Karthik (actor): Difference between revisions

{{short description|Indian actor}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2021}}

| name = Karthik  

| image = Karthik_Muthuraman.jpg

| birth_name = Murali Karthikeyan Muthuraman<ref name="name"/>

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1960|09|13}}

| birth_place = [[Madras]], [[Madras State]], India

| father = [[R. Muthuraman]]

| mother = Sulochana

| spouse = Ragini (m.1988-present)<br />Rathi (m.1992-present)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/photo-features/tamil-celebrities-who-married-more-than-once/tamil-celebrities-who-married-more-than-once/photostory/48093697.cms | title=Tamil celebrities who married more than once | work=[[The Times of India]] | accessdate=5 August 2021}}</ref>

| children = 3 including [[Gautham Karthik]]  

| years active = 1981–2004<br />2010–present

| occupation = {{hlist|Actor|playback singer|politician}}

| othername = Navarasa Nayagan

| alma_mater = [[The New College, Chennai]]

'''Murali Karthikeyan Muthuraman''' (born 13 September 1960),<ref name="name">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/vignesh-shivan-and-suriya-present-a-refreshing-adaptation-of-special-26/article22429803.ece|title=This is a fun ‘Gang’|work=The Hindu|last=Devi Dundoo|first=Sangeetha|date=12 January 2018}}</ref> better known by the stage name '''Karthik''', is an Indian actor, [[playback singer]] and politician who works mainly in [[Tamil cinema]]. He is the son of veteran actor [[R. Muthuraman]]. He was first introduced by [[Bharathiraja]] in the Tamil film ''[[Alaigal Oivathillai]]'' (1981) and became a lead actor by his own. He has primarily appeared in [[Tamil language|Tamil]] films along with some [[Telugu language|Telugu]] films. Karthik is popularly known as ''Navarasa Nayagan'' (multi-talented actor) for his "ability to emote all forms of emotions".<ref>{{Cite web|date=7 April 2021|title=Navarasa Nayagan Karthik hospitalized again!|url=https://www.sify.com/movies/navarasa-nayagan-karthik-hospitalized-again-news-tamil-vehegtahebhea.html|access-date=7 April 2021|website=[[Sify]]}}</ref> He has acted in more than 125 films. He has been the recipient of the [[Tamil Nadu State Film Awards]] and the [[Nandi Award]]. He won four [[Filmfare Awards South]].<ref name="archive.org">{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/FilmfareBestActorActressDirectorTamil|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180501091723/https://archive.org/details/FilmfareBestActorActressDirectorTamil|url-status=dead|title=Filmfare Best Actor Actress Director Tamil : Santosh Kumar : Free Dow|date=1 May 2018|archive-date=1 May 2018|access-date=23 June 2018}}</ref>

Karthik was born as Murali Karthikeyan Muthuraman on 13 September 1960 in Chennai to Veteran Actor [[R. Muthuraman]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/like-father-like-son/article5928784.ece|title=like father, like son|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=19 April 2014|access-date=5 March 2015|last1=Naig|first1=Udhav}}</ref> He has two sons, [[Gautham Karthik|Gautham]] and Ghayn, from his first marriage with Ragini, and another son, Thiran, from his second marriage with Rathi.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/photo-features/tamil-celebrities-who-married-more-than-once/photostory/48093697.cms|title=Tamil Celebrities who married more than once - Tamil celebrities who married more than once|website=The Times of India}}</ref>

===Debut and success (1981-1986)===

Karthik was first introduced by [[Bharathiraja]] in the film ''[[Alaigal Oivathillai]]'' (1981). He received the [[Tamil Nadu State Film Awards|Best New Face Award]] from the Tamil Nadu Government in 1981. He starred in the Telugu remake of the film ''[[Seethakoka Chilaka]]'' that same year under the stage name Murali.<ref name="name"/> He collaborated with leading film directors such as [[Mani Ratnam]], [[K. Balachander]], [[Bharathiraja]], [[Visu]], [[R. Sundarrajan (director)|R. Sundarrajan]], [[Ameerjan]], [[R. V. Udayakumar]], [[Priyadarshan]], [[Fazil (director)|Fazil]], [[Vikraman]], [[Agathiyan]], [[Sundar C.]], [[K. S. Ravikumar]], [[P. Vasu]] and [[K. V. Anand]].

