugavaree]]'' || Shiva || Tamil || Supporting
| rowspan="3"| 1992 || ''[[Lathi (1992 film)|Lathi]]'' || Avinash ||
|-
|-
|''[[Vallarasu]]'' || DGP Jaganathan || Tamil || Supporting
| ''Prema Drohi'' || Drohi ||
|-
|-
|''[[Kandukondain Kandukondain]]'' || Sowmya's Boss || Tamil || Supporting
| ''[[Asadhyulu]]'' || Dr. Pratap ||
|-
|-
|''[[Pelli Sambandham]]'' || || Telugu || Supporting
| 1994 || ''[[Captain (1994 film)|Captain]]'' || Kannappa Rao || Partially reshot in Tamil
|-
|-
|''[[Parthen Rasithen]]'' || Panneer || Tamil || Supporting
| 1995 || ''[[Mounam]]'' || Mr. X ||
|-
|-
|''[[Uyirile Kalanthathu]]'' || Raghuraman || Tamil || Supporting
| rowspan="2" | 1996 || ''[[Anaganaga Oka Roju]]'' || Raghu ||
|-
|-
|''[[Azad (2000 film)|Azad]]'' || Deva || Telugu || Villain
|''Kranthi''|| ||
|-
|-
| rowspan=5| 2001 || ''[[Grahan]]'' || Raghu Sinha || Hindi || Supporting
| rowspan=2| 1998 || ''[[Aahaa..! (1998 film)|Aahaa..!]]'' || Raghuram ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Dosth (2001 Tamil film)|Dosth]]'' || Raghu || Tamil || Villain
|''[[Suswagatham]]'' || Dr. Chandra Shekar ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Narasimha (2001 film)|Narasimha]]'' || Raana || Tamil || Supporting
| 1999 ||''[[Anaganaga Oka Ammai]]'' || Bhavani Prasad ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Star (2001 film)|Star]]'' || Dhanushkodi || Tamil || Villain
| rowspan="2"|2000 || ''[[Pelli Sambandham]]'' || ||
|-
| ''[[Majunu]]'' || Gajapathy || Tamil || Supporting
|-
|-
| rowspan=10| 2002 || ''[[Seema Simham]]'' || Visweswara Rao || Telugu || Supporting
|''[[Azad (2000 film)|Azad]]'' || Deva ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Red (2002 film)|Red]]'' || Sethupathy || Tamil || Supporting
| rowspan=2| 2002 || ''[[Seema Simham]]'' || Visweswara Rao ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Dhaya (film)|Dhaya]]'' || Major Rudhraiya || Tamil || 125th Film
| ''[[Bobby (2002 film)|Bobby]]'' || K. R. ||
Supporting
|-
|-
| ''[[Roja Kootam]]'' || Ilango's father || Tamil || Supporting
| rowspan=2| 2003 || ''[[Naaga]]'' || Naaga's father ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Run (2002 film)|Run]]'' || Shiva's brother-in-law || Tamil || Supporting
| ''[[Johnny (2003 film)|Johnny]]'' || Ravishankar Damle ||
|-
|-
| ''[[University (film)|University]]'' || Tamilselvan || Tamil || Supporting
| rowspan="2"|2004 || ''[[Naani]]'' || Scientist ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Bobby (2002 film)|Bobby]]'' || K. R. || Telugu || Supporting
| ''[[Mass (2004 film)|Mass]]'' || Satya ||
|-
|-
| ''[[I Love You Da]]'' || Rajkishore || Tamil || Villain
| 2006 || ''[[Valliddari Vayasu Padahare]]'' || Shekhar ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Bala (2002 film)|Bala]]'' ||Jeyamani || Tamil || Supporting
| 2007 ||  ''[[Evadaithe Nakenti]]'' || Bal Gangadhar ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Kadhal Virus]]'' || Kavitha's father || Tamil || Supporting
| rowspan="2"|2008 || ''[[Aatadista]]'' || Raghunath || Posthumous film
|-
|-
| rowspan=9| 2003 || ''[[Naaga]]'' || Naaga's father || Telugu || Supporting
| ''Pellikani Prasad'' || || Posthumous film
|-
|-
| ''[[Johnny (2003 film)|Johnny]]'' || Ravishankar Damle || Telugu || Supporting
| 2009 || ''[[Bank (film)|Bank]]'' || Raghuvaran || Posthumous film
|-
|-
| ''[[Alaudin]]'' || Gangadhar || Tamil || Supporting
|}
 
