Vadivelu
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Kumaravadivel Natarajan (born 12 September 1960) known professionally as Vadivelu, is an Indian actor, comedian and occasional playback singer, having acted mainly in
Tamil cinema Tamil cinema is the segment of Indian cinema dedicated to the production of motion pictures in the Tamil language, the main spoken language in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is nicknamed Kollywood, a portmanteau of the names Kodambakkam, a Ch ...
. He has at least 290 credits to his
name A name is a term used for identification by an external observer. They can identify a class or category of things, or a single thing, either uniquely, or within a given context. The entity identified by a name is called its referent. A person ...
. He was a recipient of several awards including two Filmfare Award South and six
Tamil Nadu State Film Awards Tamil Nadu State Film Awards were given for excellence in Cinema of Tamil Nadu, Tamil cinema in India. They were given annually to honour the best talents and provide encouragement and incentive to the South Indian film industry by the Governmen ...
. He was launched in 1988, in T. Rajendar's ''En Thangai Kalyani'' at the career peak of the
Goundamani Subramaniyan Karuppaiya (born 25 May 1939), known by his stage name Goundamani, is an Indian actor and comedian who works in Tamil cinema. He is known for his comic duo partnership in Tamil language, Tamil films with fellow actor Senthil. The p ...
-
Senthil Senthil (born 23 March 1951) is an Indian comedy actor who works in Tamil cinema. He is famous for his comedian roles along with fellow actor Goundamani. The pair dominated the Tamil industry as comedians in the 1980s and 90s. His popularity led to his media-coined nickname, Vaigai Puyal, referring to the river that flows through his hometown
Madurai Madurai ( , , ), formerly known as Madura, is a major city in the States and union territories of India, Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu and the administrative headquarters of Madurai District, which is ...
. Vadivelu has received awards in the ''Best Comedian'' category for his performances in '' Kaalam Maari Pochu'' (1996), '' Vetri Kodi Kattu'' (2000), '' Thavasi'' (2001), ''
Chandramukhi ''Chandramukhi'' () is a 2005 Indian Tamil-language psychological comedy horror film written and directed by P. Vasu. It is a remake of Vasu's Kannada film '' Apthamitra'' (2004) which itself was based on the Malayalam film '' Manichitrathaz ...
'' (2005), ''
Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikecei ''Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikecei'' () is a 2006 Indian Tamil-language historical-comedy film written and directed by Chimbu Deven in his directoral debut .The film stars Vadivelu in his debut as a solo lead actor. Monica and Tejashree play the ...
'' (2006), ''
Pokkiri ''Pokkiri'' () is a 2007 Indian Tamil-language action film directed by Prabhu Deva and produced by Kanagarathna Movies. It is the Tamil remake of the 2006 Telugu film '' Pokiri'' directed by story writer Puri Jagannadh. The film stars Vijay ...
'' (2007), '' Marudhamalai'' (2007) and '' Kathavarayan'' (2008). His first as a lead actor, '' Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikesi'' (2006), also achieved commercial and critical success. His comedic portrayals have been critiqued as using the persona of a misunderstood, mistreated Subaltern rogue, often subject to on-screen violence and ridicule in the style of
slapstick Slapstick is a style of humor involving exaggerated physical activity that exceeds the boundaries of normal physical comedy. Slapstick may involve both intentional violence and violence by mishap, often resulting from inept use of props such as ...
comedy. Images and videography of Vadivelu's expressions found a second life despite the corresponding dormancy in his career during the 2010s in Indian Internet subcultures. In 2017,
The News Minute ''The News Minute'' is an Indian digital news platform based in Bangalore, Karnataka. It was founded by Vignesh Vellore who is also the current CEO in 2014. Apart from Karnataka, it also has bureaus in the states of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, ...
reported, "Vadivelu's career is not what it used to be but Tamil Nadu still turns to him for a laugh or to a summarize a situation in one line." In 2019, Vadivelu was featured in the sudden viral memes related to the hashtag '' Pray for Nesamani'' which was the most trending hashtag in
India India, officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. It is the List of countries and dependencies by area, seventh-largest country by area; the List of countries by population (United Nations), most populous country since ...
during the year.


Early life

Prior to his career, Vadivelu worked in his father's glass cutting business and continued it with his brothers after his father died. In his free time, he participated in local stage plays, usually in comedic roles.


