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Prajwal Devaraj
Prajwal Devaraj
from Wikipedia

Prajwal Devaraj (born 4 July 1987) is an Indian actor who works in Kannada cinema.[2] The son of veteran actor Devaraj, Prajwal made his debut with the Kannada film Sixer (2007) for which he won the Best Debut actor award at the Suvarna Film Awards.[3] This was followed by the gangster drama Geleya (2007) which was a box-office success. Prajwal was in recent films like Chowka (2017), Gentleman (2020) and Inspector Vikram (2021).[4]

Key Information

His films include Meravanige (2008), Gulama (2009), Murali Meets Meera (2011), Super Shastri (2013) and Galaate (2013). For his performance in Gentleman (2020), he won the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actor.[5]

Early life

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Prajwal Devaraj was born on 4 July 1987 in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, to actor Devaraj and Chandralekha, a former actress and producer. He has a younger brother, Pranam, who acted in Kumari 21F (2018).[6] Prajwal completed his schooling at Sri Aurobindo Memorial School, Bengaluru, and graduated with a degree in Management from Jain University’s Center for Management Studies. Before entering films, he trained in dance and participated in cultural programs.[7][8]

Career

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2007–2010: Debut and Early Success

[edit]
Prajwal during a shoot for the film
Prajwal during a shoot for the film Geleya in 2007

Prajwal made his debut as a lead actor in Sixer (2007), playing Rahul, a young underworld don.[9] Directed by Shashank, the film earned him the Suvarna Film Award for Best Debut Actor. The same year, he starred in Geleya, a gangster drama directed by A. Harsha.[10] He continued his success with romantic dramas like Meravanige (2008) and Gange Baare Thunge Baare (2008).[citation needed]

2011–2016: Establishing as a Leading Actor

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Prajwal appeared in films such as Murali Meets Meera (2011), a romantic drama, and Super Shastri (2012),[11]. Other notable releases include Galaate (2013), Angaaraka (2014), and Neenade Naa (2014), his first home production.[12] In Bhujanga (2016), his 25th film, Prajwal played a mass hero role, marking a shift toward action-oriented characters.[13]

2017–2021: Critical Acclaim

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Prajwal during a shoot for the film
Prajwal in 2023

Prajwal’s performance in Chowka (2017), a multi-starrer directed by Tharun Sudhir, was widely appreciated. His career-defining role came in Gentleman (2020), directed by Jadesh Kumar Hampe, where he portrayed Bharath, a man with narcolepsy.[14] The film earned him the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actor and the SIIMA Critics Award for Best Actor – Kannada.[15][16]

2022–Present: Latest projects

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Recent works include Abbara (2022), Veeram (2023), and Tatsama Tadbhava (2023), where he played intense roles in thrillers and action dramas. Upcoming projects include Gana, Rakshasa, and Mafia.[17]

Personal life

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Prajwal married Ragini Chandran, a dancer and actress, on 25 October 2015 after a decade-long relationship.[18] Ragini has appeared in Kannada films and is known for her Kathak performances.[19]

Filmography

[edit]
Key
Denotes film or TV productions that have not yet been released
Year Title Role(s) Notes Ref.
2007 Sixer Rahul Won—Suvarna Best Debut Actor [20]
Geleya Guru [21]
2008 Gange Baare Thunge Baare Harsha [22]
Meravanige Vijay [23]
2009 Jeeva Jeeva [24]
Gulama Anil
Kencha Rahul
2010 Nannavanu Bharadwaj
2011 Kote Vignesh
Murali Meets Meera Murali
Mr. Duplicate Nandu
Bhadra Bhadra
2012 Sagar Sagar
Gokula Krishna Krishna
Super Shastri Subramanya Shastri
2013 Galaate Abhi
Ziddi Krishna
2014 Angaaraka Viji
Savaal Arjun
Jamboo Savari Balu
Neenade Naa Dev First home production film
2015 Mrugashira Prajwal
Arjuna Arjun
2016 Madha Mathu Manasi Mass Madha
Bhujanga Bhujanga 25th film [25]
2017 Chowka Mohammed Anwar
2018 Life Jothe Ondh Selfie Virat
Ananthu vs Nusrath Dr. Nisar Ahmed Cameo appearance
2019 Yajamana Himself Cameo appearance in the "Shivanandi" song
Yada Yada Hi Dharmasya Jeeva Cameo appearance
2020 Gentleman Bharath Won—SIIMA Award Best Actor Critics – Kannada
Won—Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actor
[26]
2021 Inspector Vikram Vikram
Arjun Gowda Arjun Gowda [27]
2022 Abbara Shiva [28]
2023 Veeram Veeru [29]
Tatsama Tadbhava Aravind Ashwatthama
2025 Gana Gana [30][31]
Rakshasa Satya [32]
2026 Mafia Dr. Sathyanarayan Filming [33]