During the earlier stages of his career, Karthik worked three times with R. V. Udaya Kumar and enjoyed great success in all their ventures. Later, he formed a partnership with [[Goundamani]] in many comedy films. He was also well received by the Tamil audience for his performance in ''[[Nallavanukku Nallavan]]'' (1984) in a challenging role against [[Rajinikanth]]. Karthik during the early to mid 80s did many films, but many of the films till 1986 like ''[[Bhagavathipuram Railway Gate]]'' (1983), ''Pei Veedu'' (1984) and ''Raja Thanthiram'' (1984) were typical low budget masala films and failed to make a mark. His onscreen pair with [[Radha (actress)|Radha]] was appreciated in the early 80s.<ref>{{Cite web|date= 26 May 2020|title = Projekt Ilaiyaraaja Season III — 56/365 — Maalai Sooda |url= https://medium.com/sylvianism/projekt-ilaiyaraaja-season-iii-56-365-maalai-sooda-671064b0221d}}</ref> His cameo in ''[[Mouna Ragam]]'' (1986) was very well received by the audience.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.filmibeat.com/celebs/karthik-muthuraman/biography.html|title=Exclusive biography of #KarthikMuthuraman and on his life.|website=FilmiBeat}}</ref> The film made Karthik an instant heartthrob.

Sylvian Patrick from [[medium.com]] writes “Mani Ratnam arguably wrote the best cameo ever in Tamil movie history with Manohar’s character. The total time on the screen for Karthik is around 25 min, but the impact he creates is humungous”.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://medium.com/sylvianism/50-tamil-movies-to-watch-before-you-die-30-mouna-raagam-d56f0d08b2f7|title = 50 Tamil movies to watch before you die — 30 — Mouna Raagam |website=Medium.com|date = 21 June 2018 }}</ref> This film not only catapulted Karthik to fame but, even he would admit, it made him re-think his choice of films and also instilled confidence and belief that he had what is required as an actor to succeed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/karthik-muthuraman-an-artist-par-excellence-is-it-really-over--tamil-news-221987|title=Karthik Muthuraman - An Artist par Excellence - Is it really over? - Tamil News|date=4 October 2018|website=IndiaGlitz.com}}</ref>

===Golden years (1987-1991)===

This was a golden period in the career of Karthik, where he acted in numerous performance-oriented films. ''[[Vanna Kanavugal]]'' (1987) was a super hit. Karthik collaborated with several leading directors and gave several successful films. He acted in the Telugu film ''[[Abhinandana]]'' (1988) for which he won the [[Nandi Special Jury Award]]. He followed with commercial successes like ''[[Agni Natchathiram]]'' (1988), ''[[Varusham Padhinaaru]]'' (1989), ''[[Idhaya Thamarai]]'' (1990), ''[[Kizhakku Vaasal]]'' (1990) and culminated with the black comedy ''[[Gopura Vasalile]]'' (1991).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/karthik-muthuraman-an-artist-par-excellence-is-it-really-over--tamil-news-221987|title = Karthik Muthuraman - an Artist par Excellence - is it really over? - Tamil News|date = 4 October 2018}}</ref>

Karthik and Revathi were the Iconic On screen pairing in Tamil Cinema and the audience were looking forward to their films together after their film Mouna Raagam. They both starred in successful movies of Idhaya Thamarai and Kizhakku Vaasal. Karthik also have assisted in Directing the film 'Deiva Vaakku' which was released in the year 1992.

