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Venkatesh Prabhu Kasthuri Raja (born 28 July 1983),[2] known professionally as Dhanush, is an Indian actor, filmmaker, lyricist and playback singer who primarily works in Tamil cinema, besides a few Hindi and Telugu films.[3][4] Having starred in 50 films over his career, his accolades include four National Film Awards (two as actor and two as producer), fourteen SIIMA Awards, eight Filmfare Awards South and a Filmfare Award.[5] One of the highest paid actors in Tamil cinema, he has been included in the Forbes India Celebrity 100 list six times.[6]

Key Information

Dhanush's first film was Thulluvadho Ilamai, a 2002 coming-of-age film directed by his father, Kasthuri Raja. He achieved further success in Polladhavan (2007) and Yaaradi Nee Mohini (2008), both of which were critically acclaimed and commercially successful.[7] His role as a rooster fight jockey in Aadukalam (2010) won him the National Film Award for Best Actor and the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil.[8] He continued success with films, including Maryan (2013), Velaiilla Pattadhari (2014), Anegan (2015), Maari (2015), Kodi (2016), Vada Chennai (2018), Asuran (2019), Thiruchitrambalam (2022), Vaathi (2023) and Raayan (2024), the lattermost of which emerged as his highest-grossing release.[9]

In 2011, Dhanush's popular song "Why This Kolaveri Di" from the romantic psychological thriller film 3 (2012) became the first Indian music video to cross 100 million views on YouTube.[10] He made his Hindi film debut with Aanand L. Rai's Raanjhanaa (2013). His performance as an obsessive one-sided lover in the film won him the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut in addition to a nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor.[11] Dhanush produces films through his production company, Wunderbar Films, and made his directorial debut with Pa Paandi (2017).[12][13] His song "Rowdy Baby" from Maari 2 became one of the most-viewed Indian songs of all time.[14][15] It is the first South Indian video song to reach one billion views on YouTube.[16] Dhanush won his second National Film Award for Best Actor for Asuran (2019).[17]

Early life

[edit]

Dhanush was born as Venkatesh Prabhu Kasthuri Raja[18] on 28 July 1983 to Tamil film director and producer, Kasthuri Raja, and his wife, Vijayalakshmi, in Madras, Tamil Nadu.[19] Initially he wished to study Hotel Management and become a chef.[20] However his elder brother, film director Selvaraghavan, pressured him to become an actor.[21][22] Dhanush also has two sisters named Vimalageetha and Karthiga Karthik.[23]

Acting career

[edit]

2002–2010: Career beginnings

[edit]

Venkatesh Prabhu adopted the screen name "Dhanush" after being inspired by the fictional covert operation from Kuruthipunal (1995).[24] He debuted in the 2002 teen drama film Thulluvadho Ilamai, directed by his father Kasthuri Raja, which became a sleeper hit. He then appeared in his brother Selvaraghavan's first directorial venture, the romantic psychological thriller Kaadhal Kondein in 2003. The film portrayed Dhanush as a mentally-disturbed youth, Vinodh, who yearned for the love of his friend, eventually turning possessive of her. Upon release, the film opened to critical acclaim and proved to be a major commercial success, eventually becoming Dhanush's breakthrough in Tamil cinema.[25] The film also fetched him his first nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil. His next film was the romantic comedy Thiruda Thirudi (2003), a critical and commercial success.[26]

In 2004, Dhanush appeared in Pudhukottaiyilirundhu Saravanan and Sullan.[27][28] Later, he also appeared in Dreams, another film panned by critics.[29] The film was directed by his father, like their previous ventures. In 2005, Dhanush appeared in Devathaiyai Kanden and in the same year, he also worked on Balu Mahendra's Adhu Oru Kana Kaalam.[30] Though it was a commercial disaster at the box office, Dhanush has repeatedly stated that he started taking acting seriously only after working with Mahendra.[31][32]

In 2006, he reunited with his brother for the cult gangster film, Pudhupettai.[33] It portrayed a young man's journey from a street urchin to gangster, receiving mixed reviews, initially, though Dhanush's performance received major praise and he subsequently received his second nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil.[34] However, over the years, the film has undergone a critical re-evaluation and is now considered to be one of the greatest Tamil films ever made, whilst also garnering a huge cult following.[35] That same year, he also reunited with Boopathy Pandian after Devathaiyai Kanden, for the romantic comedy, Thiruvilaiyaadal Aarambam, opposite Shriya Saran and Prakash Raj.[36] A critic from Sify stated, "Dhanush as the hyperactive Thiru is simply superb and his ability to deliver funny lines casually is uncommendable."[37] It was a major commercial success, a first for Dhanush, after several average and below-average grossers.[38]

Dhanush's first release of 2007, Parattai Engira Azhagu Sundaram did not do well at the box office.[39] The film was a remake of the successful Kannada language film Jogi (2005). However, his second film Polladhavan was released during Diwali 2007. Polladhavan was based on the 1948–Italian neorealist film Bicycle Thieves and Dhanush's performance was appreciated.[40]

The following year, the remake of a Telugu film directed by his brother formed the plot line for Dhanush's next film directed by debutant Mithran Jawahar, later titled Yaaradi Nee Mohini opposite Nayanthara.[41] The romantic comedy proved to be a major critical and commercial success, thus earning Dhanush his third nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil.[42][43] He later appeared in a cameo appearance, for his father-in-law Rajinikanth's venture Kuselan. His subsequent venture was Suraj's Padikathavan, which was released in January 2009.[44] His performance was praised and well received.[45] The film was a box office success and established Dhanush as a bankable star.[46] His next two films Kutty and Uthama Puthiran opposite Genelia D'Souza, were both collaborations with director Mithran Jawahar.[47] The latter emerged a box office success.[48] The song "Un Mele Aasaidhaan" from the action-adventure film Aayirathil Oruvan, which featured him alongside his then wife Aishwarya Rajinikanth, won him his first Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer – Tamil.[49]

2011–2015: Established actor and critical acclaim

[edit]
Dhanush with Amitabh Bachchan at the BIG Star Entertainment Awards in 2012

Dhanush's first release in 2011, which he had shot for over three years, was Aadukalam opposite Taapsee Pannu, marking his second collaboration with Vetrimaran. Dhanush played the role of a local cockfighter and described the venture as his "dream project" during production.[50] The film gained widespread critical acclaim and won six awards at the 58th National Film Awards, with Dhanush receiving the National Film Award for Best Actor,[51] He also won his first Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil for his performance. The film was a commercial success at the box office.[52] Pavithra Srinivasan of Rediff.com called it "one of Dhanush's best works to date" and added, "Dhanush acts wonderfully. He's excellent, especially in the throes of love and betrayal."[53] Dhanush appeared in an extended guest appearance in Subramania Siva's Seedan. His next two ventures were the action films, Mappillai, a remake of his father-in-law's same-titled 1989 film and Venghai, by Hari, which received mixed reviews but was a commercial success.[47] Dhanush's next film, Mayakkam Enna, in which he once again collaborated with his brother. He played a photographer opposite Richa Gangopadhyay. The film received positive reviews and was a moderate success.[54]