Television

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Year Show Role Notes
2021 Dance Dance Judge [34][35]

Awards and nominations

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Year Category Award Film Result Ref.
2008 Best Debut Male Actor Suvarna Film Awards Sixer Won [36]
2020 Best Actor Karnataka State Film Awards Gentleman Won [37]
Best Actor (critics) South Indian International Movie Awards Won [38]
Best Actor – Kannada Filmfare Awards South Nominated [39]
Best Actor South Indian International Movie Awards Nominated

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Prajwal Devaraj (born 4 July 1987) is an Indian who primarily works in . He is the son of veteran , popularly known as the "Dynamic Hero," and has earned the nickname "Dynamic Prince" in the industry. made his film debut in 2007 with the romantic comedy Sixer, directed by , for which he received the Best Debut award at the Suvarna Film Awards. Throughout his career, Devaraj has appeared in over 20 films, often portraying versatile roles in genres ranging from romantic comedies to action s. Notable works include Meravanige (2008), a romantic that marked one of his early commercial successes; Gulama (2009), a that showcased his action-oriented side; (2017), a period ensemble; and (2020), a thriller for which he won the (Critics) award at the (SIIMA) and the Karnataka State Film Award for in 2020. More recent projects include Tatsama Tadbhava (2023), a suspense thriller, (2025), a thriller, and the horror thriller (2025). Despite a steady output, Devaraj has been noted for his adaptability and collaboration with emerging directors, though he continues to seek a defining after nearly two decades in the industry. In his personal life, Devaraj married dancer and actress Ragini Chandran in 2015 after dating for nearly a decade; the couple, who first met in a dance class during their hood, have one and often share glimpses of their family life on . He has a younger brother, Pranam Devaraj, who is also an actor, and their mother is Chandralekha Devaraj. Devaraj maintains an active presence on platforms like , where he has over 790,000 followers, and is known for his interests in video games, foosball, and .

Early life

Family background

Prajwal Devaraj was born on 4 July 1987 in Bangalore, , . He is the eldest son of , a veteran who rose to prominence in the and , starring in over 200 films and earning the moniker "Dynamic Hero" for his dynamic screen presence and action roles. His mother, Chandralekha Devaraj, is a former actress who transitioned into , supporting the family's ventures in the industry. The couple married in 1986 after meeting on the set of Devaraj's film Sikku. Prajwal has a younger brother, Pranam Devaraj, who followed in the family tradition by pursuing acting and made his debut in the 2018 Kannada romantic drama Kumari 21F, directed by Sriman Vemula. Growing up in this cinematic household provided Prajwal with early exposure to film sets, where he often accompanied his father during shoots, fostering a natural affinity for the profession from childhood. He has frequently cited his father's disciplined and versatile performances—particularly his iconic portrayals of police officers—as key inspirations that shaped his decision to enter acting, viewing Devaraj not just as a parent but as his first hero.

Education

Prajwal Devaraj completed his early education in Bangalore, beginning at a local school in Chamarajpet known for its strict disciplinary measures, from which he was withdrawn by his father due to harsh punishments. He later transferred to Sri Aurobindo Memorial School, where he finished his schooling, immersing himself in the city's vibrant cultural environment. For higher education, Devaraj enrolled at the Center for Management Studies (CMS) of in Bangalore's VV Puram area, earning a in . This program equipped him with a solid foundation in principles, preparing him for potential opportunities in the corporate sector. Although his academic path pointed toward a , Devaraj chose to pursue shortly after graduation, motivated by his family's longstanding involvement in the film industry, where his father, , had established himself as a prominent . This decision marked a pivotal shift, aligning his professional aspirations with the rather than corporate .

