Radhakrishnan Parthiban[a] (born 15 November 1957) is an Indian actor and film director who works mainly in Tamil cinema. He has directed 16 films, produced 14 films and acted in more than 70 films. He started his career as assistant director for K. Bhagyaraj in 1984 and the duo worked in over 20 films from 1984 to 1991.[3] Parthiban is known for having directed critically acclaimed films such as Pudhiya Paadhai (1989) and House Full (1999) won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil.[4] He also won National Film Award – Special Jury Award in Otha Seruppu Size 7 (2019).[5]
R. Parthiban | |
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 Parthiban 62nd Filmfare Awards South | |
| Born | Radhakrishnan Parthiban 15 November 1957[1] Madras, Tamil Nadu, India |
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| Years active | 1989–present |
His performances as actor are in successful films such as Bharathi Kannamma (1997), Nee Varuvai Ena (1999), Vetri Kodi Kattu (2000), Azhagi (2002), Aayirathil Oruvan (2010), Melvilasom (2011), Otha Seruppu Size 7 (2019) and Iravin Nizhal (2022).
On 25 December 2018, he was appointed as the new Vice President of the Tamil Film Producers Council replacing Gautham Vasudev Menon and Prakash Raj who were jointly holding the position until 24 December 2018.[6]
Early life
editParthiban was born in a Telugu speaking family[7][8] on 15 November 1957 in Madras (now Chennai), Tamil Nadu, India. His father is Radhakrishnan. He started as an assistant director in the film Vedikkai Manidhargal. He was even given an opportunity to assist in dialogue in the name of R. Moorthy. After this, he joined as an assistant of K. Bhagyaraj. At that time, he used to make around Rs 6000 a month by dubbing for various artists. He made his first film appearance in Ranuva Veeran (1981). Then, he played the role of a postman in his mentor's Dhavani Kanavugal (1984).[9]
Apart from direction and acting, he produces films. He wrote a book, Kirukkkalgal – Thamizh Kavithai Thoguppu, which was released by M. Karunanidhi. He runs a charitable trust named "R.Parthepan Manidha Neya Mandram".[10]
Career
editIn 1989, he made his directorial debut through Pudhiya Paadhai, starring himself as an inhuman ruffian who gets reformed by his rape victim.[11][12] The film was released to critical acclaim and emerged a box office success, while also winning several accolades, including the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil, Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Film and Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Story Writer. In early 1990, he directed and acted in Pondatti Thevai, which failed at the box office. In the end of 1990, he appeared in R. Sundarrajan's Thalattu Padava and in the devotional film Engal Swamy Ayyappan. In 1991, he starred in S. P. Muthuraman's Thaiyalkaran. In 1992, he starred in Unnai Vaazhthi Paadugiren, co-starring with Suman Ranganathan and Mohini. He then directed and acted in Sugamana Sumaigal, a clean family drama, which failed at the box office. In 1993, to recoup the financial losses, he directed and acted in the commercial film Ulle Veliye. Ayyappa Prasad of The New Indian Express labelled the film as "flesh and bore". Despite negative reviews, the film has been declared a super hit at the box office. He then directed and acted in 1994 in Sarigamapadani and the next year in Pullakuttikaran. In 1996, he acted in the comedy film Tata Birla.[13]
He won Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor for Bharathi Kannamma (1997). He played a man from a lower caste who a zamindari falls in love with.[14] Parthipan, the actor, director and producer, loves breaking the conventional rules set by commercial cinema. He has taken roles that other heroes would carefully avoid, directed films that his critics found to be arty. The actor has remained uncompromising and stuck to his principles in spite of some not-so-memorable roles in the past. After the critically acclaimed and award-winning films such as House Full (1999) and Azhagi (2002), audience and the trade have acknowledged the maker's undisputed talents.[15][16] His 1999 Tamil film House Full won the same award.[17]
In 2001, he launched an ambitious directorial project titled Yelelo, with A. R. Rahman composing four songs for the film. Despite having a high-profile launch and completion of a few filming schedules, the venture was shelved.[18] Similarly, he launched three films simultaneously titled Kartha, Rowdy and Adi after the failure of Kudaikul Mazhai (2004), though all projects were abandoned.[19][20]
The film Aayirathil Oruvan (2010), in which he portrayed a Chola King, won him the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Tamil.[21] His previously released movie Kathai Thiraikathai Vasanam Iyakkam becomes Parthiban's first directorial film in which he does not feature in the lead role. The film, which has a tagline reading "a film without a story?", began production in late 2013 and released on 15 August 2014 and received positive reviews from all the sides and was a huge blockbuster hit in the box office. In 2015, he portrayed a cop in Massu Engira Masilamani and played a comedian villain in Naanum Rowdy Dhaan. He acted in supporting role in the Maaveeran Kittu (2016) and Koditta Idangalai Nirappuga (2017). He appeared in Kannada movie Dada Is Back (2017), which he played in lead role as undisputed king of the underworld in Bengaluru.[22] Followed by a comedy film, Podhuvaga Emmanasu Thangam (2017). In 2018, he acted in the drama film Keni.[23]
In 2019, Parthiban wrote, directed and appeared in Oththa Seruppu Size 7, as the only character. He revealed that it was his 18-year dream to make this film.[24] Along with the outstanding performance and sharp visuals, the film is amplified by the amazing sound design which gives life to the uncanny, yet detailed confession of Masilamani.[25] At 67th National Film Awards, Parthiban won the Special Jury Award.[26] He also wins three awards at Toronto Tamil Film Festival, which includes the Jury Award for Best Feature Film, Jury Award for Best Feature Film Director and Best Solo Act Award.[27] Parthiban has been a part of multi-starrers as well, including Ponmagal Vandhal (2020), Tughlaq Durbar (2021), Yutha Satham (2022), Ponniyin Selvan (2022) and Ponniyin Selvan: II (2023).
