Arunachalam Rajendran[1] (born 1 June 1957[1]), better known as Mottai Rajendran or Naan Kadavul Rajendran, is an Indian stunt double and actor working mainly in Tamil cinema. He debuted in 2003 with the Tamil film Pithamagan and has worked as a stunt double in over 500 South Indian films since then. He played the role of a villain in Naan Kadavul (2009) which won huge critical acclaim and fetched him the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Villain. Since then, he has continued to play villainous and later humorous supporting characters in a number of Tamil films.[2] He is noted for his rough voice and alopecia universalis, which he claims was the result of coming into contact with industrial waste during a stunt sequence.[1][3]
Rajendran | |
|---|---|
 Raasendran at the Vilaasam Press Meet | |
| Born | 1 June 1957 |
| Other names | Naan Kadavul Rajendran, Mottai Rajendran |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1978–present |
Career
editRajendran began his film career working as a stunt double in hundreds of south Indian films mostly in Tamil.
He played a small but significant role in Pithamagan (2003) and made his full-fledged acting debut as a villain in Naan Kadavul (2009).[2][4] His performance as a cruel leader who tortures beggars earned critical acclaim with a critic noting that he is "menacing and loathsome".[5]
Following his villainous comedy role in Boss Engira Bhaskaran (2010), he says he was typecast in similar roles.[2][4] His appearance as a killer who dons the garb of a woman in Thirudan Police (2014) was appreciated by critics as "the ultimate showstealer and his already popular lady makeover clinches it big time".[6] His first release in 2015 was Darling, where he appeared as the ghostbuster.[4] The Times of India wrote, "His bald head, thin figure and sandpapery voice make him effective for both villainous and comical roles but from the screams and whistles that his character gets, it is clear that he has made much more impact as a comedian".[7] His second release of the year was Ivanuku Thannila Gandam (2015), where he appeared as a murderer. Before its release, Rajendran's presence in the film's promotional videos received a positive response.[4][8] The film was released to negative reviews, though Rajendran's performance was appreciated by critics, one of whom noted that "the film belongs to Rajendran as he comes out with his trademark dialogue delivery [...] and carries the entire film".[9]
He later co-starred mostly with actor Santhanam in movies Dhilluku Dhuddu (2016), Dhilluku Dhuddu 2 (2019), Biskoth (2020), Parris Jeyaraj (2021), Dikkiloona (2021), DD Returns (2023), 80s Buildup (2023), Vadakkupatti Ramasamy (2024) and Devil's Double Next Level (2025).
Personal life
editA. Rajendran was born on 1 June 1957 in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, India. His father, Arunachalam, and two elder brothers are also stunt masters. Rajendran previously used to have androgenic hair, but following an incident in which he jumped into a pond of chemical runoff from a nearby factory as part of a stunt for a Malayalam film Tokyo Nagarathile Viseshangal, he had lost every bit of hair from his body, earning him the nickname "Motta" Rajendran.[1]
Filmography
edit| † | Denotes films that have not yet been released |
Tamil films
edit| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Rudhra | Henchman | Uncredited role |
| 1992 | Amaran | Henchman | Uncredited role |
| Thambi Pondatti | Henchman | Uncredited role | |
| Thirumathi Palanisamy | Henchman | Uncredited role | |
| 1993 | Gentleman | Henchman | Uncredited role |
| 1995 | Puthiya Aatchi | Henchman | Uncredited role |
| 2003 | Lesa Lesa | Deva's friend | Uncredited role[10] |
| Pithamagan | Prison warden | Uncredited role[11] | |
| 2005 | Thotti Jaya | Henchman | Uncredited role |
