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Ilavarasu
Ilavarasu
Ilavarasu
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Ilavarasu is an Indian cinematographer and actor, who works in the Tamil film industry. He started his career as a cinematographer and worked for 13 films, winning a Tamil Nadu State Film Award for one of them. He, however, became better known as an actor, after he appeared in pivotal roles in Bharathiraja's and Cheran's films. He starred in over 160 Tamil films, mostly in supporting and comedic roles.[2]

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

He was born on 28 August[3] 1964 in Melur, a town in Madurai district, present-day Tamil Nadu. His father P. Malaichamy served as a Member of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly during 1967-76 on behalf of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). Malaichamy was also one of the DMK members jailed during the 1975-77 Indian Emergency under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA).[4]

Career

[edit]

According to T. Saravanan of The Hindu, Ilavarasu's debut film was to have been the unproduced Tamil film Top Tucker, and instead became Oru Kaidhiyin Diary (1984).[5] However, Malathi Rangarajan of the same paper says he first appeared in a minuscule role in Bharathiraja's 1987 film Vedham Pudhithu.[6]

He worked as an assistant to B. Kannan for the films Knock-Out (1992),[7] Nadodi Thendral (1992), Captain Magal (1993), Karuthamma (1994) and Pasumpon (1995). He was credited as one of the main cinematographers for the latter four films although he worked as an assistant cinematographer.[2] He gained popularity as a cinematographer in 1996 with the film Panchalankurichi, starring Prabhu and Madhubala. The following year, he worked on another Prabhu movie titled Periya Thambi, directed by Chitra Lakshmanan. His breakthrough came with a significant role in Cheran’s Porkkaalam (1997), which propelled him into the spotlight as a recognized actor. In 1998, Ilavarasu served as the cinematographer for two films, Ninaithen Vandhai and Iniyavale. While initially offered villainous characters, he later shifted his focus to character roles.[8] The actor has shared screen with many actors in his career. Ilavarasu has played many versatile characters and has entertained the fans with his humour sense. He has also played villain roles in a few films. A few memorable roles of him include Bagavathi (2002), Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikecei (2006), Kalavani (2010), Lingaa (2014), Kanaa (2018) and NGK (2019).[9]

In addition to his film career, Ilavarasu has also ventured into television, appearing in the 2022 series Anandha Ragam on Sun TV.[10]

Filmography

[edit]

As an actor

[edit]

