Manivannan
ActingAbout Manivannan
S Manivannan Rajagopal or popularly known mononymously as Manivannan, was an Indian film actor and director. In a career spanning three decades, Manivannan went from being a story and dialogue writer for veteran director Bharathiraja from 1980–82 to a successful director who thrived in experimenting with different genres, before becoming an actor. With over 400 films to his name, Manivannan was one of the most experienced actors in the field and has directed exact 50 films.[4] Manivannan was mainly a supporting actor in films and often played the comedian or the villain's role. During his lifetime, he supported various political parties, including the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. He later became affiliated with the Naam Tamilar Katchi and had long supported its ideology of Sri Lankan Tamil nationalism.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Manivannan reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of Manivannan'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 64% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Manivannan remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Lovely, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Manivannan Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Manivannan's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Manivannan.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Ellam Avan Seyal | Veeramani | Hit | Similar → |
| 2008 | Raman Thediya Seethai | Manickavel | Hit | Similar → |
| 2008 | Sadhu Miranda | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2007 | Sivaji: The Boss | Arumugam | Hit | Similar → |
| 2006 | Something Something… Unakkum Enakkum | JP | Average | Similar → |
| 2006 | Thambi | - | Average | Similar → |
| 2005 | London | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 2004 | Arasatchi | - | Average | Similar → |
| 2004 | New | Scientist 'Science' | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2003 | Priyamaana Thozhi | Peter | Average | Similar → |
| 2003 | Parthibhan Kanavu | Sathya's father | Average | Similar → |
| 2002 | Youth | Sandhya's father | Average | Similar → |
| 2002 | Panchatanthiram | Smuggling boss | Hit | Similar → |
| 2002 | Pammal K. Sambandam | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 2001 | Kasi | Irulaandi | Hit | Similar → |
| 2001 | Mitta Miraasu | - | Average | Similar → |
| 2001 | Samuthiram | - | Average | Similar → |
| 2001 | Lovely | Mahadevan | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2001 | Dum Dum Dum | Sivaji | Average | Similar → |
| 2001 | Piriyadha Varam Vendum | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2000 | Rhythm | Karthik's colleague | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2000 | Kandukondain Kandukondain | Sivagnanam | Hit | Similar → |
| 2000 | Mugavari | CD Shop Owner | Hit | Similar → |
| 1999 | Unnaruge Naan Irundhal | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 1999 | Mudhalvan | Mayakrishnan | Hit | Similar → |
| 1999 | Taj Mahal | - | Average | Similar → |
| 1999 | Hello | - | Average | Similar → |
| 1999 | Minsara Kanna | Mani | Average | Similar → |
| 1999 | Sangamam | Aavudapillai | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1999 | Kadhalar Dhinam | the man talking with Raja in railway station | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1999 | Nenjinile | - | Average | Similar → |
| 1999 | Padayappa | Ramalingam | Hit | Similar → |
| 1999 | Thulladha Manamum Thullum | Mani | Hit | Similar → |
| 1998 | Priyamudan | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 1998 | Naam Iruvar Namakku Iruvar | Mani | Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | Kadhalukku Mariyaadai | - | Average | Similar → |
| 1997 | Nerrukku Ner | - | Average | Similar → |
| 1997 | Once More | Ashok | Average | Similar → |
| 1997 | Suryavamsam | Chinnarasu's Friend | Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | Pistha | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | Pudhayal | Tiruchitrambalam | Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | Gopala Gopala | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | Avvai Shanmugi | Mudaliyar | Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | Metukudi | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | Kadhal Kottai | Kaliyaperumal | Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | Ullathai Allitha | Viswanathan / Kasinathan | Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | Deva | Periyavar | Average | Similar → |
| 1994 | Thai Maaman | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 1994 | Amaidhi Padai | ex-MLA Manimaran | Average | Similar → |
| 1980 | Nizhalgal | Mani | Hit | Similar → |
Manivannan - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Manivannan?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Manivannan is "Lovely" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Manivannan acted in?
Manivannan has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Manivannan?
Other notable films include "Sadhu Miranda", "Piriyadha Varam Vendum", and "Sangamam".