Career

Debut and early roles

Prajwal Devaraj made his acting debut in the film industry with the sports comedy Sixer (2007), directed by , where he portrayed the lead role of a young cricketer aspiring to join a training camp while entangled in underworld dealings to fund his dreams. The film received average reviews but marked a promising start for the newcomer, with critics noting his energetic performance in action and comedic sequences. For his role in Sixer, Devaraj won the Suvarna Award for Best Debut Actor in 2007, recognizing his fresh entry into cinema. Following his debut, Devaraj appeared in (2007), a crime directed by A. , in which he played one of two friends migrating to Bangalore and getting drawn into gang rivalries, showcasing his ability to handle intense, negative-shaded characters. The film was a box-office success and earned positive feedback for Devaraj's convincing portrayal alongside co-star , highlighting his versatility early on. In 2008, he starred in the Meravanige, directed by , as a college student whose animosity toward a female classmate evolves amid a plot, blending romance with suspense elements. Critics praised the film's engaging narrative and Devaraj's chemistry with , though it achieved moderate commercial performance. Devaraj's early career also included Gulama (2009), an action-romance directed by Tushar Ranganath, where he enacted the role of a young man navigating loyalty and love in a dramatic setup with . The movie received mixed reviews, with appreciation for its dialogues and Devaraj's strong presence in fight and dance scenes, but critiques on emotional depth, reflecting his growing range across genres like , crime, and romance. As a newcomer and son of veteran actor , he faced challenges including inevitable comparisons to his father's dynamic style, compounded by starting his film career at age 18, which limited roles to youthful narratives initially. Overall, these projects established modest box-office results and critical nods to his adaptability, setting the foundation amid industry expectations tied to his family legacy.

Rise to prominence

Prajwal Devaraj's ascent in during the mid-2010s was characterized by a string of films that highlighted his evolving acting prowess, from light-hearted romances to intense action roles, culminating in high-profile ensemble projects. Following initial career challenges, Devaraj delivered a matured performance as the lead in the 2013 Galaate, directed by M. D. Sridhar, where he portrayed a young man navigating relationship rifts with charm and emotional depth. The film, co-starring , was lauded for its breezy narrative and Devaraj's ability to infuse sincerity into comedic sequences, earning a 3/5 rating from critics who noted it managed to entertain despite predictable tropes. This role marked a turning point, helping him shed his earlier image and appeal to a broader audience through relatable romantic dynamics. Building on this momentum, explored action territory in 2015's , a crime drama directed by P. C. Shekar, where he played a complex, multi-layered character entangled in a web of and alongside his father as an honest cop. Critics praised his committed portrayal, describing it as one of his finest performances to date for its intensity and nuance, with the film receiving a 3/5 for its engaging first half and realistic storytelling. The project demonstrated his range beyond romance, contributing to its status as a passable thriller that resonated with viewers seeking grounded action narratives. Devaraj continued to diversify in 2016 with Bhujanga, a romantic drama directed by Jeeva, where he essayed the titular role of a passionate lover, further emphasizing his affinity for heartfelt family-oriented stories infused with commercial elements. This phase saw him collaborating with emerging directors to blend traditional Kannada sensibilities with modern pacing, solidifying his reputation as a versatile lead capable of anchoring both intimate and high-stakes tales. By 2017, his role as Mohammed Anwar in the multi-starrer action drama Chowka, helmed by debutant Tharun Sudhir, became a defining success; the ensemble cast, including Prem Kumar and Diganth, propelled the film to commercial triumph, collecting approximately ₹4 crore in its opening weekend and achieving decent profits overall through its gripping revenge saga set against a jail backdrop. Critically, it garnered a 4/5 for its taut screenplay and Devaraj's impactful contribution to the narrative's emotional core, with audiences appreciating the film's unyielding pace over its nearly three-hour runtime. These successes, spanning romance, action, and ensemble formats, earned Devaraj acclaim as a "dynamic hero" for his adept shifts toward mature, character-driven roles in family dramas and mass entertainers, fostering widespread audience appeal and box-office viability.

