Ponnambalam (born 11 November 1963) is an Indian actor and stuntman who has predominantly appeared in Tamil-language films.[2] He is best known for playing antagonistic roles in Indian films during the 1990s, notably appearing in films such as Nattamai (1994), Muthu (1995) and Amarkalam (1999).[3] Later in his career, Ponnambalam also appeared in a few leading roles, while also taking up the mantle of director and producer.[4]
Ponnambalam | |
|---|---|
| Born | 11 November 1963[1] |
| Occupation(s) | Actor, stuntman, director |
| Years active | 1987–present |
Career
editPonnambalam made his debut in cinema as a stuntman, and often appeared as an extra fighter in films, starring in minor roles in films including Apoorva Sagodharargal (1989) and Michael Madana Kama Rajan (1990). As a result of his proficiency as a stuntman, he later received the nickname "Spare Parts" Ponnambalam as no part of his body was ever injured or fractured.[5] He made a breakthrough as an actor following the success of P. Vasu's Walter Vetrivel (1993), and subsequently starred in several prominent Tamil films in the 1990s in villainous roles. Notable characters he portrayed including his work in Nattamai (1994), Muthu (1995) and Amarkalam (1999). Ponnambalam also played the lead roles in film including the action drama Muthal Echarikkai (1999) and Ammaiyappa (2002), where he featured alongside actress Roshini. Reviewing the film, a critic noted "the movie does little other than prove conclusively that Ponnambalam is not cut out to be a hero", and that "though he picks a role that suits his build, emotes surprisingly well and fights aggressively, his looks make it difficult for us to accept him as a conventional leading man".[6]
Ponnambalam turned director and producer through the film, Pattaya Kelappu, starring Sriman in the lead role. Despite beginning in 2004, the film had a delayed release, while another directorial venture titled Thethi 32 was subsequently dropped.[7] Ponnambalam began a project titled Idiyudan Koodiya Mazhai during 2010, starring newcomers. Despite beginning production, the film was shelved and eventually did not have a theatrical release.[8] His acting commitments thereafter also decreased, with notable appearances in the period including roles as a village chief in Thamizh Padam (2010) and characters in Venghai (2011) and the historical drama, Ponnar Shankar (2011).
In 2018, Ponnambalam took part in the second season of the reality show Bigg Boss Tamil hosted by Kamal Haasan. His stay in the house was controversial, as he was accused of making misogynistic comments against the female housemates, particularly against Yashika Aanand, Aishwarya Dutta, Mamathi Chari and Mumtaj and was nominated each week for the eviction from the second week of the show onwards.[9] He was evicted during the eighth week of the show during mid-August 2018.[10]
Personal life
editPonnambalam joined the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) in February 2011, beginning a career in politics.[11] He campaigned for the AIADMK party in the Indian general election of 2014.[12] In June 2017, he left the AIADMK and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the presence of the Union Minister of State for Finance and Shipping, Pon Radhakrishnan. On joining the party, Ponnambalam stated that no other party seemed "concerned about the welfare of people" and hence, he decided to join the BJP.[13][14]
Filmography
editTamil films
editTelugu films
edit| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Gharana Mogudu | Veeraiyah | |
| 1993 | Repati Rowdy | Kallaiah | |
| Allari Priyudu | |||
| Rowdy Mogudu[15] | Ganapathi | ||
| Mechanic Alludu | |||
| 1994 | Mugguru Monagallu | ||
| 1997 | Hitler | Rudraraju's brother | Dubbed in Tamil as Tiger |
| 1998 | Pavitra Prema | M.L.A. Rayudu | |
| 2000 | Balaram | Harishchandra Prasad's goon | |
| Nuvvu Vastavani | |||