Tamil films

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1985 Muthal Mariyathai Photographer
Idaya Kovil Shankar's friend
Oru Kaidhiyin Diary Crowd member Uncredited role[5]
1986 Kadalora Kavithaigal Chinnappa Das' friend
1987 Vedham Pudhithu Balu Thevar's nephew
1988 Kodi Parakuthu Police constable
1990 Sandhana Kaatru Uncredited role
1994 Ravanan
1995 Pasumpon Angusamy
1997 Porkkaalam Rasu
2000 Vetri Kodi Kattu
Sabhash
2001 Kutty Pazhaniappan
Poovellam Un Vasam Pandi
Pandavar Bhoomi Carpenter
Thavasi Kaarmegam
Shahjahan Police Inspector
2002 Red Pandi
Gemini Police Commissioner
Shree Pasupathy
Karmegham Saguni
Sundara Travels Parotta Master Kasi
Maaran Irulandi
University
Bagavathi Singamuthu Uncredited role
Ramanaa
Style Pandithurai
2003 Anbe Sivam Police Inspector
Pallavan
Kadhal Sadugudu
Well Done
Pudhiya Geethai Shekar
Saamy Sivakasi Pattasu Raman
Jayam
Eera Nilam Chellakannu
Boys Kumar's father
Thiruda Thirudi
Anjaneya Eshwarapandiyan
Naam
Unnai Charanadaindhen Teja's father
Bheeshmar Aadhi
Ragasiyamai
Sindhamal Sitharamal
2004 Varnajalam Police Constable
Autograph Narayanan Teacher
Kuthu Arunachalam
Kavithai
Jana Jana's brother-in-law
Sound Party
Madhurey Anitha's father
Kangalal Kaidhu Sei John Vaseegaran's servant Uncredited role
Giri Ramalingam
Neranja Manasu Poochi
Attahasam
Chatrapathi Deputy Commissioner
Maha Nadigan
Aai Traffic Police Officer Subbarayan
Jaisurya ACP
Meesai Madhavan Kadalas
Gomathi Nayagam Kutraleeswaran
2005 Ayodhya Vaiyapuri
Ji Varadharajan's henchman
Kadhal FM Astrologer
Gurudeva Police Officer
Sevvel
Oru Naal Oru Kanavu Rajamani
Majaa
Chanakya Police inspector
Thavamai Thavamirundhu Azhagarsamy
2006 Kalabha Kadhalan
Thambi Shankarayan
Kusthi Abi's father
Oru Kadhal Seiveer Aadhi
Sudesi Cook
Don Chera Perumal
Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikecei Mangunipaandiyan
Sengathu Yedhukku
Thiruvilaiyaadal Aarambam Muthukrishnan
2007 Agaram MLA
Thirumagan Thavasi
Koodal Nagar
Chennai 600028 Manohar
Periyaar
Sivaji Guest appearance
Thullal Security guard
Cheena Thaana 001 Tamizharasu's father's friend
Nam Naadu Albert
Pasupathi c/o Rasakkapalayam Terrorist
2008 Pirivom Santhippom Visalakshi's neighbor
Vaazhthugal Thirunavukkarasu
Thangam
Vambu Sandai
Arai En 305-il Kadavul Wellesley Prabhu
Kuruvi Elango
Pandi Periyamaayan
Kathavarayan Police inspector
Dhanam Dhanam's friend
Silambattam Police
Panchamirtham Kasi
2009 Kadhalna Summa Illai
1977 Manikkam
Mayandi Kudumbathar Mayandi and Virumandi's elder cousin
Engal Aasan Muthu
Pokkisham
Kanthaswamy Constable
Madurai Sambavam
Ninaithale Inikkum Sethuraman
Solla Solla Inikkum
Arumugam Arumugam's father
2010 Rettaisuzhi
Sura Samuthira Raja's sidekick
Goripalayam Moovendhan
Irumbukkottai Murattu Singam Dagalandi
Maanja Velu Sivagnanam
Milaga Vaazhaithoppu Maari
Kalavani Ramasamy
2011 Ilaignan
Seedan Madhava Kounder
Bhavani Shanmugam
Muthukku Muthaaga Thavasi
Pillaiyar Theru Kadaisi Veedu Ganesan's uncle
Mudhal Idam Ponnusamy
Puli Vesham Thamarai's father
Sadhurangam Analaar
Aduthathu
Velayudham Poor man
7 Aum Arivu Aravind's uncle
Marudhavelu Marudhavelu's father
2012 Kondaan Koduthaan Chellaiya
Kalakalappu Anjuvatti Alagesan (Amitabh Mama)
Manam Kothi Paravai Raamaiya
Billa II Selvaraj
Etho Seithai Ennai Veeru's aide
2013 Thillu Mullu Pasupathy's Uncle
Mathapoo Karthik's brother-in-law
Ya Ya Varadharajan
Jannal Oram Police Inspector
Chandhamama Santhanakrishnan's father
2014 Veeram Azhagappan
Sathuranga Vettai Chettiyar
Pappali
Pattaya Kelappanum Pandiya Velpandiyan's father
Pagadai Pagadai S. Kotteswaran
Lingaa Saami Pillai
2015 Killadi Inspector Britto
En Vazhi Thani Vazhi Police Officer
Rajathandhiram Sethu Madhavan
Idam Porul Yaeval Unreleased
36 Vayadhinile Vegetable merchant
Papanasam Constable Shanmugam
Maanga Nambirajan
Jippaa Jimikki Lorry driver
Aaranyam Kumaresan
2016 Navarasa Thilagam Paneerselvam
Vetrivel Navaneetham
Ko 2 Home Minister
Uchathula Shiva Ondipuli
Kallattam Pazhani
Meen Kuzhambum Mann Paanaiyum Annamalai's friend
Chennai 600028 II Manohar
2017 Kanavu Variyam Ezhil's father
Sangili Bungili Kadhava Thorae Parvathy's brother
Aayirathil Iruvar Vanarajan
2018 Kadaikutty Singam Manikkam
Kannakkol
Azhagumagan Azhagu
Aan Devathai Solvilanguperumal
Jarugandi Samuel
Kanaa Thangarasu
2019 Natpuna Ennanu Theriyuma Ramanan
NGK MLA Pandiyan
Kalavani 2 Ramasamy
Sixer Aadhi's father
Magamuni Muthuraj
Thambi Jeevanand
2021 Kalathil Santhippom Ashok's father
Oru Kudaikul
Appathava Aattaya Pottutanga
Doctor Padmini and Navneeth's father
Jai Bhim Gunasekaran
2022 Naai Sekar Pooja's father
Anbulla Ghilli Bhargavi's father
Etharkkum Thunindhavan Aadhini's father
Maaran Aravindan
Visithiran
Nenjuku Needhi Sub-Inspector Malaichami
Viruman Thenmozhi's father
Sardar Politician
DSP Murugapandi
2023 Vaathi Education Minister
Viduthalai Part 1 Ila. Ilavarasu
Rudhran Police Inspector
Raavana Kottam Chitravel
Parking House Owner
Jigarthanda DoubleX Minister Kaarmegham
Kuiko Shanmugham
Thee Ivan Senathipathy
2024 Yaavarum Vallavare Baskar
Dear Rangarajan
Romeo Arivazhagan and Janani's father
PT Sir Rathinam
Maya Puthagam Sambasivam
Raayan Meghalai's father
P2
Meiyazhagan Ekambaram
Viduthalai Part 2 PWD Minister Ilavarasu
Thiru.Manickam Sumathi's uncle
2025 Mr. Housekeeping Chokkalingam
Poorveegam
Baby and Baby Muthaiya
Nizharkudai Police Inspector
Chennai City Gangsters Minister Sengundran
Flashback Only the Hindi dubbed version was released.[11]
Padaiyaanda Maaveeraa
Idli Kadai Ramarajan