Dhanush's career marked a turning point with his only release in 2012, the romantic psychological thriller 3, directed by his then wife, Aishwarya and produced by him.[55] He played a bipolar disorder patient opposite Shruti Haasan. The film emerged as a critical and commercial success, majorly due to the popularity of the song "Why This Kolaveri Di". The song quickly became viral, the first video from India to gain 100 million YouTube views.[56][57] The film won him his second consecutive Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil and his second Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer – Tamil.[58] L Romal M Singh of DNA India noted, "Dhanush is amazing! The man only surpasses his previous films and the actor has far outdone his previous attempt at such a role."[59]

Dhanush first two releases in 2013 saw him appear in cameo roles in the Malayalam film Proprietors: Kammath & Kammath and the Tamil film Ethir Neechal.[60][61] He then appeared in Maryan opposite Parvathy, which emerged as an above-average grosser at the box office,[62] but was critically acclaimed,[63] thus earning Dhanush his sixth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil, in addition to fetching him the Filmfare Award for Best Actor (Critics) – Tamil.[64] His next release that year was Naiyaandi opposite Nazriya Nazim, directed by A. Sarkunam, which did not make any notable impact at the box office.[65][66] Dhanush expanded to Hindi films with Raanjhanaa, directed by Aanand L.Rai. He played a Tamil Hindu boy who is in love with a Muslim girl (played by Sonam Kapoor).[67][68] The film was released on 21 June 2013 with the Tamil dubbed version Ambikapathy releasing a week later. It grossed over ₹105 crore worldwide, becoming a commercial success and one of the highest grossing film of the year.[69][70] Taran Adarsh noted, "Dhanush, who makes his Hindi film debut, is simply outstanding. To state that he's the mainstay of the film would be most appropriate."[71] Sukanya Verma praised him for being "wonderful, tangible and indefatigable".[72] His performance earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut.[73]

Dhanush's sole film of 2014 was the comedy-drama Velaiilla Pattadhari opposite Amala Paul, which was also his 25th film and was directed by Velraj.[74] It received positive reviews from critics and was a commercial success, ranking among the highest-grossing Tamil films of 2014.[75][76] Dhanush won his third Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil for his performance in the film.[77] The Telugu dubbed version, Raghuvaran B. Tech, was also a success.[78] Baradwaj Rangan stated: "Dhanush gets a film where he gets to showcase both sides ... [Velraj has] given actor-Dhanush fans half a movie to love, and he's handed over the rest to the star-Dhanush fans. Is there much use complaining when both actor and star are in such fine form?"[79]

In 2015, his first release was Shamitabh, which was also his second Hindi film, directed by R. Balki. It opened to highly positive reviews and was praised for the concept, but failed at the box office.[80][81] His next film was Anegan, a psychological thriller directed by K. V. Anand. He played four characters in different eras opposite Amyra Dastur.[82] The film received positive reviews and became a box office success. The film earned Dhanush his eighth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil.[83] Dhanush then played a local gangster opposite Kajal Aggarwal in Maari. The film was a critical and commercial success.[84][85] In Thanga Magan, Dhanush played a man struggling for job opposite Samantha Ruth Prabhu. Despite positive reviews, it failed at the box office.[86]

2016–present: Commercial success and progression

[edit]

In 2016, Dhanush appeared Thodari opposite Keerthy Suresh, which was an action thriller film set on a train. The film was a moderate success at the box office.[87] In his next release Kodi, a political action thriller, Dhanush played dual roles of a politician and his apolitical twin brother opposite Trisha and Anupama Parameswaran.[88] The film earned him his ninth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil. The film was a commercial success.[89] Sreedhar Pillai, noted, "The film is quite racy as Dhanush carries the show and is there in almost all frames."[90] In 2017, Dhanush made his directorial debut Power Paandi. He also played the younger version of the lead character opposite Madonna Sebastian.[91] It was a box office success and received critical acclaim.[92] Velaiilla Pattadhari 2, directed by his sister-in-law Soundarya Rajinikanth, saw him reprised his character from the prequel.[93] It was one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of the year.[94]

His films Vadachennai and Maari 2, a sequel to Maari, were released in 2018. Vadachennai was highly praised by critics and emerged as the highest-grossing A-rated Tamil film of all time. For his performance in the film, Dhanush also jointly won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil (tying with Vijay Sethupathi for '96), his fourth win in the category.[95] Maari 2 received mixed reviews upon release and was a moderate success at the box office. Dhanush's first international film, titled The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir, released in 2019 worldwide and was a commercial failure.[96] His next 2019 release, Asuran, was praised by critics for its gritty portrayal of land and caste violence and became a box office success, entering the 100 Crore Club for grossing ₹100 crore within a month of its release.[97][98] Asuran won Dhanush his second National Film Award for Best Actor. His next release, a romantic thriller titled Enai Noki Paayum Thota was released on 29 November 2019 after several delays due to financial problems and it received mixed reviews upon release.[99][100]

Dhanush's first 2020 release, on Pongal, was the martial arts action film Pattas, directed by R. S. Durai Senthilkumar, in which he played a double role. The film received positive reviews.[101] Dhanush joined the ensemble cast of Chris Evans, Ryan Gosling and Ana de Armas in Russo brothers Netflix produced film The Gray Man.[102]

Dhanush's first 2021 role was his starring role in Karnan, directed by Mari Selvaraj, and featuring Lal, Natty Subramaniam, Yogi Babu, Rajisha Vijayan, Gouri Kishan, Lakshmi Priyaa Chandramouli alongside him. The film released on 9 April,[103] to critical acclaim. For his performance in the film, Dhanush received his eleventh nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil. His next project was the black comedy gangster film, Jagame Thandhiram, written and directed by Karthik Subbaraj, which released on 18 June 2021. It also featured Joju George (in his Tamil debut), Aishwarya Lekshmi (in her Tamil debut), and James Cosmo (in his Tamil debut).[104] It received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics. He also starred in Aanand L. Rai's August 2021 Hindi-language film Atrangi Re, co-starring Akshay Kumar and Sara Ali Khan.

In 2022, Dhanush starred in Thiruchitrambalam, directed by Mithran Jawahar, and featuring Nithya Menen, Priya Bhavani Shankar, Rashi Kanna, Bharathiraja, Prakash Raj, Munishkanth, all alongside Dhanush. The film released on 18 August 2022,[105] in theatres. It went onto become the highest-grossing film in his career.

