P. Samuthirakani[1] (born 26 April 1973) is an Indian actor and film director who works predominantly in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam films. He worked as an assistant to director K. Balachander, in Paarthale Paravasam. He won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2016 for Visaranai,[2][3] he is also a recipient of three Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, a Filmfare Award and a SIIMA award.
P. Samuthirakani | |
|---|---|
 Samuthirakani at the audio launch of Sandamarutham in 2015 | |
| Born | P. Samuthirakani 26 April 1973 |
| Alma mater | Dr. Ambedkar Government Law College |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1998-present |
| Spouse | Jayalakshmi |
| Children | 2 |
Early life
editSamuthirakani was born on 26 April 1973 in Seithur, Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu.[1][4] He did his B.Sc. in mathematics from the Rajapalayam Rajus College and he also earned a Bachelor of Law from Ambedkar Law College. However, he aimed to become an actor. He has said that people used to tell him that he did not have the physical appearance or necessary talent to be an actor.[5]
Career
editIn 1997, he joined as an assistant director under Sundar K. Vijayan.[6] He was then noticed by K. Balachander and was recruited as assistant director for Balachander's 100th film Paarthale Paravasam. He also assisted Balachander in the mega-serial Anni telecasted by Jaya TV. Samuthirakani recalled that the work experience he gained under Balachander helped him in many ways while shooting Arasi and Selvi, the mega-serial telecasted in Sun TV, which were massive hits among housewives.[7]
In the early 2000s, Samuthirakani began his career as a director. He notably launched a shelved film titled Uyir Nanbanukku starring Cheran, before making Unnai Charanadaindhen (2003) for S. P. B. Charan.[8][9]
He worked as an assistant director for K. Balachander in Parthale Paravasam (2001) and Poi (2006) and for Ameer in Paruthiveeran (2007).[10][7]
However, it was the success of Naadodigal (2009) that established Samuthirakani as a director. Since then he has directed films such as Poraali (2011), Nimirndhu Nil (2014) and Appa (2016). All these films have been remade in Telugu and Kannada.[11][12] He gained appreciation for his acting in Velaiilla Pattadhari (2014) as Dhanush's father and in Visaranai (2016) as a police inspector.[13][14]
He also played important role in Rajinikanth's film Kaala (2018).[15]
In 2020, he appeared in Telugu film, Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo.[16] Samuthirakani's returned to directing with Naadodigal 2, a film that takes up the topic of equality.[17] He played the main role in the Telugu film, Aakashavaani (2021).[18] He also directed two fantasy comedy Vinodhaya Sitham (2021) [19] and Bro (2023).[20]
He also played the role of Vibhishana in the Telugu superhero film Hanu-Man (2024).[21]
Filmography
edit| † | Denotes films that have not yet been released |
Tamil films
edit| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Parthale Paravasam | Back pain patient | Uncredited role |
| 2004 | Neranja Manasu | Villager | |
| 2006 | Poi | Kamban's friend | |
| 2007 | Paruthiveeran | Ice Vendor | |
| 2008 | Subramaniapuram | Kanagu | Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Tamil |
| 2010 | Easan | ACP Sangayya | Won—Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Character Artiste (Male) |
| 2012 | Saattai | Dayalan | |
| Neerparavai | Uduman Gani | ||
| 2014 | Ninaithathu Yaaro | Himself | Guest appearance |
| Nimirndhu Nil | Car driver | Won—Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Film (Third Prize) | |
| Velaiyilla Pattathari | Raghuvaran's father | Nominated—Vijay Award for Best Supporting Actor Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Tamil | |
