As a subsequent addition to our Perspectives page, we have penned our thoughts on the actors who play second fiddle to the protagonists in Tamil cinema, the supporting actors. How often have we seen Kamal Hassan’s Sathi Leelavathi. We are stressing Kamal Hassan’s name here to highlight the fact that even though it was Ramesh Aravind who played the lead in that movie, which was directed by Balu Mahendra, the onus was on Kamal Hassan’s ability to carry that supporting role and take it to where it belongs. To continue on in this road, we can embark upon Iruvar, the Mani Ratnam movie which went on to boast of a star cast which involved the likes of Mohan Lal, Prakash Raj and Aishwarya Rai. Even though the protagonist of this movie was Mohan Lal, it was Prakash Raj, the supporting actor, who had to carry on in the later part of the movie. In bringing these movies as examples, we are hereby presenting a list of abundantly talented yet some of the under-rated supporting actors who are capable enough to carry the weight of the challenges if they are cast in a lead role. When we take a look at the sheer plethora of talented and mature individuals who occupy this realm, we are left in awe with some of their performances over-shadowing even the best possible performances provided by our protagonists. While some of these actors have gone on to make a huge impact in the bigger scheme of things, some of them have remained to do what they do best.

Nasser

Nasser

He needs no introduction, for he is one of the exceptionally talented actors who can easily essay any role to perfection. We have witnessed him playing villainous characters in many movies, most notably in Thevar Magan, Velaikkaran, Anbe Sivam, Thamizh and so on. He has played his role to perfection with relative ease in these movies, setting himself a high standard. One can also chance upon his character roles, particularly that of Emtan Magan, Aavarampoo and so forth. The relative ease with which he went on to live his characters has earned him warm accolades from all quarters and landed him as a mainstay actor in Kamal Hassan's and Rajinikanth's movies. Nasser has even taken up direction with himself playing the lead roles with Avadhaaram, Maayan. We ought to be seeing him more in these kinds of roles.

Ilavarasu

The 'Manguni Amaichar' of Imsai Arasan 23aam Pulikesi makes this list. Armed with all ability that one can possess in terms of character acting, Ilavarasu impresses by handling heavily emotive characters with his own calm and sober demeanour. Like all character artists, he has a unique dialogue delivery trait which is very effective on its own. His role as a responsible and strict father in Kalavani was noteworthy, while that of a personal assistant in Thiruvilayaadal Aarambam is also worth mentioning. Not many know that he has won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Cinematography for the film Manam Virumbuthe Unnai. Ilavarasu, for all his acting ability should now step up and do substantial roles hereafter.
Ilavarasu
  • Active from 1987
  • Around 100+ films
  • Last seen in Veeram
Jayaprakash
  • Active from 2007
  • Around 50+ films
  • Last seen in Biriyani

Jayaprakash

Jayaprakash had a modest beginning with cinema as such when he started his career as a producer during the early 2000's. It was director Cheran who saw the actor in him and cast him in Mayakkannadi. It was with his portrayal as the school teacher in Pasanga, that he got his big break. Thereon, he has went on to essay significant roles in movies which are mostly low-budget films, for instance, Yudham Sei, Poraali where he went on to demonstrate his acting prowess to the audience. With each role, he went on to scale new heights when it comes to acting, thereby adding value to his presence in that role. His rendering as 'Dr. Judas' in Yudham Sei will be etched in the minds of audience for its novelty and acumen. We hope Jayaprakash might land in a role which offers him more space into being the main character of a film in times to come.

Kishore

As a budding artist he played the bad guy in Polladhavan and was an instant hit. He exhibits calmness even in his villainy, thereby using his facial expressions to full use in many roles, be it character or villainous. This has earned him critical praise, thereby giving him the opportunity to hone his skills and improve. We have seen him ascend the ranks by playing the rowdy in Jayamkondaan and then an exuberant and motivating coach in Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu. He has also earned encouraging reviews for his portrayal of 'Veerappan' in Vana Yudham. We wish Kishore will just go further upwards and take up interesting roles and carry the load of a mainstream cinema character in times to come.
Kishore
  • Active from 2004
  • Around 30+ films
  • Last seen in Arrambam
Pasupathy

