Karthik

Murali Karthikeyan Muthuraman (born 13 September 1960), better known by his stage name Karthik, is an Indian actor, playback singer and politician who works in Tamil cinema. He is the son of veteran actor R. Muthuraman. Karthik was one of the prominent stars in the industry in the 80s and 90s. He was first introduced by Bharathiraja in the Tamil film Alaigal Oivathillai and became a lead actor in Tamil films eventually. He has also appeared in some Telugu films where he was initially credited as Murali. Karthik is known in the industry as Navarasa Nayagan, as he is often appreciated for his ability to emote all forms of actions and emotions. He has acted in more than 125 films. He has been the recipient of four Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, a Nandi Award and four Filmfare Awards South.

Early life and background Karthik was born as Murali Karthikeyan Muthuraman on 13 September 1960. He was born into a Tamil Hindu family in Ooty to veteran actor R. Muthuraman and Sulochana. He has two sons, Gautham and Ghayn, from his first marriage with Ragini, and another son, Thiran, from his second marriage with Rathi.

Film career

Debut and success (1981–1986)

Karthik was first introduced in Tamil cinema by Bharathiraja in the Tamil film Alaigal Oivathillai (1981). Bharathiraja gave him the stage name, Karthik. He received the Best New Face Award from the Tamil Nadu Government in 1981. He starred in the Telugu version of the film Seethakoka Chilaka that same year under the stage name Murali. He garnered acclaim for his role in the Telugu thriller Anveshana by Vamsy and his cameo in Mouna Ragam (1986) was well received by the audience.

Golden years (1987–1991) Post his performance in Mani Ratnam's, 1986 classic Mouna Ragam, Karthik acted in numerous performance-oriented films. To begin with Vanna Kanavugal (1987) was a super hit and marked beginnings of Karthik as a performance artist. He's said to have captured the soul of the audience with his subtle yet powerful acting style. He collaborated with several leading directors since 1987 and created several successful films. He acted in the Telugu film Abhinandana (1988) for which he won the Nandi Special Jury Award. He pursued strong performance-oriented characters in commercial successes like Agni Natchathiram (1988), Varusham Padhinaaru (1989), Idhaya Thamarai (1990), Kizhakku Vaasal (1990) and culminated with the black comedy Gopura Vasalile (1991).

Ups and downs (1992–1995) This was period when Karthik took considerable risks in choosing scripts. Amaran (1992) was an action film where Karthik plays an orphan who eventually becomes a don. When it released, it performed below expectations; however, the song sung by Karthik became a huge rage: 'Vethala Potta Sokkula', one of the super hit songs that Adithyan tuned was sung in his signature style very similar to his dialogue delivery. The song is a 'love at first sight' kind and its simplicity and very hummable lyrics is what endeared it to many when it was first released. Nadodi Thendral (1992) was a period film helmed by Bharathiraja. Ponnumani (1993) was a village-based melodrama, which was a super hit at the box office and fetched Karthik his fourth Filmfare award. Karthik also spent a considerable amount of time shooting for a Telugu film co-starring Vijayashanti in Maga Rayudu (1994). This period also witnessed films like Marumagan (1995), Chakravarthy (1995), Nandhavana Theru (1995) and an average success Thotta Chinungi (1995).

Breakout and consolidation years (1996–1999) In 1996, Karthik acted in Kizhakku Mugam. In the same year, he acted in his biggest commercial success: the full-length comedy Sundar C's Ullathai Allitha, alongside Rambha and Goundamani. Due to the success, he collaborated with the director again in another profitable venture, Mettukudi. He went on to win critical acclaim for his role in Gokulathil Seethai. The film went on to win the Tamil Nadu State Film award for showcasing women in good light, crediting actors for their empathetic performance. Karthik may not have won an award for his performance, but his ability to play a drunk, ruthless playboy and with relative ease segueing in to a role that respects women. He appeared in K. S. Ravikumar's Pistha (1997), which also received good reviews. Karthik carried on his good streak at the box office in 1998, while also winning accolades for his performances in Cheyyar Ravi's Harichandra (1998), Vikraman's Unnidathil Ennai Koduthen (1998) (his 100th film), and Selva's Pooveli (1998), and won a Tamil Nadu State Award for Best Actor for both Pooveli and Unnidathil Ennai Koduthen. In 1999, he appeared in drama films like Chinna Raja, Nilave Mugam Kaattu, Anandha Poongatre, Suyamvaram and Rojavanam. He acted in medium-budget comedy films, notably in four further Sundar C ventures including the successful blockbuster film, Unakkaga Ellam Unakkaga (1999). His pairing with Rambha was a hit with the audience as the pair provided good hits in the late 1990s.