Dhanush is set to appear in Aanand L. Rai film Tere Ishk Mein.[106]He is set to play former Indian president A. P. J. Abdul Kalam in his biopic Kalam: The Missile Man of India which was announced at Cannes Film Festival, 2025.[107]

Personal life

[edit]

Dhanush married Aishwarya, actor Rajinikanth's elder daughter on 18 November 2004.[108] They have two sons, Yatra and Linga, who were born in 2006 and 2010 respectively.[109][110] The couple announced their separation on 17 January 2022,[111][112] and divorced on November 27, 2024.[110]

Dhanush is an ardent devotee of the Hindu god Shiva and has given his two sons Shaivite names.[113] Dhanush is a vegetarian. Having experimented with various cooking styles since childhood, he said he would have become a chef if not an actor.[114]

Music career

[edit]

Dhanush is a singer, generally for his own films. As a lyricist, he is often credited as "Poet-u Dhanush" (Tanglish slang). He was introduced as a playback singer in Pudhukottaiyilirundhu Saravanan,[115] by its composer Yuvan Shankar Raja and collaborated again with him in his brother Selvaraghavan's directorial, Pudhupettai. He sang further numbers in Selvaraghavan's films Aayirathil Oruvan and Mayakkam Enna; the former, which featured him alongside his then wife Aishwarya Rajinikanth.[116]

"Why This Kolaveri Di" was released on YouTube in 2011 as part of the soundtrack to the film 3, the directorial debut of Aishwarya Dhanush.[117] The song became the most-searched video in India.[118][119][120] Anirudh Ravichander was the soundtrack composer for the film and Dhanush wrote much of the lyrics.[121][122][123] He has also sung "No Problem" in the Kannada film Vajrakaya, which earned him a nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer – Kannada,[124] and "Thikka" in the Telugu film Thikka.[125]

Other works

[edit]

Dhanush has been associated with a number of causes. He worked with WWF India to support Earth Hour in 2012.[126] Dhanush donated Rs.5 lakh for the 2015 South India floods rain-affected people.[127] In 2017, he donated Rs. 50,000 to the families of 125 farmers that committed suicide.[128] In August 2013, Dhanush was signed by Perfetti India Ltd. as their brand ambassador for Center Fresh chewing gum.[129]

Wunderbar Films

[edit]

In 2010, Dhanush and his wife Aishwarya founded the production and distribution company Wunderbar Films.[130] They have produced several films under the company and Dhanush himself acted in many of the productions films such as 3 (their first work), Velaiilla Pattadhari, Shamitabh, Maari, Thanga Magan, Velaiilla Pattadhari 2, Vada Chennai and Maari 2.[131] For Kaaka Muttai and Visaranai, he won the National Film Award, as a producer.[132]

Dhanush made his directorial debut with the comedy-drama film Pa Paandi (2017), which earned him his first Filmfare Award for Best Director – Tamil award.[133]

Controversies

[edit]

On 16 November 2024, Nayanthara penned a letter and published an Instagram post addressing Dhanush, where Nayanthara accused Dhanush of intentionally holding onto personal grudges and vengeance over the romantic relationship that unfolded between her and Vignesh Shivan during the shooting of Naanum Rowdy Dhaan, a film produced by Dhanush.[134][135]

Nayanthara insisted that Dhanush had sent her a legal notice asking for a compensation of 10 crores for a 3-second video that was used in the Netflix documentary film Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairytale which were deemed as the behind-the-scenes recordings from the movie sets of Naanum Rowdy Dhaan.[136] Nayanthara in her letter revealed that she apparently waited for nearly two years to claim the copyrighted material under the policy of a no objection certificate from her producer Dhanush in order to freely use it for her documentary.[137] She revealed that the filmmakers had apparently re-edited and trimmed the documentary while removing the 3-second video sequence which had been shot from the shooting spots of Naanum Rowdy Dhaan as Dhanush did not grant permission for the usage of songs or visual cuts which featured in Naanum Rowdy Dhaan.[138]

In the media

[edit]
Dhanush in 2017

Dhanush is among the highest paid actors in Tamil cinema.[139][140] Dhanush was included in the Forbes India Celebrity 100 list which is based on the earnings of Indian celebrities from 2014 to 2019.[141] His peak ranking on the list was at the 37th place, in the year 2015.[142] He stood at the 13th place in its list of the most influential stars on Instagram in South cinema for the year 2021.[143] Rediff.com named Dhanush the "Best Tamil Actor" of 2011.[144] His performance in Maryan and Raanjhanaa is regarded as one of the "100 Greatest Performances of the Decade" by Film Companion.[145] Dhanush became the 8th and 9th most tweeted about South Indian actor in 2020 and 2021, respectively.[146][147] In 2024, he was placed 30th on IMDb's List of 100 Most Viewed Indian Stars.[148]