| Poovarasam Peepee | Gani | Guest appearance | |
| Kaadu | Nandha | ||
| 2015 | Sandamarutham | Inspector Thirumalai | |
| Massu Engira Masilamani | Radha Krishnan (RK) | ||
| Buddhanin Sirippu | Vettri | ||
| Kaaval | Inspector Chandrasekar | ||
| Kamaraj | Corporation officer | ||
| Adhibar | Raja | ||
| Paayum Puli | Selvaraj (Selvam) | ||
| Strawberry | Aathi | ||
| Pasanga 2 | Father | Guest appearance | |
| 2016 | Tharkappu | Iraianbu | |
| Rajini Murugan | "Ezhrai" Mookan | ||
| Visaranai | Inspector Muthuvel | Won—National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor Won—Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Tamil | |
| Nominated—SIIMA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role | |||
| Kadhalum Kadandhu Pogum | Kumar | ||
| Vetrivel | Vetrivel's friend | Cameo | |
| Amma Kanakku | Principal Ranganathan | ||
| Appa | Dhayalan | ||
| Achamindri | Inspector Sathya | ||
| 2017 | Thondan | Maha Vishnu | |
| Kootathil Oruthan | Sathyamurthy (Sathya) | ||
| Velaiilla Pattadhari 2 | Raghuvaran's father | ||
| 2018 | Nimir | Vellaiyappan | Also dialogue writer |
| Madura Veeran | Rathnavelu | ||
| Yemaali | Inspector Aravindh | ||
| Kaala | Vaaliyappan | ||
| Goli Soda 2 | Natesan | ||
| Maniyaar Kudumbam | S.Nallavan | Cameo | |
| 60 Vayadu Maaniram | Ranga | ||
| Aan Devathai | Elango | ||
| Vada Chennai | Gunaa | ||
| 2019 | Peranbu | Dr. Dhanapal | Cameo |
| Pettikadai | Physical trainer | ||
| Kolanji | Appasamy | ||
| Jackpot | Film Director | Special appearance | |
| Kaappaan | Joseph Selvaraj | ||
| Namma Veettu Pillai | Chandrabose | ||
| Adutha Saattai | Dayalan | Also producer | |
| Sillu Karupatti | Dhanapal | ||
| 2020 | Naadodigal 2 | Bus driver | Special appearance; also voice-over |
| Ettuthikkum Para | Ambedkar | ||
| Walter | Bala | ||
| Naanga Romba Busy | Himself | Cameo | |
| 2021 | Pulikkuthi Pandi | Karumbalai Pandi | TV film |
| Sangathalaivan | Sivalingam | ||
| Aelay | Muthukkutty Sudhakar (Imbuttu Kanji) | ||
| Vellai Yaanai | Vellai Kunju | ||
| Devadas Brothers | The writer | ||
| Thalaivi | R. N. Veerappan | ||
| Vinodhaya Sitham | Time | ||
| Udanpirappe | Sargunam Vaathiyaar | ||
| MGR Magan | Agnishwaran | ||
| Chithirai Sevvaanam | Muthu Pandi | ||
| Writer | Thangaraju | ||
| 2022 | Kombu Vatcha Singamda | Eelam fighter | |
| Maaran | Palani | ||
| Don | Ganesan | ||
| Yaanai | Ramachandran | ||
| 2023 | Thunivu | Commissioner Dayalan | |
| Naan Kadavul Illai | Senthooran | ||
| Thalaikoothal | Pazhani | ||
| Vaathi | Thirupathi | ||
| Are You Ok Baby? | Balachandhran | ||
| 2024 | Mudakkaruthaan | ||
| Siren | DSP S. Nagalingam IPS | ||
| Singappenney | Special appearance | ||
| Yaavarum Vallavare | Krishnan | ||
| Rathnam | MLA Panneer Selvam | ||
| Garudan | Inspector E. Muthuvel | ||
| Hit List | Vijay's father | ||
| Indian 2 | Varadharajan | ||
| Andhagan | Manohar | ||
| Nandhan | BDO Marudhudurai | ||
| Rajakili | Anandan | ||
| Thiru.Manickam | Manickam | ||
| 2025 | Maargan | DGP Muthuvel Rajan IPS | [22] |
| Veeravanakkam | P. Krishna Pillai | [23] | |
| Padaiyaanda Maaveeraa | Jayaraman | [24] | |
| Idli Kadai | Marichamy | [25] | |
| Kaantha | TPK "Ayya" | [26] | |
| 2026 | Carmeni Selvam | Selvam | [27] |
Telugu films
edit| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Shambo Shiva Shambo | Car driver | Cameo |
| 2020 | Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo | Appala Naidu | Won—SIIMA Award for Best Actor in a Negative Role – Telugu |
| 2021 | Krack | Katari Krishna | |
| Aakashavaani | Chandram Master | Released on SonyLIV | |
| 2022 | Bheemla Nayak | Jeevan Kumar | |
| RRR | Venkateswarulu | ||
| Sarkaru Vaari Paata | MP Rajendranath | Nominated–SIIMA Award for Best Actor in a Negative Role – Telugu | |
| Macherla Niyojakavargam | MLA Rajappa | ||
| Dongalunnaru Jaagratha | Chakravarthi | ||
