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Santhanam (actor)

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Santhanam Neelamegam (born 21 January 1980) is an Indian actor and film producer who mainly works in Tamil cinema. Beginning his career as a comedian on television, he rose to fame through his performances in Star Vijay's Lollu Sabha enacting the lead role in spoofs of Tamil films. He was subsequently given a chance by actor Silambarasan to feature in a supporting role in Manmadhan (2004) and then was signed on to appear in a host of films, notably winning good reviews for his work in Sachien (2005) and Polladhavan (2007). He appeared in a one-off leading role in Shankar's production Arai En 305-il Kadavul (2008) and became a staple feature as a comedian with his brand of insult comedy becoming very successful during the period, with his market popularity helping stuck films find distributors.[3][4]

Santhanam
Born
Santhanam Neelamegam

(1980-01-21) January 21, 1980 (age 44)[1]
Pozhichalur (near Pallavaram), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
NationalityIndian
Occupation(s)Actor, Film producer
Years active2001–present
SpouseUsha[2]
Children3
HonoursKalaimamani - 2018
WebsiteOfficial website

Santhanam has also had embarked on collaborations with directors including gaining positive reviews for his work in M. Rajesh's comic trilogy of Siva Manasula Sakthi (2009), Boss Engira Bhaskaran (2010) and Oru Kal Oru Kannadi (2012), winning the Vijay Award for Best Comedian for each one. He has also repeatedly collaborated in the films of A. L. Vijay, Siva and Sundar C as well.

His consistently well-received performances and box office appeal in the early 2010s prompted the film industry to dub him as the "Comedy Superstar".[5] In 2012, he began a film production company named Handmade Films and produced his first film, Kanna Laddu Thinna Aasaiya (2013), which went on to become a commercially successful venture. Meanwhile, in 2014, he starred in the leading role for the second time in the action comedy Vallavanukku Pullum Aayudham.[6]

Career

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Unlike comedians such as Vadivelu and Vivek who usually appear in comedy tracks separate from the main plot, Santhanam mostly plays either the male protagonist's friend or enemy, forming an essential part of the plot.[3] He has noted that he actively avoided being a part of separate comedy tracks within films, maintaining that appearing as an actor in the story would stop his comedy from becoming monotonous.[7]

His appeal at the box office was evident after films such as Leelai and Kadhal Pisase were able to find distributors following long delays, while Telugu film-makers S S Rajamouli and Sai Kiran Adivi partially shot scenes with the actor before releasing a Tamil version of their Telugu films, through Naan Ee and Vinayaga.

Santhanam's first production venture, Kanna Laddu Thinna Aasaiya directed by Manikandan, became a commercially successful venture upon release in January 2013. Producing the venture under his newly formed studio Handmade Films, Santhanam opted to introduce a predominantly new cast and keep a low budget for the project understanding that film production had "previously ended the careers of many".[8] Featuring Santhanam as one of the three lead characters alongside his close friend and dermatologist Sethu and Power Star Srinivasan, the film was well received by critics, with a reviewer noting "there is a serious actor hidden somewhere inside Santhanam, who seems to be waiting for the right opportunity or role to break out of the comedian and sidekick roles he is confined to now", adding that "he can put many commercially successful actors to shame".[9] He featured a journalist in Kannan's comedy film Settai alongside Arya and Premgi Amaren, also serving as an assistant director, while he then also played a popular role of a love guru in Sundar C's Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru. He continued to feature in well received roles in commercially successful films like Raja Rani and Vanakkam Chennai, and his work in Endrendrum Punnagai with Jiiva and Vinay, was also praised with a critic noting that "with his spot-on comedy, measured histrionics and his immense likeability, he is a revelation and provides some hearty laughs".[10] A set-back came in the form of his fourth collaboration with Rajesh in All in All Azhagu Raja which became a surprise failure, and a critic wrote "though he does have his moments, the comedy seems to be forced, many of the scenes greatly exaggerated, and his portrayal of Kareena Chopra is a disaster".[11][12]

