R. Madhavan
Known for: Acting
Ranganathan Madhavan (born 1 June 1970) is an Indian actor, writer and film producer. He has been described as one of the few actors in India who is able to achieve pan-Indian appeal, appearing in films from seven different languages. Madhavan has received two Filmfare Awards, an award from the Tamil Nadu State Film Awards alongside recognition and nominations from other organisations. Madhavan began his acting career with television guest appearances, including a role on the Zee TV prime-time soap opera Banegi Apni Baat in 1996. After appearing in commercials and in small roles, he later gained recognition in the Tamil film industry through Mani Ratnam's successful romance film Alaipayuthey (2000). In addition to his acting career, Madhavan has worked as a writer on his films, hosted television programmes and has been a prominent celebrity endorser for brands and products.[5] He has also worked as a film producer, first making Evano Oruvan with Leukos Films, before setting up Tricolour Films to produce Saala Khadoos (2016). Madhavan is noted for his philanthropic activities and promotes various causes such as environment, health and education. He is particularly vocal about the protection of animals and was awarded PETA's Person of the Year recognition in 2012.
Filmography
Series
C.I.D.
Self
1998
Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai
2002
Film
3 Idiots
Farhan Qureshi
2009
Film
Dhurandhar
Ajay Sanyal
2025
Film
G.D.N
GD Naidu
2026
Film
Dhurandhar: The Revenge
Ajay Sanyal
2026
Series
Ghar Jamai
Malayatoor Subramaniam Namboodiripad (Subbu)
1997
Series
The Railway Men - The Untold Story of Bhopal 1984
Rati Pandey
2023
Series
The Final Table
Self
2018
Series
Breathe
Danny Mascarenhas
2018
Film
De De Pyaar De 2
Rakesh Khurana
2025
Film
Aap Jaisa Koi
Shrirenu Tripathi
2025
Film
Shaitaan
Vanraj Kashyap
2024
Series
Legacy
Film
Rang De Basanti
Ajay Rathod
2006
Film
Zero
Kartik Srinivasan
2018
Film
Jodi Breakers
Sid
2012
Film
Night of the Living Dead: Darkest Dawn
Tom
2015
Series
Decoupled
Arya Iyer
2021
Film
Guru
Shyam Saxena
2007
Film
Dhokha: Round D Corner
Yathaarth Sinha
2022
Film
Yavarum Nalam
Manohar
2009
Film
Rocketry: The Nambi Effect
Nambi Narayanan
2022
Saaya
Shekhar
1998
Film
Vikram Vedha
Vikram
2017
Film
Nishabdham
Anthony
2020
Film
Minnale
Rajesh Shivakumar
2001
Film
Alaipayuthey
Karthik Varadharajan
2000
Banegi Apni Baat
Ashley
1993
Film
Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh
Neville McKinley
2025
Film
Kannathil Muthamittal
Thiruchelvan
2002
Film
Irudhi Suttru
Prabhu Selvaraj
2016
Film
Lesa Lesa
Deva Narayanan (Guest Appearance)
2003
Film
Nala Damayanthi
Ramji Narayanaswami Iyer
2003
Film
Test
Saravanan
2025
Film
Putham Pudhu Kaalai
Narrator (segment "Ilamai Idho Idho")
2020
Circle
Film
Anbe Sivam
Anbarasu
2003
Film
Teen Patti
Prof. Shantanu Biswas
2010
Film
Manmadhan Ambu
Madanagopal
2010
Film
Paarthale Paravasam
Dr. Madhava
2001
Amriki Pandit
Purab
2022
Series
Mega Icons
Self - Host
2018
Film
Priyamaana Thozhi
Ashok
2003
Film
Tanu Weds Manu
Manoj "Manu" Sharma
2011
Film
Operation Cobra
Inspector Ravi
1997
Film
Rendu
Sakthi / Kannan
2006
Film
Halla Bol
Himself (uncredited)
2008
Film
Vaazhthugal
T. Kadhiravan
2008
Film
Ramji Londonwaley
Ramnarayan Tiwari (Ramji)
2005
Film
Vettai
Thiru Murthy
2012
Film
Ennavale
James Vasanthan
2000
Film
Aethiree
Subramani aka 'Bottle' Mani
2004
Film
Tanu Weds Manu: Returns
Manoj 'Manu' Sharma
2015
Film
Magalir Mattum
Surendar (Cameo)
2017
Film
Hisaab Barabar
Radhe Mohan Sharma
2024
Film
Maara
'Maara' Manimaaran
2021
Film
Aayitha Ezhuthu
Inbasekaran
2004
Film
Big in Bollywood
Himself
2011
Film
Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein
Madhav "Maddy" Shastri
2001
Film
Savyasachi
Arun Raj
2018
Film
Mumbai Meri Jaan
Nikhil Agarwal
2008
Film
Sunglass
2013
Nothing but Life
Roby Thomas
2004
Film
Aarya
Aarya
2007
Film
Priyasakhi
Sandhana Krishnan (Sakhi)
2005
Film
Dil Vil Pyar Vyar
Krish Kumar
2002
Film
Jay Jay
Jagan
2003
Film
Delhii Heights
2007
Film
Thambi
Thambi Velu Thondaiman
2006
Shaitaan 2
Film
Run
Siva
2002
Film
Om Shanti
RJ Maddy (extended cameo)
2010
Film
Evano Oruvan
Sridhar Vasudevan
2007
Film
Dum Dum Dum
Adhithyan
2001
Film
Is Raat Ki Subah Nahin
Singer in Club (Uncredited Role)
1996
Film
Guru En Aalu
Guru
2009
Film
Adhirshtasaali
Film
Sikandar
Lt. Col. Rajesh Rao
2009
Bridge
Film
Shanti Shanti Shanti
Siddhartha
1998