| Godfather | ACP Indrajeet IPS | ||
| Panchathantram | Ramanathan | ||
| 2023 | Sir | Tripathi | |
| Dasara | Shivanna | ||
| Nenu Student Sir | Arjun Vasudevan | ||
| Vimanam | Veerayya | Partially reshot in Tamil[28] | |
| Bro | Shankaranna | Cameo | |
| 2024 | Hanu-Man | Vibhishana | |
| 2025 | Game Changer | Sabha | |
| Oka Padhakam Prakaram | Raghuram | ||
| Ramam Raghavam | Dasaradh Ramam | Partially reshot in Tamil[29] | |
| Daksha: The Deadly Conspiracy | Chalapathi | [30] | |
| Mass Jathara | Ajith Narayana | ||
| 2026 | The RajaSaab | Gangaraju | [31] |
| Bad Boy Karthik | Varadha Reddy | [32] | |
Malayalam films
edit| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Shikkar | Abdullah | |
| 2012 | Masters | Protester | Cameo in the song "Suhruth Suhruth" |
| Thiruvambadi Thamban | Ramu | ||
| The Hitlist | SP Anapazhakan | Cameo | |
| 2013 | D Company | Chaukidar | |
| 2014 | Vasanthathinte Kanal Vazhikalil | P. Krishna Pillai | |
| 2015 | The Reporter | SP Parthasarathy IPS | |
| 2016 | Karinkunnam 6'S | Saravanan | Cameo |
| Oppam | Vasudevan | Nominated—Asianet film award for best actor in a negative role | |
| Won—IIFA Utsavam for performance in a negative role Malayalam | |||
| 2024 | Oru Anweshanathinte Thudakkam | SP Vetrivel IPS | [33] |
Television
edit| Year | Serial | Role | Network | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Sila Nijangal Sila Nyayangal | Reporter | Sun TV Raj TV | Part of Jannal TV series (episode 7)[34] |
| 2000 | Kadavulukku Kobam Vanthathu | Smoking guy in theatre | DD Podhigai | TV series (Episode 1)[35] |
| 2001 | Marmadesam Edhuvum Nadakkum | A tribal man | Raj TV | Part of Marmadesam TV Series (Episode 1)[36] |
| Ramany vs Ramany Part II | Sales person, Census taker, bride groom | TV series (Episode 11, 31, 51)[37][38][39] | ||
| Guhan | Rishi's assistant | TV series[40] also Co-director | ||
| Oru Kathavu Thirakirathu | Veerappan (Manikkam/Santhapandian/Pazhaniappan) | Part of K. Balachanderin Chinnathirai: Micro Thodargal Macro Sinthanaigal[41] TV series | ||
| 2007 | Arasi | Undercover police officer (Chinna Thambi) | Sun TV | TV Series |
| 2012 | 7C | Star Vijay | TV Series (Special Appearance) | |
| 2020 | Chithi 2 | Himself | Sun TV | |
| 2021 | Live Telecast | Deva | Disney+ Hotstar | Web-series |
| 2026 | Thadayam | SI Adhiyaman | Web-series[42] |
Dubbing artist
edit| Year | Film | For actor |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Pasanga | Sivakumar |
| 2011 | Aadukalam | Kishore |
| 2012 | Dhoni | Murli Sharma |
| 2014 | Goli Soda | Madhusudhan Rao |
| 2016 | Kathakali | Madhusudhan Rao |
As a director
edit- Films
| Year | Film | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Unnai Charanadaindhen | Tamil | Won—Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Story Writer |
| 2004 | Neranja Manasu | Tamil | |
| Naalo | Telugu | Remake of Unnai Charanadainthen | |
| 2009 | Naadodigal | Tamil | Won—Vijay Award for Favourite Director |
| Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Director – Tamil Nominated—Vijay Award for Best Director Nominated—Vijay Award for Best Story, Screenplay Writer | |||
| 2010 | Sambho Siva Sambho | Telugu | Remake of Naadodigal |
| 2011 | Poraali | Tamil | Won—Vijay Award for Best Dialogue Writer |
| 2012 | Yaare Koogadali | Kannada | Remake of Poraali |
| 2014 | Nimirndhu Nil | Tamil | |
| 2015 | Janda Pai Kapiraju | Telugu | Delayed release Simultaneously shot alongside Nimirndhu Nil |
| 2016 | Appa | Tamil | |
| 2017 | Thondan | Tamil | |
| Aakashamittayee | Malayalam | Remake of Appa, Co-directed with M. Padmakumar | |
| 2020 | Naadodigal 2 | Tamil | |
| 2021 | Vinodhaya Sitham | Tamil | |
| 2023 | Bro | Telugu | Remake of Vinodhaya Sitham[43] |
- Television
| Year | Title | Channel | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Paasa Paasangugal | Raj TV | Part of K. Balachanderin Chinnathirai: Micro Thodargal Macro Sinthanaigal[44][45][46][47][48][49] |