In 2014, he appeared in the leading role in Srinath's Vallavanukku Pullum Aayudham, a remake of the 2010 Telugu film Maryada Ramanna. In preparation for the film, Santhanam lost weight, sported a different look and attended dance classes as well as reducing his work by being more selective on accepting other scripts.[13] The film opened in May 2014 to positive reviews and box office success with a critic noting that "it is a Santhanam show all the way" and that "he also delivers as a complete actor, displaying a range of emotions".[14] He told in an interview that he is not interested in playing supporting roles (comedian) anymore.[15] He’s continued to play lead roles in films like Inimey Ippadithaan (2015) and Dhilluku Dhuddu (2016) and Sakka Podu Podu Raja (2017). The actor has become conscious about his looks and is constantly working on it.[16]

He starring in Dhilluku Dhuddu 2 (2019) is the sequel to Dhilluku Dhuddu. Santhanam's brand of comedy is 'giving counters' or mocking heroes, villains and everyone in the film something that Goundamani used to do.[17] His film, A1 (2019) was followed with Dagaalty (2020).He appeared in Kannan’s Biskoth (2020), where he plays a biscuit factory employee, who discovers that he is an 18th century king.[18] In Parris Jeyaraj (2021), Santhanam is a YouTuber who is famous among youngsters for his gaana songs.[19] Next in Dikkiloona (2021), a science fiction comedy film written and directed by Karthik Yogi.[20] In Agent Kannayiram (2022), Santhanam played the role of a self-proclaimed, private detective who tries to solve the mystery behind the unsolved dead bodies found in and around the railway tracks.[21]

Personal life

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Santhanam grew up in Pozhichalur, near Pallavaram in Chennai. Santhanam married Usha in 2004. It was an arranged marriage by their parents. They have three children.[22][23] He is very close to Silambarasan, who gave him his first movie breakthrough, and considers him his godfather.[24]

Controversies

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Santhanam was involved in controversy after he performed an impersonation of Mukesh Harane, a 24-year-old tobacco user who died of oral cancer and featured in health-risk warning cards before films in India, in the film All in All Azhagu Raja.[25][26] In 2013, a dialogue laced with double entendres uttered by him in Endrendrum Punnagai created controversy.[27] He was accused of making remarks against women; due to protests, the dialogue was removed from the film.[28] Santhanam was booked for allegedly assaulting a Chennai-based builder who reportedly took a huge sum from Santhanam for a real estate deal.[29] Santhanam's mockery of differently abled people in the film Dikkiloona has been met with harsh condemnation from various social activists.[30] Santhanam's view on the film Jai Bhim earned him criticism. He was called caste chauvinist by fans for his alleged relationship with chiefs of Pattali Makkal Katchi, Ramadoss and Anbumani Ramadoss.[31]

Filmography

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See also: Santhanam filmography

Lead roles

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Key
† Denotes films that have not yet been released
Year Film Role Notes
2008 Arai En 305-il Kadavul Raasu Krishnamoorthy
2013 Kanna Laddu Thinna Aasaiya Kaalkaatu Kalliyaperumal "KK" Also producer
2014 Vallavanukku Pullum Aayudham Shakthi Also producer
2015 Inimey Ippadithaan Seenu Also producer
2016 Dhilluku Dhuddu Kumar Also producer
2017 Server Sundaram K. Sundaram Unreleased film
Sakka Podu Podu Raja Santa
2019 Dhilluku Dhuddu 2 Viji Also producer
A1 Saravanan
2020 Dagaalty Guru Also producer
Biskoth Raja
2021 Parris Jeyaraj Jeyaraj
Dikkiloona Mani
Sabhaapathy Sabhaapathy
2022 Gulu Gulu Google aka Gulu Gulu / Mario
Agent Kannayiram Detective Kannayiram
2023 DD Returns Sathish
Kick Santhosh
80s Buildup Kathir
2024 Vadakkupatti Ramasamy Ramasamy
Inga Naan Thaan Kingu Vetrivel

Television

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Year Show Role TV Channel
2000–2001 Tea Kadai Bench Win TV
2003 Annamalai Sakthi Sun TV
2003 Sagalai Vs Ragalai STAR Vijay
2003–2004 Lollu Sabha STAR Vijay

