Name : Kumaravadivel Natarajan

Born On:12 September

Born In:Madurai, Tamil Nadu

Nationality: Indian

Career:film actor,playback singer,comedy actor.

Kumaravadivel Natarajan, known professionally as Vadivelu, is an Indian film actor and playback singer. Since the 1990s, he has performed in supporting and lead roles as a comedy actor in Tamil films.

While having worked in more than 200 films, Vadivelu received awards in the Best Comedian category for his performances in Kaalam Maari Pochu (1996), Vetri Kodi Kattu (2000), Thavasi (2001), Chandramukhi (2005), Imsai Arasan 23m Pulikesi (2006), Marudhamalai (2007) and Kathavarayan (2008). His popularity led to his media-coined nickname, Vaigai Puyal, meaning “Vaigai storm”, referring to the river that flows through his hometown Madurai.

Early Life

Vadivelu was born as Kumaravadivel to his father Natarajan and mother Sarojini.He did not have a formal education, instead he worked in his father’s glass cutting business and continued it with his brothers after his father’s passing. In his free time, he participated in local stage plays, usually in a comic role.

Early stage

Vadivelu met Rajkiran on a train while on his way to Chennai to visit his bride-to-be. Rajkiran later recalled that he was so amused by their conversation during the train ride that he agreed to give Vadivelu a role in his upcoming film, En Rasavin Manasile, directed by Kasthuri Raja.

Starting as a sidekick to the famed Goundamani-Senthil comedy duo, Vadivelu rose to prominence after his role in Kadhalan (1994), although his debut film was En Thangai Kalyani directed by T. Rajendar.

Dominance in comedy

He later went on to perform numerous roles, including Bharathi Kannamma, Friends, Vetri Kodi Kattu, Winner, Giri, Thalainagaram, Marudhamalai, and Chandramukhi. As the lead in the film Imsai Arasan 23am Pulikesi (2006), he played twin brothers. His next lead role was in Indiralogathil Na Azhagappan (2008).

As A Actor

On 21 September 2008, Vadivelu’s residence in the Saligramam neighbourhood in Chennai was pelted with stones by a gang, leaving several windows broken and furniture damaged. The actor had taken refuge in a room in his home and was safe. Vadivelu is said to have suspected Vijayakanth because of a recent case that he had filed against the latter for assault and because the final court hearing was to take place the following day. He suspected that the attack may have been carried out to prevent Vadivelu from attending the hearing. As a result, Vadivelu filed another case against Vijayakanth for attempted murder. He later mentioned his interest in contesting against Vijayakanth in the upcoming assembly elections and in his words, “teaching him a lesson.” In response, actor Vijayakanth, in a press meet on 22 September, claimed that Vadivelu’s allegations were based on hearsay.

In 2010, Vadivelu held a press conference, accusing fellow comedian and actor Singamuthu for forgery and financial cheating. Vadivelu, who was previously friends with Singamuthu, purchased land from him but later came to learn that the documents were void. This resulted in the former taking legal action against the latter.

During the legislative assembly elections that place in Tamil Nadu during April 2011, Vadivelu vehemently campaigned for the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and its alliance. During his public speeches, he predominantly condemned politician and actor Vijayakanth, whose party, the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), allied with the opposition party All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), headed by Jayalalithaa. His allegations of Vijayakanth included him being a “drunkard”. In a campaign speech in Tiruvarur, Vadivelu stated that “(his) only aim is to sweep out Vijayakanth’s whole team and to campaign vigorously for DMK’s victory”. Vadivelu was criticised as being biased, only supporting a DMK-led victory for personal gains and not once mentioning anything against the official opposition, the AIADMK, or its leader. In a turn of events, the election was eventually successful for the AIADMK alliance, and Vijaykanth won his constituency by a considerable margin. Admitting defeat, Vadivelu said he hoped that Vijayakanth would fulfill his role as an elected politician.

