Saranya Ponvannan
ActingAbout Saranya Ponvannan
Sheela better known by her stage name Saranya is an Indian film actress who has predominantly appeared in Tamil language films. Saranya made her debut in a lead role in Mani Ratnam's Nayagan and went on to play lead roles in a few films during the late 1980s. Following an eight-year sabbatical, she returned to feature films as a character artiste, essaying supporting roles, particularly playing mother characters to lead artists. For her performances in films including Raam (2005), Thavamai Thavamirundhu (2005), Em Magan (2006) and Kalavani (2010), she has received notable critical praise and several accolades, including three Filmfare Awards for Best Supporting Actress, while her performance in Thenmerku Paruvakaatru fetched her the National Film Award for Best Actress in 2011.Saranya is the daughter of Malayalam film director A. B. Raj. She is married to a fellow actor, Ponvannan.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Saranya Ponvannan 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 Saranya Ponvannan'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 48% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Saranya Ponvannan remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Nayakan, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Saranya Ponvannan Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Saranya Ponvannan's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Saranya Ponvannan.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam | Ponni | Average | Similar → |
| 2024 | Brother | Hemamalini | Hit | Similar → |
| 2023 | Conjuring Kannappan | Lakshmi | Average | Similar → |
| 2022 | Chup | Mrs. Menon | Hit | Similar → |
| 2022 | Etharkkum Thunindhavan | Kosalai | Average | Similar → |
| 2021 | Sashi | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 2019 | Nani's Gang Leader | Varalakshmi | Hit | Similar → |
| 2018 | Oru Kuprasidha Payyan | Chembammal | Hit | Similar → |
| 2018 | Kolamavu Kokila | Kokila's Mother | Hit | Similar → |
| 2018 | Marainthirunthu Paarkum Marmam Enna | Aiyappan's Mother | Average | Similar → |
| 2018 | Junga | Junga's mother | Average | Similar → |
| 2017 | Magalir Mattum | Subbu | Hit | Similar → |
| 2016 | Achamindri | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 2016 | Kodi | Kodi and Anbu's Mother | Average | Similar → |
| 2016 | 24 | Sathyabama | Hit | Similar → |
| 2014 | Velaiyilla Pattathari | Bhuvana | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2014 | Manam | Seetharamudu's Mother | Hit | Similar → |
| 2014 | Ennamo Nadakkudhu | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 2014 | Naan Sigappu Manithan | Sumathi | Average | Similar → |
| 2013 | Vatthikuchi | Sakthi's mother | Hit | Similar → |
| 2012 | Neerparavai | Mary | Average | Similar → |
| 2012 | Chaarulatha | Charu and Latha's mother | Average | Similar → |
| 2011 | Vaanam | Lakshmi | Average | Similar → |
| 2011 | Muthukku Muthaaga | Pechi | Average | Similar → |
| 2010 | Thenmerku Paruvakatru | Veerayi | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2010 | Kalavani | Lakshmi | Average | Similar → |
| 2010 | Vedam | Padma | Hit | Similar → |
| 2009 | Yavarum Nalam | Manohar's Mother | Average | Similar → |
| 2008 | Dindigul Sarathy | Sarathy's Mother | Average | Similar → |
| 2008 | Thenavattu | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 2007 | Vel | Vasu and Vel's mother | Average | Similar → |
| 2007 | Kireedam | Shakti's Mother | Average | Similar → |
| 2006 | Rakhi | Gowri's Mother | Average | Similar → |
| 2006 | Thiruvilaiyaadal Aarambam | Thiru's Mother | Average | Similar → |
| 2006 | Em Magan | Krishna's Mother | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2005 | Thavamai Thavamiruntu | Sarada | Hit | Similar → |
| 2005 | Raam | Saradha | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2004 | Arul | - | Average | Similar → |
| 1995 | Pasumpon | Malar | Average | Similar → |
| 1994 | Karuththamma | Periyakanni | Average | Similar → |
| 1994 | Seevalaperi Pandi | Velammal | Average | Similar → |
| 1991 | Cheppukilukkana Changathi | Manikutty | Average | Similar → |
| 1991 | Aanaval Mothiram | Annie | Hit | Similar → |
| 1991 | Aakasha Kottayile Sultan | Mallika | Hit | Similar → |
| 1990 | Anjali | Dr. Sheela | Hit | Similar → |
| 1989 | Artham | Manasa | Average | Similar → |
| 1989 | Sakalakala Sammandi | - | Average | Similar → |
| 1988 | Dhayam Onnu | Rita | Average | Similar → |
| 1988 | Manasukkul Mathappu | Seema | Hit | Similar → |
| 1987 | Nayakan | Neela | Super Hit | Similar → |
Saranya Ponvannan - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Saranya Ponvannan?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Saranya Ponvannan is "Nayakan" with a rating of 7.8/10.
How many movies has Saranya Ponvannan acted in?
Saranya Ponvannan has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Saranya Ponvannan?
Other notable films include "Thenmerku Paruvakatru", "Raam", and "Em Magan".