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Vadivelu

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For other uses, see Vadivelu (disambiguation).

Vadivelu
Vadivelu in 2016
Born
Kumaravadivel Natarajan

(1960-09-12) 12 September 1960 (age 64)[1]
Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Other namesVaigai Puyal
Occupations
  • Actor
  • Comedian
  • Playback singer
Years active1988–present
WorksFull list
HonoursKalaimamani (2005)

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. He has at least 290 credits to his name. He was a recipient of several awards including two Filmfare Award South and six Tamil Nadu State Film Awards.[2][3][4][5]

He was launched in 1988, in T. Rajendar's En Thangai Kalyani at the career peak of the Goundamani-Senthil duo.[6] His popularity led to his media-coined nickname, Vaigai Puyal,[7] referring to the river that flows through his hometown Madurai.

Vadivelu has received awards in the Best Comedian category for his performances in Kaalam Maari Pochu (1996), Vetri Kodi Kattu (2000), Thavasi (2001), Chandramukhi (2005), Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikecei (2006), Pokkiri (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 comedy.[8][9]

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.[10][6] In 2017, The News Minute 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."[11] 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 during the year.[12]

Early life

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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.[13]

Career

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Main article: Vadivelu filmography

Early stage (1988–1997)

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In 1988, he was launched through a small character in T. Rajendar's En Thangai Kalyani.[14]

Vadivelu met Rajkiran on a train while on his way to Chennai 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-Senthil-Vadivelu combination that produced a few skits in the early 90s.[15]

Vijayakanth supported Vadivelu during his early career. He stated that he was substantial in casting him in 1992's Chinna Gounder.[16]

In 1992, he played contrasting characters in both Kamal Haasan films. Vadivelu joined Goundamani and Charle in the comedy film Singaravelan.[17] Then in the movie Thevar Magan, Vadivelu played a worker in patriarch Sivaji Ganesan's household.[18][19]

Vadivelu's first solo came in director Shankar's Kadhalan (1994), in which he played the friend of Prabhu Deva's student character.[20]

He made his singing debut with the song 'Ettanaa Irundha' from the film Ellame En Rasathan (1995).[21]

They were also considered sidekicks for an older generation of heroes, which included Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth, Vijayakanth and young heroes in the making like such as Ajith Kumar, Vijay, Prabhu Deva which began rising in prominence, the script required fresh faces for the role of the comedian.[22]

He won his first Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Comedian in Kaalam Maari Pochu (1996).[23]

The following year, Vadivelu played many films, but his work in Bharathi Kannamma (1997) was successful and its combination with actor Parthiban.[24]

Superstardom in comedy (1998–2008)

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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.[25] After a certain stage of success, he started to act as a solo comedian, supported by other minor comedians.[26]

He starred in movies as Kaathala Kaathala (1998), Kannathal (1998), Viralukketha Veekkam (1999), Nesam Pudhusu (1999), Mudhalvan (1999), Thirupathi Ezhumalai Venkatesa (1999) and Paattali (1999).

As the 2000s began, Vadivelu became the undisputed "King of Comedy.[27] He later went on to perform numerous roles, including Kandha 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) 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).[28]

Controversies (2008-2012)

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On 21 September 2008, Vadivelu's residence in the Saligramam neighbourhood in Chennai 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 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.[29] 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.[30][31]

Vadivelu appeared in notables comedy roles such as Villu (2009), Kanthaswamy (2009), Peranmai (2009), Aadhavan (2009), Kacheri Arambam (2010), Sura (2010), Thillalangadi (2010) and Nagaram Marupakkam (2010).