=== Malayalam films ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year !! Film !! Role
!Notes
|-
|-
| ''[[Ullam (2012 film)|Ullam]]'' || || Tamil || Supporting<br />Straight-to-DVD release
|  1982 || ''[[Kakka (Film)|Kakka]]'' ||  
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Alai (film)|Alai]]'' || Aathi's father || Tamil || Supporting
| 1983 || ''[[Rugma (film)|Rugma]]'' || Joseph
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Anjaneya (film)|Anjaneya]]'' || Venketeswaran || Tamil || Supporting
| 1989 || ''Dhanushkodi'' ||
|Unreleased film
|-
|-
| ''[[Thirumalai]]'' || Artist || Tamil || Supporting
| 1990 || ''[[Vyooham (1990 film)|Vyooham]]'' || Tony Leous
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Anbe Un Vasam]]'' || V. Rathinavel Pandian || Tamil || Supporting
| rowspan="2"| 1991 ||''[[Daivathinte Vikrithikal]]'' || Alphonso
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Kaiyodu Kai]]'' || Manickavasagam || Tamil || Supporting
| ''[[Kizhakkan Pathrose]]'' || Anthony
|
|-
|-
| rowspan=6| 2004 || ''[[Jana (film)|Jana]]'' || Jana's father || Tamil || Supporting
| rowspan="2"| 1992 || ''[[Kavacham (1992 film)|Kavacham]]'' || Ravi
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Durgi (film)|Durgi]]'' || Jaydev || Kannada || Villain
| ''[[Soorya Manasam]]'' || Shivan
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Naani]]'' || Scientist || Telugu || Supporting
| 1993 || ''[[Addeham Enna Iddeham]]'' || Perera
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Arasatchi]]'' || Ashok Mehta || Tamil || Supporting
| rowspan="3"|1995 || ''Peter Scott'' || Leo Fernandes
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Jananam]]'' || Udhaya Moorthy || Tamil || Supporting
| ''[[Maanthrikam]]'' || Abdul Rahiman
|
|-
|-
| ''[[Mass (2004 film)|Mass]]'' || Satya || Telugu || Villain
|}
 
=== Kannada films ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year !! Film !! Role
|-
|-
| 2005 || ''[[Sachein]]'' || Gowtham || Tamil || Supporting
| 1996 || ''Circle Inspector'' ||  
|-
|-
| 2006 || ''[[Sivappathigaram]]'' || Elango || Tamil || Supporting
| 1997 || ''[[Kalavida]]'' || Prema's killer
|-
|-
| rowspan=5| 2007 || ''[[Deepavali (2007 film)|Deepavali]]'' || Dr. Devasaghayam || Tamil || Guest appearance /<br />Supporting
| rowspan="3"|1998 ||''Jai Hind'' ||  
|-
|-
| ''[[Evadaithe Nakenti]]'' || Bal Gangadhar || Telugu || Supporting
|''Government'' ||  
|-
|-
| ''Nalladhor Veenai'' || || Tamil || 150th Film /
|''Sorry''||
Supporting
|-
|-
| ''[[Sivaji (film)|Sivaji]]'' || Chezhian || Tamil || Supporting
| 1999 || ''[[Prathyartha]]'' || Rakesh
|-
|-
| ''[[Marudhamalai (film)|Marudhamalai]]'' || Suryanarayanan || Tamil || Supporting
|2001||''[[Asura (2001 film)|Asura]]'' || Tulasi
|-
|-
| rowspan=8| 2008 || ''[[Bheema]]'' || Periyavar || Tamil || Supporting
| 2004 || ''[[Durgi (film)|Durgi]]'' || Jaydev
|-
|-
| ''[[Ashoka (2008 film)|Ashoka]]'' || || Tamil || Supporting
|}
 