Career


Early stage (1988–1997)

In 1988, he was launched through a small character in T. Rajendar's '' En Thangai Kalyani''. Vadivelu met
Rajkiran Mohideen Abdul Khadar, known by his stage name Rajkiran, is an Indian actor, producer and director, who has acted in more than 30 Tamil films. He won one Filmfare Award South and four Tamil Nadu State Film Awards in his career. Early life R ...
on a train while on his way to
Chennai Chennai, also known as Madras (List of renamed places in India#Tamil Nadu, its official name until 1996), is the capital city, capital and List of cities in Tamil Nadu by population, largest city of Tamil Nadu, the southernmost states and ...
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'' (1991), directed by Kasthuri Raja. It was also the beginning of the
Goundamani Subramaniyan Karuppaiya (born 25 May 1939), known by his stage name Goundamani, is an Indian actor and comedian who works in Tamil cinema. He is known for his comic duo partnership in Tamil language, Tamil films with fellow actor Senthil. The p ...
-
Senthil Senthil (born 23 March 1951) is an Indian comedy actor who works in Tamil cinema. He is famous for his comedian roles along with fellow actor Goundamani. The pair dominated the Tamil industry as comedians in the 1980s and 90s.Vijayakanth Vijayaraj Alagarswami (25 August 1952 – 28 December 2023), known by his stage name Vijayakanth, was an Indian actor, filmmaker, philanthropist and politician. He worked in Tamil cinema in a career spanning four decades. He ventured into politi ...
supported Vadivelu during his early career. He stated that he was substantial in casting him in 1992's '' Chinna Gounder''. In 1992, he played contrasting characters in both
Kamal Haasan Parthasarathy Srinivasan (born 7 November 1954), known professionally as Kamal Haasan, is an Indian actor, filmmaker and politician who predominantly works in Tamil cinema. Considered as one of the most accomplished actors of Indian Cinema, Haas ...
films. Vadivelu joined Goundamani and
Charle Velmurugan Thangasamy Manohar (born 6 March 1960), professionally credited as Charle, is an Indian actor who works in Tamil cinema. He has acted in more than 800 Tamil films as a comedian and supporting actor. He was named after the English co ...
in the comedy film '' Singaravelan''. Then in the movie ''
Thevar Magan ''Thevar Magan'' ( or ) is a 1992 Indian Tamil language, Tamil-language Drama (film and television), drama film directed by Bharathan, and written and produced by Kamal Haasan. It stars Sivaji Ganesan, Haasan, Revathi, Gautami and Nassar (acto ...
'', Vadivelu played a worker in patriarch
Sivaji Ganesan Villupuram. Chinnaiya Manrayar Ganesamoorthy (1 October 1928 – 21 July 2001), better known by his stage name Sivaji Ganesan, was an Indian actor and film producer. He was mainly active in Tamil cinema during the latter half of the 20th centur ...
's household. Vadivelu's first solo came in director Shankar's '' Kaadhalan'' (1994), in which he played the friend of
Prabhu Deva Prabhu Deva (born 3 April 1973) is an Indian dance choreographer, film director, producer and actor who has worked predominantly in Tamil language, Tamil, Hindi and Telugu language, Telugu language films also appeared in few Kannada and Malayal ...
's student character. He made his singing debut with the song 'Ettanaa Irundha' from the film '' Ellame En Rasathan'' (1995). They were also considered sidekicks for an older generation of heroes, which included
Kamal Haasan Parthasarathy Srinivasan (born 7 November 1954), known professionally as Kamal Haasan, is an Indian actor, filmmaker and politician who predominantly works in Tamil cinema. Considered as one of the most accomplished actors of Indian Cinema, Haas ...
,
Rajinikanth Shivaji Rao Gaikwad (born 12 December 1950), known professionally as Rajinikanth, is an Indian actor who predominantly works in Tamil cinema. In a career spanning over five decades, he has done 170 films that includes films in Tamil, Hindi, ...
,
Vijayakanth Vijayaraj Alagarswami (25 August 1952 – 28 December 2023), known by his stage name Vijayakanth, was an Indian actor, filmmaker, philanthropist and politician. He worked in Tamil cinema in a career spanning four decades. He ventured into politi ...
and young heroes in the making like such as
Ajith Kumar Ajith Kumar Subramaniam (born 1 May 1971) is an Indian actor who works predominantly in Tamil cinema. To date, he has starred in over 63 films, and won four Vijay Awards, three Cinema Express Awards, three Filmfare Awards South and three Ta ...
, Vijay,
Prabhu Deva Prabhu Deva (born 3 April 1973) is an Indian dance choreographer, film director, producer and actor who has worked predominantly in Tamil language, Tamil, Hindi and Telugu language, Telugu language films also appeared in few Kannada and Malayal ...
which began rising in prominence, the script required fresh faces for the role of the comedian. He won his first Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Comedian in '' Kaalam Maari Pochu'' (1996). The following year, Vadivelu played many films, but his work in ''
Bharathi Kannamma ''Bharathi Kannamma'' () is a 1997 Indian Tamil language, Tamil-language romantic drama film written and directed by Cheran (director), Cheran in his directorial debut , starring R. Parthiban and Meena (actress), Meena. The film marks Cheran's ...
'' (1997) was successful and its combination with actor Parthiban.