In 2010, Vadivelu held a press conference, accusing fellow comedian and actor Singamuthu 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.[32][33]

In the year 2011, Kaavalan movie with actor Vijay was a remarkable one.[34]

During the 2011 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election, Vadivelu vehemently campaigned for the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and its alliance. During his public speeches, he predominantly condemned politician and actor Vijayakanth, whose party, the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), allied with the opposition party All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), headed by Jayalalithaa. 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.[35] In a turn of events, the election was eventually successful for the AIADMK alliance, and Vijayakanth won his constituency by a considerable margin.[36]

Vadivelu, who has been out of public sight ever since the last State Assembly elections, which tripped him, will be seen again in Marupadiyum Oru Kadhal (2012) in which he plays a quack.[37]

Decline (2014-2017)

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As his career as a lead actor was waning following negatively received films such as Tenaliraman (2014) and Eli (2015), Vadivelu chose to return to portraying supporting roles.[38][39] He portrayed a role alongside Vishal 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 (2017), with critics lauding his performance. A critic from The New Indian Express noted that it was a "brilliant comeback for Vadivelu" and that "his comedy is subtle, yet sufficient".[40]

Temporary ban (2018-2020)

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After agreeing to work with Chimbu Deven 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 against Vadivelu's lack of cooperation.[41] The Tamil Film Producers Council issued a ban against casting Vadivelu in future films.[42]

In a video sent to Sun TV, Vadivelu said that a few vested interests are trying to stop his growth in the film industry.[43]

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.[44][45]

In 2020, Vadivelu, who had recently joined Twitter, 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".[46]

Re-entry (2021–present)

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In 2021, in a significant hint about his return to the Tamil cinema, Vadivelu said that a good thing will happen definitely.[47]

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.[48][49]

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.[49]

His next release, in Mari Selvaraj's Maamannan (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 in Thevar Magan as Esakki, a servant who loses his hand for acting on the whims of his adored landlord.[50][51] This raised attention, and the revisiting of Mari Selvaraj's earlier condemning letter to Kamal Haasan, the scriptwriter-lead of the movie, for its unchecked glorification of oppressor caste lifestyles and privileges.[50] 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.[52][53] In December 2023, he wins Best Actor award for Maamannan at Chennai International Film Festival.[54]

Acclaim

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Acting style

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Vadivelu's roles involve heavy use of slapstick and puns, which has led him to be typecast.[55] 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.[56]

Popularity

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Further information: Pray for Nesamani

Vadivelu's dialogues served as an inspiration for memes in social media.[57][58] Many meme creators use Vadivelu's dialogues for all ongoing situations in the world to express irony.[55] His lines from certain films also influenced the titles for various Tamil films.[59]

