Kalyan Kumar - Actor Profile

Kalyan Kumar

Acting
Freshness: Jan 21, 2026
27Total Films
8.0 Highest Rated
Born: Jul 28, 1928
Birth Place: Bangalore, Kingdom of Mysore, British India

About Kalyan Kumar

Kalyan Kumar (28 July 1928 – 1 August 1999), born as Chokkanna, was an Indian film actor, and an occasional film director and producer, who worked primarily in Kannada and Tamil cinema. Making his acting debut in the mythological drama Natashekara (1954), Kumar went on to star in over 200 films in a span of over five decades. He was among the much sought after actors in the 1950s through 1970s for lead roles. Kalyan Kumar has the credit of being the first ever Kannada actor to star in a color film in Amarashilpi Jakanachari (1963). Alongside Kumar, the 1960s and 1970s in Kannada cinema was dominated by two other actors, Rajkumar and Udayakumar. At a time when actors had a tough time establishing themselves, Kumar, being successful only in Kannada cinema, also made a mark in Tamil cinema. Kalyan Kumar along with Udaykumar, Rajkumar were called as "Kumara Thrayaru" (The Kumar Trio) of the Kannada cinema.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Kalyan Kumar reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 27 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of Kalyan Kumar's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 15% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Kalyan Kumar remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Mysuru Tanga, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Kalyan Kumar Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Kalyan Kumar's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Kalyan Kumar.

Kalyan Kumar - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Kalyan Kumar?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Kalyan Kumar is "Mysuru Tanga" with a rating of 8.0/10.

How many movies has Kalyan Kumar acted in?

Kalyan Kumar has been featured in at least 27 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Kalyan Kumar?

Other notable films include "Nenjam Marappathillai", "Katha Sangama", and "Belli Moda".