Avinash
Known for: Acting
**Avinash Yelandur** (born 22 December 1959), widely known simply as **Avinash**, is a highly acclaimed Indian actor who works predominantly in Kannada and Tamil cinema. Renowned for his authentic portrayals of complex characters, commanding screen presence, and incredible versatility, he is one of the most sought-after and respected supporting actors in South India. Born in the town of Yelandur in the Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka, Avinash initially pursued a career in academia. After earning a Master's degree in English Literature from the University of Mysore, he taught English as a lecturer at the National Institute of Engineering in Mysore and MES College in Bangalore. However, his deep passion for the performing arts led him to train in acting at the Mermaid Theatre in London. Upon returning to India, he became a prominent figure in Kannada theatre, working closely with B. Jayashree's troupe "Spandana" and Shankar Nag's renowned "Sanketh". Avinash transitioned to the silver screen in the mid-1980s and gradually built a monumental filmography of over 400 films across a career spanning nearly four decades. While he appeared in several films early on, he garnered immense critical acclaim for his nuanced performances in parallel and character-driven cinema. His exceptional performance in T. N. Seetharam's *Mathadana* (2001) won him the prestigious Karnataka State Film Award for Best Supporting Actor. He also earned widespread praise for his work in critically acclaimed classics like *Dweepa* (2002), *Singaaravva* (2003), and *Chigurida Kanasu* (2003). In the mainstream space, Avinash achieved massive commercial success and broader popularity for his pivotal roles in P. Vasu's blockbuster horror franchise, playing the role of Acharya Ramachandra Shastri in the Kannada hit *Apthamitra* (2004) and its sequel *Aptharakshaka* (2010), as well as featuring in the Tamil phenomenon *Chandramukhi* (2005). His performance in *Aptharakshaka* earned him a Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor. He has consistently adapted to the changing eras of Sandalwood, delivering standout performances in modern hits like *Ugramm* (2014), *K.G.F: Chapter 1* (2018), and the emotional drama *Sapta Sagaradaache Ello* (2023). Beyond cinema, he is a familiar face on television, most notably starring in the iconic Kannada soap opera *Mayamruga*. It was on the sets of this series that he met his future wife, popular actress and television personality Malavika Avinash, whom he married in 2001. In recognition of his immense contributions to cinema and culture, he was honored with the Rajyotsava Award by the Government of Karnataka.
Filmography
Film
Mookuthi Amman 2
2026
Film
Sardar 2
Agent 'Chetta' Victor
2026
Mayamruga
Krishna Prasad
1998
Film
Ustaad Bhagat Singh
Miya Bhai
2026
Film
Aaryan
Ravi Chakrapani
2025
Film
Chandramukhi
Ramachandra Acharya
2005
Film
Sardar
Agent 'Chetta' Victor
2022
Film
Siruthai
Bavuji
2011
Film
Jaguar
College Principal
2016
Film
