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| years_active = 1988{{ndash}}present
| years_active = 1988{{ndash}}present
| occupation = Actor
| occupation = Actor
| party = [[All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]]
| partner = Arak merchant
| children = 2
| website =
| website =
}}
}}
'''Anandaraj''' (born November 10, 1963) is an Indian actor and comedian. He has acted in villain roles in several [[Tamil films]] and has appeared in over a three hundred films in different languages including 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>
'''Anandaraj''' (born November 10, 1963) is an Indian [[actor]], He has acted in villain roles in several [[Tamil films]] and has appeared in over a three hundred films in different languages including 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 [[civil surgeon#British use|civil surgeon]]. 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 [[Pondicherry]]. His father was a [[civil surgeon#British use|civil surgeon]]. Mother Was Famous (50S, 60S) Telugu Singer Swarnalatha Alias Mahalakshmi. 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 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=[[Cinema 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=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=[[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]]'') [[Rajinikanth]] (''[[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>
Line 27: Line 32:
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=[[Cinema 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|date=27 January 2020 }}</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]] to a [[Mudaliar]] community and 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 and a son.
Anandaraj was born in [[Pondicherry|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 ==
Line 60: Line 65:
| ''[[Kalicharan (1988 film)|Kalicharan]]'' || Anandraj ||
| ''[[Kalicharan (1988 film)|Kalicharan]]'' || Anandraj ||
|-
|-
|rowspan="3"|1989 || ''Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu'' || Maruthupandi ||
|rowspan="3"|1989 || ''[[Pillaikkaga]]'' || Nagadevan ||
⚫
|-
⚫
| '' Nal Valthukkal'' || ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Rajadhi Raja (1989 film)|Rajadhi Raja]]'' || Kangeyan ||
| ''[[Rajadhi Raja (1989 film)|Rajadhi Raja]]'' || Kangeyan ||
|-
|-
|''Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu'' || Maruthupandi ||
|-
|-
|rowspan="15"|1990 ||''[[Nalla Kaalam Porandaachu]]'' || Joe ||
|rowspan="15"|1990 ||''[[Nalla Kaalam Porandaachu]]'' || Joe ||
Line 185: Line 189:
|rowspan="9"|1998 ||''[[Moovendhar]]'' || Velliangiri ||
|rowspan="9"|1998 ||''[[Moovendhar]]'' || Velliangiri ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Naam Iruvar Nammaku Iruvar]]'' || ||
| ''[[Naam Iruvar Nammaku Iruvar]]'' || Thief ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Sandhippoma]]'' || ||
| ''[[Sandhippoma]]'' || ||
Line 345: Line 349:
|''[[Naai Sekar Returns]]'' || Dass
|''[[Naai Sekar Returns]]'' || Dass
|-
|-
| rowspan="4" | 2023 || ''[[Vallavanukkum Vallavan]]'' || ||
| rowspan="4" | 2023 || ''[[Vallavanukkum Vallavan]]'' || Inspector Poonthamalli ||
|-
|-
|''[[Rayar Parambarai]]'' || ||
|''[[Rayar Parambarai]]'' || Gopal, Mortuary worker ||
|-
|-
| ''[[80s Buildup]]'' || Gopal ||
| ''[[80s Buildup]]'' || Gopal ||
Line 353: Line 357:
| ''[[Conjuring Kannappan]]'' || Devil Armstrong ||
| ''[[Conjuring Kannappan]]'' || Devil Armstrong ||
|-
|-
| rowspan="1"| 2024 || ''[[Kanguva]]'' || ||
| rowspan="3"| 2024 || ''[[Vithaikkaaran]]'' || ‘Dollar’ Azhagu ||
⚫
|-

| ''[[Uyir Thamizhukku]]'' || Pazhakadai Ramachandran ||
⚫
|-
|''[[Vasco Da Gama (film)|Vasco Da Gama]]'' || Lakshana's father ||
⚫
|-
|{{tableTBA}} || {{pending film|[[Chennai City Gangsters]]}} || ||<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>
⚫
|-
<!---------------------------------------------------------->
<!---------------------------------------------------------->
<!-- Per WP:FILMOGRAPHY: Do not add future projects until -->
<!-- Per WP:FILMOGRAPHY: Do not add future projects until -->
Line 377: Line 387:
| ''Palnati Rudraiah'' || ||
| ''Palnati Rudraiah'' || ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Lankeswarudu]]'' || ||
| ''[[Lankeswarudu]]'' || Ananth Raj ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Ontari Poratam]]'' || Govinda Yadav ||
| ''[[Ontari Poratam]]'' || Govinda Yadav ||
Line 403: Line 413:
| 1998 || ''[[Suryavamsam (1998 film)|Suryavamsam]]'' || Singaraju Lingaraju ||
| 1998 || ''[[Suryavamsam (1998 film)|Suryavamsam]]'' || Singaraju Lingaraju ||
|-
|-
|rowspan="3"|2002 || ''[[Seema Simham]]'' || Police Inspector ||
|rowspan="4"|2002 || ''[[Seema Simham]]'' || Police Inspector ||
⚫
|-
| ''[[Bharatasimha Reddy]]'' || Devudayya's brother-in-law ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Siva Rama Raju]]'' || Veeraju Varma ||
| ''[[Siva Rama Raju]]'' || Veeraju Varma ||
Line 409: Line 421:
| ''[[Chennakesava Reddy]]'' || Dhanunjaya Reddy ||
| ''[[Chennakesava Reddy]]'' || Dhanunjaya Reddy ||
|-
|-
| rowspan="2"|2003 || ''[[Raghavendra (film)|Raghavendra]]'' || Ankineedu ||
| rowspan="4"|2003 || ''[[Raghavendra (film)|Raghavendra]]'' || Ankineedu ||
⚫
|-
| ''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>
⚫
|-
⚫
| ''[[Avuna]]'' || ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Tiger Harischandra Prasad]]'' || Killer Koteswar Rao ||
| ''[[Tiger Harischandra Prasad]]'' || Killer Koteswar Rao ||
Line 418: Line 434:
| 2009 || ''[[Adhineta]]'' || Mahendra Bhupati ||
| 2009 || ''[[Adhineta]]'' || Mahendra Bhupati ||
|-
|-
| 2016 || ''Parvathipuram'' || Anna || Dubbed in Telugu as ''Veera Khadgam'' (2023)
| 2016 || ''Parvathipuram'' || || Dubbed in Telugu as ''Veera Khadgam'' (2023)
|-
|-
| 2024 || ''[[Inti No. 13]]'' || Gajanand ||
|}
|}