References

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  1. ^ "Vadivelu's younger brother Jagatheeshwaran passes away at 52" – via The Economic Times - The Times of India.
  2. ^ "IndiaGlitz – State Awards for the year 2006 – Govt. of Tamil Nadu – Tamil Movie News". 8 September 2007. Archived from the original on 8 September 2007. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
  3. ^ "Full list of the Tamil Film Awards from 2009–2014 announced by the TN govt". The Hindu. 13 July 2017. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
  4. ^ "The Hindu : Front Page : Rajini, Kamal win best actor awards". 1 October 2009. Archived from the original on 1 October 2009. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
  5. ^ "Vadivelu Awards". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
  6. ^ a b Yamunan, Sruthisagar (9 February 2018). "Why every day in Tamil Nadu is a Vadivelu day". Scroll.in. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
  7. ^ "Vadivelu – profile". Nilacharal.com. Archived from the original on 19 January 2013. Retrieved 15 May 2013.
  8. ^ Arthi, B.; Rao, Y. Srinivasa (2019). "Emergence of Dalit Narratives in the Contemporary Tamil Cinema". Proceedings of the Indian History Congress. 80: 1159–1173. ISSN 2249-1937. JSTOR 27192971.
  9. ^ "How Vadivelu's comedy gave Tamil people a language of mockery and memes". The Indian Express. 4 August 2019. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
  10. ^ "If it's a meme, it has to be Vadivelu". The Times of India. 10 January 2020. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
  11. ^ Rajendran, Sowmya (26 January 2017). "Why blood, same blood: From politics to everyday life, the Vadivelu-isms TN loves". The News Minute. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
  12. ^ "Decoding Vadivelu: The uncrowned internet 'arasan' of Tamil Nadu". The New Indian Express. 4 June 2019. Archived from the original on 21 October 2019. Retrieved 31 March 2020.
  13. ^ "நடிகர் வடிவேலு பற்றி பலரும் அறியாத 10 உண்மைகள்" (in Tamil). Archived from the original on 27 June 2019. Retrieved 8 February 2020 – via www.youtube.com.
  14. ^ "அப்போ, வடிவேலுவை அறிமுகம் செய்தது ராஜ்கிரண் கிடையாதா ? இதை பாருங்க". 21 April 2020.
  15. ^ "Vadivelu, the evergreen laughter doctor! - Tamil News - IndiaGlitz.com". 12 September 2020.
  16. ^ "10 Lesser known facts about Vijayakanth". Behindwoods. 12 May 2016.
  17. ^ "How Vadivelu's comedy gave Tamil people a language of mockery and memes". 4 August 2019.
  18. ^ "Vadivelu fans, rejoice! Actor to make comeback in Kamal's 'Thalaivan Irukkindraan'". The News Minute. 18 November 2019.
  19. ^ "When Vadivelu's overacting caught Sivaji Ganesan and Kamal Haasan off-guard". 19 November 2019.
  20. ^ "Vadivelu The Clown Prince Of Tamil Cinema".
  21. ^ "Vadivelu sings AR Rahman's composition for Maamannan".
  22. ^ "Vijay to Rajinikanth: Five actors, who share good onscreen chemistry with Vadivelu".
  23. ^ "Vadivelu – Actor". Just Dial Entertainment. 20 December 2020.
  24. ^ "Parthiban to reunite with Vadivelu for 'Bharathi Kannamma 2'?".
  25. ^ Yamunan, Sruthisagar (9 February 2018). "Why every day in Tamil Nadu is a Vadivelu day". Scroll.in.
  26. ^ "ItÂ's between Vivek and Vadivelu – Tamil News". IndiaGlitz.com. 25 August 2009.
  27. ^ "Tamil Comedy King is back".
  28. ^ "Exclusive biography of #Vadivelu and on his life". FilmiBeat.
  29. ^ "Vadivelu's house attacked". IndiaGlitz. 22 September 2008. Archived from the original on 24 December 2013. Retrieved 10 October 2017.
  30. ^ "Vijayakanth explains... – Behindwoods.com Politician Koyambedu Vadivelu Ajith Billa INDIRALOGATHIL NA AZHAGAPPAN IMSAI ARASAN 23 PULIKESI tamil movie news images picture gallery images". Behindwoods.com. Archived from the original on 16 October 2013. Retrieved 15 May 2013.
  31. ^ Settu Shankar (8 December 2008). "Vadivelu declares war with Vijaykanth". Oneindia. Archived from the original on 8 July 2012. Retrieved 15 May 2013.
  32. ^ "Vadivelu roars against Singamuthu". IndiaGlitz.com. 3 February 2010. Archived from the original on 17 August 2013. Retrieved 15 May 2013.