| 2001 | Gunangalum Ranangalum | ||
| Idho Boopalam | |||
| Theadathey Tholainthu Povai | |||
| Addi Ennadi Asattu Pennea | |||
| Kodi Rubai Kealvi | |||
| Ramani vs Ramani (Part 2) | Raj TV | As Sales person in few episodes | |
| Anni | Jaya TV | Directed along with K. Balachander | |
| 2004 | Engirundho Vandhal | Jaya TV | Directed along with K. Balachander and Ilakkiyan |
| 2005 | Idhu Oru Kadhal Kadhai | STAR Vijay | |
| Thangavettai | Sun TV | Game Show | |
| Selvi | |||
| 2007 | Arasi | ||
| Thenmozhiyal | Kalaignar TV | Directed along with K. Balachander | |
| 2010 | Alaipayuthey | Jaya TV | Directed along with Raja |
Singer
edit| Year | Film | Song | Composer | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Vamsam | "Suvadu Suvadu" | Taj Noor | Sang along with M Sasikumar and Pandiraj |
| 2011 | Poraali | "Vidiya Potri" | Sundar C Babu |
Narrator
edit- Eye of the Leopard (2006) - Tamil version - National Geographic
- Sundarapandian (2012)
- Roar of the Royals (2020) - Tamil version - National Geographic
- Serndhu Polama (2015)
- Anandham Vilayadum Veedu (2021)
- The Way Of The Cheetah (2021) Tamil version - National Geographic
References
edit- 1 2 "SAMUTHIRAKANI P." Tamilnadu Film Director's Association. Archived from the original on 2 March 2014. Retrieved 7 February 2015.
- ↑ Rao, Subha J. (16 October 2018). "Cinema must be useful to society, says Samuthirakani". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 4 February 2020. Retrieved 4 February 2020.
- ↑ M, Ramakrishnan (8 April 2017). "Samuthirakani: The angry director". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 4 February 2020. Retrieved 4 February 2020.
- ↑ Anantharam, Chitra Deepa (21 November 2017). "Hunger makes you stronger: Samuthirakani". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 23 November 2017. Retrieved 12 October 2018.
- ↑ "Rebel with a pause". The Hindu. 26 November 2011. Archived from the original on 8 December 2013. Retrieved 1 February 2024.
- ↑ "முறுக்கு விற்றேன்!". Kalki (in Tamil). 12 October 2003. p. 60. Retrieved 1 February 2024.
- 1 2 "Success didn't come easy to me: Samuthirakani". The New Indian Express. 7 April 2018. Archived from the original on 3 March 2022. Retrieved 16 February 2021.
- ↑ "09-08-03". 15 November 2004. Archived from the original on 15 November 2004.
- ↑ "08-07-03". 15 April 2005. Archived from the original on 15 April 2005.
- ↑ Srinivasan, Latha (2 April 2016). "I couldn't sleep when I was shooting 'Visaranai', says National Award-winner Samuthirakani". DNA. Archived from the original on 19 May 2023. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
- ↑ "Happy Birthday Samuthirakani - Tamil News". IndiaGlitz.com. 26 April 2017. Archived from the original on 11 May 2022. Retrieved 16 February 2021.
- ↑ "Kalidas Jayaram requests people not to let down 'simple' movies like Aakashamittayee". 23 October 2017. Archived from the original on 2 June 2021. Retrieved 1 June 2021.
- ↑ Manoj Kumar R (11 August 2020). "South Stream: Dhanush's Velaiyilla Pattathari". Indian Express. Archived from the original on 19 May 2023. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
- ↑ "Tamil film 'Visaranai' is India's official entry for Oscars 2017". The Economic Times. 22 September 2016. Archived from the original on 17 November 2019. Retrieved 30 October 2019.
- ↑ "Samuthirakani talks about his experiences with Rajinikanth on Kaala sets". 2 February 2018. Archived from the original on 2 June 2021. Retrieved 1 June 2021.
- ↑ "Samuthirakani interview: 'I aspire to be as pure as my characters'". 21 October 2021. Archived from the original on 15 March 2023. Retrieved 15 March 2023.
- ↑ "Naadodigal 2 review: Skip it". Sify. Archived from the original on 2 June 2021. Retrieved 1 June 2021.
