Jayam Ravi is a Tamil actor who has been in the film industry for over two decades. He made his debut as a lead actor in the 2003 film Jayam, directed by his brother M. Raja. The film was a remake of the Telugu film of the same name. Ravi has starred in a variety of films, including rom-coms, action thrillers, and historical dramas. He is known for his versatile acting skills and his ability to carry off any role.
Ravi was recently seen in the two-part historical drama Ponniyin Selvan, directed by Mani Ratnam. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Kalki Krishnamurthy. Ravi plays the titular role of Arulmozhi Varman, the great Chola king. His upcoming projects includes Iraivan, Thani Oruvan 2 and Siren. On Tamil actor’s 43rd birthday, here’s a look at his journey in the entertainment industry.
Early Career and Success
Jayam Ravi, born Arulmozhi Varman, began his journey in Tamil cinema with the film “Jayam" in 2003, directed by his brother M. Raja. The film’s success marked the beginning of his career as a lead actor. He quickly gained recognition for his youthful appearance and acting talent, earning the moniker “Jayam Ravi."
Remake Ravi and Box Office Success
Ravi and his brother Raja collaborated on several successful remakes, including “M Kumaran Son of Mahalakshmi" (2004), a heartwarming story of a son trying to reconcile with his estranged father through kickboxing. These films, often criticized as “remakes," still resonated with audiences, and Ravi’s ability to blend romance, comedy, and family sentiment became evident.
Notable Films and Critical Acclaim
In “Santhosh Subramaniam" (2008), Jayam Ravi portrayed a frustrated son rebelling against his overbearing father, played by Prakash Raj, and received critical acclaim for his performance. The film’s climax scene, where he confronts his father, became immensely popular among the youth.
Breaking Stereotypes with ‘Peranmai’ (2009)
“Peranmai" was a turning point in Jayam Ravi’s career. He played the role of Dhuruvan, a forest guard from a Scheduled Tribe, shedding his boy-next-door image. The film tackled issues of caste discrimination and earned praise for its portrayal of empowered Dalit and Adivasi characters.
Thriller Success with ‘Thani Oruvan’ (2015)
“Thani Oruvan," directed by his brother Raja, was a blockbuster thriller where Ravi portrayed a trainee IPS officer. The film’s antagonist, played by Aravind Swamy, received widespread acclaim, but Ravi’s performance as an effective foil to the villain was equally noteworthy.
Continued Success and Versatility
Jayam Ravi has maintained a steady reputation for his script-driven film choices in a star-driven industry. “Comali" (2019), in which he played a man waking up from a 16-year coma, was another success that showcased his versatility.
Challenging Role in ‘Ponniyin Selvan’
Ravi’s most challenging role to date came in Mani Ratnam’s “Ponniyin Selvan," an adaptation of the iconic Tamil literary work. Portraying the titular role of Arulmozhi Varman demanded physical and mental agility, and Ravi’s performance in the film, especially in “Ponniyin Selvan 2," received commendation.
Jayam Ravi’s journey from a romantic hero to a versatile actor has been marked by his dedication to storytelling and his willingness to take on diverse roles. His evolution in the industry reflects his commitment to exploring new horizons in Tamil cinema.
JAYAM RAVI TOP 5 MOVIES
- M. Kumaran S/O Mahalakshmi
Jayam Ravi’s Kumaran is passionate about kickboxing. From finding love to spending quality time with family, everything went well until his mother ends up on her deathbed. To fulfil her last wish, Jayam Ravi embarks on a journey to find his father and discover his true dedication to kickboxing. - Thani Oruvan
Directed by M. Raja, brother of Jayam Ravi, the movie tells the story of an honest IPS officer. When he comes across an influential scientist who uses his power and takes advantage of the trust people have in him, he decides to expose him. The movie shows the clash between the good and the bad. - Agilan
The film, directed by N Kalyana Krishnan, is a action-thriller. Jayam Ravi plays the role of the ‘King of the Indian Ocean’. - Iraivan
Iraivan, a forthcoming commercial drama, will feature Nayanthara and Jayam Ravi on the screen. Both previously collaborated on Mohan Raja’s Thani Oruvan which came out in 2015. Ravi will play the role of a cop. Fans are enthusiastic to witness their chemistry on the screen again. - Ponniyin Selvan
Directed by Mani Ratnam, the movie has several big names attached to it including, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Chiyaan Vikram. The movie is a historical thriller and is based on Kalki’s epic novel of the same name. Ravi play the role of Raja Raja Cholan.