Filmography
editAs director
edit| Year | Film | Credited as | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Director | Producer | |||
| 1989 | Pudhiya Paadhai | 
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Won—Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Film Won—National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil[28] Won—Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Story Writer[29] | |
| 1990 | Pondatti Thevai |
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| 1992 | Sugamana Sumaigal |
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| 1993 | Ulle Veliye |
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| 1994 | Sarigamapadani |
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| 1995 | Pullakuttikaran |
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| 1999 | House Full |
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Won—National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil[30] Won—Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Director Won—Tamil Nadu State Film Special Award for Best Film[31] |
| 2002 | Ivan |
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| 2004 | Kudaikul Mazhai |
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| 2006 | Pachchak Kuthira |
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| 2011 | Vithagan |
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| 2014 | Kathai Thiraikathai Vasanam Iyakkam |
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Cameo |
| 2017 | Koditta Idangalai Nirappuga |
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| 2019 | Otha Seruppu Size 7 |
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Won—National Film Award – Special Jury Award (feature film)[26] Won—Toronto Tamil Film Festival Jury Award Best Feature Film[32] Won—Toronto Tamil Film Festival Jury Award Best Feature Film Director[33] |
| 2022 | Iravin Nizhal |
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| 2024 | Teenz |
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As actor
edit- Films
- Web series
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Suzhal: The Vortex | Shanmugam |
As singer
edit| Year | Title | Song | Composer | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Sarigamapadani | "Hey Kala Kala" | Deva | |
| 2005 | Kannadi Pookal | "Dey Vasu" | S. A. Rajkumar |
As lyricist
edit| Year | Title | Song | Composer | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Kudaikul Mazhai | "Adiye Kiliye" | Karthik Raja | |
| 2011 | Vithagan | All songs | Joshua Sridhar | |
| 2017 | Koditta Idangalai Nirappuga | "Kilukilu Payai", "Wife Love" | C. Sathya | |
| 2022 | Iravin Nizhal | "Kaayam", "Bejara", "Kannethire" | A. R. Rahman |
As narrator
edit- 12B (2001)
- Azhagai Irukkirai Bayamai Irukkirathu (2006)
- Aval Peyar Thamizharasi (2010)
- Moscowin Kavery (2010)
- Athiradi Vettai (2014)
- Oru Melliya Kodu (2016)[40]
- Adavi (2020)
- Time Enna Boss (2020; web series)
- Koogle Kuttappa (2022)
Notes
editReferences
edit- ^ "Parthiban Radhakrishnan: Movies, Photos, Videos, News, Biography & Birthday | eTimes". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 29 December 2020. Retrieved 5 February 2021.
- ^ Srinivasan, Sudhir (6 March 2017). "When alphabets play number games". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 6 March 2023. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
- ^ "Actor Parthiban Unseen And Family".
- ^ "Parthiban interview". Chennai Online. Archived from the original on 29 January 2010. Retrieved 15 May 2011.
- ^ "Entertainment News - Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, TV Entertainment News, Celebrity Gossips". 23 March 2021. Archived from the original on 2 March 2022. Retrieved 2 March 2022.
- ^ "In surprise move, Parthiban appointed Vice President of Producers' Council". The News Minute. 25 December 2018. Archived from the original on 26 December 2018. Retrieved 26 December 2018.
