Vadivelu

For other uses, seeVadivelu (disambiguation).

Vadivelu
Vadivelu in 2016
Born	Kumaravadivel Natarajan (1960-09-12)12 September 1960 Madurai,Tamil Nadu,India.
Other names	Vaigai Puyal
Occupations	Actor comedian playback singer
Years active	1988–present
Honours	Kalaimamani(2005)

Kumaravadivel Natarajan(born 12 September 1960) known professionally asVadivelu,is an Indian actor, comedian and occasional playback singer, having acted mainly inTamil cinema.He has at least 290 credits to hisfilmography.He is a recipient of several awards including twoFilmfare Award Southand sixTamil Nadu State Film Awards.

He was launched in 1988, inT. Rajendar'sEn Thangai Kalyaniat the career peak of theGoundamani-Senthilduo.His popularity led to his media-coined nickname,Vaigai Puyal,referring to the river that flows through his hometownMadurai.

Vadivelu has received awards in theBest Comediancategory for his performances inKaalam Maari Pochu(1996),Vetri Kodi Kattu(2000),Thavasi(2001),Chandramukhi(2005),Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikecei(2006),Pokkiri(2007),Marudhamalai(2007) andKathavarayan(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, mistreatedSubalternrogue, often subject to on-screen violence and ridicule in the style ofslapstickcomedy.

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 Minutereported, "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 hashtagPray for Nesamaniwhich was the most trending hashtag inIndiaduring the year.

In 2023, Vadivelu receives the Best actor Award inMaamannanat theChennai International Film Festival.

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

Main article:Vadivelu filmography

Early stage (1988–1997)

In 1988, he was launched through a small character inT. Rajendar'sEn Thangai Kalyani.

Vadivelu metRajkiranon a train while on his way toChennaito 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 byKasthuri Raja.It was also the beginning of theGoundamani-Senthil-Vadivelu combination that produced a few skits in the early 90s.

Vijayakanthsupported Vadivelu during his early career. He stated that he was substantial in casting him in 1992'sChinna Gounder.

In 1992, he played contrasting characters in bothKamal Haasanfilms. Vadivelu joined Goundamani andCharlein the comedy filmSingaravelan.Then in the movieThevar Magan,Vadivelu played a worker in patriarchSivaji Ganesan's household.

Vadivelu's first solo came in directorShankar'sKadhalan(1994), in which he played the friend ofPrabhu Deva's student character.

He made his singing debut with the song 'Ettanaa Irundha' from the filmEllame En Rasathan(1995).

They were also considered sidekicks for an older generation of heroes, which includedKamal Haasan,Rajinikanth,Vijayakanthand young heroes in the making like such asAjith Kumar,Vijay,Prabhu Devawhich began rising in prominence, the script required fresh faces for the role of the comedian.

He won his firstTamil Nadu State Film Award for Best ComedianinKaalam Maari Pochu(1996).

The following year, Vadivelu played many films, but his work inBharathi Kannamma(1997) was successful and its combination with actorParthiban.

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 asKaathala Kaathala(1998),Kannathal(1998),Viralukketha Veekkam(1999),Nesam Pudhusu(1999),Mudhalvan(1999),Thirupathi Ezhumalai Venkatesa(1999) andPaattali(1999).

As the 2000s began, Vadivelu became the undisputed "King of Comedy.He later went on to perform numerous roles, includingKandha Kadamba Kathir Vela(2000),Vetri Kodi Kattu(2000),Koodi Vazhnthal Kodi Nanmai(2000),Friends(2001),Middle Class Madhavan(2001),Manadhai Thirudivittai(2001),Thavasi(2001),Arasu(2003),Winner(2003),Giri(2004),Chandramukhi(2005),Thalai Nagaram(2006),Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikecei(2006),Pokkiri(2007),Karuppusamy Kuththagaithaarar(2007),Aarya(2007),Marudhamalai(2007),Kathavarayan(2008) andEllam Avan Seyal(2008).