===Ups and downs (1992-1995)===

This was period when Karthik took considerable risks in choosing scripts. ''[[Amaran (film)|Amaran]]'' (1992) was an action film where Karthik plays an orphan who eventually becomes a don. When it released, it performed below expectations; however, the song sung by Karthik became a huge rage: 'Vethala Potta Sokkula', one of the super hit songs that [[Adithyan]] tuned was sung by Karthik himself in his signature style very similar to his dialogue delivery. The song is a 'love at first sight' kind and its simplicity and very hummable lyrics is what endeared it to many when it was first released.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-slide-shows/movie-3/songs/amaran.html|title=Amaran - Behindwoods.com - Tamil Movie Slideshow - Aboorva Sagotharargal Amaran Billa|website=www.behindwoods.com}}</ref> ''[[Nadodi Thendral]]'' (1992) was a period film helmed by [[Bharathiraja]]. ''[[Ponnumani]]'' (1993) was a village-based melodrama, which was a super hit at the box office and fetched Karthik his 4th Filmfare award. Karthik also spent a considerable amount of time shooting for a Telugu film co-starring [[Vijayashanti]] in ''[[Maga Rayudu]]'' (1994).  This period also witnessed films like ''[[Marumagan]]'' (1995), ''[[Chakravarthy (1995 film)|Chakravarthy]]'' (1995), ''[[Nandhavana Theru]]'' (1995) and an average success ''[[Thotta Chinungi]]'' (1995).

===Breakout and consolidation years (1996-1999)===

In 1996 Karthik acted in ''[[Kizhakku Mugam]]''. In the same year, he acted in his biggest commercial success: the full-length comedy [[Sundar C]]'s ''[[Ullathai Allitha]],'' alongside [[Rambha (actress)|Rambha]] and [[Goundamani]]. Due to the success, he collaborated with the director again in another profitable venture, ''[[Mettukudi]].'' He went on to win critical acclaim for his role in ''[[Gokulathil Seethai (film)|Gokulathil Seethai]]''. He appeared in [[K. S. Ravikumar]]'s ''[[Pistha]]'' (1997), which also won good reviews. Karthik carried on his good streak at the box office in 1998, while also winning accolades for his performances in [[Vikraman]]'s ''[[Unnidathil Ennai Koduthen]]'' (1998) (100th film), Cheyyar Ravi's ''[[Harichandra (1998 film)|Harichandra]]'' (1998) and [[Selva (director)|Selva]]'s ''[[Pooveli]]'' (1998), and won a [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize|Tamil Nadu State Award]] for Best Actor for the latter.<ref name="indolink">{{cite web|url=http://www.indolink.com/tamil/cinema/News/98/Nov/news1.htm|title=Tamil Movie News!|publisher=indolink.com|access-date=2014-07-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141219170120/http://www.indolink.com/tamil/cinema/News/98/Nov/news1.htm|archive-date=19 December 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="indolink2">{{cite web|url=http://www.indolink.com/tamil/cinema/Specials/99/Feb/best1998.htm|title=Best of 1998|publisher=indolink.com|access-date=2014-07-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908073115/http://www.indolink.com/tamil/cinema/Specials/99/Feb/best1998.htm|archive-date=8 September 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 1999, he played drama films like ''[[Chinna Raja]]'', ''[[Nilave Mugam Kaattu]]'', ''[[Anandha Poongatre]]'', ''[[Suyamvaram]]'' and ''[[Rojavanam]].'' He acted in medium-budget comedy films, notably in four further [[Sundar C]] ventures including the successful blockbuster film, ''[[Unakkaga Ellam Unakkaga]]'' (1999). His pairing with [[Rambha (actress)|Rambha]] was a hit with the audience as the pair provided good hits in the late 1990s.