| 2006 | Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu | Henchman in 'Karka Karka' song | Uncredited role |
| Thalaimagan | Fighter | Uncredited role | |
| 2007 | Thee Nagar | Henchman | Uncredited role |
| 2009 | Naan Kadavul | Thandavan | Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Villain[12] Nominated, Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Tamil |
| 2010 | Boss Engira Bhaskaran | Velpandi | |
| Baana Kaathadi | Gang leader | ||
| Uthamaputhiran | Velu | ||
| Milaga | Rajendran | ||
| Thambi Arjuna | Mani | ||
| 2011 | Ilaignan | Kaalia | |
| Mugaputhagam | Goon | Short film | |
| Rowthiram | A local goon | ||
| Thambikottai | Amirthalingam | ||
| Velayudham | A local goon | ||
| Ambuli | Guhan | ||
| 2012 | Varudangal 20 | Annachi | |
| 2013 | Samar | Tree cutter | |
| Kan Pesum Vaarthaigal | Janani's uncle | ||
| Singam 2 | Sahaayam | ||
| Pattathu Yaanai | Hotel owner | ||
| Varuthapadatha Valibar Sangam | Goolmaayi | ||
| Raja Rani | Henry | ||
| Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara | Painter Rajendran (Raj) | ||
| Maayai | |||
| 2014 | Kadhal Solla Aasai | Verumpuli | |
| Vilaasam | |||
| Thirudan Police | Manickam | ||
| Vellaikaara Durai | Rajendran | ||
| 2015 | Darling | Ghost Gopal Varma | |
| Ivanuku Thannila Gandam | Mark | ||
| Kalakattam | |||
| Nannbenda | "Scorpio" Shankar | ||
| Kanchana 2 | Marudhu's brother | ||
| Masss | Ghost | ||
| Eli | Kuruvi Manda Kumaru | ||
| Palakkattu Madhavan | U. Santosh Kumar | ||
| Sakalakala Vallavan | Inspector Muthukaruppan / Robot | ||
| Adhibar | |||
| 49-O | Advertisement director | ||
| Jippaa Jimikki | |||
| Naanum Rowdydhaan | Rowdy Raja | ||
| Om Shanti Om | Vavval Pandi | ||
| Vedalam | "Kolkata" Kaali | ||
| Thiruttu Rail | |||
| 2016 | Peigal Jaakkirathai | ||
| Nayyapudai | Baby Anaconda | ||
| Vaaliba Raja | Ragendra | ||
| Theri | P. Rajender | Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Tamil[13] | |
| Velainu Vandhutta Vellaikaaran | Ghost 'Motai' Guru | ||
| Enakku Innoru Per Irukku | Maha | ||
| Jackson Durai | Bradlee (Suruli) | ||
| Dhilluku Dhuddu | Sketch "Mani" | ||
| Arthanari | |||
| Wagah | PET Master | ||
| Yaanai Mel Kuthirai Sawaari | |||
| Remo | Mohana Santhosh | ||
| Kadavul Irukaan Kumaru | Father Francis Rajendran | ||
| Atti | |||
| Veera Sivaji | CBI officer | ||
| 2017 | Bairavaa | Traffic police M. Rajendran | |
| Enakku Vaaitha Adimaigal | Karuppu Rock | ||
| Mupparimanam | Himself | Cameo | |
| Motta Shiva Ketta Shiva | Tsunami Star Subash | ||
| Bruce Lee | Uncle of Abbas | ||
| Paambhu Sattai | Water company owner | ||
| Sangili Bungili Kadhava Thorae | Chairman | ||
| Thangaratham | Malaichamy | ||
| Anbanavan Asaradhavan Adangadhavan | Mani / Rajhu | ||
| Gemini Ganeshanum Suruli Raajanum | Sulthan Bhai | ||
| Podhuvaga Emmanasu Thangam | Rajendran | ||
| Katha Nayagan | Mike Maari | ||
| Neruppu Da | MLA Kabali | ||
| Bayama Irukku | Ajith | ||
| Pichuva Kaththi | |||
| Hara Hara Mahadevaki | Spike | ||
| Mersal | Health Minister | ||
| Brahma.com | Vanagamudi | ||
| 2018 | Gulaebaghavali | Annachi | |
| Madura Veeran | |||
| Solli Vidava | Narayana | ||
| Veera | Jonty Rhodes | ||
| Kaathadi | |||
| Munthal | |||
| Iruttu Araiyil Murattu Kuththu | Jack | ||
| Kaathiruppor Pattiyal | |||
| Mohana | |||
| Junga | S. Duraisingam | ||
| Ghajinikanth | Rajini's friend | ||
| Maniyaar Kudumbam | Chellakilli | ||
| Kolamavu Kokila | Alponse | ||
| Aaruthra | Avudaiappan's assistant | ||
| Seema Raja | Himself | Special appearance | |
| Nota | Ramaswamy | ||
| Kalavani Mappillai | Vanagamoodi | ||
| 2019 | Vantha Rajavathaan Varuven | Loan collector | |
| Dhilluku Dhuddu 2 | Viji's uncle | ||
| Nethraa | |||
| Pettikadai | |||
| Pottu | Thief | ||
| Boomerang | Film producer | ||
| Sangathamizhan | Kittappa | ||
| Natpuna Ennanu Theriyuma | Raju's father | ||
| Dharmaprabhu | Shiva | ||