=== Kannada films ===
=== Other language films ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+
|+
Line 429: Line 446:
! scope="col" | Film
! scope="col" | Film
! scope="col" | Role
! scope="col" | Role
⚫
! scope="col" | Language
|-
|-
| 1994 || ''[[Jaana (film)|Jaana]]'' || Anand
| rowspan="2"|1994 || ''[[The City (1994 film)|The City]]'' || Raja || [[Malayalam]]
⚫
|-
| ''[[Jaana (film)|Jaana]]'' || Anand || rowspan="9"|[[Kannada]]
|-
|-
| 1996 || ''[[Palegara]]'' ||
| 1996 || ''[[Palegara]]'' ||
Line 448: Line 468:
| ''Vijaya Dashami'' ||
| ''Vijaya Dashami'' ||
|-
|-
| 2008 || ''[[Indra (2008 film)|Indra]]'' ||
| 2004 || ''[[Sathyam (2004 film)|Sathyam]]'' || Commissioner Mambally Mukundan Menon || rowspan="2"|Malayalam
⚫
|-
⚫
| 2006 || ''Jayam'' || Bharathan
⚫
|-
| 2008 || ''[[Indra (2008 film)|Indra]]'' || || rowspan="3"|Kannada
|-
|-
| 2009 || ''Machaa'' ||
| 2009 || ''Machaa'' ||
Line 454: Line 478:
| 2010 || ''Meshtru'' ||
| 2010 || ''Meshtru'' ||
|-
|-
⚫
| 2011 || ''[[Doubles (2011 film)|Doubles]]'' || Pathan || Malayalam
⚫
|}

=== Malayalam films ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+
⚫
|-
⚫
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Film
! scope="col" | Role
⚫
|-
| 1994 || ''[[The City (1994 film)|The City]]'' || Raja
⚫
|-
| 2004 || ''[[Sathyam (2004 film)|Sathyam]]'' || Commissioner Mambally Mukundan Menon
⚫
|-
⚫
| 2006 || ''Jayam'' || Bharathan
⚫
|-
⚫
| 2011 || ''[[Doubles (2011 film)|Doubles]]'' || Pathan
⚫
|-
⚫
|}

=== Hindi films ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+
⚫
|-
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Film
! scope="col" | Role
|-
|-
| 2014 || ''[[Action Jackson (2014 film)|Action Jackson]]'' || Xavier Fonseca
| 2014 || ''[[Action Jackson (2014 film)|Action Jackson]]'' || Xavier Fonseca || Hindi
|-
|-
|}
|}

Latest revision as of 11:04, 17 November 2024

Anandaraj
Born (1963-11-10) 10 November 1963 (age 61)
Pondicherry, Puducherry, India
Alma materM.G.R. Government Film and Television Training Institute
OccupationActor
Years active1988–present
Political partyAll India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
PartnerArak merchant
Children2

Anandaraj (born November 10, 1963) is an Indian actor, He has acted in villain roles in several Tamil films and has appeared in over a three hundred films in different languages including Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi. [1]

Career

[edit]

Anandaraj was born and brought up in Pondicherry. His father was a civil surgeon. Mother Was Famous (50S, 60S) Telugu Singer Swarnalatha Alias Mahalakshmi. 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. 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]

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]

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]

Tamil films

[edit]
Year Film Role Notes
1988 Oruvar Vaazhum Aalayam Henchmen
Thaimel Aanai Johny
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
Iravu Sooriyan
Moondrezhuthil En Moochirukkum Amirtharajah
Thambi Oorukku Pudhusu
1992 Government Mappillai Sundarapandian
Unna Nenachen Pattu Padichen
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
Andha Naal Father James
Manikkam
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
TBA Chennai City Gangsters † [10]
Key
† Denotes films that have not yet been released

Telugu films

[edit]
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 [11]
Avuna
Tiger Harischandra Prasad Killer Koteswar Rao
2005 786 Khaidi Premakatha Harischandra Prasad [12]
2009 Adhineta Mahendra Bhupati
2016 Parvathipuram Dubbed in Telugu as Veera Khadgam (2023)
2024 Inti No. 13 Gajanand

Other language films

[edit]
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
2014 Action Jackson Xavier Fonseca Hindi

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Kollywood Movie Actor Anandaraj Biography, News, Photos, Videos". nettv4u.
  2. ^ a b c "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. ^ "Telugu cinema review - Inspector - Brahmaji, Sindhu Menon - KS Nageswara Rao - Mahendra". www.idlebrain.com.
  12. ^ Jeevi (4 February 2005). "Movie review - 786 (Khaidi Premakatha)". Idlebrain.com.
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