Filmography

[edit]
Main article: Dhanush filmography

Discography

[edit]
  • As a lyricist, he is credited as Poetu Dhanush.
  • (D) indicates dubbing.
List of vocals and lyrics by Dhanush
Year Title Credited as Album Composer Language Notes
Singer Lyricist
2004 "Naattu Sarakku" Yes No Pudhukottaiyilirundhu Saravanan Yuvan Shankar Raja Tamil
2005 "Thunda Kaanom" Yes No Devathaiyai Kanden Deva
2006 "Enga Area" Yes No Pudhupettai Yuvan Shankar Raja
2010 "Un Mele" Yes No Aayirathil Oruvan G. V. Prakash Kumar
"Neemeede Aasaga" Yes No
2011 "Pirai Thedum" No Yes Mayakkam Enna
"Voda Voda Dhooram Korayala" Yes Yes
"Kadhal En Kadhal" Yes Yes
2012 "Come On Girls" No Yes 3 Anirudh Ravichander
"Nee Partha Vizhigal" No Yes
"Why This Kolaveri Di" Yes Yes
"Kannazhaga" Yes Yes
"Kannuladha" (D) Yes No Telugu Dubbed version
"Po Nee Po" No Yes Tamil
"Po Nee Po (Remix)" No Yes
2013 "Nijamellam Maranthu Pochu" Yes Yes Ethir Neechal
"Boomi Enna Suthude" No Yes
"Kadal Raasa Naan" No Yes Maryan A. R. Rahman
"Teddy Bear" Yes No Naiyaandi Ghibran
2014 "Vellailla Pattathari" No Yes Velaiilla Pattadhari Anirudh Ravichander
"Amma Amma" Yes Yes
"Po Indru Neeyaga" Yes Yes
"What a Karavad" Yes Yes
"Ey Inga Paru" No Yes
"Udhungada Sangu" No Yes
"Move Your Body" No Yes Vai Raja Vai Yuvan Shankar Raja
2015 "Danga Maari" Yes No Anegan Harris Jayaraj
"No Problem" Yes No Vajrakaya Arjun Janya Kannada
"Pazhankala" Yes No Irandaam Ulagam Harris Jayaraj Tamil
"Oh Oh" Yes Yes Thanga Magan Anirudh Ravichander
"Enna Solla" No Yes
"Tak Bak" No Yes
"Jodi Nilave" Yes Yes
"Manasa Manasa" Yes No Nava Manmadhudu (D) Telugu Dubbed version
"Odini Lali" Yes No
"Oru Vidha Aasai" No Yes Maari Tamil
"Don'u Don'u Don'u" No Yes
"Maari Thara Local" Yes Yes
"Thappa Dhaan Theriyum" Yes No
"Bagulu Odayam Dagulu Mari" Yes No
2016 "Maalai Varum Vannilla" Yes No Nenjam Marappathillai Yuvan Shankar Raja
"Kodi" Yes Yes Kodi Santhosh Narayanan
"Thikka" Yes No Thikka S. Thaman Telugu
2017 "Solli Tholaiyen Ma" Yes No Yaakkai Yuvan Shankar Raja Tamil
"Soorakathu" Yes Yes Pa Paandi Sean Roldan
"Venpani Malare" No Yes
"Pudavai Nilave" Yes No Yaadhumagi Nindraai Ashwin Vinayagamoorthy
"Life of Raghuvaran" Yes Yes Velaiilla Pattadhari 2 Sean Roldan
"Angel of Raghuvaran" No Yes
"Torture of Raghuvaran" Yes Yes
"Raghuvaran Vs Vasundhara" Yes No
2018 "Goindhammavala" Yes No Vada Chennai Santhosh Narayanan
"Engleesu Lovesu" Yes No Pakkiri (D) Amit Trivedi Dubbed version
"Local Sarakka" Yes No Padaiveeran Karthik Raja
"Ezhava" Yes No Ezhumin Ganesh Chandrasekaran
"Maari Gethu" Yes No Maari 2 Yuvan Shankar Raja
"Rowdy Baby" Yes Yes
"Rowdy Baby" (D) Yes No Telugu Dubbed version
"Maari's Anandhi" No Yes Tamil
2019 "Ilamai Thirumbudhe" No Yes Petta Anirudh Ravichander
"Nenjodu Vinaa" Yes Yes Brother's Day 4 Musics Malayalam film
"Polladha Bhoomi" Yes No Asuran G. V. Prakash Kumar
"Kannazhagu Rathiname" Yes No
2020 "Chill Bro" Yes No Pattas Vivek–Mervin
"Kaathodu Kaathanen" Yes No Jail G. V. Prakash Kumar
2021 "Thattaan Thattaan" Yes No Karnan Santhosh Narayanan
"Tata Bye Bye" Yes No Vanakkam Da Mappilei G. V. Prakash Kumar
"Nethu" Yes Yes Jagame Thandhiram Santhosh Narayanan
"Rakita Rakita Rakita" Yes No
"Little Little" Yes No Atrangi Re A. R. Rahman Hindi
"Little Little" Yes Yes Galatta Kalyaanam (D) Tamil Dubbed version
2022 "Polladha Ulagam" Yes No Maaran G. V. Prakash Kumar
"Chittu Kuruvi" Yes Yes
"Thaai Kelavi" Yes Yes Thiruchitrambalam Anirudh Ravichander
"Megham Karukaatha" Yes Yes
"Thenmozhi" No Yes
"Mayakkama Kalakkama" Yes Yes
"Kanneer Sindha" No Yes
2023 "Onnoda Nadandhaa" Yes No Viduthalai Part 1 Ilaiyaraaja
"Vaa Vaathi" No Yes Vaathi G. V. Prakash Kumar
"One Life" No Yes
"Vaa Vaathi (Reprise)" Yes Yes
"Mastaaru Mastaaru (Reprise)" Yes No Sir Telugu
"Hathavidi" Yes No Miss Shetty Mr Polishetty Radhan
"Yennadaa Nadakkudhu" (D) Yes No Tamil Dubbed version
2024 "Adangaatha Asuran" Yes Yes Raayan A. R. Rahman
"Oh Raaya" No Yes
"Aalathey" Yes No Nanban Oruvan Vantha Piragu AH Kaashif
"Golden Sparrow" Yes No Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam G. V. Prakash Kumar
"Kadhal Fail" Yes Yes
"Yedi" Yes No
2025 "Pulla" No Yes
"Pulla (Reprise)" Yes Yes
"Poyiraa Mama" Yes No Kuberaa Devi Sri Prasad Telugu
"Poyivaa Nanba" Yes No Tamil
"Trance of Kuberaa" Yes No Telugu
Yes No Tamil
"Maadi Maadi" Yes No Telugu
"Yamathu Yamathu" Yes No Tamil
"Enna Sugam" Yes Yes Idly Kadai G. V. Prakash Kumar
"Enjaami Thandhaane" Yes Yes
"Yen Paattan Saami Varum" No Yes
"Kannamma" Yes No Retta Thala Sam C. S.

Accolades

[edit]
Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Dhanush

Dhanush has won four National Film Awards including two Best Actor awards for Aadukalam and Asuran. Additionally he has won eight Filmfare Awards South including four Best Actor – Tamil award for Aadukalam, 3, Velaiyilla Pattathari and Vada Chennai.[149][150][151]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Dhanush

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

Venkatesh Prabhu , professionally known as (born 28 July 1983), is an Indian actor, film producer, singer, lyricist, and director primarily active in .
He made his acting debut in 2002 with the Tamil film , directed by his father K. Raj, and rose to prominence through versatile roles in commercially successful and critically acclaimed films such as (2003), (2006), and (2011).
received the National Film Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of a rooster fight jockey in , a performance noted for its raw intensity and departure from conventional hero archetypes in Tamil films.
As a producer under his banner , he earned additional National Film Awards for (Best Children's Film, 2015) and Visaaranai (Best Feature Film in Tamil, 2015), highlighting his contributions to realistic and socially relevant cinema.
His career extends to films like (2013), international projects including the English-language (2018), and music with the globally viral single "Why This Kolaveri Di" from 3 (2012), which amassed over 100 million views shortly after release.