As his career as a lead actor was waning, Vadivelu chose to return to portraying supporting and comedy roles in films headlined by other actors. He portrayed a role alongside Vishal in Suraj’s Kaththi Sandai (2016), before collaborating again with P. Vasu in the horror comedy Shivalinga (2017). Vadivelu then portrayed a supporting role alongside Vijay in Mersal (2017), with the film becoming a blockbuster at the box office. A critic from The New Indian Express noted that it was a “brilliant comeback for Vadivelu” and that “his comedy is subtle, yet sufficient”

Banning

After agreeing to work with Chimbu Deven on Imsai Arasan 24th Pulikecei, a sequel to their successful film, he fell out with the director over an issue regarding his costume designer and subsequently refused to cooperate. The film’s producers, S. Shankar and Subaskaran Allirajah, later filed a legal case over his unexplained absence. Likewise, R. K. and Stephen, the producers of Neeyum Naanum Naduvula Peyum and another untitled film, also opted to file complaints to the Nadigar Sangam against Vadivelu’s lack of cooperation.The Tamil Film Producers Council issued a ban against casting Vadivelu in future films.

In 2019, Vadivelu was interviewed by Behindwoods, in which he criticized Chimbu Deven and Shankar for their creative differences. Producer T. Siva and director Naveen (who worked as an assistant to Chimbu Deven in Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikesi) spoke out against Vadivelu’s comments.

Acting style

Vadivelu’s roles involve heavy use of slapstick and puns, which has led him to be typecast. His comedy sequences typically end with him getting soundly thrashed and a closing one-liner from him bemoaning his situation or antagonists. His popularity could be ascribed to the general audience being able to identify with him thanks to his rustic looks, accent and body language.

Awards

  • Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Comedian : Kaalam Maari Pochu(1996).
  • Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Comedian : Vetri Kodi Kattu(2000).
  • Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Comedian : Thavasi(2001).
  • Filmfare Award for Best Comedian – Tamil : Chandramukhi(2005).
  • Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Comedian : Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikecei(2006).
  • Filmfare Award for Best Comedian – Tamil : Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikecei(2006).
  • Vijay Award for Best Comedian : Marudhamalai(2007).
  • Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Comedian : Kathavarayan(2008).