Downfall begins (2000–2001) During the early 2000s, Karthik experienced a difficult period as he began to lose his popularity at the box office and new actors began to emerge in the Tamil film industry. Many family films came but nothing different were noticed or not one performance was talked about. Such films include Thai Poranthachu (2000), Sandhitha Velai (2000), Kannan Varuvaan (2000), Kuberan (2000) and Seenu (2000). Films including Prabhu Nepal's Kadhale Swasam alongside Meena, Sundar C's Kadhal Solla Vandhen with Isha Koppikar and Gowri Manohar's Kashmir with Priyanka Trivedi had audio release events but failed to have a theatrical release. Likewise, other ventures including Mahesh's Manathil alongside Kausalya, Soundarrajan's Click co-starring Prabhu, and Selva's Kai Korthu Vaa progressed before being halted. Similarly, other projects in the early 2000s, such as Gurudeva with Rimjim, Muthalaam Santhippil with Kausalya again and Enrum Unnai Naesippaen were dropped soon after filming had begun. Potential home productions such as Tension and Avan Appadithaan under his banner Aalamara Films also did not materialise. In 2001, his films were Ullam Kollai Poguthae, Lovely and Azhagana Naatkal.

Years in wilderness (2002–2007) He starred in an action film, Devan with Vijayakanth and Arun Pandian, followed by Game. During the nadir of 2002, Karthik was signed on by producer Keyaar to make a film titled Enna Peyar Veikalaam directed by Vincent Selva. Despite travelling to Pollachi for the shoot, the actor refused to emerge from his hotel room, and following an extended period of confusion, the film was called off and the Nadigar Sangam began legal proceedings against the actor. In 2003, Karthik acted in the crime film, Indru. The film was a disaster at the box office for him.

Towards the nadir of 2005, he signed on to appear in a negative role in Sathyaraj's Sivalingam IPS, but the film was shelved. In 2004, Karthik suggested that "his acts and habits" had landed him in trouble and was looking to make a comeback. He subsequently appeared in "comeback" films such as Kusthi (2006) and Kalakkura Chandru (2007), both of which had delayed releases and went unnoticed at the box office. Later in 2006, he revealed that he had quit taking drugs and was keen to make another attempt at returning to the film industry.

Renewal (2010–2013) Karthik opted to make a comeback into acting in 2010 and chose to appear in supporting rather than leading roles, much like his contemporaries Prabhu and Sathyaraj. He was first seen portraying a caring police officer in Maanja Velu, before winning positive reviews for his small role as a forest guard in Mani Ratnam's Raavanan. He subsequently went on to play roles in P. Vasu's Puli Vesham (2011) and the Telugu film Om 3D (2013), both of which failed at the box office.

Revival and comeback (2015–present)

He acted in as the main antagonist in K. V. Anand's Anegan, where he appears alongside Dhanush. He acted with Suriya in Thaanaa Serndha Koottam (2018), and his son Gautham Karthik in Mr. Chandramouli (2018). He made a guest appearance with actor Karthi in the film, Dev (2019). He played a supporting role as veteran actor with his same name, old movie posters, songs, background montages and movie scenes in the Prashanth starrer movie Andhagan in 2024 and got good acclaims for his performance.