Early life

Family background and upbringing

Dhanush was born Venkatesh Prabhu on 28 July 1983 in , , into a entrenched in the Tamil film industry. His father, , born Krishnamoorthy on 8 August 1951 in , began his career as a mill worker before transitioning to as a director and of low-budget Tamil films starting in the 1990s. His mother, , served as a homemaker, supporting the family's modest circumstances amid 's early struggles in cinema. The family resided in Chennai's area during Dhanush's early years, maintaining a middle-class shaped by the father's intermittent success in producing films like (1988) and subsequent directorial ventures. Dhanush's older brother, , born in 1977, pursued a career as a and director, collaborating closely with Dhanush in later projects and reflecting the household's orientation toward creative pursuits in . No other siblings are prominently documented in reliable accounts of the family structure. Dhanush's upbringing involved exposure to film production environments from a young age, as his father's work brought the family into proximity with industry figures, including interactions on sets with established actors like and , though financial instability persisted due to the speculative nature of independent filmmaking. He has publicly recounted episodes of childhood hardship, such as family destitution prompting resourcefulness like sharing meals, during promotional events for films like Idli Kadai in 2025. These narratives, while emphasizing resilience, have faced scrutiny from observers noting the family's established industry ties and absence of verified indicators beyond self-reported anecdotes.

Education and early influences

Dhanush completed his schooling at Thai Sathiya Matriculation High School in Saligramam and St. John's Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Alwarthirunagar, Chennai, where he finished his higher secondary education. Following his schooling, Dhanush did not pursue regular college education due to his entry into the film industry, instead completing a Bachelor of Computer Applications degree through distance learning from Madurai Kamaraj University. In his early years, Dhanush aspired to become a chef and considered studying hotel management, but his elder brother, director , encouraged him to explore acting amid the family's connections to through their father, . This familial influence shifted his focus toward film, leading to his debut shortly after completing higher .

Filmmaking career

Debut and early acting roles (2002–2010)

Dhanush entered the Tamil with his debut in (2002), a coming-of-age directed by his , , and written by his brother . The film follows six high-school students from varied social backgrounds confronting troubles and youthful exuberance, with Dhanush portraying Mahesh, a lead character entangled in peer dynamics and personal rebellion. Released on May 10, 2002, it introduced several newcomers alongside Dhanush, including Abhinay and Sherin, and ran for over 100 days in theaters, marking a modest commercial entry for the 18-year-old actor. Dhanush later reflected that he was compelled into the role without initial enthusiasm, feeling pressured by expectations and even contemplating fleeing the industry during production. His breakthrough arrived with Kadhal Kondein (2003), directed by , where he played Vinod, a psychologically scarred college student obsessed with an unattainable love interest amid themes of obsession and redemption. The film, released on July 4, 2003, achieved critical acclaim for Dhanush's nuanced portrayal of vulnerability and intensity, earning him recognition as a versatile performer beyond his familial launch. Commercially, it succeeded at the , grossing significantly and solidifying his position among lead actors, with audiences and critics praising its emotional depth over formulaic romance. This role contrasted his debut's lighter tone, showcasing his range in handling complex psychological elements. Throughout the mid-2000s, Dhanush diversified across genres in films like the action-comedy (2003), the romantic (2005), and the crime drama (2006), where his gritty depiction of a slum-bred drew praise for authenticity. By 2007, , a rural action-drama directed by Ameer, featured him as a hot-headed villager in a tale of caste, violence, and romance, earning widespread acclaim for his raw physicality and dialect mastery; the film secured multiple awards, including National Film Awards for feature and supporting performance. That year, Polladhavan, a vigilante thriller under Selvaraghavan's direction, portrayed Dhanush as a mechanic seeking revenge, becoming one of Tamil cinema's top-grossing films with over ₹40 crore in collections and boosting his mass appeal. Subsequent releases like Kuruvi (2008) and Yaaradi Nee Mohini (2008) mixed commercial action with lighter fare, while Padikathavan (2009) reinforced his action-hero image, though critics noted a shift toward formulaic scripts amid his growing stardom. These roles collectively transitioned Dhanush from novice to established star, blending critical experimentation with box-office viability by 2010.

Rise to acclaim and experimentation (2011–2015)

In 2011, Dhanush starred in , directed by , portraying a entangled in rivalry and betrayal, which earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor at the . The film's realistic depiction of rural life contributed to its critical success, with awards also recognizing Vetrimaaran's direction and screenplay. This role marked a shift from his earlier commercial ventures, solidifying his reputation for intense, character-driven performances. That same year, Dhanush gained international attention with "Why This Kolaveri Di," a song from his upcoming film 3, which he co-wrote and sang. Uploaded to in November 2011, it amassed over 15 million views within weeks, blending Tamil-English "" lyrics with a simple about heartbreak, appealing globally due to its catchy, nonsensical appeal and early virality. The track's success, reaching 100 million views by 2012, introduced Dhanush to non-Indian audiences and highlighted his musical talents beyond acting. 3 released in 2012, where Dhanush composed the entire soundtrack, including the controversial track "Kolaveri Di," and played a young man grappling with love and , experimenting with emotional depth and music production. The film faced backlash for its depiction of but showcased Dhanush's versatility in handling sensitive themes. In 2013, he debuted in with , directed by , as an obsessive lover in , earning praise for his authentic portrayal and contributing to the film's commercial hit status, grossing approximately ₹94 crore worldwide. Subsequent projects like Maryan (2013), involving underwater sequences and fisherman roles, and Velaiilla Pattadhari (2014), a youth-centric drama on , further demonstrated experimentation with genres from action-adventure to relatable social issues, balancing acclaim with box-office viability. These years positioned Dhanush as a pan-Indian talent, transitioning from Tamil roots to broader experimentation in narratives and mediums.

Commercial expansion and multilingual ventures (2016–2020)

In 2016, Dhanush starred in , an action thriller directed by , which received mixed reviews but achieved moderate box office success in . Later that year, he took on dual roles in Kodi, a he also directed, which grossed approximately ₹15 crore in its first two days in and settled as an above-average performer overall. These releases marked a shift toward commercially oriented narratives with broader appeal, blending action and socio-political elements to attract wider audiences beyond his earlier experimental works. The following year, Dhanush reprised his role as in the sequel (VIP 2), a comedy-drama that emphasized entrepreneurial struggles and dynamics, grossing over ₹14 in its opening weekend in despite critical reservations about its pacing. In , he led the ensemble gangster epic , directed by , portraying a young carrom player drawn into underworld conflicts; the film earned critical praise for its narrative depth and collected around ₹40 in , qualifying as a hit. That same year, Dhanush expanded internationally with The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir, a French-Indian co-production directed by , where he played the lead as an Indian embarking on a global adventure; filmed primarily in English with bilingual French elements and dubbed in , Tamil, and Telugu for Indian release, it represented his venture into European cinema markets. By 2019, Dhanush's commercial momentum peaked with Asuran, another collaboration, in which he depicted a farmer defending his family against caste-based violence; the rural action-drama amassed ₹100 worldwide within ten days, cementing its blockbuster status through strong word-of-mouth and regional dominance. This period also saw , a that underperformed commercially compared to his other releases. Into 2020, continued his focus on mass-appeal action, though pandemic disruptions limited its theatrical run. Overall, these years highlighted Dhanush's strategic pivot to high-stakes, audience-driven projects alongside selective multilingual forays, enhancing his pan-Indian and global visibility while prioritizing Tamil market profitability.