- ↑ Chowdhary, Y. Sunita (23 September 2021). "'Aakashavaani' movie review: Definitely an original gem". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 11 December 2021. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
- ↑ "Vinodhaya Sitham -A feel-good fantasy drama". Sify. Archived from the original on 13 October 2021. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
- ↑ "Bro Movie Review : Banks more on Pawan Kalyan's fame than the story". The Times of India.
- ↑ "Thiru.Manickam teaser: Samuthirakani gets stuck in the middle of chaos". Cinema Express.
- ↑ Kumar, Akshay (27 May 2025). "Maargan Trailer: Vijay Antony plays a cop who is after a supernatural killer". Cinema Express. Retrieved 12 June 2025.
- ↑ Kumar, Akshay (15 August 2025). "Samuthirakani-Bharath's Veeravanakkam gets a release date". Cinema Express. Retrieved 9 September 2025.
- ↑ "Padaiyaanda Maaveeraa". Book My Show. Retrieved 19 September 2025.
- ↑ "Idli Kadai Movie Review: Dhanush cooks a comfort meal that is warm, familiar, but slightly overcooked". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 4 October 2025.
- ↑ "Kaantha teaser: Dulquer Salmaan revives golden age cinema in tense period drama". India Today. 28 July 2025. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
- ↑ "'Carmeni Selvam' is a story that mirrors real life: Samuthirakani". The Times of India. Retrieved 2 April 2026.
- ↑ "Vimanam Teaser | Samuthirakani | Anasuya Bharadwaj | Meera Jasmine". Telangana Today. 19 May 2023. Archived from the original on 28 May 2023. Retrieved 28 May 2023.
- ↑ Kumar, Akshay (29 January 2025). "Samuthirakani's Ramam Raghavam gets a release date". Cinema Express. Retrieved 23 February 2025.
- ↑ ""Daksha – The Deadly Conspiracy" Set for Summer 2025 Release". www.deccanchronicle.com. 19 March 2025.
- ↑ "The Raja Saab Box Office Day 3: The Prabhas-starrer collects Rs 100 crores in India". Cinema Express. 12 January 2026. Retrieved 15 January 2026.
- ↑ Harsh, B. H. (12 May 2025). "It's a wrap for Naga Shaurya's Bad Boy Karthik". Cinema Express. Retrieved 25 April 2026.
- ↑ "Oru Anweshanathinte Thudakkam trailer promises a gripping investigative thriller". Cinema Express. 27 October 2024. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
- ↑ "- YouTube". www.youtube.com.[dead YouTube link]
- ↑ Kadavulukku Kobam Vanthathu - Episode 1. Youtube. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021.
- ↑ Edhuvum Nadakkum — Marma Desam — Episode 1. YouTube. 26 February 2013.[dead YouTube link]
- ↑ Ramani vs Ramani 2 - Episode 11. Youtube. 2 January 2020. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021.
- ↑ Ramani vs Ramani 2 - Episode 31. Youtube. 2 January 2020. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021.
- ↑ Ramani vs Ramani 2 - Episode 51. Youtube. 2 January 2020. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021.
- ↑ Guhan Tamil TV Serial Episode - 8. YouTube. 29 March 2013.[dead YouTube link]
- ↑ Oru Kadhavu Thirakirathu. YouTube. 2 September 2021. Archived from the original on 6 September 2021. Retrieved 6 September 2021.
- ↑ "Thadayam OTT release: A killer who steals symbols of marriage and clever cop Athiyamaan; how does Samuthirakani's web series connect these two". OTTPlay. Retrieved 25 February 2026.
- ↑ "'PKSDT' set to hit theatres: Pawan Kalyan and Sai Dharam Tej fans rejoice". The Times of India. 24 March 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 12 May 2023. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
- ↑ "Paasa Paasangugal". YouTube. 14 January 2021. Archived from the original on 11 May 2022. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
- ↑ "Gunangalum Ranangalum". YouTube. 25 May 2021. Archived from the original on 2 June 2021. Retrieved 2 June 2021.
- ↑ "Idho Boopalam". YouTube. 18 November 2020. Archived from the original on 7 March 2022. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
- ↑ "Theadathey Tholainthu Povai". YouTube. 4 September 2020. Archived from the original on 7 March 2022. Retrieved 5 March 2021.
- ↑ "Addi Ennadi Asattu Pennea". YouTube. 22 February 2021. Archived from the original on 7 March 2022. Retrieved 5 March 2021.
- ↑ "Kodi Rubai Kealvi". YouTube. 31 October 2020. Archived from the original on 7 March 2022. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
External links
edit
Media related to Samuthirakani at Wikimedia Commons- Opera king
- His still dreams to make it
- P. Samuthirakani on Instagram
