Rajendran Explained

Rajendran
Birth Date:1957 6, df=y
Birth Place:Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, India
Years Active:1978–present
Other Names:Naan Kadavul Rajendran, Mottai Rajendran

A. Rajendran, (born 1 June 1957[1]) credited as Motta Rajendran or Naan Kadavul Rajendran, is an Indian stunt double and actor working mainly in Tamil cinema. He debuted in 2003 with the Tamil film Pithamagan and has worked as a stunt double in over 500 South Indian films since then. He played the role of a villain in Naan Kadavul (2009) which won huge critical acclaim and fetched him the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Villain. Since then, he has continued to play villainous and later humorous supporting characters in a number of Tamil films.[2] He is noted for his rough voice and alopecia universalis, which he claims was the result of coming into contact with industrial waste during a stunt sequence.[3] [4]

Career

Rajendran began his film career working as a stunt double in hundreds of south Indian films mostly in Tamil.

He played a small but significant role in Pithamagan (2003) and made his full-fledged acting debut as a villain in Naan Kadavul (2009).[5] His performance as a cruel leader who tortures beggars earned critical acclaim with a critic noting that he is "menacing and loathsome".[6] Following his villainous comedy role in Boss Engira Bhaskaran (2010), he says he was typecast in similar roles. His appearance as a killer who dons the garb of a woman in Thirudan Police (2014) was appreciated by critics as "the ultimate showstealer and his already popular lady makeover clinches it big time".[7] His first release in 2015 was Darling, where he appeared as the ghostbuster Ghost Gopal Varma. The Times of India wrote, "His bald head, thin figure and sandpapery voice make him effective for both villainous and comical roles but from the screams and whistles that his character gets, it is clear that he has made much more impact as a comedian".[8] His second release of the year was Ivanuku Thannila Gandam (2015), where he appeared as a murderer. Before its release, Rajendran's presence in the film's promotional videos received a positive response.[9] The film was released to negative reviews, though Rajendran's performance was appreciated by critics, one of whom noted that "the film belongs to Rajendran as he comes out with his trademark dialogue delivery [...] and carries the entire film".[10]