===Downfall begins (2000-2001)===

During the early 2000s, Karthik experienced a difficult period as he began to lose his popularity at the box office and new actors began to emerge in the Tamil film industry. He subsequently signed on to appear in several films, which were either dropped, shelved or indefinitely postponed during the period. His career as a lead actor subsequently began to dwindle in the early 2000s, with several of his ventures opening with little publicity or being delayed after financial troubles.<ref name="hindu">{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2004/01/02/stories/2004010201720300.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040820212906/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2004/01/02/stories/2004010201720300.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 August 2004|title="Indru"|author=thmrn|date=2 January 2004|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=2014-07-20}}</ref> Many family films came but nothing different were noticed or not one performance was talked about. Such films include ''[[Thai Poranthachu]]'' (2000), ''[[Sandhitha Velai]]'' (2000), ''[[Kannan Varuvaan]]'' (2000), ''[[Kuberan (2000 film)|Kuberan]]'' (2000)  and  ''[[Seenu (2000 film)|Seenu]]'' (2000). Films including Prabhu Nepal's ''Kadhale Swasam'' alongside [[Meena (actress)|Meena]], [[Sundar C]]'s ''Kadhal Solla Vandhen'' with [[Isha Koppikar]] and Gowri Manohar's ''Kashmir'' with [[Priyanka Trivedi]] had audio release events but failed to have a theatrical release.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nilacharal.com/enter/cinebit/c10.html|title=Nilacharal|website=www.nilacharal.com|access-date=23 June 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2003/04/18/stories/2003041800930200.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031118120432/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2003/04/18/stories/2003041800930200.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 November 2003|title=Of a singer who makes it big|date=18 April 2003|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=23 June 2018}}</ref>

Likewise, other ventures including Mahesh's ''Manathil'' alongside [[Kausalya (actress)|Kausalya]], Soundarrajan's ''Click'' co-starring [[Prabhu (actor)|Prabhu]], and [[Selva (director)|Selva]]'s ''Kai Korthu Vaa'' progressed before being halted.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nilacharal.com/enter/cinebit/c77.html|title=Nilacharal - A Tamil entertainment ezine presenting interesting contents and useful services|website=www.nilacharal.com|access-date=23 June 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nilacharal.com/enter/cinebit/c7.html|title=Nilacharal|website=www.nilacharal.com|access-date=23 June 2018}}</ref> Similarly, other projects in the early 2000s, such as ''Gurudeva'' with Rimjim, ''Muthalaam Santhippil'' with Kausalya again and ''Enrum Unnai Naesippaen'' were dropped soon after filming had begun.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2002/07/12/stories/2002071200910400.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020807003231/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2002/07/12/stories/2002071200910400.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 August 2002|title=Enticing locations|last=thmrn|date=12 July 2002|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=23 June 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2004/05/07/stories/2004050701930300.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041121005848/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2004/05/07/stories/2004050701930300.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 November 2004|title=Hero and villain|date=7 May 2004|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=23 June 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/manathil-tamil-movie-preview-7159.html|title=Manathil Tamil Movie Preview cinema review stills gallery trailer video clips showtimes - IndiaGlitz.com|access-date=23 June 2018}}</ref> Potential home productions such as ''Tension'' and ''Avan Appadithaan'' under his banner Aalamara Films also did not materialise.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chennaionline.com/reeltalk/aug033.asp |title=Archived copy |website=www.chennaionline.com |access-date=11 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030310091825/http://www.chennaionline.com/reeltalk/aug033.asp |archive-date=10 March 2003 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2001, his films were ''[[Ullam Kollai Poguthae]]'', ''[[Lovely (2001 film)|Lovely]]'' and comedy film ''[[Azhagana Naatkal]]''.

He starred in action film, ''[[Devan (film)|Devan]]'' with [[Vijayakanth]] and [[Arun Pandian]], followed by ''[[Game (2002 film)|Game]]''. During the nadir of 2002, Karthik was signed on by producer [[Keyaar]] to make a film titled ''Enna Peyar Veikalaam'' directed by [[Vincent Selva]]. Despite travelling to Pollachi for the shoot, the actor refused to emerge from his hotel room, and following an extended period of confusion, the film was called off and the [[Nadigar Sangam]] began legal proceedings against the actor.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chennaionline.com/entertainment/filmplus/karthik.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040426071906/http://www.chennaionline.com/entertainment/filmplus/karthik.asp|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 April 2004|title=Ma(n)y troubles?!|date=26 April 2004|access-date=23 June 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/the-survivors-of-tamil-filmdom-tamil-news-9858.html|title=- Tamil Movie News - IndiaGlitz.com|access-date=23 June 2018}}</ref> He acted in the crime film, ''[[Indru]]'' (2003). The film was a disaster.