Other language films

[edit]
Year Title Role Language Notes
2012 Ozhimuri Vaidyan Malayalam
2013 Pattam Pole Karthik's uncle
2017 Mayaanadhi Police Inspector Ilavarasu
2022 Jana Gana Mana Anbumani
2024 Max Ravanan Kannada
2025 Thudarum Ilavarasu Malayalam

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Channel Notes
2022 Anandha Ragam Shanmugavel Sun TV Extended Guest Appearance[12]

As cinematographer

[edit]
Year Film Notes
1996 Panchalankurichi
1997 Periya Thambi
1998 Ninaithen Vandhai
Iniyavale
1999 Manam Virumbuthe Unnai Winner, Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Cinematographer
2000 Veeranadai
Sabhash
Eazhaiyin Sirippil
2001 Love Marriage
2009 Ajantha Multilingual film
2010 Sura Uncredited; assistant cinematographer

As dubbing artist

[edit]
Year Film Actor Notes
1994 Karuththamma Ponvannan
1996 Panchalankurichi Mahanadi Shankar

References

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

Ilavarasu

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Ilavarasu is an Indian cinematographer and who has worked predominantly in the Tamil film industry. Born in , , , he began his career as a , handling visuals for at least several films including Panchalankurichi (1996), Periya Thambi (1997), and (1998). Transitioning to , Ilavarasu appeared in supporting roles across more than 150 Tamil films, often portraying character parts that contributed to the narrative depth of commercial and critically received projects. His performance as a father figure in (2011) earned him the Cinema Award for Best in 2012. He has also featured in prominent ensemble casts of films such as 7aum Arivu (2011), (2021), and (2023), showcasing versatility in roles ranging from comedic to dramatic. In addition to his on-screen work, Ilavarasu served as secretary of the South Indian Film Cinematographers' Association, where he was involved in a 2022-2024 dispute over alleged financial by prior office-bearers, leading to a petition that resulted in his apology for discrepancies in submitted evidence.

Early life

Birth and family background

Ilavarasu, originally named by his father, was born in , a town in , , . Various biographical accounts place his birth year in 1964, though exact dates vary across sources. Publicly available information on his family background is limited, with no verified details on his parents' professions, siblings, or specific familial influences emerging from interviews or records. His formative years were spent in the semi-rural setting of , a region known for its cultural ties to traditions, though direct accounts of early personal experiences remain scarce.

Professional career

Cinematography work

Ilavarasu commenced his professional career in the Tamil film industry as a , contributing to a total of 13 films, primarily during the . His work emphasized visual in low-budget regional productions, where he handled camera operations to enhance depth through practical and composition techniques suited to constrained resources. Notable collaborations included films like (1996), directed by , and Periya Thambi (1997), also under Narayanan, showcasing his ability to capture rustic Tamil settings effectively. In 1998, Ilavarasu served as cinematographer for , directed by K. Selvaraj, and , helmed by K. R. Selvaraj, both of which highlighted his technical proficiency in romantic dramas. His cinematography in Manam Virumbuthe Unnai (1999), a romantic drama directed by , earned him the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Cinematographer, recognizing his skill in creating emotive visuals within the era's independent landscape. This accolade underscored his impact on visual aesthetics before transitioning from behind-the-camera roles.