=== Hindi films ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year !! Film !! Role
|-
|-
| ''[[Thodakkam]]'' ||Vanchinathan || Tamil || Supporting
| rowspan="2"|1990 || ''[[Izzatdaar]]'' || Indrajeet Sabharwal
|-
|-
| ''Pellikani Prasad'' || || Telugu || Supporting
| ''[[Shiva (1990 film)|Shiva]]'' || Bhavani
|-
|-
| ''[[Sila Nerangalil]]'' || Krishnan || Tamil || Villain
| 1996 || ''[[Rakshak (1996 film)|Rakshak]]'' || Raghu
|-
|-
| ''[[Aatadista]]'' || Raghunath || Telugu || Supporting
| 1998 || ''Hitler'' || Ankush Raj
|-
|-
| ''[[Yaaradi Nee Mohini]]'' ||Vasu's father || Tamil || Supporting
| 1999 || ''[[Lal Baadshah]]'' || Vikram Singh
|-
|-
| ''[[Ellam Avan Seyal]]'' || Jagadeeswaran || Tamil || Supporting
| 2001 || ''[[Grahan (film)|Grahan]]'' || Raghu Sinha
|-
|-
| rowspan=2| 2009 || ''[[Bank (film)|Bank]]'' || Raghuvaran || Telugu || Villain
|}
 
===Singer===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size: 95%;"
! Year !! Film !! Song !! Notes
|-
|-
| ''[[Adada Enna Azhagu]]'' || Himself || Tamil || Cameo appearance /<br />Supporting
|2008 ||''[[Thodakkam]]''|| "Edhuthan Mudiyadhu" ||
|}
|}
==Awards==
*'''Winner''', [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Villain]] for ''[[Mudhalvan]]'' (1999)


==References==
==References==
Line 419: Line 471:
[[Category:1958 births]]
[[Category:1958 births]]
[[Category:2008 deaths]]
[[Category:2008 deaths]]
[[Category:Male actors from Kerala]]
[[Category:Male actors from Palakkad]]
[[Category:Male actors in Kannada cinema]]
[[Category:Male actors in Kannada cinema]]
[[Category:Indian male film actors]]
[[Category:Indian male film actors]]

Latest revision as of 23:43, 28 March 2026


Raghuvaran
Born
Raghuvaran Velayuthan Nair

(1958-12-11)11 December 1958
Kollengode, Kerala, India
Died19 March 2008(2008-03-19) (aged 49)
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
OccupationActor
Years active1982-2008
Spouse(s)
​
(
m. 1996; div. 2004)
Children1

Raghuvaran Velayuthan Nair (11 December 1958 – 19 March 2008) was an Indian actor who predominantly acted in films made in South India. He has acted in more than 200 Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi films. According to the Hindustan Times, "the actor had carved a niche for himself with his special style and voice modulation."[1]

He played the protagonist of a Tamil soap opera, Oru Manithanin Kathai, about a well-to-do man who becomes an alcoholic. He received critical acclaim for his role as Father Alphonso in the Malayalam movie Daivathinte Vikruthikal, directed by Lenin Rajendran and based on M. Mukundan's novel of the same name.

Raghuvaran's six-song music album, composed and sung by him, were officially released by actor Rajinikanth and the album was received by actress Rohini and Raghuvaran's son Rishi Varan.[2]

Personal life[edit | edit source]

Raghuvaran Velayuthan Nair was born on 11 December 1958 as the eldest among four children[1] at Kollengode in Palakkad district in Kerala. He was the grandson of Mr. N. Radhakrishnan Nair and son of Chunkamannathu N. R. Velayudhan Nair and Kasthuri Chakkungal.[3] When his father moved his hotel business from Mathur to Coimbatore, the family shifted to Coimbatore. He had his primary education from Stanes Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School, Coimbatore. He also learned piano from Trinity College London.[3]

He discontinued his Bachelor of Arts in history from Coimbatore (Government Arts College) to pursue a career in acting.[4] He landed a minor role in the Kannada film Swapna Thingalgal. He began acting in minor roles in Telugu and Kannada films.