Recent projects

In the early 2020s, Prajwal Devaraj continued to build on his established versatility by taking on lead roles in genre-diverse films that highlighted his range as an actor. His portrayal of a man grappling with a severe sleeping disorder in the action thriller (2020), directed by Jadesh Kumar Hampi, was particularly acclaimed for its nuanced depth and emotional intensity, marking a significant collaboration that pushed him into more introspective territory. This performance earned widespread praise from critics and audiences for its authenticity, drawing from extensive research into the character's psychological challenges. Following , Devaraj starred as the titular honest cop in Inspector Vikram (2021), a high-stakes action drama directed by , where he tackled themes of and in a fast-paced . The film showcased his ability to anchor intense thriller sequences, blending physicality with moral conviction, and received positive reception for revitalizing his action-hero . Transitioning from his 2018 romantic comedy , which bridged his earlier commercial work with more mature roles, Devaraj's post-2020 projects emphasized character-driven stories over formulaic entertainment. By 2023, Devaraj explored broader thematic depths in consecutive releases. In the action-packed Veeram, directed by Khadar Kumar, he played a determined navigating family loyalties and rivalries, delivering a robust performance in an entertainer that mixed high-energy stunts with emotional undercurrents. Later that year, Tatsama Tadbhava, a taut suspense thriller helmed by debutant Vishal , saw him as Aravind Ashwatthama, investigating a complex case intertwined with personal dilemmas; the film was lauded for its clever plotting and Devaraj's restrained yet compelling acting, which contributed to its strong box-office and critical success. Devaraj's trajectory shifted further toward innovative and socially resonant narratives in 2025, with , a remake of the film Play Back directed by Hariprasad Jakka, where he portrayed a layered lead in a story addressing redemption and societal pressures, released on January 31 to appreciative reviews for its emotional resonance. This was followed by Rakshasa in March, directed by Lohith H, marking his debut in the horror genre through a time-loop infused thriller about a confronting threats, praised for blending genre elements with psychological tension and showcasing his evolution into experimental cinema. These projects reflect Devaraj's growing preference for collaborations with emerging directors on films that probe social issues like , justice, and familial bonds, solidifying his maturation as a leading .

Awards and nominations

Film awards

Prajwal Devaraj received his first major recognition early in his career with the Suvarna Award for Best Debut Actor for his performance in the sports drama Sixer (2007), marking a promising start in the . His portrayal of the titular character Bharath in the action thriller (2020) earned him widespread acclaim, leading to the SIIMA Critics Award for in a Leading Role () at the 10th in 2021. The same role also garnered a for () at the 67th in 2022. In 2025, Devaraj was honored with the Karnataka State Film Award for for , an accolade announced on March 12, 2025, by the Department of and Culture, recognizing his nuanced depiction of a principled young man navigating societal pressures. These three key wins, along with the Filmfare nomination, highlight Devaraj's evolution from a debutant to a respected lead , significantly boosting his stature in by affirming his ability to deliver compelling performances in diverse genres.

Other recognitions

In 2021, Prajwal Devaraj ventured into television as a judge on the Kannada dance reality show Dance Dance, which premiered on on August 20 and marked his entry into the small screen. Hosted by , the program featured him alongside fellow judges and choreographer , evaluating performances by aspiring dancers competing for prizes. Devaraj has received industry acknowledgments for his role in promoting Kannada cinema, including the Chittara Readers' Choice Award in 2024 from the prominent Kannada entertainment magazine Chittara, reflecting fan and reader appreciation for his versatile contributions to . This media poll-based honor underscores his sustained popularity and efforts in elevating regional storytelling through diverse projects.