Political career Karthik entered politics ahead of the 2006 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election. He joined the All India Forward Bloc and was appointed as the Secretary of the Tamil Nadu state unit of the party. He led the party during its electoral campaign on 24 September 2006. He later launched his own party Ahila India Naadalum Makkal Katchi in 2009 before the Lok Sabha elections. He contested from Virudhunagar constituency and got only 15,000 votes. He started another party named Manitha Urimaigal Kaakkum Katchi on 15 December 2018 at Tirunelveli before the Lok Sabha elections and he voiced his support for AIADMK alliance.

2011 Assembly elections Karthik's party tried an alliance with AIADMK for the 2011 Assembly elections, but AIADMK supremo denied tickets for his party. Karthik announced his party will contest alone in 25 to 40 constituencies after it was not allotted any seat in the AIADMK coalition. Karthik sat on a fast in Madurai demanding Madurai Airport be renamed as Pasumpon Thevar Airport. His party with sizeable Thevar votes in southern Tamil Nadu is believed to eat into the AIADMK votebank. In 2006, former AIADMK minister Nainar Nagendran lost by 2,000 votes in Tirunelveli, where Karthik's party polled more than the margin. Two weeks later, he split from AIADMK and announced his party will contest independently in 19 constituencies and support DMK in 213 constituencies.

Awards Filmfare Awards South 1988 – Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil – Agni Natchathiram 1989 – Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil – Varusham Padhinaaru 1990 – Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil – Kizhakku Vasal 1993 – Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil – Ponnumani