From 1979 to 1983, he was part of an acting drama troupe in Chennai, Chennai Kings, which also included the Tamil actor, Nassar. He was spotted and cast as the lead actor in Ezhavathu Manithan, which was his biggest role to date.

He married Rohini in 1996 and their son Rishi Varan was born in 2000. The couple later separated and divorced in 2004.[1]

Career[edit | edit source]

Following his beginnings on the stage, and a diploma in acting from M.G.R. Government Film and Television Training Institute in Chennai, Raghuvaran approached many Kollywood studios aiming for performance oriented roles and finally got selected as hero. The offbeat film named Ezhavathu Manithan (Seventh Man),[5] directed by Hariharan won many awards, but not many offers for him. A few more films followed with him as hero, like Oru Odai Nadhiyagirathu and Nee Thodumbothu released, but did not become successes. The villain role in Silk Silk Silk was noticed and the film's success opened the gate of offers for him. The villain act continued in films like Kutravaaligal, Mr. Bharath, Manthira Punnagai, Poovizhi Vasalile, Makkal En Pakkam, Oorkavalan and Puriyaadha Pudhir.

Raghuvaran did many films as hero and most of them did good business as well. The films Kavithai Paada Neramillai, Koottu Puzhukkal and Michael Raj helped to stabilize his career. The police officer in Thaimel Aanai (1988), the rowdy with a golden heart in Kai Naattu (1988), the lawyer in Kaliyugam (1988), the common man in En Vazhi Thani Vazhi (1988) and the honest Medical student turned Goonda in Kuttravali (1989) helped Raghuvaran's market value as hero to reach greater heights. But his desire to try all types of roles, like supporting actor as well as villain simultaneously halted the progress as hero, even though he played hero roles in Anjali (1990) and Malayalam movies Vyooham (1990) followed by Kavacham (1992).[6] Raghuvaran featured as the bad guy in big-ticket Tamil films like Shankar's films Kaadhalan (1994) and Mudhalvan (1999).

Raghuvaran was pitted against Dilip Kumar in his Bollywood debut Izzatdaar (1990) and his popularity further soared at the national level with Ram Gopal Varma's gangster flick Shiva (1990), where he played the dreaded gangster Bhawani. Other Bollywood films include Rakshak (1996) opposite Sunil Shetty (1996), Hitler (1998) opposite Mithun Chakraborty, Lal Baadshah (1999) opposite Amitabh Bachchan. and Grahan along with Jackie Shroff, where he replaced a busy Nana Patekar in 2001.

Known for playing the antagonist in a number of box office hits during the course of his career, he shared screen space with several big names in Tamil cinema, with his most memorable on-screen foe being none other than 'Superstar' Rajinikanth. The duo had appeared together in Mr. Bharath (1986), Oorkavalan (1987), Manithan (1987), Siva (1989), Raja Chinna Roja (1989), Baashha (1995), Muthu (1995), Arunachalam (1997) and Sivaji (2007).

He later returned to supporting roles – sometimes as a father or as a mentor in films such as Run (2002), Bala (2002), Alai (2003), Thirumalai (2003) and Yaaradi Nee Mohini (2008).[7]

Death[edit | edit source]

Raghuvaran died on 19 March 2008, aged 49.[1] The cause of death was due to organ failure because of excessive alcohol consumption.[8] His death occurred during the filming stages of several films, including Kanthaswamy (2009), wherein Raghuvaran's portions were reshot with Ashish Vidyarthi, which resulted in the film's delayed release. His posthumous film, Aatadista, released shortly after his death.