| Gorilla | Saloon Owner | ||
| A1 | CCTV Chidambaram | ||
| Jackpot | Motta | ||
| Puppy | |||
| 50/50 | Pachai Kulandhai | ||
| 2020 | Time Enna Boss | "Semma Singer" Judge / Mahatma Gandhi from Earth 36 | Web series |
| Irandam Kuththu | Swamiji | ||
| Naanga Romba Busy | Corrupt businessman | ||
| Biskoth | Mottappa | ||
| Time Up | |||
| 2021 | Trip | Anjaa Puli | |
| Naanum Single Thaan | Mr Love | ||
| Paris Jayaraj | Guru | ||
| Michaelpatty Raja | Naidu | ||
| Engada Iruthinga Ivvalavu Naala | Nesamani | ||
| Call Taxi | Kamal | ||
| Dikkiloona | Mental hospital doctor | ||
| Pei Mama | Sethupathi | ||
| MGR Magan | Mattapparai | ||
| Anandham Vilayadum Veedu | Worker | ||
| 2022 | Kundas | ||
| Kadamaiyai Sei | Thief | ||
| Powder | |||
| Gurumoorthi | Security Guard | ||
| Varalaru Mukkiyam | Chris Gayle | ||
| Oh My Ghost | |||
| 2023 | Vaathi | 'Bittu' Bhupathi | |
| Single Shankarum Smartphone Simranum | Police | ||
| Pallu Padama Paathukka | Ramesh | ||
| Kannitheevu | |||
| Ghosty | Motta (Mental hospital warden) | ||
| Ellaam Mela Irukuravan Paathuppan | Superstar Rajeshkanth and alien | Dual roles | |
| Vimanam | Balaraju | Partially reshot version | |
| Rayar Parambarai | Shanthamurthy | ||
| DD Returns | Professor | ||
| Lockdown Diarie | |||
| Web | |||
| Japan | Japan's aide | ||
| 80s Buildup | Diamond thief | ||
| Sarakku | |||
| 2024 | Vadakkupatti Ramasamy | Goon | |
| Guardian | Azhagu's brother-in-law | ||
| Yaavarum Vallavare | Paandi | ||
| The Boys | Sundaram's uncle | ||
| Rathnam | Mahesh | ||
| Aranmanai 4 | Rathnam | ||
| Thozhar CheGuevara | Doctor Naveen | ||
| 2025 | Madha Gaja Raja | Viswanath’s henchman | |
| Baby and Baby | Thokkudurai | ||
| Otha Votu Muthaiya | Sithappa | ||
| Leg Piece | Annachi | ||
| Devil's Double Next Level | "Veen Pechu" Babu | [14] | |
| Chennai City Gangsters | Memory Dass | [15][16] | |
| Desingu Raja 2 | Dinesh | ||
| Bhoghee | |||
| Rambo | |||
| Rajini Gaang | Jadamudi Jambulingam | ||
| Konja Naal Poru Thalaiva | |||
| Galatta Family | Doctor | ||
| 2026 | Lucky the Superstar | Motta Rajendran | Voice role |
| Kenatha Kanom | [17] | ||
Telugu films
edit| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Lakshmi Narasimha | Henchman | Uncredited role |
| Gudumba Shankar | Henchman | Uncredited role | |
| Sakhiya | Uncredited role | ||
| 2005 | Sri | Uncredited role | |
| 2006 | Kithakithalu | Watermelon seller | Uncredited role[18] |
| 2007 | Athidi | Henchman | Uncredited role |
| 2018 | Chalo | Senior Veeramuthu | |
| 2019 | Chikati Gadilo Chithakotudu | Gopal Varma | |
| 2022 | Sammathame | Assistant of Music Director | |
| F3 | Gudivada Gurunatham | ||
| 2023 | Waltair Veerayya | Gundu Mani | |
| Sir | 'Boothu' Bhushanam | ||
| Vimanam | Balaraju | [19] | |
| 2025 | Akkada Ammayi Ikkada Abbayi | Krishna’s Boss | |
| Tribanadhari Barbarik | Dasanna | ||
| They Call Him OG | Gossiper | ||
| Gurram Paapi Reddy | Sangi Reddy | ||
| 2026 | Trimukha | Watchman Veerabadram | |
| Sathi Leelavathi |
Malayalam films
edit| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Tokyo Nagarathile Viseshangal | Thug | Uncredited role[citation needed] |
| 1999 | F.I.R. | BSS Soldier | |
| 2000 | Sathyameva Jayathe | Sulaiman's henchman | |
| 2001 | Randam Bhavam | Goon | |
| 2002 | Thandavam | Shankar Das's henchman | |
| 2008 | Magic Lamp | Goon | |
| 2010 | Pulliman | Dasappan | |
| 2018 | Street Lights | Manimaran | |
| Odiyan | Odiyan doppelgänger | ||
| 2019 | Love Action Drama | SI Rajendran | |
| Kamala | Thoothukudi Raja | ||
| 2024 | Bad Boyz | ||
| 2025 | Pariwar | Gold Raja | [20] |
| The Protector | [21] | ||
Other language films
editReferences
edit- 1 2 3 4 "Stunt accident left him hairless – and with plenty of roles". The Times of India. 11 November 2016. Archived from the original on 12 August 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2018.