Awards

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Santhanam awards and nominations
Totals[a]
Wins16
Nominations23
Note
  1. ^ Certain award groups do not simply award one winner. They acknowledge several different recipients, have runners-up, and have third place. Since this is a specific recognition and is different from losing an award, runner-up mentions are considered wins in this award tally. For simplification and to avoid errors, each award in this list has been presumed to have had a prior nomination.
Year Award Category Film Result Ref
2009 4th Vijay Awards Best Comedian Siva Manasula Sakthi Won [32]
2010 58th Filmfare Awards South Best Supporting Actor Boss Engira Bhaskaran Nominated [33]
Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards Best Comedian Won [34]
Edison Awards (India) Best Comedian Won [35]
5th Vijay Awards Best Comedian Won [36]
2011 59th Filmfare Awards South Best Supporting Actor Deiva Thirumagal Nominated [37]
Siruthai Nominated [37]
Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards Best Comedian Deiva Thirumagal Won [38]
Velayudham Won [39]
6th Vijay Awards Best Comedian Deiva Thirumagal Won [40]
SIIMA Awards Best Comedian Vaanam Won [41]
2012 7th Vijay Awards Best Comedian Oru Kal Oru Kannadi Won [42]
Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards Best Comedian Won [43]
60th Filmfare Awards South Best Supporting Actor Nominated [44]
SIIMA Awards Best Comedian Nominated [45]
Chennai Times Award Best Comedian Won [46]
Norway Tamil Film Festival Awards Best Comedian Won [47]
Edison Awards (India) Best Comedian Won [48]
2013 8th Vijay Awards Best Comedian Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru Won [49]
SIIMA Awards Best Comedian Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru Nominated [50]
Behindwoods Gold Medal Award Best Acting Performance Raja Rani Won [51][52]
Endrendrum Punnagai Won [53][54]
2015 SIIMA Awards Best Comedian Vasuvum Saravananum Onna Padichavanga Nominated [55]
2015 Vijay Awards Best Comedian Aranmanai Nominated
2018 Kalaimamani Award Contribution to the field of art and literature — Won [56]