Superstardom in comedy (1998–2008)

Vadivelu is known to assist directors, with his own input being used during sets. The hallmark of his comedy was self-deprecation. Vadivelu's characters thought very highly of themselves – they were clownish versions of the gang leader. After a certain stage of success, he started to act as a solo comedian, supported by other minor comedians. He starred in movies as '' Kaathala Kaathala'' (1998), '' Kannathal'' (1998), '' Viralukketha Veekkam'' (1999), '' Nesam Pudhusu'' (1999), '' Mudhalvan'' (1999), ''
Thirupathi Ezhumalai Venkatesa ''Thirupathi Ezhumalai Venkatesa'' is a 1999 Indian Tamil language, Tamil-language comedy film directed by Rama Narayanan. The film stars Prabhu (actor), Prabhu, S. Ve. Shekher, Vadivelu, Roja Selvamani, Roja, Urvashi (actress), Urvashi and Kova ...
'' (1999) and '' Paattali'' (1999). As the 2000s began, Vadivelu became the undisputed "King of Comedy. He later went on to perform numerous roles, including '' Kandha Kadamba Kathir Vela'' (2000), '' Vetri Kodi Kattu'' (2000), '' Koodi Vazhnthal Kodi Nanmai'' (2000), ''
Friends ''Friends'' is an American television sitcom created by David Crane (producer), David Crane and Marta Kauffman, which aired on NBC from September 22, 1994, to May 6, 2004, lasting List of Friends episodes, ten seasons. With an ensemble cast ...
'' (2001), '' Middle Class Madhavan'' (2001), '' Manadhai Thirudivittai'' (2001), '' Thavasi'' (2001), '' Arasu'' (2003), '' Winner'' (2003), '' Giri'' (2004), ''
Chandramukhi ''Chandramukhi'' () is a 2005 Indian Tamil-language psychological comedy horror film written and directed by P. Vasu. It is a remake of Vasu's Kannada film '' Apthamitra'' (2004) which itself was based on the Malayalam film '' Manichitrathaz ...
'' (2005), '' Thalai Nagaram'' (2006), ''
Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikecei ''Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikecei'' () is a 2006 Indian Tamil-language historical-comedy film written and directed by Chimbu Deven in his directoral debut .The film stars Vadivelu in his debut as a solo lead actor. Monica and Tejashree play the ...
'' (2006), ''
Pokkiri ''Pokkiri'' () is a 2007 Indian Tamil-language action film directed by Prabhu Deva and produced by Kanagarathna Movies. It is the Tamil remake of the 2006 Telugu film '' Pokiri'' directed by story writer Puri Jagannadh. The film stars Vijay ...
'' (2007), '' Karuppusamy Kuththagaithaarar'' (2007), '' Aarya'' (2007), '' Marudhamalai'' (2007), '' Kathavarayan'' (2008) and '' Ellam Avan Seyal'' (2008). Cashing in on his popularity, he starred in the lead role of the historical comedy in the film ''Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikecei''. The movie was declared a blockbuster and was widely acclaimed for its 'clean' comedy. Vadivelu played in a dual role, playing twin brothers of a heartless but comical dictator king and a revolutionary. His next venture as the lead star was in the movie '' Indiralogathil Na Azhagappan'' (2008).


Controversies (2008–2012)