Filmography Tamil films Year Title Role Notes 1981 Alaigal Oivathillai Vichu Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Male Debut 1982 Ilanjodigal Ramu Neram Vandhachu Raja Kelviyum Naane Pathilum Naane Nirmal, Babu Thaai Mookaambikai Muthu Guest appearance Ninaivellam Nithya Chandru Kanne Radha Nagarajan "Raja" Pakkathu Veetu Roja Kannan Valibamey Vaa Vaa Karthik Adhisayappiravigal Thangamuthu Agaya Gangai Murali 1983 Marupatta Konangal Karthik Oru Kai Pappom Jayaraman Bhagavathipuram Railway Gate Conductor Aayiram Nilave Vaa Chandhar, Soori Dual role Apoorva Sahodarigal Ravi Dhooram Adhighamillai Araamuthu 1984 Rajathanthiram Ilaiya Boopathy Ninaivugal Kannan Nandri Shankar Nallavanuku Nallavan Vinod Pei Veedu Thyagu Puyal Kadantha Bhoomi Murali 1985 Nalla Thambi Raju Viswanathan Velai Venum Ashok Mookkanan Kaiyiru Bhaskar Puthiya Sagaptham Deepak Guest appearance Aval Sumangalithan Bhaskaran Arthamulla Aasaigal Selvam Ketti Melam Vasu 1986 Dharma Pathini Inspector Prem Kumar Natpu Vanchinathan Mouna Ragam Manohar Guest appearance Oomai Vizhigal Ramesh Guest appearance Thodarum Uravu 1987 Raja Mariyadhai Raguram Velicham Ashok Kumar Nalla Pambu Raja Thaye Neeye Thunai Karthik Ore Ratham Mahesh Kavalan Avan KovalanHimselfGuest appearance Dhoorathu Pachai Karthik Veeran Veluthambi Thirumalai Guest appearance Vanna Kanavugal Kannappan Parisam Pottachu Murali Enga Veettu Ramayanan Murali 1988 Solla Thudikuthu Manasu P. G. Thilainathan Urimai Geetham Chandru Kan Simittum Neram Raja (Kannan) Agni Natchathiram Ashok Filmfare Award for Best Actor – TamilTamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize for Best Actor En Jeevan Paduthu Surendran Kalicharan Raja 1989 Varusham Padhinaaru Kannan Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil Sattathin Thirappu Vizhaa Rajesh Solaikuyil Inspector Maruthu Paandi Nattu Thangam Forest Ranger Thangapandian Rettai Kuzhal Thuppakki Velu Thiruppu Munai Rajaram / Vanchinathan IPS 1990 Idhaya Thamarai Vijay Mr. Karthik Karthik Unnai Solli Kutramillai Balu Kalyana Rasi Murali Periya Veetu Pannakkaran Sundara Pandi Kizhakku Vasal Ponnurangam Filmfare Award for Best Actor – TamilTamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor Ethir Kaatru Ram Narendran Engal Swamy Ayyappan Himself Guest appearance 1991 Vanakkam Vathiyare Rajappa Irumbu Pookkal Dharma Gopura Vasalile Manohar Vigneshwar ACP Vigneshwar IPS 1992 Amaran Amaran Unna Nenachen Pattu Padichen Muthurasu Nadodi Thendral Thangarasu Nadodi Pattukkaran Sundaram Idhu Namma Bhoomi Gopi Suyamariyadhai ACP Vijay IPS Deiva Vaakku Thambi Durai 1993 Chinna Kannamma Aravind Ponnumani Ponnumani Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil Chinna Jameen Raasaiyya Kathirukka Neramillai Raju, Somasekhar 1994 Seeman Seeman Ilaignar Ani Prisoner Guest appearance 1995 Muthu Kaalai Muthu Kaalai Lucky Man Gopi Nandhavana Theru Seenu Marumagan Thangarasu Chakravarthy Inspector Chakravarthy Thotta Chinungi Mano 1996 Kizhakku Mugam Venu Ullathai Allitha Rajasekhar Katta Panchayathu Rajadurai Poovarasan Poovarasan Mettukudi Raja Gokulathil Seethai Rishi 1997 Sishya Aravind Pistha Manikandan 1998 Udhavikku Varalaamaa Muthurasu (Pichumani, Hussain and James) Sundara Pandian Sundar, Pandi Harichandra Harichandra Unnidathil Ennai Koduthen Selvam 100th FilmCinema Express Award for Best Actor – TamilTamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize for Best Actor Pooveli Murali Tamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize for Best Actor 1999 Chinna Raja Raja / Dilip Nilave Mugam Kaattu Murthy (Govind) Anandha Poongatre Haridas Suyamvaram Ram Kumar Rojavanam Muthu Poovellam Kettuppar Himself Guest appearance Unakkaga Ellam Unakkaga Sakthivel 2000 Thai Poranthachu Aravind Guest appearance Sandhitha Velai Aadalarasu, Thirunaavukkarasu Kannan Varuvaan Kannan Kuberan Kuberan Seenu Seenu 2001 Ullam Kollai Poguthae Gautham Guest appearance Lovely Chandru Azhagana Naatkal Chandru 2002 Devan Chakravarthy Guest appearanceGame Raja 2003 Indru Goutham 2006 Kusthi Singam 2007 Kalakkura Chandru Chandru 2010 Maanja Velu ACP Subash Chandra Bose Raavanan Ganaprakasam 2011 Puli Vesham ACP Easwaran Moorthy 2015 Anegan Ravikiran 2018 Thaana Serndha Kootam Kurunjivendhan Mr. Chandramouli Mr. Chandramouli 2019 Dev Ashok Guest appearance 2023 Thee Ivan Muthusamy 2024 Andhagan Karthik Guest appearance

Telugu films

As singer Year Title Song Music director Co-singer 1992 Amaran "Vethala Potta Sokkula","Musthafa" Adithyan 1992 Suyamariyadhai "Vanmedu Megham" Shivajiraaja Malaysia Vasudevan 1993 Chinna Jameen "Onappu Thattu" Ilaiyaraaja Swarnalatha 1997 Sishya "Apollo Apollo" Deva Swarnalatha 1997 Pistha "Kozhi Curry Kondu Varatta" S. A. Rajkumar 1998 Pooveli "Kathai Sollapporaen" Bharadwaj Nizhalgal Ravi, Charle, Manorama 1998 Harichandra "Harichandran Varaan" Gopal Rao, Shaleen Sharma, R. Anandh Gopal Rao