| Choosoddaam Randi | Tiger Dharma | ||
| 2001 | Eduruleni Manishi | ||
| 2002 | Chennakesava Reddy | ||
| 2003 | Palnati Brahmanayudu | ||
| 2004 | Guri | Seed supplier | |
| Pedababu | Rudra Raju | ||
| Siva Shankar | |||
| Gudumba Shankar | |||
| Koduku | |||
| Suryam | |||
| 2005 | Annavaram | ||
| 2006 | Veerabhadra | ||
| Neeku Naaku | |||
| 2007 | Andaala Amitabh Bachchan | ||
| 2008 | Bujjigadu |
Malayalam films
edit| Year | Film | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Moonnam Mura | Peter |
| Orkkapurathu | Henchman | |
| 1990 | Samrajyam | Krishna Das's henchman |
| 1994 | Kambolam | Koppara |
| 1999 | Stalin Sivadas | Bomber |
| 2000 | The Warrant | Goon |
| 2002 | Thandavam | |
| 2005 | Maniyarakallan | Ananda Padmanabhan |
| 2006 | Prajapathi | Vanangamudi |
| 2007 | Payum Puli | Pandian |
| 2017 | Aadu 2 | Mayilvahanam |
Kannada films
edit| Year | Film | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Chinna | |
| 1995 | Dore | |
| 1997 | Lady Commissioner | |
| 2000 | O Nanna Nalle | |
| 2003 | Kiccha | Jayaraj |
| Annavru | Henchman | |
| 2005 | Gunna | |
| 2007 | Masti | |
| Police Story 2 |
Hindi films
edit| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Ghatak: Lethal | Fighter in the Ring | Special Appearance |
| Rakshak | Taniya | ||
| 2000 | Krodh | ||
| 2001 | Nayak | Rungaa | Voiced by Manoj Pandey |
Stuntman
edit| Year | Film |
|---|---|
| 1987 | Shankar Guru |
| Per Sollum Pillai | |
| Vairakkiyam | |
| 1988 | Sathya |
| En Thangai Kalyani | |
| Puthiya Vaanam | |
| Soora Samhaaram | |
| Thaimel Aanai | |
| Poovizhi Raja | |
| Pattikaatu Thambi | |
| Dhayam Onnu | |
| Katha Nayagan | |
| Kaliyugam | |
| 1989 | Apoorva Sagodharargal |
| Padicha Pulla | |
| Annanukku Jai | |
| Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu | |
| En Thangai | |
| Vetri Mel Vetri | |
| 1990 | Avasara Police 100 |
| Sathriyan | |
| Urudhi Mozhi | |
| Raja Kaiya Vacha | |
| My Dear Marthandan | |
| 1991 | Captain Prabhakaran |
| Maanagara Kaaval | |
| Moondrezhuthil En Moochirukkum |
Television
edit- Bigg Boss Tamil 2 (2018)
References
edit- ^ "Tamil Movie Actor Ponnambalam - Nettv4u". Retrieved 1 October 2016.
- ^ "Up close with top Indian stars". New Straits Times. 15 October 1996. pp. Arts 4. Retrieved 28 January 2024.
- ^ "டோடோவின் ரஃப் நோட்டு — Tamil Kavithai -- தமிழ் கவிதைகள் - நூற்று கணக்கில்!". Archived from the original on 17 June 2013. Retrieved 1 October 2016.
- ^ "Tamil Celebrity Interview - IndiaGlitz.com". Archived from the original on 24 October 2004. Retrieved 1 October 2016.
- ^ "Cinema Veeran : Aishwarya Dhanush pays a glorious tribute to the stuntmen Of Tamil cinema". Firstpost. 25 June 2017. Retrieved 19 July 2017.
- ^ "Bigg Boss Tamil: All You Need To Know About This Season's Contestants!".
- ^ "YouTube". YouTube. Retrieved 7 April 2020.
- ^ "Ponnambalam - Tamil Movie News - Villain with a film - Ponnambalam | Idiyudan Koodiya Mazhai | Chandranath - Behindwoods.com". www.behindwoods.com.
- ^ "Bigg Boss 2: Honour, Culture and Slander". Sify. Archived from the original on 14 July 2018.
- ^ Upadhyaya, Prakash (12 August 2018). "Bigg Boss Tamil elimination: Ponnambalam evicted; his ouster gets mixed response from netizens". International Business Times, India Edition.
- ^ "அதிமுகவில் சேர்ந்த நடிகர் பொன்னம்பலம், பாடகர் சிலோன் மனோகர்". tamil.filmibeat.com. 2 February 2011.
- ^ Kumar, S. Vijay (9 March 2014). "AIADMK to add star power to campaign" – via www.thehindu.com.
- ^ "Popular villain actor switches over to BJP from ADMK - Tamil News". IndiaGlitz.com. 14 June 2017.
- ^ "Tamil Nadu: Actor Ponnambalam joins BJP's star bandwagon". Deccan Chronicle. 15 June 2017.
- ^ v9 Videos (4 May 2024). ROWDY MOGUDU | EXCLUSIVE TELUGU FULL MOVIE | MOHAN BABU | VIJAYASHANTI | VANISREE | V9 VIDEOS. Retrieved 7 June 2024 – via YouTube.
{{cite AV media}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
External links
edit- Ponnambalam at IMDb