- 1 2 3 S. R. Ashok Kumar (5 December 2010). "My First Break". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 31 March 2012. Retrieved 15 February 2012.
- ↑ பல ஆண்டுகள் ரகசியத்தை உடைத்த மொட்டை ராஜேந்திரன்!! [Rajendran breaks the secret for many years!]. Samayam Tamil (in Tamil). Archived from the original on 20 May 2023. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
- 1 2 3 4 "Rajendran turns hot as comedian!". Sify. 31 March 2015. Archived from the original on 1 April 2015. Retrieved 22 September 2017.
- ↑ "Reality hits you hard – Naan Kadavul". The Hindu. 13 February 2009. Archived from the original on 16 July 2020. Retrieved 22 September 2017.
- ↑ "Thirudan Police Movie Review". Behindwoods.com. 14 November 2014. Archived from the original on 9 April 2015. Retrieved 22 September 2017.
- ↑ "Darling Movie Review". The Times of India. 15 January 2015. Archived from the original on 10 November 2017. Retrieved 22 September 2017.
- ↑ "Rajendran a Big Asset for Ivanuku Thannila Gandam". NDTV.com. 21 February 2015. Archived from the original on 23 September 2017. Retrieved 22 September 2017.
- ↑ "Review: Ivanuku Thanila Gandam". Sify. 12 March 2015. Archived from the original on 12 March 2015. Retrieved 22 September 2017.
- ↑ "Lesa Lesa Movie Scenes | Trisha reveals her past | Madhavan intro | Shaam". YouTube. 23 March 2018.
- ↑ "Pithamagan Tamil Full Movie | Vikram | Suriya | Bala | Laila | Sangeetha". Matinee Now Tamil. 21 May 2022. Event occurs at 1:15:11 – via YouTube.
- ↑ "Rajini, Kamal win best actor awards". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 29 September 2009. Archived from the original on 1 October 2009. Retrieved 19 March 2023.
The best villain award was given to Rajendran ('Naan Kadavul');
- ↑ "Rajendran- Best Actor in Supporting Role Male Nominee". Filmfare Awards. Archived from the original on 19 March 2023. Retrieved 19 March 2023.
- ↑ Chandar, Bhuvanesh (16 May 2025). "'Devil's Double Next Level' movie review: Santhanam's barely funny, least scary addition to an uneven franchise". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 11 June 2025.
- ↑ Features, C. E. (5 September 2024). "Rajendran is Memory Dass in Vaibhav's Chennai City Gangsters". Cinema Express. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
- ↑ Kumar, Akshay (5 May 2025). "Vaibhav-Athulya Ravi's Chennai City Gangsters gets a release date". Cinema Express. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
- ↑ "Yogi Babu prays along with villagers for water in the new look poster of Kenatha Kanom". Cinema Express. 19 February 2026.
- ↑ kitakitalu full movie HD. Masked_Version. 27 January 2021. Event occurs at 26:05. Retrieved 22 February 2024.
- ↑ Today, Telangana (19 May 2023). "Vimanam Teaser | Samuthirakani | Anasuya Bharadwaj | Meera Jasmine". Telangana Today. Archived from the original on 28 May 2023. Retrieved 28 May 2023.
- ↑ "Pariwar Movie Review : Honest, humorous family drama". The Times of India. 11 March 2025.
- ↑ Features, C. E. (29 April 2025). "Shine Tom Chacko-starrer The Protector gets a release date". Cinema Express. Retrieved 29 April 2025.