Filmography

Feature films

Prajwal Devaraj has appeared in over 30 feature films as of 2025, primarily in the Kannada film industry, with select roles in Tamil, Malayalam, and Telugu cinema. The following is a chronological list of his feature film credits, including release years, directors, role types, genres, and box-office status where notable.
YearTitleDirectorRoleGenreBox-Office Notes
2007SixerShashankLeadAction, RomanceModerate success
2007GeleyaA. HarshaLeadAction, Crime, DramaBox-office success
2008MeravanigeMahesh BabuLeadDrama, RomanceAverage performer
2008Gange Bare Thunge BareSadhu KokilaLeadDrama, Romance-
2009JeevaPrabhu SrinivasLeadDrama, Romance, Comedy-
2009KenchaP. N. SathyaLeadDrama, Romance-
2009GulamaThushar RanganathLeadAction, Drama, Romance-
2010NannavanuSrinivas RajuLeadRomance-
2011BhadraMahesh RaoLeadAction, Drama, Romance-
2011Mr. DuplicateKodlu RamakrishnaLeadAction, Drama-
2011Murali Meets MeeraMahesh RaoLeadDrama, Romance-
2011KoteSrinivas RajuLeadAction, Drama-
2012SagarM. D. SridharLeadComedy, Drama, Romance-
2012Gokula KrishnaB. M. JayakannanLeadDrama, Romance-
2012Super ShastriRavirajLeadComedy, Romance-
2012GalaateM. D. SridharLeadComedy, RomanceCommercial hit
2013ZiddhiR. Anantha RajuLeadAction, Romance-
2014Neenade NaaKandaswamyLeadComedy, Drama, Romance-
2014AngarakaSrinivas KoushikLeadDrama-
2014SawaalDhananjay BalajiLeadAction, Drama, Romance-
2014Jamboo SavariK. C. VenugopalLeadDrama-
2014JeevaPrabhu SrinivasLeadDramaBilingual (Kannada/Tamil) release
2014MrugashiraSrivathsaLeadAction, Adventure, Thriller-
2015ArjunaP. C. ShekharLeadAction, Musical, Thriller-
2015BhujangaL. JeevaLeadDrama, Romance-
2016Mada Matthu ManasiSathish PradhanLeadComedy, Drama, Romance-
2017Happy New YearPannaga BharanaSpecial appearanceAction, Comedy, Romance-
2017ChowkaTharun SudhirSupporting (ensemble cast)Drama, ThrillerBlockbuster, highest-grossing Kannada film of 2017
2018Life Jothe Ondu SelfieRolly VermaLeadDrama-
2019Yada Yada Hi DharmasyaVirajSupportingAction, Drama-
2019YajamanaV. Harikrishna, Pon KumaranSupportingAction, DramaMajor commercial success, ₹50 crore gross
2020KidnapPraveen DodejaLeadDrama-
2020GentlemanJadesh Kumar HampiLeadAction, ThrillerPositive reception, moderate box-office
2021Inspector VikramNarasimhaLeadAction, Comedy, RomanceBilingual (Kannada/Malayalam) release
2021Arjun GowdaSimple SuniLeadAction, Romance-
2022AbbaraK. RamnarayanLeadAction, Drama, Thriller-
2022VeeramKumarLeadAction, Drama-
2023Tatsama TadbhavaVishal AtreyaLeadMystery, ThrillerCritical acclaim, successful run
2025GanaHari Prasad JakkaLeadAction, Sci-Fi, ThrillerReleased January 2025, positive early buzz
2025RakshasaLohith H.LeadHorror, ThrillerReleased March 2025, bilingual (Kannada/Telugu), mixed reviews but notable for genre innovation
Upcoming projects as of November 2025 include Karavali (drama, directed by Gurudatha Ganiga), (crime thriller, directed by Lohith H.), Naanu Neenu Preethi (drama), and Jathara (pan-India thriller, directed by Uday Nandanavanam).

Television appearances

Prajwal Devaraj made his television debut as a judge on the dance reality series Dance Dance, which premiered on on August 20, 2021. The show featured him alongside fellow judges and A. Harsha, with as the host, and focused on contestants performing various dance styles in a competitive format. Devaraj expressed enthusiasm for the role, noting it as an exciting opportunity to engage with aspiring dancers and contribute to the entertainment landscape beyond films. In addition to his judging stint, Devaraj has appeared as a guest on several television programs for film promotions, including interviews on channels like TV9 Kannada and Public TV to discuss his 2020 release . These appearances typically involved discussions on his roles, production insights, and audience interactions, helping to build anticipation for his cinematic projects. His involvement in Dance Dance marked a notable expansion of his presence in television, allowing him to connect with a broader audience through reality programming and enhancing his recognition in the Kannada media circuit. As of 2025, Devaraj has not taken on any acting roles in television serials, maintaining his primary focus on film projects while selectively participating in non-acting TV capacities.

References

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