Filmography

Tamil films

List of Rajendran Tamil film credits
YearTitleRoleNotes
1991 Ruthra Henchman Uncredited role
Thirumathi Palanisamy
1992Henchman
Amaran
Thambi Pondatti
1993 Gentleman Henchman
1995 Puthiya Aatchi
2003 Lesa Lesa Deva's friend Uncredited role[11]
Pithamagan Prison Warden Uncredited role[12]
2005 Thotti Jaya Henchman Uncredited role
2006 Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu Henchman in 'Karka Karka' song
Thalaimagan Fighter
2007 Thee Nagar Henchman
2009 Kandhakottai
Naan Kadavul Thandavan Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Villain[13]
Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Tamil
2010 Boss Engira Bhaskaran Velpandi
Baana Kaathadi Gang Leader
Uthamaputhiran Velu
Milaga Rajendran
Thambi Arjuna Mani
2011 Ilaignan Kaalia
Rowthiram Local Goon
Thambikottai Amirthalingam
Velayudham A local goon
Ambuli Gugan
2012 Varudangal 20 Annachi
Madha Gaja Raja Unreleased
2013 Samar
Kan Pesum Vaarthaigal Janani's uncle
Singam 2 Sahaayam
Pattathu Yaanai Hotel Owner
Varuthapadatha Valibar Sangam Goolmaayi
Raja Rani Henry
Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara Painter Rajendran (Raj)
Maayai
2014 Kadhal Solla Aasai Verumpuli
Aindhaam Thalaimurai Sidha Vaidhiya Sigamani
Vilaasam
Thirudan Police Manickam
Vellaikaara Durai Rajendran
Aindhaam Thalaimurai Sidha Vaidhiya Sigamani
2015 Darling Ghost Gopal Varma
Ivanuku Thannila Gandam Mark
Kalakattam
Nannbenda "Scorpio" Shankar
Kanchana 2 Marudhu's henchman
Masss Ghost
Eli Kuruvi Manda Kumaru
Palakkattu Madhavan U.Santosh Kumar
Sakalakala Vallavan Inspector Muthukaruppan / Robot
Adhibar
49-O Advertisement director
Jippaa Jimikki
Naanum Rowdydhaan Rowdy Raja
Om Shanti Om Vavval Pandi
Vedalam "Kolkata" Kaali
Thiruttu Rail
2016 Peigal Jaakkirathai
Nayyapudai Baby Anaconda
Vaaliba Raja Ragendra
Theri P. Rajender Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Tamil[14]
Katha Solla Porom
Velainu Vandhutta Vellaikaaran Ghost 'Motai' Guru
Enakku Innoru Per Irukku Maha
Jackson Durai Bradlee (Suruli)
Dhilluku Dhuddu Mani
Arthanari
Wagah PET Master
Yaanai Mel Kuthirai Sawaari
Remo Mohana Santhosh
Kadavul Irukaan Kumaru Father Francis Rajendran
Atti
Veera Sivaji CBI officer
2017 Bairavaa Traffic police Motta Rajendran
Enakku Vaaitha Adimaigal Karuppu Rock
Mupparimanam Himself Cameo
Motta Shiva Ketta Shiva Supreme Star Subash
Bruce Lee Uncle of Abbas
Paambhu Sattai Water company owner
Sangili Bungili Kadhava Thorae Chairman
Thangaratham Malaichamy
Anbanavan Asaradhavan Adangadhavan Mani / Rajhu
Gemini Ganeshanum Suruli Raajanum Sultan Bhai
Podhuvaga Emmanasu Thangam Rajendran
Katha Nayagan Mike Maari
Neruppu Da MLA Kabali
Bayama Irukku Ajith
Pichuva Kaththi
Hara Hara Mahadevaki Spike
Mersal Health Minister
Brahma.com Vanagamudi
2018 Gulaebaghavali Annachi
Madura Veeran
Kalakalappu 2
Solli Vidava Narayana
Veera Jonty Rhodes
Kaathadi
Munthal
Iruttu Araiyil Murattu Kuththu Jack
Kaathiruppor Pattiyal
Mohana
Junga Durai Singam
Ghajinikanth Rajini's friend
Maniyaar Kudumbam Chellakilli
Kolamavu Kokila Alponse
Aaruthra Avudaiappan's assistant
Seema Raja Himself Special appearance
Nota Ramaswamy
Kalavani Mappillai Vanagamoodi
2019 Vantha Rajavathaan Varuven Loan collector
Dhilluku Dhuddu 2 Viji's uncle
Nethraa
Pettikadai
Pottu Thief
Boomerang Film producer
Sangathamizhan Kittappa
Natpuna Ennanu Theriyuma Raju's father
Dharmaprabhu Shiva
Gorilla Saloon Owner
A1 CCTV Chidambaram
Jackpot Motta
Puppy
50/50 Pachai Kulandhai
2020 Time Enna Boss "Semma Singer" Judge / Mahatma Gandhi from Earth 36 Web series
Irandam Kuththu Swamiji
Naanga Romba Busy Corrupt Businessman
Biskoth Mottappa
Time Up
2021 Trip Anjaa Puli
Naanum Single Thaan Mr Love
Paris Jayaraj Guru
Michaelpatty Raja Naidu
Engada Iruthinga Ivvalavu Naala Nesamani
Call Taxi Kamal
Dikkiloona Mental Hospital Doctor
Pei Mama Sethupathi
MGR Magan Mattapparai
Anandham Vilayadum Veedu Worker
2022 Kundas
Kaatteri
Kadamaiyai Sei Thief
Powder
Gurumoorthi Security Guard
Varalaru Mukkiyam Chris Gayle
Oh My Ghost
2023 Vaathi 'Bittu' Bhupathi
Single Shankarum Smartphone Simranum Police
Pallu Padama Paathukka Ramesh
Kannitheevu
Ghosty
Ellaam Mela Irukuravan Paathuppan
Vimanam
Rayar Parambarai
DD Returns Professor
Lockdown Diarie
Web
Kick
Japan Himself
80s Buildup
Sarakku
2024 Vadakkupatti Ramasamy
Guardian
Yaavarum VallavarePaandi
Aranmanai 4Rathnam
The Boys Sundaram's uncle
RathnamMahesh
[15]

Malayalam films

List of Rajendran Malayalam film credits
YearTitleRoleNotes
1999 Tokyo Nagarathile Viseshangal Thug
2001 Randam Bhavam Goon
2002 Thandavam Shankar Das's Henchman Uncredited role
2016 Sivapuram
2018 Street Lights Manimaran
Odiyan
2019 Love Action DramaSI Rajendran
KamalaThoothukudi Raja

Telugu films

List of Rajendran Telugu film credits
YearTitleRoleNotes
2004 Lakshmi Narasimha Henchman Uncredited
Gudumba Shankar Henchman Uncredited
Sakhiya
2005 Sri
2006 Kithakithalu Watermelon seller [16]
2007 Athidi Henchman
2018 Chalo Senior Veeramuthu
2019 Chikati Gadilo Chithakotudu Gopal Varma
2022 Sammathame Assistant of Music Director
F3 Gudivada Gurunatham
2023 Waltair Veerayya Gundu Mani
Sir 'Boothu' Bhushanam
Vimanam Balaraju [17]
2024BaakRathnam