References

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  1. ^ "Happy Birthday, Santhanam: Must-watch comedy riots of the entertaining star". The Times of India. 21 January 2021. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
  2. ^ "I will write and direct a film soon: Santhanam". timesofindia.indiatimes.com. 8 December 2012. Retrieved 4 November 2015.
  3. ^ a b "Santhanam the most wanted!". The Times of India. 23 May 2011. Retrieved 1 July 2016.
  4. ^ K. R. Manigandan (14 April 2012). "Comedy is serious business". The Hindu. Retrieved 15 November 2013.
  5. ^ "Santhanam named 'Comedy Superstar'". 27 November 2012.
  6. ^ "Santhanam Biography". Oneindia.in. Retrieved 16 November 2013.
  7. ^ subha j rao (20 March 2011). "Fun Factory". The Hindu.
  8. ^ subha j rao (27 January 2013). "Everything to laugh about". The Hindu.
  9. ^ "Kanna Laddu Thinna Aasaiya". The Times of India.
  10. ^ "Movie Review : Endrendrum Punnagai". Sify. Archived from the original on 21 December 2013.
  11. ^ "Review: All in All Azhagu Raja is a waste of time". Rediff. 5 November 2013.
  12. ^ "Movie Review : All in All Azhaguraja-A profoundly irritating film". Sify. Archived from the original on 4 November 2013.
  13. ^ Udhav naig (17 May 2014). "The rise of a hero". The Hindu.
  14. ^ "Movie review 'Vallavanukku Pullum Aayudham': Santhanam steals the show". Deccan Chronicle. 11 May 2014.
  15. ^ Suganth, M. "I'm no longer interested in being a comedian". The Times of India.
  16. ^ "I'd be a nobody without Simbu: 'Sakka Podu Podu Raja' actor Santhanam". The New Indian Express.
  17. ^ "Dhilluku Dhuddu 2 Movie Review: Santhanam gives viewers a painfully tiring film".
  18. ^ Lakshmi, V. "Santhanam is an 18th-century king, Rajasimha in Biscoth". The Times of India.
  19. ^ Kumar, Pradeep (12 February 2021). "'Parris Jeyaraj' movie review: Santhanam hits the sweet spot". The Hindu.
  20. ^ "Dikkiloona (Aka) Dikkilona review". 10 September 2021.
  21. ^ "Agent Kannayiram Movie Review: A visually distinct, but narratively bland crime film", The Times of India, retrieved 5 December 2022
  22. ^ Garoo, Rohit (17 August 2016). "Santhanam Marriage: The Simple Shaadi Of The Popular Comedian". The Bridal Box.
  23. ^ "Santhanam and His Lovely Wife Usha : How They Met and In Loved?". MIJ Miner8. 2 June 2016.
  24. ^ "I discuss everything related to my career with Simbu: Santhanam". The Times of India. 7 December 2017. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  25. ^ "All in All Azhaguraja faces ban?". The Times of India. 18 October 2013. Archived from the original on 21 October 2013. Retrieved 15 November 2013.
  26. ^ "Actor Santhanam's joke has anti-tobacco lobby fuming". The Times of India. 17 October 2013. Archived from the original on 20 October 2013. Retrieved 15 November 2013.
  27. ^ "Santhanam Breaks his Promise – Tamil Movie News". IndiaGlitz.com. 29 October 2013. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 15 November 2013.
  28. ^ "Santhanam's controversial dialogue removed, again". The Times of India. 31 October 2013. Archived from the original on 3 November 2013. Retrieved 15 November 2013.
  29. ^ "Santhanam, builder injured after fisticuffs". The Times of India. 10 October 2017. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  30. ^ "மாற்றுத்திறனாளிகளை நகைச்சுவைக்கு உட்படுத்துவதா? நடிகர் சந்தானத்துக்கு வலுக்கும் கண்டனங்கள்". ABP Live. 12 September 2021.
  31. ^ "Jai Bhim row: Santhanam's statement earns hatred!".
  32. ^ Lakshmi, K. (30 May 2010). "Pasanga' steals show at Vijay awards". The Hindu. Retrieved 23 March 2020.
  33. ^ Ramchander (2 June 2011). "58th Idea Filmfare Awards South nominees". www.filmibeat.com. Retrieved 23 March 2020.
  34. ^ "Santhanam". TamilMDB.
  35. ^ "Santhanam profile". Lakshman Sruthi. Archived from the original on 27 January 2023. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  36. ^ "Vijay TV awards". Sify. Archived from the original on 1 May 2019. Retrieved 23 March 2020.
  37. ^ a b "Filmfare Awards South (2012)". IMDb.
  38. ^ "Deiva Thirumagal (2011)".
  39. ^ "Velayudham (2011)".
  40. ^ "6th Annual Vijay Awards". Sify. Archived from the original on 18 April 2018. Retrieved 23 March 2020.
  41. ^ "SIIMA AWARDS: 2011 WINNERS". siima.in. Retrieved 23 March 2020.
  42. ^ Desk, India TV News (13 May 2013). "Vijay Awards 2013: Know the winners". www.indiatvnews.com. Retrieved 23 March 2020. {{cite web}}: |last1= has generic name (help)
  43. ^ "Santhanam".
  44. ^ "60th Idea Filmfare Awards 2013 (South) Nominations". filmfare.com. Filmfare. Retrieved 23 March 2020.
  45. ^ "Oru Kal Oru Kannadi - IMDb". IMDb.
  46. ^ "Santhanam with the Chennai Times Award for Best Actor in a comic role for his performance in Oru Kal Oru Kannadi".
  47. ^ "Tamilar Awards 2013: Winners of feature film for the year 2013 | NTFF".
  48. ^ "Complete bio data and profession details of actor Santhanam".
  49. ^ "8th Annual Vijay Awards a grand success". The Times of India. 8 July 2014. Retrieved 23 March 2020.
  50. ^ "Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru - IMDb". IMDb.
  51. ^ "Behindwoods Gold Performers 2013 - Winners". www.behindwoods.com. Retrieved 23 March 2020.
  52. ^ "Behindwoods Gold Medals 2013 - Honouring the best performers of Tamil Cinema 2013". Lifeandtrendz. 1 September 2014. Retrieved 23 March 2020.
  53. ^ "Behindwoods Gold Performers 2013 - Winners". www.behindwoods.com. Retrieved 23 March 2020.
  54. ^ "Behindwoods Gold Medals 2013 - Honouring the best performers of Tamil Cinema 2013". Lifeandtrendz. 1 September 2014. Retrieved 23 March 2020.
  55. ^ "SIIMA 2016 nominations out – here is the list". Thenewsminute. Retrieved 23 March 2020.
  56. ^ "Kalaimamani awards announced after 8 years". The Times of India.
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