Towards the nadir of 2005, he signed on to appear in a negative role in [[Sathyaraj]]'s ''Sivalingam IPS'', but the film was shelved.<ref name="sify">{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/satyaraj-hero-karthik-villain-news-tamil-kkfvzvhgdbj.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205071924/http://www.sify.com/movies/satyaraj-hero-karthik-villain-news-tamil-kkfvzvhgdbj.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2015-02-05|title=Satyaraj hero, Karthik villain!|publisher=sify.com|access-date=2014-07-20}}</ref> In 2004, Karthik suggested that "his acts and habits" had landed him in trouble and was looking to make a comeback.<ref name="indiaglitz.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/-quot-together-after-a-dozen-years-for-gusti-quot--tamil-news-9376.html|title=- Tamil Movie News - IndiaGlitz.com|access-date=23 June 2018}}</ref> He subsequently appeared in "comeback" films such as ''[[Kusthi]]'' (2006) and ''[[Kalakkura Chandru]]'' (2007), both of which had delayed releases and went unnoticed at the box office.<ref name="indiaglitz.com"/> Other ventures that the actor described as "comeback projects", such as [[Kicha (director)|Kicha]]'s ''Unnidathil'' and [[Raj Kapoor (Tamil film director)|Raj Kapoor]]'s ''Sivalingam IPS'', were shelved mid-production.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/a-great-comeback-tamil-news-9728.html|title=A great comeback - Tamil Movie News - IndiaGlitz.com|date=6 July 2004|access-date=23 June 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/features/News/News36/31-10-05/tamil-movies-news-karthick.html|title=Tamil movies : Karthik nurses political ambitions|website=www.behindwoods.com|access-date=23 June 2018}}</ref> Later in 2006, he revealed that he had quit taking drugs and was keen to make another attempt at returning to the film industry.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/News/6-1-05/karthik_drugs.htm|title=Karthik out of drugs|website=www.behindwoods.com|access-date=23 June 2018}}</ref>

===Renewal (2010-2013)===

Karthik opted to make a comeback into acting in 2010 and chose to appear in supporting rather than leading roles, much like his contemporaries [[Prabhu (actor)|Prabhu]] and [[Sathyaraj]]. He was first seen portraying a caring police officer in ''[[Maanja Velu]]'', before winning positive reviews for his small role as a forest guard in [[Mani Ratnam]]'s ''[[Raavanan (2010 film)|Raavanan]]''.<ref name="behindwoods">{{cite web|url=http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-reviews/reviews-2/raavanan-movie-review.html|title=RAAVANAN REVIEW - TAMIL MOVIE RAAVANAN REVIEW|publisher=behindwoods.com|access-date=2014-07-20}}</ref> He subsequently went on to play roles in [[P. Vasu]]'s ''[[Puli Vesham]]'' (2011) and the Telugu film ''[[Om 3D]]'' (2013), both of which failed at the box office.

 

He acted in a negative role in [[K. V. Anand]]'s  ''[[Anegan]]'', where he appears alongside [[Dhanush]].<ref name="indiatimes">{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news-interviews/Karthik-is-Dhanushs-villain-in-Anegan/articleshow/29540453.cms|title=Karthik is Dhanush's villain in Anegan - The Times of India|publisher=timesofindia.indiatimes.com|access-date=2014-07-20}}</ref> He acted with [[Suriya]] in ''[[Thaanaa Serndha Koottam]]'' (2018),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/thaanaa-serndha-koottam-movie-review-suriya-keerthy-suresh-star-rating-5020652/|title = Thaanaa Serndha Koottam movie review: The Suriya and Keerthy Suresh starrer is a fairly entertaining film|date = 13 January 2018}}</ref> and his son [[Gautham Karthik]] in ''[[Mr. Chandramouli]]'' (2018).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/mr-chandramouli/mr-chandramouli-review.html|title=Mr Chandramouli (Aka) Chandramouli review|date=7 July 2018}}</ref> He made a guest appearance with actor [[Karthi]] in the film, ''[[Dev (2019 film)|Dev]]'' (2019).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/dev-movie-review-karthi-rakul-preet-starrer-is-a-well-intentioned-but-dreary-story-of-self-discovery-and-love/story-6lDC2IQWLoDHnfYDKzdcgM.html|title = Dev movie review: Karthi, Rakul Preet starrer is a well-intentioned but dreary story of self-discovery and love|date = 14 February 2019}}</ref>