  33. ^ Settu Shankar (12 April 2010). "Its Vadivelu Vs Singamuthu again!". Oneindia. Archived from the original on 8 July 2012. Retrieved 15 May 2013.
  34. ^ "Kavalan review. Kavalan Tamil movie review, story, rating". IndiaGlitz.com.
  35. ^ "கருணாநிதி முன்னிலையில் விஜயகாந்த்தை தாறுமாறாக விளாசி விமர்சித்த வடிவேலு". filmibeat.com. 24 March 2011. Archived from the original on 11 October 2020. Retrieved 1 April 2020.
  36. ^ "தே.மு.தி.க.,வுக்கு தேர்தல் கமிஷன் அங்கீகாரம்: சின்னத்தை இழக்கிறது பா.ம.க." Dinamalar. 18 May 2011. Archived from the original on 20 May 2011. Retrieved 18 May 2011.
  37. ^ "Vadivelu plays quack in 'Marupadiyum Oru Kadhal'". nowrunning.com.
  38. ^ Rangan, Baradwaj (19 April 2014). "Tenaliraman: Clown of thorns". The Hindu – via www.thehindu.com.
  39. ^ Rangan, Baradwaj (19 June 2015). "Eli: Seriously unfunny". The Hindu – via www.thehindu.com.
  40. ^ Thimayya, Daniel (19 October 2017). "Mersal review: Vijay makes this entertainer seem terrific". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 23 February 2018.
  41. ^ Subramanian, Anupama (23 February 2018). "Is Vadivelu becoming the 'real' Imsai Arasan?". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 3 April 2019. Retrieved 3 April 2019.
  42. ^ "Tamil film industry blacklists comedian Vadivelu". 17 September 2018. Archived from the original on 2 September 2019. Retrieved 9 June 2019.
  43. ^ "Vadivelu says he will start his new film soon!". Archived from the original on 1 January 2020.
  44. ^ Palani, Dhiwaharan. ""Even Sathish, Soori Are Far Better Than Vadivelu" Leading Producer's Shocking Statements !! WATCH !!". Chennaiyin Adaiyalam. Archived from the original on 14 July 2019. Retrieved 8 February 2020.
  45. ^ ChennaiJune 9, India Today Web Desk (9 June 2019). "Moodar Koodam director Naveen slams Vadivelu for his comments on Chimbu Deven". India Today. Archived from the original on 10 June 2019. Retrieved 8 February 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  46. ^ "Vadivelu promises to make a grand comeback, puts up video for fans". 13 September 2020.
  47. ^ "Actor Vadivelu meets MK Stalin...Why and is he coming back to Cinema? Here's his answer!". 14 July 2021.
  48. ^ "சேலத்தின் மலைக்கிராமம் to பாராலிம்பிக்.. பதக்க நாயகன் மாரியப்பனின் வெற்றிக் கதை!". Puthiyathalaimurai (in Tamil). Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  49. ^ a b Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: ""சினிமாவில் மறுபிறவி.." உணர்ச்சிவசப்பட்ட நடிகர் வடிவேலு | Vadivelu | ActorVadivelu | TamilCinema". YouTube.
  50. ^ a b "Mari Selvaraj's scathing letter to Kamal Haasan resurfaces after director's speech at Maamannan audio launch". The Indian Express. 21 June 2023. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
  51. ^ Mari Selvaraj Speech at Maamannan Audio Launch | Udhayanidhi Stalin, Vadivelu, Kamal, retrieved 23 June 2023
  52. ^ "'Right or wrong': Director Mari Selvaraj recalls case of Kamal Haasan's 'Thevar Magan'". English.Mathrubhumi. 21 June 2023. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
  53. ^ "Mari Selvaraj: Kamal Haasan's Thevar Magan is the reason behind Maamannan". The Indian Express. 2 June 2023. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
  54. ^ "Vadivelu wins best actor award for Maamannan at Chennai International Film Festival".
  55. ^ a b Yamunan, Sruthisagar (9 February 2018). "Why every day in Tamil Nadu is a Vadivelu day". Scroll.in. Archived from the original on 11 June 2019. Retrieved 8 February 2020.
  56. ^ "Vadivelu – Biography". Chakpak. Archived from the original on 28 April 2010. Retrieved 28 April 2010.
  57. ^ "Happy birthday Vaigai Puyal Vadivelu: There is no stopping this humour storm!". 10 October 2017. Archived from the original on 3 April 2019. Retrieved 5 October 2019.
  58. ^ "Why blood, same blood: From politics to everyday life, the Vadivelu-isms TN loves". 26 January 2017. Archived from the original on 10 August 2017. Retrieved 31 March 2020.
  59. ^ Lee, Dharmik (16 May 2017). "வடிவேலுவின் ஃபேமஸ் டயலாக்குகள்தான் இந்தப் படங்களின் டைட்டில்ஸ்! – Vadivelu's Dialog as movie's title". vikatan. Archived from the original on 30 May 2019. Retrieved 31 March 2020.
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