Aptharakshaka
Ramachand Acharya
2010
Film
Yennai Arindhaal
Hemanika's father
2015
Film
Deadly Soma
2005
Film
Bagheera
Ramakanth Appayya
2024
Film
Akhanda
Akhanda and Murali's father
2021
Film
Sapta Sagaradaache Ello – Side A
Shankare Gowda
2023
Film
School Master
2010
Film
James
2022
Film
Bhairathi Ranagal
Khandre
2024
Film
Swarna Samsara
1990
Film
Flirt
2025
Film
Jungle Boy
Sanjay
1998
Film
Connect
Father Alex
2022
Film
Nanda
2009
Film
Neeya 2
2019
Film
Bharjari
2017
Film
Auto Shankar
2005
Series
Raakshasa
2026
Film
Veeram
Aavudaiyappan
2014
Film
Lakshmana
2016
Film
Swamy
Aravinda Desai
2005
Film
Natasaarvabhowma
2019
Film
Durgi
Teacher
2004
Film
Uthkarsha
1990
Film
Kurukshetra
Gandhara Raja Subala
2019
Film
Prithvi
2010
Film
Aapadbandhava
1987
Film
Yuvarathnaa
Jaipal
2021
Film
Jackie Chan
1997
Film
Gethu
Craig's Boss
2016
Film
Raju Gari Gadhi 2
Priest
2017
Film
Rajapattai
Dakshinamoorthy's Son
2011
Film
Anna Bond
Major Chandrakanth
2012
Film
Kidnap
1995
Film
Ranna
Udaya Chandra
2015
Film
Raajakumara
Jagadish
2017
Film
Daasa
2003
Film
Killadi
SP Easwarapandiyan
2015
Film
Deva
1989
Punda
2010
Film
Pailwaan
Rukmini's Father
2019
Film
Kiladigalu
1994
Film
Kabzaa
2023
Film
Akasmika
Reggie
1993
Film
Porki
2010
Film
Tantiram
Adhiban
2023
Film
Kiccha
Chief Minister
2003
Film
Ugramm
Shivarudra Lingaiah
2014
Film
Achyuta Avataaram
Madan Master
2026
Film
Lakshmi Kalyanam
Chalamayya
2007
Film
Doubles
Louie
2011
Film
Gultoo
Circle Inspector Avinash
2018
Film
Rishi
2005
Film
Amma I Love You
2018
Film
Chigurida Kanasu
Shanubhoga Rangaraya
2003
Film
Sye
Sivaji
2005
Film
Paramathma
2011
Film
Love Birds
2023
Film
Inspector Siva
Film
Kalasipalya
2004
Film
Gadibidi Krishna
1998
Film
Mathsara
1990
Film
Ranachandi
1991
Film
Pandu Ranga Vittala
2005
Film
Tarka
Inspector Cowry
1989
Film
Khushi
Durga Prasad
2003
Film
Kotigobba 2
Land Owner
2016
Film
Mrugashira
2015
Film
Belli Kalungura
1992
Film
Father
2026
Film
Devaru Kotta Tangi
2009
Film
Meaghamann
Avinash Bhote (Knight)
2014
Film
Raaga
2017
Film
Brindavihari
2026
Film
Inspector Vikram
Rao
1989
Film
Shivalinga
Krishna Bhatta, Sangeetha's father
2016
Film
The Island
Ganapa
2002
Film
Hebbuli
ACP Prathap
2017
Film
Madurai Veeran
Vishvanathan
2007
Film
Nagavalli
Acharya Ramachandra
2010
Film
S. P. Sangliyana Part 2
1990
Film
Ellidde Illi Tanaka
2019
Film
Shivaji Surathkal: The Case of Ranagiri Rahasya
Rajeev Ravi
2020
Romeo
2012
Film
Mr. Theertha
2010
Film
Sandamarutham
2015
Film
krishna
2007
Film
Vande Matharam
2001
Film
Akira
2016
Film
Suvarna Sundari
Raja Ram Bahadur
2023
Film
Chithralekha
1992
Film
Nannavanu
2010
Film
Udhayam NH4
Avinash Patel
2013
Film
ACT-1978
Chief Minister
2020
Film
Amrithadhare
2005
Film
Maanikya
2014
Film
Arishadvarga
Manjunath Bhat
2019
Film
Jothe Jotheyali
2006
Film
Thirumalai
Shwetha Father
2003
Film
Power
Bharath's Higher Officer and Prasanthi's father
2014
Film
Jyeshta
2004
Film
Modalasala
Karthik's Father
2010
Film
Paramasivan
DGP Rajasekar
2006
Yuddha
1997
Film
Chamundi
2000
Film
Aadi
2005
Film
Appu
Police Comisssioner / Suchithra's Father