Karthik's party tried an alliance with AIADMK for the 2011 Assembly elections,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://dinamani.com/edition/Story.aspx?SectionName=Tamilnadu&artid=363698&SectionID=129&MainSectionID=129&SEO=&Title=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710131325/http://dinamani.com/edition/Story.aspx?SectionName=Tamilnadu&artid=363698&SectionID=129&MainSectionID=129&SEO=&Title=|url-status=dead|title=அ.தி.மு.க. அணியில் கார்த்திக் கட்சி - Dinamani - Tamil Daily News<!-- Bot generated title -->|archive-date=10 July 2011}}</ref> but AIADMK supremo denied tickets for his party. Karthik announced his party will contest alone in 25 to 40 seats after it was not allotted any seat in the AIADMK coalition.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://dinamani.com/edition/story.aspx?SectionName=Tamilnadu&artid=391537&SectionID=129&MainSectionID=129&SEO=&Title=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710130515/http://dinamani.com/edition/story.aspx?SectionName=Tamilnadu&artid=391537&SectionID=129&MainSectionID=129&SEO=&Title=|url-status=dead|title=கோவில்பட்டியில் கார்த்திக் போட்டி? - Dinamani - Tamil Daily News<!-- Bot generated title -->|archive-date=10 July 2011}}</ref> Karthik sat on a fast in Madurai demanding Madurai Airport be renamed as Pasumpon Thevar Airport.<ref>[http://thatstamil.oneindia.in/news/2011/02/20/karthik-demands-10-seats-aiadmk-alliance-aid0136.html Karthik demands 10 seats in AIADMK alliance | 10 சீட் வேணும்!&nbsp;– கார்த்திக்&nbsp;– Oneindia Tamil]. Thatstamil.oneindia.in. Retrieved on 22 October 2011.</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Third-front-will-play-spoilsport/articleshow/7789549.cms|title=Third front will play spoilsport &#124; Chennai News - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref> His party with sizeable Thevar votes in southern Tamil Nadu is believed to eat into the AIADMK votebank. In 2006, former AIADMK minister Nainar Nagendran lost by 2,000 votes in Tirunelveli, where Karthik's party polled more than the margin. Two weeks later, he split from ADMK and announced his party will contest independently in 19 constituencies and support DMK in 213 constituencies.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://dinamani.com/edition/story.aspx?SectionName=Tamilnadu&artid=398782&SectionID=129&MainSectionId=129&SEO=&Title=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006134132/http://dinamani.com/edition/story.aspx?SectionName=Tamilnadu&artid=398782&SectionID=129&MainSectionId=129&SEO=&Title=|url-status=dead|title=திமுக கூட்டணிக்கு நடிகர் கார்த்திக் கட்சி ஆதரவு - Dinamani - Tamil Daily News<!-- Bot generated title -->|archive-date=6 October 2011}}</ref>

* 1988&nbsp;– [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor - Tamil]] - ''[[Agni Natchathiram]]''

* 1989&nbsp;– Filmfare Award for Best Actor - Tamil - ''[[Varusham Padhinaaru]]''

* 1990&nbsp;– Filmfare Award for Best Actor - Tamil - ''[[Kizhakku Vasal]]''

* 1993&nbsp;– Filmfare Award for Best Actor - Tamil - ''[[Ponnumani]]''