Filmography

Tamil

  • 1988: En Thangai Kalyani.
  • 1991:En Rasavin Manasile,Aatha Un Koyilile.
  • 1992:Chinna Gounder,Ilavarasan,Singaravelan,Deiva Vaakku,Thevar Magan.
  • 1993:Koyil Kaalai,Ezhai Jaathi,Maharasan,Aranmanai Kili,Ponnumani,Gokulam,Sakkarai Devan,Maravan,Valli,Kizhakku Cheemayile,Kathirukka Neramillai,Rojavai Killathe.
  • 1994:Rajakumaran,Sindhu Nathi Poo,Adharmam,Varavu Ettana Selavu Pathana,Sevatha Ponnu,Watchman Vadivel,Killadi Mappillai,Raja Pandi,Kadhalan,Ilaignar Ani,Mani Rathnam,Pavithra,Karuththamma,Pandiyanin Rajiyathil,Atha Maga Rathiname,Maindhan.
  • 1995:Naan Petha Magane,Kizhakku Malai,Muthu Kaalai,Chinna Mani,Aanazhagan,Udhavum Karangal,Ellame En Rasathan,En Pondatti Nallava,Pasumpon,Nandhavana Theru,Chellakannu,Sandaikku Vantha Kili,Rajavin Parvaiyile,Raasaiyya,Aasai,Thaikulame Thaikulame,Chandralekha,Muthu,Neela Kuyil.
  • 1996:Love Birds,Vasantha Vaasal,Kaalam Maari Pochu,Sengottai,Minor Mappillai,Sundara Purushan,Tamizh Selvan,Priyam,Kadhal Desam,Namma Ooru Raasa,Subash,Mr.Romeo,Paanchaalankurichi,Thilagavathi CBI,Aaro Pranam.
  • 1997:Sakthi,Bharathi Kannamma,Mappillai Gounder,Vivasaayi Magan,My India,Raasi,Ganga Gowri,Pongalo Pongal,Pasamulla Pandiyare,Kaadhali,Adimai Changili,Adra Sakka Adra Sakka,Kalyana Vaibhogam,Periya Manushan,Porkkaalam,Ratchagan,Thadayam.
  • 1997:Sundara Pandian,Kaathala Kaathala,Ponnu Velayira Bhoomi,Jolly,Rathna,Iniyavale,Sandhippoma,Poonthottam,Ellame En Pondattithaan,Pudhumai Pithan,Ponmaanai Thedi,Kannathal,Thalaimurai,Cheran Chozhan Pandian,Sivappu Nila,
  • 1998:Sundara Pandian,Kaathala Kaathala,Ponnu Velayira Bhoomi,Jolly,Rathna,Iniyavale,Sandhippoma,Poonthottam,Ellame En Pondattithaan,Pudhumai Pithan,Ponmaanai Thedi,Kannathal,Thalaimurai,Cheran Chozhan Pandian,Sivappu Nila.
  • 1999:Housefull,Thodarum,Maya,En Swasa Kaatre,Monisha En Monalisa,Nilave Mugam Kaattu,Poomaname Vaa,Rajasthan,Kummi Paattu,Anantha Poongatre,Oruvan,Sangamam,Viralukketha Veekkam,Poovellam Kettuppar,Manaivikku Mariyadhai,Nesam Pudhusu,Mudhalvan,Thirupathi Ezhumalai Venkatesa,Unnaruge Naan Irundhal,Paattali.
  • 2000:Kakkai Siraginilae,Vallarasu,Rajakali Amman,Kandha Kadamba Kathir Vela,Magalirkkaga,Ennamma Kannu,Vetri Kodi Kattu,Koodi Vazhnthal Kodi Nanmai,Maayi,Chinna Chinna Kannile,Kannukku Kannaga,Vanna Thamizh Pattu,Manu Needhi,Nee Enthan Vaanam.
  • 2001:Friends,Looty,Nageshwari,Engalukkum Kaalam Varum,En Purushan Kuzhandhai Maadhiri,Sri Raja Rajeshwari,Asathal,Middle Class Madhavan,Sonnal Thaan Kaadhala,Dosth,Narasimha,Ninaikkatha Naalillai,Maayan,Mitta Miraasu,Love Marriage,Manadhai Thirudivittai,Thavasi,Vadagupatti Maapillai.
  • 2002:Gounder Veettu Maappillai,Kamarasu,Sri Bannari Amman,Raajjiyam,Thamizh,Idhayame,Raja,Guruvamma,Shree,Karmegham,Super Aunty,Naina,Sundhara Travels,King,En Mana Vaanil,Namma Veetu Kalyanam,Bagavathi,Style,Shakalaka Baby.
  • 2003:Vaseegara,Anbu,Ilasu Pudhusu Ravusu,Arasu,Punnagai Poove,Inidhu Inidhu Kadhal Inidhu,Jayam,Eera Nilam,Diwan,Aalukkoru Aasai,Winner,Ottran,Kadhal Kirukkan,Thathi Thavadhu Manasu.
  • 2004:Engal Anna,Kovil,Gambeeram,Kadhal Dot Com,Nee Mattum,Arul,Jore,Maanasthan,Sound Party,Oru Murai Sollividu,Madhurey,Giri,Kathale Jayam,Chatrapathy,Aai,Jananam,Jaisurya.
  • 2005:Aayudham,Ayya,Mannin Maindhan,London,Chandramukhi,Sachein,Karka Kasadara,6’2,Englishkaran,Kaatrullavarai,Chinna,February 14,Daas,ABCD,Anda Naal Nyabagam,Chanakya,Mazhai,Kundakka Mandakka,Majaa,Bambara Kannaley,Aanai,Aaru,Vetrivel Sakthivel,Veeranna.
  • 2006:Pasa Kiligal,Thambi,Kovai Brothers,Thalai Nagaram,Kusthi,Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikecei,Thimiru,Kurukshetram,Em Magan,Sillunu Oru Kaadhal,Thalaimagan,Vathiyar,Rendu,Nenjil,Kumaran.
  • 2007:Pokkiri,Muruga,Manikanda,Viyabari,Karuppusamy Kuththagaithaarar,Maa Madurai,Thottal Poo Malarum,Arya,Cheena Thaana 001,Marudhamalai,Piragu,Thavam,Vel.
  • 2008:Indiralohathil Na Azhagappan,Theekuchi,Kannum Kannum,Kathavarayan,Muniyandi Vilangial Moonramandu, Kuselan,Kee Mu,Pachai Nirame,Seval,Ellam Avan Seyal.
  • 2009:Villu,Vedigundu Murugesan,Azhagar Malai,Kanthaswamy,Peranmai,Jaganmohini,Aadhavan.
  • 2010:Kacheri Arambam,Sura,Thillalangadi,Nagaram.
  • 2011:Ilaignan,Kaavalan,Thoonga Nagaram,Mambattiyan.
  • 2012:Marupadiyum Oru Kadhal.
  • 2014:Tenaliraman.
  • 2015:Eli.
  • 2016:Kaththi Sandai.
  • 2017:Shivalinga,Mercel.

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