Transition to acting

Ilavarasu planned his acting debut in the unproduced Tamil film Top Tucker, which was set to star and but ultimately never saw release. His first on-screen role materialized instead in Bharathiraja's (1985), where he appeared as a minor crowd member. Having established himself as a on 13 Tamil films, Ilavarasu leveraged his industry connections to secure supporting roles, marking a gradual shift from technical work to performance amid the competitive landscape. This transition capitalized on his familiarity with directors and production teams, providing entry points into acting without immediate lead opportunities. In the ensuing years, particularly from the early 1990s onward, Ilavarasu took on varied character roles to hone his skills, navigating initial hurdles such as risks and reliance on secondary parts in an industry dominated by seasoned performers. His persistence in these experimental phases built a foundation for broader recognition, distinct from his prior behind-the-camera expertise.

Notable film roles

Ilavarasu received acclaim for his emotionally resonant supporting role as , a devoted father, in the 2011 drama , directed by Rajapandi, where his performance as a caring navigating family hardships was described as stupendous for its spontaneity and depth. This portrayal marked a pivotal point in his acting career, highlighting his ability to convey vulnerability in rural family dynamics amid the film's focus on inter-caste relationships and personal sacrifice. In blockbuster 7aum Arivu (2011), a that grossed over ₹100 worldwide, Ilavarasu played Aravind's cousin, providing subtle familial support in an ensemble cast led by , contributing to the narrative's blend of historical and modern elements without overshadowing the leads. His versatility extended to and antagonistic shades in other projects, such as the humorous Anjuvatti Alagesan in (2012), a commercial hit praised for its ensemble , where peers noted his adept handling of exaggerated rural villainy with nuance. Ilavarasu portrayed Gunasekaran, a minor authoritative figure, in the 2021 legal thriller , which earned critical praise for addressing caste-based injustices and achieved over 50 million streaming views on within weeks of release, underscoring his reliable presence in socially charged narratives. While frequently cast in rural or confrontational supporting parts across —reflecting industry patterns of character actors—contemporary reviews emphasize his consistent delivery of authentic, non-stereotypical interpretations, with no prominent critiques of over-reliance on such tropes in his oeuvre. His forays into non-Tamil projects remain limited, primarily confined to Tamil-language multi-starrer ensembles rather than lead roles in other regional industries.

Television and dubbing contributions

Ilavarasu made his television acting debut in a supporting capacity in the Tamil-language family drama serial Anandha Ragam, which aired on Sun TV starting from August 29, 2022. In the series, he portrayed Shanmugavel, the father of the character Ishwari, in a cameo role that contributed to the familial dynamics central to the plot. This appearance marked his venture into episodic television formats, adapting his screen presence from films to sustain audience engagement amid a selective film schedule post-2010. While Ilavarasu has occasionally provided voice for characters in Tamil-dubbed versions of select , specific credits remain sparsely documented in production records, with no major standalone dubbing projects identified beyond incidental support roles. His television engagements, including guest spots on programs like Vanakkam Tamizha, have primarily served to extend his visibility in non-cinematic media without shifting focus from his established film persona.

Awards and recognition

Cinematography awards

Ilavarasu received the State Film Award for Best for his work on the 1999 romantic drama Manam Virumbuthe Unnai, directed by M. Sivachandran and starring and . This government-recognized honor, one of the state's premier accolades for technical excellence in , highlighted his role in shaping the film's visual narrative during his tenure as a on 13 projects. The achievement bolstered his professional standing in the industry, facilitating his subsequent transition to by demonstrating proficiency in core techniques prior to his pivot away from behind-the-camera roles. No additional cinematography-specific awards are documented in available records.

Acting awards

Ilavarasu earned recognition for his acting through the Cinema Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2012, awarded for his role as a family patriarch in the 2011 Tamil drama , directed by . The performance, centered on themes of parental sacrifice and familial bonds amid socioeconomic challenges, was highlighted by Vikatan's jury for its authentic portrayal of understated emotional resilience, contributing to the film's positive in Tamil media circles. This accolade, from one of Tamil Nadu's longstanding film journalism outlets known for rigorous peer and critic evaluations, marked a key validation of Ilavarasu's shift from to character roles, though he received no further major acting honors in subsequent years despite appearances in over 50 films across genres like and antagonism. Industry reviews occasionally praised his versatility—such as restrained villainy in thrillers—but lacked equivalent award-level metrics, reflecting the competitive landscape for supporting actors in where lead-driven narratives often dominate recognition.