* 1981&nbsp;– Best Male Debut Award - ''[[Alaigal Oivathillai]]''

* 1988&nbsp;– [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize|Special Prize for Best Actor]] - ''[[Agni Natchathiram]]''

* 1990&nbsp;– [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor]] - ''[[Kizhakku Vasal]]''

* 1998&nbsp;– [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize|Special Prize for Best Actor]] - ''[[Pooveli]]'' and ''[[Unnidathil Ennai Koduthen]]''

* 1998&nbsp;– [[Cinema Express Award for Best Actor&nbsp;– Tamil]] - ''[[Unnidathil Ennai Koduthen]]''

* 1988&nbsp;– [[Nandi Special Jury Award]] - ''[[Abhinandana]]''

He married actress Ragini in 1988, his co-star in the film ''[[Solaikuyil]]'' and the couple has two sons, actor [[Gautham Karthik]] and Ghayn Karthik. Later, he also married Ragini's sister, Rathi in 1992 and the couple have a son, Thiran Karthik.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/25543.html|title=Tamil Cinema News - Tamil Movie Reviews - Tamil Movie Trailers - IndiaGlitz Tamil|access-date=23 June 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/52468.html|title=Tamil Cinema News - Tamil Movie Reviews - Tamil Movie Trailers - IndiaGlitz Tamil|access-date=23 June 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/mani-ratnam-wants-to-meet-you/article4298707.ece|title=Mani Ratnam wants to meet you|first=Sangeetha Devi|last=Dundoo|newspaper=The Hindu|date=11 January 2013|access-date=23 June 2018|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref>

| ''[[Seethakoka Chiluka (1981 film)|Seethakoka Chiluka]]'' || Raghu || [[Telugu language|Telugu]] || Remake of Tamil film ''Alaigal Oivathillai''

| ''Raja Thanthiram'' || Boopathy || Tamil ||

| ''[[Nallavanuku Nallavan]]'' || Vinod || Tamil ||

| ''[[Chinnamanikkuyile]]'' || Unknown || Tamil || Unreleased

| rowspan="7"| 1988 || ''[[Abhinandana]]'' || Raja  || Telugu || [[Nandi Special Jury Award]]

| ''[[Solla Thudikuthu Manasu]]'' || P. G. Thilainathan || Tamil ||

| ''[[Agni Natchathiram]]'' || Ashok || Tamil || [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor - Tamil]]<br />[[Tamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize|Tamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize for Best Actor]]

| ''[[Lucky Man (film)|Lucky Man]]'' || Gopi  || Tamil ||

| ''[[Pistha]]'' || Manikandan  || Tamil ||

| rowspan="6"| 1999 || ''[[Chinna Raja]]'' || Raja/Dilip || Tamil ||

| rowspan="1"| 2019 || ''[[Dev (2019 film)|Dev]]'' || Ashok || Tamil || Guest appearance  

| rowspan="2"| 2022 || ''Thee Ivan'' || Karthi || Tamil || Pre-production<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/kollywood/220220/karthik-is-the-hero-of-thee-ivan.html|title = Karthik is the hero of Thee Ivan|date = 22 February 2020}}</ref>

| 1993 || ''[[Chinna Jameen]]'' || "Onappu Thattu"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xI2JwMLqnGo|title=Onappu Thattu - "Chinna Jameen"-Tamil Movie - Karthik, Sukanya - Full song|last=Tamil Matinee|date=20 October 2014|access-date=23 June 2018|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}{{Dead Youtube links}}</ref> || [[Ilaiyaraaja]] || [[Swarnalatha]]

| 1997 || ''[[Sishya]]'' || "Apollo Apollo"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOUuek4DrVg |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/GOUuek4DrVg |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=YouTube|website=www.youtube.com|access-date=23 June 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref> || [[Deva (composer)|Deva]] || Swarnalatha

| 1997 || ''[[Pistha]]'' || "Kozhi Curry Kondu Varatta" || [[S. A. Rajkumar]] ||