Vadivelu

Infobox actor
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name = Vadivelu


imagesize = 150px
caption =
birthname =
birthdate = birth date and age|1960|10|10
location = flagicon|India Madurai, India
deathdate =
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othername = Vadivel, Vaigai Puyal
yearsactive = 1992 — present
spouse =
homepage =
notable role =
filmfareawards = Best Comedian
otherawards = Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Comedian
tonyawards =
occupation = Actor

Vadivelu is a Tamil comedic film actor. Post-2000, he has dominated Tamil films as a comedian in Kollywood, along with comedian Vivek. During his career, Vadivelu has won several Filmfare Awards and Tamil Nadu State Film Awards.

Early life and career

Born in the southern city of Madurai, Vadivelu is nicknamed "Vaigai Puyal" (the "Vaigai storm", after the river Vaigai, which flows through the city; Puyal could be symbolic of his ability to 'bring down anything like a storm'). Starting as a sidekick to the famed Goundamani-Senthil comedy duo, he rose to prominence after his role in "Kadhalan". His Madurai Tamil accent (Tamil spoken in southern Tamil Nadu) is usually a perfect foil for his roles in Tamil movies with a village background or a simpleton in a city.

In most movies, Vadivelu plays a simpleton with good intentions but lands in trouble because of circumstances or eccentricities of the people he comes across. These roles involve heavy use of slapstick and puns, which has led him to being typecast. His comedy sequences typically end with him getting soundly trashed and a closing one-liner from him bemoaning his situation or antagonists. "Aaha oru guruppa thaaanya alayaraangaya" (this roughly translates to: These people seem to roam around in groups to pick on him), "vanduttangayya, vandutanngya" (In Tamil this announces the arrival of his soon-to-be tormentors).

His part in movies like "Bharathi Kannamma", "Vetri Kodi Kattu" and "Winner" and "Chandramukhi" are typical of his performances that have brought him laurels and accolades from the Tamil movie-goer. Apart from acting, he has also lent his voice to songs in his movies. Some of his popular songs are "Ettana Irundha", "Vikkalu Vikkalu" and "Kundakka Mandakka".

Cashing in on his popularity, he starred in the lead role of the historical comedy spoof, "Imsai Arasan 23am Pulikesi". The movie was a massive hit and was widely acclaimed for its 'clean' comedy. The movie features Vadivelu in a dual role, playing twin brothers. As can be expected in such plots, one of them is a laidback, cowardly king and the other is his brother, who grows up away from the palace into a well-informed and brave rebel, only to exchange places later. His next venture as lead star was in the movie "Indiralohathil Na Azhagappan" which flopped in the box-office.

2008 House Attack

On Sunday, September 21, 2008, Vadivelu's residence, located in the Saligramam neighbourhood in Chennai, was pelted with stones by a gang, leaving several windows and furniture smashed and damaged. The actor had taken refuge in a room in his home and was safe. [http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/41724.html]

Vadivelu is said to have suspected actor Vijayakanth because of a recent controversy that broke out between the two. Vadivelu had previously filed a case against Vijayakanth for assault and the final court hearing will occur on Monday, September 22, 2008. The attack, according to sources may have occurred in order to prevent Vadivelu from attending the court hearing. Also, it is also suspected that followers of actor Ajith Kumar may have done this as the attackers were apparently seen wearing shirts with pictures of Ajith Kumar, also yelling out comments praising the star. However Kumar's manager had immediately denied any affiliations with the attacks. [http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/sep-08-03/vadivelu-ajith-21-09-08.html]

Currently Vadivelu has filed another case on Vijayakanth for attempt of murder and investigations are taking place. Vadivelu has also mentioned his keen interest on competing against Vijayakanth in the next assembly elections and "teaching him a lesson." In response, actor Vijayakanth told a press meet on September 22nd that Vadivelu's allegations are just based on the influence of people. He however refused to comment on Ajith Kumar's involvement on the issue. [http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/sep-08-04/vijayakanth-22-09-08.html] The attackers had left after uttering threat messages that they would attack again if he continues to oppose "the future Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu" (most probably referring to Vijayakanth).

Filmography

References

External links

*imdb name|id=1320904|name=Vadivelu
* [http://www.allmovie.com/cg/avg.dll Vadivelu] at Allmovie
* [http://vadivelu-actor.moviedost.com/ MovieDost: Vadivelu]