Filmography[edit | edit source]

Tamil films[edit | edit source]

Year Film Role Notes
1982 Ezhavathu Manithan Anand
Marumagale Vazhga Dr. Saravanan
1983 Silk Silk Silk Ashok Kumar
Vasanthame Varuga Suriyanarayanan
Oru Odai Nadhiyagirathu Bhaskar
1984 Nee Thodumbothu
1985 Kutravaaligal
Engirunthalum Vazhga
1986 Mr. Bharath Michael
Meendum Pallavi Selvan
Samsaram Adhu Minsaram Chidamabaram
Manthira Punnagai Daniel Miranda
1987 Poovizhi Vasalile Anand
Megam Karuththirukku Mathru Moorthy
Makkal En Pakkam Ramesh
Kavithai Paada Neramillai
Oorkavalan Rajadurai
Koottu Puzhukkal Surya
Manithan Kumaravelu
Ivargal Varungala Thoongal Raja
Puyal Paadum Paattu Police Inspector
Arul Tharum Ayyappan Person praying Cameo appearance
Kavalan Avan Kovalan Himself Guest appearance
Michael Raj Michael Raj
1988 Annanagar Mudhal Theru Janardhanan
Kuttravali Raja
Irandil Ondru Ragan
Thaimel Aanai Vinod
En Bommukutty Ammavukku Alex
Kai Naattu Laber
Kaliyugam Mahesh
Koyil Mani Osai Rajavelu
En Vazhi Thani Vazhi Advocate Raja
1989 Siva John
Idhu Unga Kudumbam
Raja Chinna Roja Bhaskar
1990 Pagalil Pournami Hindu saint
Anjali Shekar
Puriyaadha Pudhir Chakravarthi
Thiyagu Thiyagu
1991 Pudhiya Raagam Raghuraman
1992 Uyarnthavan Bhaskhar
1993 Konjum Kili Dr. Izzet Peter
Pudhiya Mugam Terrorist in Airport Cameo appearance
Dhool Parakuthu Aarumugam
1994 Paasamalargal Bar customer Cameo appearance
Thozhar Pandian
Kaadhalan Mallikarjuna
Veera Padhakkam Vadivelu
1995 Baashha Mark Antony
Manathile Oru Paattu James Cameo appearance
Rani Maharani
Witness Ramesh
Kolangal Bairavan
Muthu Rajasekharan
Maa Manithan Sigamani
Thotta Chinungi Gopal
1996 Take It Easy Urvashi Jaya
Selva Varatharajan
1997 Arunachalam Vishwanath
Love Today Chandrasekar
Ullaasam G. K.
Abhimanyu Maasilamani
Nerukku Ner Raghu
Aahaa..! Raghuraman
Ratchagan Gnaneswar
1998 Thulli Thirintha Kaalam Chidambaram
Iniyavale Ramanathan
Poonthottam Panneerselvam
Nilaave Vaa Siva
1999 Suriya Paarvai Jayanth
En Swasa Kaatre Pandian
Endrendrum Kadhal Shekar
Oruvan Krishna Prasad
Amarkkalam Tulasi Das
Pooparika Varugirom Ranganathan
Mudhalvan Aranganathan
Iraniyan Aande
2000 Kannukkul Nilavu Dr. Rajasekhar
Good Luck Chandra Mohan
Mugavaree Shiva
Sudhandhiram Raghu
Vallarasu DGP Jaganathan
Kandukondain Kandukondain Sowmya's Boss
Parthen Rasithen Panneer
Uyirile Kalanthathu Raghuraman
2001 Dosth Raghu
Narasimha Raana
Star Dhanushkodi
Majunu Gajapathy
2002 Red Sethupathy
Dhaya Major Rudhraiya
Roja Kootam Ilango's father
Run Shiva's brother-in-law
University Tamilselvan
I Love You Da Rajkishore
Bala Jeyamani
Kadhal Virus Kavitha's father
2003 Alaudin Gangadhar
Alai Aathi's father
Kaiyodu Kai Manickavasagam
Anjaneya Venketeswaran
Thirumalai Artist
Anbe Un Vasam V. Rathinavel Pandian
2004 Jana Jana's father
Arasatchi Ashok Mehta
Jananam Udhaya Moorthy
2005 Sachein Gowtham
2006 Sivappathigaram Elango
2007 Deepavali Dr. Devasaghayam Cameo appearance
Nalladhor Veenai
Sivaji Chezhian
Marudhamalai Suryanarayanan
2008 Bheemaa Periyavar
Ashoka Huzoor
Thodakkam Vanchinathan
Sila Nerangalil Krishnan
Yaaradi Nee Mohini Vasu's father Posthumous film
Ellam Avan Seyal Jagadeeswaran Posthumous film
2009 Adada Enna Azhagu Himself Posthumous film; cameo appearance
2012 Ullam Kavitha's father Posthumous film; delayed release