Cashing in on his popularity, he starred in the lead role of the historical comedy in the filmImsai 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 movieIndiralogathil Na Azhagappan(2008).

Controversies (2008-2012)

On 21 September 2008, Vadivelu's residence in theSaligramamneighbourhood inChennaiwas 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 suspectedVijayakanthbecause 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 onhearsay.

Vadivelu appeared in notables comedy roles withVillu(2009),Kanthaswamy(2009),Peranmai(2009),Aadhavan(2009),Kacheri Arambam(2010),Sura(2010),Thillalangadi(2010) andNagaram Marupakkam(2010).

In 2010, Vadivelu held a press conference, accusing fellow comedian and actorSingamuthufor 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,Kaavalanmovie with actorVijaywas a remarkable one.

During the2011 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election,Vadivelu vehemently campaigned for theDravida Munnetra Kazhagam(DMK) and its alliance. During his public speeches, he predominantly condemned politician and actorVijayakanth,whose party, theDesiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam(DMDK), allied with the opposition partyAll India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam(AIADMK), headed byJayalalithaa.His allegations of Vijayakanth included him being a "drunkard". In a campaign speech inTiruvarur,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.

Vadivelu, who has been out of public sight ever since the last State Assembly elections, which tripped him, will be seen again inMarupadiyum Oru Kadhal(2012) in which he plays a quack.

Decline (2014-2017)

As his career as a lead actor was waning following negatively received films such asTenaliraman(2014) andEli(2015), Vadivelu chose to return to portraying supporting roles.He portrayed a role alongsideVishalinSuraj'sKaththi Sandai(2016), before collaborating again withP. Vasuin the horror comedyShivalinga(2017). Vadivelu then portrayed a supporting role alongsideVijayinMersal(2017), with critics lauding his performance. A critic fromThe New Indian Expressnoted that it was a "brilliant comeback for Vadivelu" and that "his comedy is subtle, yet sufficient".

Temporary ban (2018-2020)

After agreeing to work withChimbu DevenonImsai 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. ShankarandSubaskaran Allirajah,later filed a legal case over his unexplained absence. Likewise,R. K.and Stephen, the producers ofNeeyum Naanum Naduvula Peyumand another untitled film, also opted to file complaints to theNadigar Sangamagainst Vadivelu's lack of cooperation.TheTamil Film Producers Councilissued a ban against casting Vadivelu in future films.

In a video sent toSun TV,Vadivelu said that a few vested interests are trying to stop his growth in the film industry.

In 2019, Vadivelu was interviewed byBehindwoods,in which he criticized Chimbu Deven and Shankar for their creative differences. ProducerT. Sivaand directorNaveen(who worked as an assistant to Chimbu Deven inImsai Arasan 23rd Pulikesi) spoke out against Vadivelu's comments.

In 2020, Vadivelu, who had recently joinedTwitter,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 withPuthiya Thalaimurai TV,Vadivelu confirmed that his ban was lifted and he has agreed for 5 films withLyca Productions.First of which will commence shooting in September 2021, namedNaai Sekhar.

Vadivelu confirmed the lifting of the ban, after 4 years, and returned to play the lead inNaai Sekar Returns;however the movie received a lukewarm response from critics.

His next release, inMari Selvaraj'sMaamannan(2023) sees 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 inThevar Maganas Esakki, a servant who loses his hand for acting on the whims of his adored landlord.This raised attention, and the revisiting ofMari Selvaraj's earlier condemning letter toKamal Haasan,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 ridiculedSubalternfriend of the protagonist.in December 2023, He wins Best Actor award forMaamannanatChennai International Film Festival.

Acclaim

Acting style

Vadivelu's roles involve heavy use of slapstick and puns, which has led him to betypecast.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

Further information:Pray for Nesamani

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.

External links

• VadiveluatIMDb
• VadiveluatRotten Tomatoes