2002
Film
Kushalave Kshemave
2003
Film
Garuda Dhwaja
1991
Film
Balaramana Dinagalu
Colonel Deviah
2026
Film
Chellata
2006
Film
Sri Ram
2003
Film
Ninagagi
Dr. Subramanya
2002
Film
Bombaat Huduga
1993
Goonda Rajya
1992
Film
Shourya
2010
Madhavacharya
1986
Film
Moggina Manasu
2008
Film
Ragini IPS
Hiremath
2014
Film
Sirivantha
2006
Film
Detective Teekshanaa
2026
Film
Rana Vikrama
Kusti Ranganna
2015
Film
Juni
2024
Film
Aa Okkadu
2009
Film
Ouija
Iliyas
2015
Film
Ninnindale
Venktaesh
2014
Film
I Am God
2025
Film
Rehna Nahi Bin Tere
2025
Film
Mr. Airavata
Commissioner
2015
Film
Premam Poojyam
2021
One and a half
Balvanth Singh
Film
27 Mavalli Circle
P. R. Arun Kumar
1986
Film
Vaasu Naan Pakka Commercial
2018
Film
Yajamana
Devaraj
2000
Film
Dattha
2006
Film
19.20.21
2023
Film
Border
2021
Film
Vajrakaya
2015
Jinke Mari
2013
Film
Mani
2003
Veerappan
1991
Film
Circus
2009
Film
Kothalavadi
2025
Film
Cyanide
2006
Film
Sheela
2023
Film
Vattaram
Karuppusamy
2006
Film
Yadha Yadha Hi
Avinash Bhat
2023
Film
Sanju Weds Geetha
2011
Film
Brihaspathi
2018
Film
Rudra Garuda Purana
2025
Film
Vikram
2003
Film
Rakshasa
2005
Film
Moondraam Ullaga Por
Subramaniam
2016
Film
Kanti
SP Avinash
2004
Film
Poli Kitty
1990
Film
Thayiya Madilu
2007
Film
Thayi Illada Thabbali
2003
Film
Dhruva
2002
Film
C.B.I Shankar
Vikram
1989
Film
Chinnari Mutha
Saavanth
1993
Film
LAW
2020
Film
Thangigagi
ACP Chandrashekhar
2006
Film
Gopi Krishna
1992
Film
Prince
Hemanth
2011
Film
Kotigobba
2001
Film
Orange
2018
Film
Upendra Matte Baa
Rudraraju
2017
Film
Nishkarsha
Ramakrishna
1993
Film
Mounam
2020
Film
Katha Sangama
2019
Film
Hudugaru
Paramashiva Murthy
2011
Film
Swathi
1994
Film
Mathe Udbhava
2020
Victory
DCP Rajendra
2013
Film
Yuddha Kaanda
1989
Film
Huccha
Kiccha's Brother
2001
Film
Daiji
Film
Lockup Death
1994
Film
Avale Nanna Gelathi
2004
Film
Indra
2008
Film
Alexander
1994
Film
Jessie
2016
Film
Soundarya
2007
Film
Poi
Valluvan
2006
Film
Preethisle Beku
Inspector Amarasimha
2003
Film
Prema Antha Easy Kadu
2019
Film
Eradane Sala
2017
Film
Madarangi
2013
Film
Mathadana
Puttathammayya
2001
Film
Kempa
Shetty
2009
Film
Yodha
2009
Film
Valmiki
2005
Film
Beladingala Baale
Prabhakaran
1995
Film
Hudugaata
2007
Film
C.B.I Shiva
1991
Film
Daada
1988
Film
Sagar
2012
Film
Tananam Tananam
2006
Film
Adhyaksha In America
2019
Film
Aakash
2005
Film
Veera Kannadiga
2004
Film
CID Eesha
2013
Film
Santheyalli Nintha Kabira
Kabir's father
2016
Film
Ayya
2005
Film
Dashamukha
2012
Film
Kabaddi
2009
Film
Samarthya
2024
Film
Hrudaya Hrudaya
1999
Film
Belli Modagalu
1992
Film
Vaamana
2025
Film
Dasharatha
2019
Film
Forest
2025
Film
Namma Basava
2005
Film
Kadhale En Kadhale
Mahendran
2006
Film
Bullet Rani
Rajesh
2016
Film
Champion
2022
Film
Raja Narasimha
2003
Film
Athiratha
2017
Film
Namo Bhootatma
Karadi Shivanna
2014
Film
Huliya
1996
Film
Patela
1999
Film
Preethsu Thappenilla
2000
Film
Samyuktha
Gopal Rao
1988
Film
Premisum
2010
Film
Theedhum Soodhum Endhan Mugavari
2023
Film
Kurka
Film
Laila's Sweet Dream
Mayor Prabhakar
1994
Film
Sangharsha
1993