Telugu films[edit | edit source]

Year Film Role Notes
1987 Pasivadi Pranam Venu
Jebu Donga Teja
1988 Kanchana Seeta
Nyayaniki Sankellu Dhanraj
Nyayaniki Siksha Prajapathi Rao
1989 Rudranetra Black Cobra
Lankeshwarudu
Shiva Bhavani
1991 Chaitanya Raana
1992 Lathi Avinash
Prema Drohi Drohi
Asadhyulu Dr. Pratap
1994 Captain Kannappa Rao Partially reshot in Tamil
1995 Mounam Mr. X
1996 Anaganaga Oka Roju Raghu
Kranthi
1998 Aahaa..! Raghuram
Suswagatham Dr. Chandra Shekar
1999 Anaganaga Oka Ammai Bhavani Prasad
2000 Pelli Sambandham
Azad Deva
2002 Seema Simham Visweswara Rao
Bobby K. R.
2003 Naaga Naaga's father
Johnny Ravishankar Damle
2004 Naani Scientist
Mass Satya
2006 Valliddari Vayasu Padahare Shekhar
2007 Evadaithe Nakenti Bal Gangadhar
2008 Aatadista Raghunath Posthumous film
Pellikani Prasad Posthumous film
2009 Bank Raghuvaran Posthumous film

Malayalam films[edit | edit source]

Year Film Role Notes
1982 Kakka
1983 Rugma Joseph
1989 Dhanushkodi Unreleased film
1990 Vyooham Tony Leous
1991 Daivathinte Vikrithikal Alphonso
Kizhakkan Pathrose Anthony
1992 Kavacham Ravi
Soorya Manasam Shivan
1993 Addeham Enna Iddeham Perera
1995 Peter Scott Leo Fernandes
Maanthrikam Abdul Rahiman

Kannada films[edit | edit source]

Year Film Role
1996 Circle Inspector
1997 Kalavida Prema's killer
1998 Jai Hind
Government
Sorry
1999 Prathyartha Rakesh
2001 Asura Tulasi
2004 Durgi Jaydev

Hindi films[edit | edit source]

Year Film Role
1990 Izzatdaar Indrajeet Sabharwal
Shiva Bhavani
1996 Rakshak Raghu
1998 Hitler Ankush Raj
1999 Lal Baadshah Vikram Singh
2001 Grahan Raghu Sinha

Singer[edit | edit source]

Year Film Song Notes
2008 Thodakkam "Edhuthan Mudiyadhu"

Awards[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Actor Raghuvaran passes away- Hindustan Times". Archived from the original on 12 December 2008.
  2. ↑ "Did you know Raghuvaran was a musician? Rajinikanth launches late actor's music album". The News Minute. 3 February 2018. Archived from the original on 30 January 2019. Retrieved 9 February 2018.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "CINIDIARY - A Complete Online Malayalam Cinema News Portal". cinidiary.com. Archived from the original on 26 May 2020. Retrieved 15 January 2022.
  4. ↑ "- YouTube". YouTube. Archived from the original on 9 May 2017. Retrieved 9 October 2014.
  5. ↑ "Gulf Times article". Archived from the original on 24 March 2008.
  6. ↑ "Raghuvaran: a classy villain". 30 March 2008. Archived from the original on 15 March 2014. Retrieved 15 March 2014.
  7. ↑ "Farewell, Raghuvaran!". 24 March 2008. Archived from the original on 3 August 2017. Retrieved 30 January 2017.
  8. ↑ "Tamil Cinema News | Tamil Movie Reviews | Tamil Movie Trailers - IndiaGlitz Tamil". Archived from the original on 17 October 2014. Retrieved 17 September 2013.

External links[edit | edit source]

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