Directing, production, and recent projects (2021–present)

In 2024, Dhanush returned to directing with , his second feature as writer-director after Pa Paandi (2017), starring himself alongside , , and in a Tamil-language crime drama about familial feuds and revenge. The film, produced by with music by , released on July 26, 2024, and grossed approximately ₹160 worldwide, marking the highest-earning Tamil film of the year. Dhanush's third directorial venture, the coming-of-age romantic comedy Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam (also titled NEEK), co-produced by Wunderbar Films, featured music by G. V. Prakash Kumar and released on February 21, 2025. Described as an experimental blend of fresh narrative and conventional elements, it explored youthful romance and social themes. By October 2025, Dhanush had announced Idly Kadai (tentatively DD4), a quirky, socially rooted comedy under his direction, with an audio launch event held and a worldwide theatrical release scheduled for October 1, 2025, also backed by Wunderbar Films. Through Wunderbar Films, Dhanush co-produced D52, his 52nd acting project announced in September 2024 in collaboration with Dwan Pictures, focusing on expanded production efforts in Tamil cinema. Recent acting roles included the period action film Captain Miller (2024), directed by Arun Matheswaran, multilingual ventures like Kuberaa (scheduled for 2025 release under Sekhar Kammula's direction), and the rural action thriller Kara (2026), directed by Vignesh Raja with music by G. V. Prakash Kumar and produced by Ishari K. Ganesh under Vels Film International, featuring Jayaram, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Karunas, and Prithvi Pandiraj; the title reveal and glimpse video were released on January 15, 2026. These projects reflect Dhanush's shift toward multifaceted involvement, balancing direction with production oversight and selective leading roles emphasizing rural and action genres.

Music career

Breakthrough as singer and lyricist

Dhanush's entry into playback singing occurred with "Naatu Sarakku" in the 2004 Tamil film , where his raw vocal delivery, set to music by , received airplay on music channels and FM radio. His initial work as a lyricist featured in "Pirai Thedum" from the 2011 film , directed by , which explored themes of aspiration and melancholy through introspective verses. The pivotal breakthrough arrived with "Why This Kolaveri Di" from the 2012 psychological thriller 3, directed by and starring Dhanush alongside . In this track, composed by debutant , Dhanush served as both singer and lyricist, crafting quirky "" (Tamil-English mix) lines expressing mock heartbreak that resonated through their simplicity and humor. Recorded in a single take at A. R. Rahman's studio in , a rough cut leaked online in early November 2011, sparking organic shares before its official release on November 16, 2011. The song's viral trajectory marked a milestone in Indian digital music dissemination, accumulating 15 million YouTube views within two weeks of the leak and eventually becoming the first Indian track to exceed 100 million views. Its appeal stemmed from accessible, relatable content that transcended language barriers, leading to covers, parodies, and endorsements from figures like former U.S. President , who referenced it in a 2012 speech. This phenomenon not only boosted the film's soundtrack sales but propelled Dhanush into national and global recognition as a multifaceted artist, shifting perceptions from actor to innovative vocalist and wordsmith capable of crafting culturally resonant hits.

Notable compositions and collaborations

Dhanush has primarily contributed to as a and , penning verses that blend rustic with emotional depth, often for soundtracks of his own films. His lyrical work gained international prominence with "" from 3 (2012), which he wrote and performed; composed by and released on November 16, 2011, the track's mock-English pidgin lyrics and simple melody propelled it to viral status, amassing over 100 million views within months of upload. He supplied lyrics for nearly the entire 3 , establishing a creative synergy with Anirudh that extended to films like Maari (2015), (2014), and (2022). In (2018), Dhanush's "," with music by , featured his lyrics and vocals in a high-energy duet with Dhee; the song's choreography and infectious rhythm led it to surpass one billion views by 2021, marking a milestone for South Indian music videos. His collaboration with also yielded "Maari Gethu" from the same film, showcasing Dhanush's flair for playful, street-smart narratives. Dhanush's 2024 partnership with for , his directorial debut, produced "Adangaatha Asuran," where he wrote the lyrics and provided vocals; the track's raw intensity and Rahman's orchestration highlighted a fusion of folk elements with contemporary beats. He also penned "Oh Raaya" for the film, sung by Rahman and Ganavya, emphasizing themes of familial bonds. Earlier, in Maryan (2013), Dhanush sang Rahman's "Innum Konjam Neram," though lyrics were by . Collaborations with in (2018) and Asuran (2019) featured Dhanush's vocals on thematic tracks like "King of the Sea," blending gritty realism with orchestral swells. With in (2023), his rendition of the title track underscored motivational motifs through energetic composition. These works demonstrate Dhanush's selective engagements with composers, prioritizing synergy over volume, resulting in chart-topping singles that often outlast their films' box-office runs.

Production ventures

Establishment of Wunderbar Films

Wunderbar Films was established on 20 May 2010 by Tamil actor Dhanush and his wife as a film production and distribution company headquartered in , , . The venture marked Dhanush's entry into film production amid his rising prominence in following commercial successes like Polladhavan (2007) and (2008), aiming to support independent filmmaking and distribute content primarily in the . The company's legal incorporation as Private Limited occurred later on 20 December 2010 under the Indian Companies Act, with a classified focus on television and film production activities (CIN: U92100TN2010PTC075767). Initial operations emphasized backing creative projects aligned with Dhanush's artistic vision, including opportunities for emerging directors, though specific launch investments or capital details remain undisclosed in public records. By enabling Dhanush to oversee production independently of major studios, the entity positioned itself as a platform for experimental narratives within the competitive South Indian film industry.

