The recently released ‘Kabadhaari’ has once again stressed on the importance of the role played by character artistes in taking the movie forward.
Though most of the Tamil cinema is predominantly written around hero, villain and heroine, sometimes the character artistes steal the show.
Here is a list of some of the character artistes who have breathed life to the characters they played. Since much is already known about veterans like Sathyaraj, M S Bhaskar, Nassar and Saranya Ponvannan, let’s shift our focus to the new generation.
Jayaprakash:
The teacher from ‘Pasanga’ is a reliable character artiste. His most memorable performance will of course be ‘Pannaiyarum Padminiyum’. A character which captured old age love quite beautifully. Apart from that , his performances in serious flicks like ‘Yutham Sei’ and ‘Kabadadhaari’ are worth mentioning.
Karunakaran
At present Karunakaran is doing a very good work as a supporting actor. ‘Soodhu Kavvum’ starring Vijay Sethupathi was a milestone in his career as a character artiste and from then on he proved his mettle with films like ‘Yaamirukka Bayamey’ and ‘Jigarthanda’. He has gained so much recognition in Kollywood that he has a dozen of films lined up in his kitty. At present he is part of ‘Indru Nettru Naalai’ sequel and other films.
Bobby Simha
Bobby Simha shot to fame with his topnotch acting as a gangster in the movie ‘Jigarthanda’. Before that, he has also worked in ‘Soodhu Kavvum’ and ‘Neram’. He is adept at acting and got the National Award for Best Supporting Actor for ‘Jigarthanda’, very early in his career. He had a fair share in Rajinikanth’s ‘Petta’ as well. He also has some movies which are queued up for release.
Ilavarasu
Ilavarasu was a cinematographer earlier and is proving his mettle as a supporting actor now. ‘Imsai Arasan 23am Pulikesi’ is a landmark film in his career as he played the role of a not-so-bright Minister with conviction. ‘Kalakalappu’, ’36 Vayathinilae’, ‘Papanasam’, ‘Vetrivel’, ‘Ko 2’ are some of his notable works. His dialogue delivery is something worth mentioning.
Manobala
Manobala is primarily known for his supporting roles though he has directed many films. In his long career, he has worked in character roles in movies including ‘Aranmanai’, ‘Aranmanai 2’, ‘Pokkiri Raja’, ‘Kanithan’, ‘Peigal Jaakirathai’ etc.
Singampuli
Singampuli was earlier a director of Kollywood films, but now he is shining in supporting roles. Since his memorable role in ‘Naan Kadavul’ as a beggar, he appeared in character roles in films including ‘Hello Naaan Pei Pesuren’, ‘Sowcarpettai’, ‘Salaiyoram’, ‘Sethu Bhoomi’, etc.
‘Aadukalam’ Naren
Here was one actor who could play any role with the ease of a veteran. Since ‘Aadukalam’ there was no looking back. He became a Vetrimaran regular and was given those heavyweight character roles which required him to put his best foot forward always.Who can forget his role in ‘Nanban’?
Vinodhini
An underrated actress who could make us laugh, smile and thrill us in serious roles too. Though she started off with ‘Engeyum Eppodhum’ it was that lovely small role in ‘Comaali’ which is noteworthy. The final sequences in ‘Appa’ involving her and Thambi Ramaiah are top notch.
Guru Somasundaram
He caught our attention from the time he played the crazy Dad in ‘Aaranya Kaandam’. He was so good that he was elevated to playing the hero in ‘Joker’. A chameleon like personality who could give his best to any role that he played. The sequences from ‘Jigarthanda’ where he teaches Bobby Simha and his gang are a riot.
By Naveen
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