Kannada films

YearTitleRoleNotes
2010 Naayaka Nagappa
2017 Kolara

Hindi films

YearTitleRoleNotes
2005 Insan Head of Cobra gang
2008 Ghajini Goon

Notes and References

  1. News: Stunt accident left him hairless – and with plenty of roles . The Times of India . 11 November 2016 . 8 July 2018. 12 August 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220812170659/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Stunt-accident-left-him-hairless-and-with-plenty-of-roles/articleshow/55360906.cms. live.
  2. Web site: My First Break . S. R. Ashok Kumar . . 5 December 2010 . 15 February 2012 . 31 March 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120331010906/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/article932200.ece . live.
  3. Web site: Stunt accident left him hairless – and with plenty of roles . . 11 November 2016 . 5 June 2019 . 12 August 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220812170659/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Stunt-accident-left-him-hairless-and-with-plenty-of-roles/articleshow/55360906.cms . live.
  4. Web site: https://tamil.samayam.com/tamil-cinema/movie-news/naan-kadavul-motta-rajendran-reveals-the-secret-of-his-bald-head/articleshow/70434693.cms . ta:பல ஆண்டுகள் ரகசியத்தை உடைத்த மொட்டை ராஜேந்திரன்!! . Rajendran breaks the secret for many years! . Samayam Tamil . ta . 3 August 2020 . 20 May 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230520193516/https://tamil.samayam.com/tamil-cinema/movie-news/naan-kadavul-motta-rajendran-reveals-the-secret-of-his-bald-head/articleshow/70434693.cms . live.
  5. Web site: Rajendran turns hot as comedian! . https://web.archive.org/web/20150401014120/http://www.sify.com/movies/rajendran-turns-hot-as-comedian-news-tamil-pd5pGIbjjhbdf.html . dead . 1 April 2015 . . 31 March 2015 . 22 September 2017.
  6. Web site: Reality hits you hard – Naan Kadavul . 13 February 2009 . 22 September 2017 . . 16 July 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200716073117/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/Reality-hits-you-hard-Naan-Kadavul/article15937149.ece . live.
  7. Web site: Thirudan Police Movie Review . Behindwoods.com . 14 November 2014 . 22 September 2017 . 9 April 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150409024930/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/thirudan-police/thirudan-police-review.html . live.
  8. Web site: Darling Movie Review . . 15 January 2015 . 22 September 2017 . 10 November 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20171110115342/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/Darling/movie-review/45906280.cms . live.
  9. Web site: Rajendran a Big Asset for Ivanuku Thannila Gandam . 21 February 2015 . NDTV.com . 22 September 2017 . 23 September 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170923002427/http://movies.ndtv.com/regional/rajendran-a-big-asset-for-ivanuku-thannila-gandam-741266 . live.
  10. Web site: Review: Ivanuku Thanila Gandam . https://web.archive.org/web/20150312150258/http://www.sify.com/movies/ivanuku-thanila-gandam-review-tamil-pdmjWtiabbcgh.html . dead . 12 March 2015 . . 12 March 2015 . 22 September 2017.
  11. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yldIb8ZlOY0&list=PL6eYJImIZdQ45oDOjVfsNV4EjWRC90QBg&index=15&t=34s
  12. Web site: Pithamagan Tamil Full Movie Vikram Suriya Bala Laila Sangeetha . Matinee Now Tamil . 21 May 2022 . YouTube. 1:15:11.
  13. News: Rajini, Kamal win best actor awards . https://web.archive.org/web/20091001173907/http://www.hindu.com/2009/09/29/stories/2009092950250100.htm. dead. 1 October 2009 . The Hindu. 19 March 2023 . Chennai, India . 29 September 2009 . The best villain award was given to Rajendran ('Naan Kadavul');.
  14. Web site: Rajendran- Best Actor in Supporting Role Male Nominee . . 19 March 2023 . 19 March 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230319200936/https://www.filmfare.com/awards/filmfare-awards-south-2017/tamil/nominations/best-supporting-actor-male/rajendran . live.
  15. News: Sathyaraj's Thozhar CheGuvera gets release date . en . 12 February 2024 . 23 February 2024 . Cinema Express.
  16. kitakitalu full movie HD . Masked_Version . 27 January 2021 . 22 February 2024 . 26:05.
  17. Web site: Today . Telangana . 2023-05-19 . Vimanam Teaser Samuthirakani Anasuya Bharadwaj Meera Jasmine . 2023-05-28 . Telangana Today . en-US . 28 May 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230528160226/https://telanganatoday.com/vimanam-teaser-samuthirakani-anasuya-bharadwaj-meera-jasmine . live .