Key productions and business activities

Wunderbar Films, Dhanush's primary production banner incorporated on December 20, 2010, has focused on Tamil-language films, backing projects that emphasize content-driven narratives and commercial viability. Its debut production, 3 (2012), directed by Aishwarya Rajinikanth, marked Dhanush's entry into producing, featuring him in the lead role alongside Shruti Haasan and exploring themes of love and illness. Subsequent ventures include Ethir Neechal (2013), a comedy directed by R. S. Durai Senthilkumar starring Sivakarthikeyan, which achieved commercial success. Key productions highlight Wunderbar's support for emerging directors and diverse genres. Kaaka Muttai (2015), directed by , received the National Film Award for Best Children's Film, depicting the lives of two brothers in a pursuing a taste of . Velaiilla Pattadhari (2014), also directed by Durai Senthilkumar and starring Dhanush as an unemployed engineer, spawned a franchise with its sequel VIP 2 (2017). Maari (2015), a action-comedy with Dhanush in a , was followed by (2018). Naanum Rowdy Dhaan (2015), directed by and starring and , gained acclaim for its innovative storytelling. Vada Chennai (2018), a crime drama co-produced with other banners and directed by , starred Dhanush in a pivotal role and was released in two parts. More recent outputs include Idli Kadai (2025), directed and starred by Dhanush, co-produced with Dawn Pictures and released on October 1, 2025, focusing on dramatic elements. Wunderbar has also collaborated on multilingual projects, such as co-producing Dhanush's D52 announced in September 2024. Beyond filmmaking, Dhanush established Dhanush Global Ventures Private Limited in February 2017, classified under business services (U74999), expanding into non-entertainment corporate activities. These efforts contribute to his diversified portfolio, though film production remains the core focus.

Personal life

Marriage, family, and divorce

Dhanush married Aishwaryaa , elder daughter of actor and a , on November 18, 2004, in a private ceremony that united two prominent families in . The union, arranged through family connections, lasted 18 years and produced two sons, with the couple maintaining a low public profile on personal matters during their marriage. On January 17, 2022, Dhanush and Aishwaryaa issued a joint statement announcing their separation, citing and a mutual decision to "pursue our own paths" while requesting privacy and continued respect for their families. The couple filed a petition for mutual consent in Chennai's shortly thereafter, with proceedings delayed by non-appearances at initial hearings in 2024. The divorce was finalized on November 27, 2024, by the Principal in , granting the couple's request without reported disputes over assets or custody at the time of the ruling. Post-divorce, both parties have emphasized amicable co-parenting, though specific terms remain private.

Children and post-divorce arrangements

Dhanush and have two sons: Yatra, born in 2006, and Linga, born in 2010. Following their separation announcement on January 17, 2022, the couple pursued an amicable divorce, with proceedings culminating in a appearance on November 21, 2024, and a final verdict scheduled for November 27, 2024. Post-divorce arrangements emphasize co-parenting without public disputes or legal contention over custody. Primary custody of and Linga was awarded to , a decision Dhanush reportedly accepted without challenge, allowing him continued involvement in their lives. The parents have demonstrated ongoing collaboration, as evidenced by their joint attendance at 's school graduation ceremony on May 31, 2025, where they posed together for family photographs. This arrangement prioritizes the children's well-being amid the high-profile family separation.

Controversies

Paternity claims and family disputes

In 2016, an elderly couple from near , identified as Kathiresan and , filed a paternity suit in a local magistrate court claiming that actor Dhanush was their biological son, born as K. Kalaichelvan, who had allegedly run away from home during his Class 11 studies and was later adopted or misrepresented by filmmaker , Dhanush's publicly acknowledged father. The couple asserted that Dhanush bore specific identification marks, including a mole on his right collarbone and a on his right , and accused him of fabricating documents such as a and ration card to deny the relationship. Dhanush contested the suit, arguing that the magistrate court lacked jurisdiction and improperly entertained the claims without prima facie evidence, while opposing a mandated DNA test as invasive and unnecessary given documented family records. The , Madurai Bench, intervened in early 2017, summoning Dhanush for personal appearance and reviewing medical reports submitted by the actor, which indicated the absence or surgical removal of the alleged birthmarks, casting doubt on the couple's descriptions. On April 21, 2017, the court quashed the paternity claims, dismissing the suit entirely and providing major relief to Dhanush by ruling that the couple's assertions lacked substantiation and that official records confirmed as his father. The matter resurfaced in 2022 when the same couple refiled or persisted with similar claims in the Madras High Court, prompting a fresh summons for Dhanush on May 3, 2022. In response, Dhanush and Kasthuri Raja issued a legal notice to the couple on May 21, 2022, denouncing the allegations as baseless and defamatory, and reiterating reliance on verified family documentation. By March 14, 2024, the Madurai High Court delivered a final verdict upholding the prior dismissal, effectively resolving the protracted dispute in Dhanush's favor, with no credible evidence emerging to support the parentage assertions despite multiple judicial reviews. These episodes highlighted persistent but unsubstantiated challenges to Dhanush's established family lineage, originating from external claimants rather than internal familial conflicts. In November 2024, Dhanush's production company, Wunderbar Films, accused Nayanthara of copyright infringement for including a three-second behind-the-scenes clip from the 2015 film Naanum Rowdy Dhaan—which Wunderbar produced and which was directed by Nayanthara's husband, Vignesh Shivan—in her Netflix documentary Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairytale, released on November 18, 2024. Wunderbar Films issued a legal notice demanding ₹10 crore in damages, asserting ownership of the footage rights and lack of permission for its use. Nayanthara responded with an on November 18, 2024, expressing shock at the notice and claiming she had repeatedly requested no-objection certificates from Dhanush since 2021 without reply, while denying any unauthorized use and alleging the clip originated from personal footage. She further accused Dhanush of unprofessional conduct and personal grudge, stating the demand reflected "vengeance" rather than legitimate grievance. On November 27, 2024, filed a civil suit in the against , , their production entity Rowdy Pictures, and , seeking ₹1 in damages for infringement and additional relief for alleged stemming from Nayanthara's public statements. The suit contended that the footage was proprietary material from the film's production, used without consent or credit, violating intellectual property rights under Indian copyright law. In January 2025, the rejected Netflix's petition to dismiss the suit, upholding Dhanush's claims and allowing the case to proceed on merits. By March 11, 2025, withdrew its interim relief application to focus on the main damages claim, with the court directing expedited hearings amid allegations of procedural delays by the defendants. The dispute highlighted tensions over in , with Wunderbar emphasizing protection of production assets and Nayanthara's side framing it as an overreach against collaborative industry norms.

Professional allegations and industry bans

In September 2023, the (TFPC) issued a "red card" to Dhanush, along with actors Simbu, Vishal, and Atharva, citing allegations of professional misconduct toward producers, including failure to complete committed projects after receiving advances. For Dhanush specifically, producers complained of unfulfilled obligations on Tamil films where he had accepted payments but did not deliver the required dates or finalize work. The issue escalated in July 2024 when the TFPC imposed a temporary ban preventing Dhanush from signing new film projects until he resolved pending commitments with affected producers. This decision stemmed from multiple complaints that Dhanush had taken advances for films but prioritized other commitments, such as out-of-state or international projects, leading to delays and financial losses for Tamil producers. The ban drew mixed reactions within the industry, with actors' unions like Nadigar Sangam criticizing it as unfair and calling for dialogue, while producers defended it as necessary to enforce contractual discipline. By September 2024, the TFPC revoked the red card and ban following Dhanush's negotiations and settlements with the complaining producers, allowing him to proceed with ongoing works including the film Kuberan and his third directorial venture Nilavukku Enmel Ennadi Kobam. Dhanush reportedly committed to completing his pending obligations without further delays, restoring his eligibility for new contracts within . No formal criminal charges or broader industry-wide expulsion resulted from these allegations, which centered on contractual disputes rather than ethical or behavioral misconduct.