On 21 September 2008, Vadivelu's residence in the Saligramam neighbourhood in
Chennai Chennai, also known as Madras (List of renamed places in India#Tamil Nadu, its official name until 1996), is the capital city, capital and List of cities in Tamil Nadu by population, largest city of Tamil Nadu, the southernmost states and ...
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 Vijayaraj Alagarswami (25 August 1952 – 28 December 2023), known by his stage name Vijayakanth, was an Indian actor, filmmaker, philanthropist and politician. He worked in Tamil cinema in a career spanning four decades. He ventured into politi ...
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 Hearsay, in a legal forum, is an out-of-court statement which is being offered in court for the truth of what was asserted. In most courts, hearsay evidence is Inadmissible evidence, inadmissible (the "hearsay evidence rule") unless an exception ...
. Vadivelu appeared in notables comedy roles such as '' Villu'' (2009), '' Kanthaswamy'' (2009), ''
Peranmai ''Peranmai'' () is a 2009 Indian Tamil-language action adventure film directed by S. P. Jananathan and produced by Ayngaran International. It stars Ravi Mohan (credited as Jayam Ravi) and Roland Kickinger, with Dhansika, Saranya Nag, Varsh ...
'' (2009), '' Aadhavan'' (2009), '' Kacheri Arambam'' (2010), ''
Sura A ''surah'' (; ; ) is an Arabic word meaning 'chapter' in the Quran. There are 114 ''suwar'' in the Quran, each divided into verses (). The ''suwar'' are of unequal length; the shortest ''surah'' ( al-Kawthar) has only three verses, while the ...
'' (2010), '' Thillalangadi'' (2010) and '' Nagaram Marupakkam'' (2010). In 2010, Vadivelu held a press conference, accusing fellow comedian and actor
Singamuthu Singamuthu (born 8 December 1958) is an Indian actor who has appeared in Tamil language Tamil (, , , also written as ''Tamizhil'' according to linguistic pronunciation) is a Dravidian language natively spoken by the Tamil people of South ...
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. In the year 2011, '' Kaavalan'' movie with actor Vijay was a remarkable one. During the
2011 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election The Fourteenth Legislative Assembly Election was held on 13 April 2011 to elect members from 234 constituencies in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Results were released on 13 May 2011. Two major parties Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and All In ...
, Vadivelu vehemently campaigned for the
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (; ; DMK) is an Indian political party based in the state of Tamil Nadu, where it is currently the ruling party, and the union territory of Puducherry (union territory), Puducherry, where it is currently the main ...
(DMK) and its alliance. During his public speeches, he predominantly condemned politician and actor
Vijayakanth Vijayaraj Alagarswami (25 August 1952 – 28 December 2023), known by his stage name Vijayakanth, was an Indian actor, filmmaker, philanthropist and politician. He worked in Tamil cinema in a career spanning four decades. He ventured into politi ...
, whose party, the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), allied with the opposition party
All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (; AIADMK, also abbreviated as ADMK), also shortened to Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, is an Indian Regionalism (politics), regional political party with great influence in the Federated state, sta ...
(AIADMK), headed by
Jayalalithaa Jayaram Jayalalithaa (24 February 1948 – 5 December 2016), popularly known as Amma, was an Indian actress, politician, and philanthropist who served as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu for more than fourteen years between 1991 and 2016. She ...
. 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 Vijayakanth won his constituency by a considerable margin. He appeared again in '' Marupadiyum Oru Kadhal'' (2012), in the role of a quack.


Decline (2014–2017)

As his career as a lead actor was waning following negatively received films such as '' Tenaliraman'' (2014) and ''
Eli Eli most commonly refers to: * Eli (name), a given name, nickname and surname * Eli (biblical figure) Eli or ELI may also refer to: Film * ''Eli'' (2015 film), a Tamil film * ''Eli'' (2019 film), an American horror film Music * ''Eli'' (Jan ...
'' (2015), Vadivelu chose to return to portraying supporting roles. He portrayed a role alongside
Vishal Vishal may refer to: People * Vishal (name), a common Indian given name * King Vishal, emperor of the Mahabharata era who founded the ancient city of Vishalapura * Vishal (actor) (born 1977), Indian film actor, producer and anti-piracy activi ...
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 ''Mersal'' () is a 2017 Indian Tamil-language action thriller film directed by Atlee and produced by Thenandal Studio Limited, in the studio's hundredth film production. The film stars Vijay in triple roles, alongside S. J. Suryah, Kaja ...
'' (2017), with critics lauding his performance. A critic from
The New Indian Express ''The New Indian Express'' is an Indian English-language broadsheet daily newspaper published by the Chennai-based Express Publications. It was founded in 1932 as ''The Indian Express'', under the ownership of Chennai-based P. Varadarajulu Naidu ...
noted that it was a "brilliant comeback for Vadivelu" and that "his comedy is subtle, yet sufficient".