- ^ "15 Tamil actors with Telugu ancestry/Ethnicity". The Times of India. 10 March 2023. Archived from the original on 25 July 2023. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
- ^ Chowdhary, Y. Sunita (28 September 2015). "Daughter dearest". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 11 May 2022. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
- ^ "Parthiepan was an assistant to K Bhagyaraj". The Times of India.
- ^ "Parthiban". Tamilyou. Archived from the original on 27 March 2022. Retrieved 5 February 2021.
- ^ "Welcome to". Sify. 20 January 2007. Archived from the original on 1 March 2004. Retrieved 13 July 2012.
- ^ Subha j rao (23 July 2011). "Arts / Cinema : Vithagan is back". The Hindu. Chennai, India. Archived from the original on 2 November 2012. Retrieved 13 July 2012.
- ^ "Stark portrayal of reality - the Times of India". Archived from the original on 24 December 2008.
- ^ Jeshi, K. (24 March 2013). "On a journey". The Hindu. Chennai, India. Archived from the original on 31 August 2014. Retrieved 17 October 2013.
- ^ "Welcome To". Sify. Archived from the original on 6 February 2004. Retrieved 13 July 2012.
- ^ "Parthepan". Joint Scene. Archived from the original on 8 June 2010.
- ^ "Reapers of a happy harvest". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 1 August 2003. Archived from the original on 10 June 2013.
- ^ "MoviemagiK previews YELELO". moviemagik.tripod.com. Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 4 April 2014.
- ^ "Parthipan starts 2 simultaneous projects for producer Pankaj Pictures". Sify. Archived from the original on 8 September 2017.
- ^ "டோடோவின் ரஃப் நோட்டு — Tamil Kavithai -- தமிழ் கவிதைகள் - நூற்று கணக்கில்!". Archived from the original on 4 April 2005.
- ^ "The Big Winners At The Filmfare Awards – Filfare – Arya – Lekha – Tamil Movie News – Behindwoods.com". www.behindwoods.com. Archived from the original on 22 February 2020. Retrieved 22 February 2020.
- ^ "Dada Is Back Movie Review {3/5}: Critic Review of Dada Is Back by Times of India". The Times of India.
- ^ "Keni movie review: Jaya Prada and R Parthiban cannot help this chaotic film". The Hindustan Times. 23 February 2018. Archived from the original on 6 November 2022. Retrieved 6 November 2022.
- ^ Janani K. (19 September 2019). "Oththa Seruppu Size 7 Movie Review: Parthiban shines in a brave murder mystery". India Today. Archived from the original on 6 November 2019. Retrieved 6 November 2019.
- ^ "Oththa Seruppu Size 7 (aka) Otha Seruppu review". Behindwoods. 19 September 2019. Archived from the original on 20 September 2019. Retrieved 6 November 2019.
- ^ a b "67th National Film Awards: Parthiban's Oththa Seruppu wins two". Cinema Express. 22 March 2021. Archived from the original on 18 April 2021. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
- ^ a b "Parthiban's Oththa Seruppu wins three awards at Toronto Tamil International Film Festival". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 11 October 2021. Retrieved 2 March 2022.
- ^ "National Awards Winners 1989: Complete list of winners of National Awards 1989". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 25 February 2022. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 25 February 2022. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ "National Awards Winners 1998: Complete list of winners of National Awards 1998". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 21 February 2020. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
- ^ "Housefull". Archived from the original on 17 May 2020. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
- ^ "Parthiban's Oththa Seruppu wins big at Toronto Tamil Film Festival!". MovieCrow. Archived from the original on 2 March 2022. Retrieved 2 March 2022.
- ^ "'Sillu Karupatti', 'Oththa Seruppu Size 7' among winners at Toronto Tamil Film Festival". 15 September 2020. Archived from the original on 20 October 2021. Retrieved 2 March 2022.
- ^ "R.Parthiepan - Ranuva Veeran | 10 CAMEOS THAT MIGHT TAKE YOU BY SURPRISE - PART 2". 4 March 2016. Archived from the original on 16 September 2019. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
- ^ "Director Parhiban Filmography". Archived from the original on 25 February 2022. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
- ^ "Tamilnadu Government Cinema Awards". Dinakaran. Archived from the original on 3 February 1999. Retrieved 11 August 2009.
- ^ "The 58th Filmfare Award (South) winners". CNN-News18. 4 July 2011. Archived from the original on 15 September 2020. Retrieved 12 March 2020.
- ^ "Who will win the award for Best Supporting Actor (Male) - Tamil?". Archived from the original on 25 February 2022. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
- ^ "SIIMA Awards | 2017 | nominations". Archived from the original on 6 June 2017.
- ^ CR, Sharanya. "Parthiepan lends voice to Oru Melliya Kodu". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 14 September 2022. Retrieved 14 September 2022.