Reception and public image

Critical reception and awards

Dhanush's performances have garnered critical praise for their intensity, emotional depth, and ability to portray multifaceted characters, particularly in collaborations with director . His role as Karuppu in (2011), a rural grappling with loyalty and downfall, was lauded for its raw authenticity, earning him the National Film Award for Best Actor at the , where he became the youngest recipient of the honor at age 27. Critics highlighted the film's realistic depiction of obsession and community dynamics, contributing to its recognition as a benchmark for Tamil cinema's neo-realist phase. In Asuran (2019), Dhanush's dual portrayal of a vengeful farmer and his younger self drew acclaim for embodying caste-based oppression and familial bonds, securing him a second National Film Award for Best Actor at the 67th ceremony, alongside praise for the film's unflinching rural violence narrative. Other works like Vada Chennai (2018), part of a planned trilogy, received positive reviews for his evolution from naive youth to hardened gangster, with outlets noting his command of dialect and physical transformation as standout elements. Films such as Karnan (2021) further underscored his skill in socially charged roles, earning commendations for channeling collective anger against systemic injustice. His awards tally includes eight for acting and production, with wins for , Maryan (2013), and (2014), reflecting consistent peer recognition in South Indian cinema. Dhanush also received the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut for the film (2013), marking his expansion beyond Tamil industry boundaries. Additional honors encompass multiple SIIMA and , though critical consensus emphasizes his National Awards as pinnacles of artistic validation over commercial successes. While some mass-oriented films faced mixed reviews for formulaic elements, his selective roles in auteur-driven projects have cemented a reputation for elevating scripts through restrained yet explosive delivery.

Box office performance and commercial impact

Dhanush has established himself as a consistent performer in , with several films achieving hit or blockbuster status through strong domestic and overseas earnings. Early commercial breakthroughs include Polladhavan (2007), which emerged as one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of its year due to its mass appeal and action elements. Subsequent releases like (2008) also succeeded commercially, solidifying his market viability beyond critical acclaim. In the and , Dhanush expanded his commercial footprint with pan-Indian appeal, notably through Raanjhanaa (2013), a that grossed significantly in and marked his breakthrough in Bollywood markets. More recent Tamil hits such as Vada Chennai (2018) set records as the highest-grossing A-rated Tamil at the time, driven by ensemble casting and directorial strength despite content restrictions.
FilmWorldwide Gross (₹ Crore)VerdictRelease Year
155Blockbuster2024
Kuberaa138Hit2024
116Blockbuster2023
117Hit2022
Captain Miller75Average2024
Dhanush's commercial impact extends to his production ventures under , which have backed successful releases, enhancing his influence in Tamil industry's financial ecosystem. His films often recover costs through theatrical runs, satellite rights, and digital deals, with recent entries like demonstrating sustained overseas pull among audiences. However, not all projects achieve uniform success, as seen with Idli Kadai (2025), which collected around ₹71 crore worldwide but experienced sharp post-opening declines.

Cultural influence and media portrayal

Dhanush's breakthrough into global pop culture occurred with the 2011 release of "Why This Kolaveri Di" from the film 3, a song he wrote and sang featuring raw, pidgin Tamil-English lyrics about romantic despair that exploded virally on YouTube, amassing over 100 million views within months and marking the first Tamil track to achieve such cross-cultural penetration. International outlets like CNN dubbed it the most popular song of 2011, while radio stations across India and abroad aired it, catalyzing a wave of user-generated covers, parodies, and memes that popularized "kolaveri" (murderous rage) as slang for emotional frustration among non-Tamil speakers. This event underscored his role in democratizing regional music via digital platforms, influencing youth-driven content creation and hybrid language trends in South Asian diaspora communities. Beyond music, Dhanush's on-screen persona as an unpolished, resilient in films like Polladhavan (2007) and (2011) reshaped Tamil cinema's depiction of masculinity, emphasizing grit and vulnerability over stylized heroism, which resonated with working-class audiences and inspired a generation of actors to prioritize naturalistic performances. His pan-India expansions, including Hindi films such as (2013) and Hollywood's The Gray Man (2022), positioned him as a symbol of South Indian talent's global viability, with his action sequences in the latter drawing fan fervor for bridging Kollywood aesthetics to Western blockbusters. Media coverage frequently portrays Dhanush as a self-made innovator, highlighting his evolution from Rajinikanth's brother-in-law to an independent force in multilingual cinema, though outlets note his deliberate avoidance of overt stardom tropes in favor of artistic risks, such as directing Pa Paandi (2017). This narrative, drawn from interviews and reviews in publications like and Times of India, credits him with broadening Tamil film's appeal to urban youth skeptical of mass entertainers, fostering discussions on authenticity in an industry dominated by formulaic narratives. His influence extends to and , where his rustic swagger—marked by simple attire and colloquial —has been emulated in youth subcultures, as evidenced by fan recreations and social media trends post-.

Filmography

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Discography

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Awards and nominations

Dhanush has received four National Film Awards, two for acting and two for production, recognizing his contributions to Tamil cinema. At the 58th National Film Awards in 2011, he won Best Actor for portraying a rooster fight jockey in Aadukalam (2010). In 2015, as producer under Wunderbar Films, Kaaka Muttai (2014) earned Best Children's Film at the 62nd National Film Awards. His production Visaranai (2015) received Best Feature Film in Tamil at the 63rd National Film Awards. Dhanush secured a second Best Actor award at the 67th National Film Awards in 2021 for his dual role as a farmer and his younger self in Asuran (2019).
YearAwardCategoryFilmNotes
2011For role of Rathnavel "Pettaikaaran" Pandian.
2015Best Children's Film (producer)Co-produced by .
2016Best Feature Film in Tamil (producer)Co-produced by .
2021AsuranFor portraying Sivasamy and Sivasaekar.
Dhanush has also garnered multiple accolades at the , including – Tamil for Vada Chennai (2018) at the 2019 ceremony and – Critics for Thiruchitrambalam (2022) at the 68th edition in 2023. He received nominations for at the 2024 for Vaathi (2023). Among other regional honors, Dhanush has won nine , including Best Actor for films such as (2011) and . He holds 14 SIIMA Awards, recognizing performances in various categories across South Indian languages. Nominations include Best – Male for tracks like "" from (2018) at South events.

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