Temporary ban (2018–2020)

After agreeing to work with
Chimbu Deven Chimbu Devan is an Indian film director, writer, cartoonist, and screenwriter known for his works in Tamil cinema. His films mostly explore the fantasy and Historical fiction, historical genres and also comedy. He debuted with the historical co ...
on ''Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikesi'', 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 The Nadigar Sangam (), officially known as the South Indian Artistes' Association (), is a Trade union, union for film, television, and stage (theatre), stage actors in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, based in Chennai. Formed in 1952, the grou ...
against Vadivelu's lack of cooperation. The Tamil Film Producers Council issued a ban against casting Vadivelu in future films. In a video sent to Sun TV, Vadivelu said that a few vested interests are trying to stop his growth in the film industry. 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. In 2020, Vadivelu, who had recently joined
Twitter Twitter, officially known as X since 2023, is an American microblogging and social networking service. It is one of the world's largest social media platforms and one of the most-visited websites. Users can share short text messages, image ...
, has not been taking up as many roles as he did earlier. Adding that he would soon take up a project, the comedian said, "You've also been asking why I'm not acting yet. Soon, I will make my entry in a grand manner".


Re-entry (2021–present)

In 2021, in a significant hint about his return to the Tamil cinema, Vadivelu said that a good thing will happen definitely. On 28 August 2021, joining an over the phone interview with Puthiya Thalaimurai TV, Vadivelu confirmed that his ban was lifted and he has agreed for 5 films with Lyca Productions. First of which will commence shooting in September 2021, named ''Naai Sekhar''.Archived a
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and th
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Vadivelu confirmed the lifting of the ban, after 4 years, and returned to play the lead in '' Naai Sekar Returns''; however the movie received a lukewarm response from critics. His next release, in Mari Selvaraj's ''
Maamannan ''Maamannan'' () is a 2023 Indian Tamil-language political drama film written and directed by Mari Selvaraj, and produced by Udhayanidhi Stalin's Red Giant Movies. The film stars Vadivelu as the title character, along with Fahadh Faasil, ...
'' (2023) saw him returning to the screens. Selvaraj's comments in the soundtrack launch event of the movie suggests that the movie revisits Vadivelu's previous hit performance in ''
Thevar Magan ''Thevar Magan'' ( or ) is a 1992 Indian Tamil language, Tamil-language Drama (film and television), drama film directed by Bharathan, and written and produced by Kamal Haasan. It stars Sivaji Ganesan, Haasan, Revathi, Gautami and Nassar (acto ...
'' as Esakki, a servant who loses his hand for acting on the whims of his adored landlord. This raised attention, and the revisiting of Mari Selvaraj's earlier condemning letter to
Kamal Haasan Parthasarathy Srinivasan (born 7 November 1954), known professionally as Kamal Haasan, is an Indian actor, filmmaker and politician who predominantly works in Tamil cinema. Considered as one of the most accomplished actors of Indian Cinema, Haas ...
, the scriptwriter-lead of the movie, for its unchecked glorification of oppressor caste lifestyles and privileges. This renewed controversy has placed Vadivelu in new light, especially given his filmography where he is heavy-handedly cast in the role of the mistreated and ridiculed Subaltern friend of the protagonist. In December 2023, he won the Best Actor Award for ''
Maamannan ''Maamannan'' () is a 2023 Indian Tamil-language political drama film written and directed by Mari Selvaraj, and produced by Udhayanidhi Stalin's Red Giant Movies. The film stars Vadivelu as the title character, along with Fahadh Faasil, ...
'' at the
Chennai International Film Festival The Chennai International Film Festival (CIFF) is a festival organised in the city of Chennai, India, by a film society, the Indo Cine Appreciation Foundation (ICAF), with the support of government of Tamil Nadu, The Government of Tamil Nadu, ...
. After a gap of 15 years, director
Sundar C Vinayagar Sundar Vel (born 21 January 1968), known professionally as Sundar C, is an Indian actor, filmmaker, and playback singer who predominantly works in Tamil cinema. He has directed over 30 films and received the Kalaimamani#2009, Kalaim ...
and Vadivelu reunited for '' Gangers'' (2025).


Acclaim


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 thrashed and a closing quip from him bemoaning his situation or antagonists. His popularity has been described as stemming from audiences identifying with his rustic appearance, accent, and body language.


Popularity

Vadivelu's dialogues served as an inspiration for memes in social media. Many meme creators use Vadivelu's dialogues for all ongoing situations in the world to express irony. His lines from certain films also influenced the titles for various Tamil films.


References


External links

* * {{DEFAULTSORT:Vadivelu Indian male comedians Indian male film actors Tamil comedians Tamil male actors Indian Tamil people Living people Male actors from Madurai Filmfare Awards South winners Recipients of the Kalaimamani Award 20th-century Indian male actors 21st-century Indian male actors Male actors in Tamil cinema Tamil playback singers Singers from Tamil Nadu 20th-century Indian singers 21st-century Indian singers Musicians from Madurai People from Madurai 1960 births