Pasupathy

Here comes an actor who has risen through the ranks. Pasupathy's growth in filmdom has been awe-inspiring and inspirational for budding artists. Mention any role that he has played and we will remember it. That is because of the character and the content that he has added to the role. Be it the rowdy 'Aadhi' in Dhool, 'Kothalathevar' in Virumaandi, 'Nellai Mani' in E and 'Komputhi' in Aravaan. Pasupathy evokes artistic villainy at its best in playing these roles. There is a character angle of him too. If we get to watch Kannathil Muthamittal, we will be astounded by his acting skills. More so in Veyil, he would have commanded respect from people with his praiseworthy portrayal of 'Murugesan'. We hope we get to see him in important roles in future.

'Thambi' Ramaiah

For someone who wanted to associate himself with cinema through music composing and lyrics, 'Thambi' Ramaiah has come a long way. So much so, that he is now a National Film Award winner for Best Supporting Actor. Little do people know that he has directed the Vadivelu starrer Indralohathil Naa Azhagappan, which was a box-office bong. Though he started portraying character roles withOram Po and Vetrivel Sakthivel, it went unnoticed. Later on, he got a huge break playing the police constable 'Ramaiah' in Mynaa, for which he was recognized with the National Award. The buck did not stop there for him. He went on to try his hand at different genres of character roles, comedy and supporting characters, notably in Vaagai Sooda Vaa, where he played the heroine's father and quizzes the hero with his unsolvable riddles; and that of Kumki, for which he won a Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for playing 'Kothali', the uncle of the protagonist. We believe he can step up more into character oriented roles and carry low budget movies into profit.
  • Active from 1999
  • Around 50+ films
  • Last seen in Jilla and Veeram

'Delhi' Ganesh

A veteran actor who is a regular in Kamal Hassan's movies, he has a natural ability to deliver comical one-liners. His dialogical comedies and their timings are one to especially take note of. He can auger well into character roles as and when required, as well as roles of villainy. Playing the talented, yet drunkard mridangam player in Sindhu Bhairavi, and the negative role of 'Francis' in Apoorva Sagodharargal, 'Delhi' Ganesh has proved that he can do justice to these kind of roles, apart from the vividly comical cook 'Palakkad Mani Iyer' in Michael Madana Kamarajan and 'Dr. Panchabootham' in Thenali. He completes a full circle in playing a sober and ethical translator 'Aiyyer' in Nayagan. Delhi Ganesh can venture out to taking a young crew and work laurels with his presence. Let's hope we get to see more of him in a variety of roles.

Ponvannan

Here is a heavily under-rated actor who has the potential to play any role with ease. After a brief hiatus from acting in 1999, he returned with a bang playing 'Kazhuva Thevan' in Paruthi Veeran. His portrayal of this character was nothing short of amazing. He went on to continue his good run with that of a customs officer in Ayan. Then came his negative roles - the corrupt police officer in Peranmai and the goony 'Aandaan' in Vaagai Sooda Vaa. These roles sum up an all-round performance by him, thereby underlining his ability to take up newer roles and carry a cast with newbies.
Ponvannan
  • Active from 1987
  • Around 30+ films
  • Last seen in Thalaivaa
Sampath Raj
  • Active from 2004
  • Around 50+ films
  • Last seen in Jilla

Sampath Raj

For someone known more for his negative role portrayals, Sampath Raj has come a long way in selecting roles which feed him with character innuendoes. He had a relatively decent start with villainous roles, but got good limelight with Venkat Prabhu where he was cast in good roles in Chennai 600028, Saroja. His portrayal of a gay lover 'Danny' in Goa goes on to show some good sides of his acting skills. But a huge break came in the form of Aaranya Kaandam, where he went on to play the protagonist. His role of 'Pasupathy' is worth mentioning for all the hard work he had put in to play that character. He has impressed one and all with his character portrayals through these movies. We wish he carries on and selects more roles like these to progress.
No list of supporting actors is complete without the mention of Raghuvaran, Manivannan. As such, we would like to thank them for their wonderful contribution to the ecosystem of Tamil Cinema and cinema in its generality. We pray for their souls to rest in peace for they have, with their skills, been an aorta of talent for actors to look upon. They have indeed left behind a rich legacy of actors who can springboard their careers with.