Controversies

2024 Madras High Court incident

In January 2024, amid a contempt petition filed by Ilavarasu over delays in investigating alleged misappropriation of approximately ₹40 from the South Indian Cinematographers' Association ()—a case originating from a November 22, 2016, complaint leading to an on February 13, 2018—Ilavarasu accused of inaction and submitting fabricated footage to falsely prove his presence at a police station for questioning on December 12, 2023. He claimed no such visit or occurred on that date, contradicting police evidence including recordings and call detail records (CDR) with mobile tower location data showing his attendance, after which a final report recommending case closure was filed on December 13, 2023. On January 29, 2024, Justice A.D. Chandira warned Ilavarasu of proceedings for the false submission unless an apology was tendered, noting the discrepancy in his counsel's assertion of questioning on December 13 rather than December 12. The next day, January 30, 2024, Ilavarasu appeared in court and submitted an unconditional apology for the inaccurate claims against , which the judge accepted, averting further action on . Concurrently, the court criticized the police investigation as "shabby" and delayed—spanning over six years—and summoned five inspectors to appear on February 5, 2024, to explain lapses in probing the funds case, though no broader criminal charges ensued against Ilavarasu. This episode illustrates procedural disputes between film industry representatives and law enforcement but concluded without escalating to prosecution following the apology.

Legacy

Impact on Tamil cinema

Ilavarasu's transition from cinematography to acting emphasized the value of supporting roles in bolstering narrative depth within Tamil films, particularly through his demonstrations of precise emotional delivery and comic timing in diverse genres. In films such as Porkalam (1998), where he portrayed a compulsive braggart with Madurai-inflected dialogue, and Muthukku Muthaaga (2011), as a hapless father navigating familial strife, his improvisational spontaneity added layers of realism that complemented lead performances without overshadowing them. These elements, drawn from his technical background, influenced genre versatility by integrating authentic regional nuances into dramas and comedies alike, as evidenced by his role as a dull-headed minister in the historical satire Imsai Arasan 23am Pulikesi (2006). His cinematography experience, including the 1999 Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Manam Virumbuthe Unnai, informed acting choices that prioritized visual and performative realism, such as aligning character movements with shot compositions for causal narrative flow. This approach elevated technical standards in supporting portrayals during the 2000s and 2010s, encouraging younger actors to adopt similar first-principles methods—focusing on unscripted emotional authenticity over stylized exaggeration—to enhance scene believability in ensemble-driven stories. Contributions to and television extended accessibility, allowing his voice work to amplify villainous and comedic archetypes in rebroadcasts and cross-language adaptations, thereby sustaining audience engagement with older titles amid evolving . However, despite over 100 credits by the , industry dynamics favoring star-led hierarchies restricted lead opportunities, underscoring a broader pattern where technical versatility in supporting capacities yields influence but seldom disrupts protagonist-centric conventions. This balanced legacy highlights on distribution—predominantly secondary parts across 97+ by 2013—over anecdotal acclaim, reflecting causal constraints in Tamil cinema's production models.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0369696/
  2. https://tubbies.fandom.com/wiki/Ilavarasu
  3. https://starsunfolded.com/illavarasu/
  4. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0369696/awards/
  5. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ilavarasu-apologises-at-madras-high-court-south-indian-film-cinematographers-association/articleshow/107259223.cms
  6. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/madras-high-court-warns-actor-of-perjury-proceedings-if-he-does-not-apologise/article67789561.ece
  7. https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/success-through-spontaneity/article5200654.ece
  8. https://nettv4u.com/celebrity/tamil/movie-actor/ilavarasu
  9. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/580626-ilavarasu?language=en-US
  10. https://www.news18.com/movies/this-famous-cinematographer-actor-shared-screen-space-with-thalapathy-vijay-before-his-debut-8784987.html
  11. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eUjwE4X4a4
  12. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0155928/fullcredits/
  13. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/580626-ilavarasu
  14. https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Spontaneity-scores/article14669566.ece
  15. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4327678/
  16. https://www.reddit.com/r/kollywood/comments/1esss80/whats_your_favorite_ilavarasu_role_mines/
  17. https://filmyfocus.com/celebs/ilavarasu
  18. https://theopinionatedindian.com/south/anandha-ragam-%28sun-tv%29-serial-cast-timings-real-names-hero/cid13262126.htm
  19. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lti5yA4oCRg
  20. https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Grill-Mill-Ilavarasu/article15529078.ece
  21. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0289316/
  22. https://www.tamilmdb.com/awards/ananda-vikatan-cinema-awards/best-supporting-actor
  23. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4327678/awards/
  24. https://www.tamilmdb.com/crew/7493/ilavarasu
  25. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/actor-m-ilavarasu-tenders-unconditional-apology-before-madras-high-court-for-false-accusation-against-chennai-police/article67792068.ece
  26. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2024/Jan/30/apologise-for-false-submission-on-inquiry-or-face-action-madras-hc-tells-actor-ilavarasu
  27. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/how-tamil-cinemas-character-actors-are-redefining-storytelling/articleshow/119011913.cms
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