• Saturday, 13 June 2026

Manivannan

Born: July 31, 1953
Manivannan Poster
FAN SCORE
65
POPULARITY
60

Manivannan was a celebrated Indian actor, director, and writer in the Tamil film industry. Known for his versatility and sharp dialogue delivery, he appeared in over 400 films, often playing villains,... Read more

Manivannan was a celebrated Indian actor, director, and writer in the Tamil film industry. Known for his versatility and sharp dialogue delivery, he appeared in over 400 films, often playing villains, comedic roles, or socially conscious characters. As a director, he helmed more than 50 films, including classics like Amaidhi Padai, Pudhu Manithan, and Chinna Thambi Periya Thambi. Born in Sulur, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, Manivannan began his career as a story and dialogue writer before becoming one of the most influential character actors and filmmakers in modern Tamil cinema. Show less

ROLES
Actor, Writer, Director
HEIGHT
5′ 7″
BIRTH PLACE
Sulur, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India

Quick Info

Born July 31, 1953
Birth Place Sulur, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
Height 5′ 7″
Fan Score 65
Popularity 60
Roles Actor, Writer, Director

Photos

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Videos

Director Manivannan Given So Many Hits For Tamil Cinema
Sathyaraja, Manivannan, Goundamani, Tamil Arasiyal Come...
Manivannan on MR Radha and Bharathiraja
Manivannan's funny explanation on Kalaignar Karunanidhi...
Once More Tamil Movie Comedy Scenes , Vijay , Sivaji Ga...

Personal Details

Alternative Names Mani
Spouses Sengamalam

Did You Know

Trivia
  • Manivannan started his film career as a story and dialogue writer, particularly for director Bharathiraja.
    Directed over 50 films, often exploring political satire and socially relevant themes.
    Acted in over 400 Tamil films, known for versatility in villain, comedic, and supporting roles.
    He was politically active, supporting DMK, MDMK, and later Naam Tamilar Katchi.
Quotes
  • “Cinema should reflect society, not just entertain.”
    “A good character role is sometimes more impactful than the hero’s role.”
Trademarks
  • Sharp political and social commentary in films.
    Memorable comic timing and dialogue delivery.
    Versatility: villain, comedic, and father/uncle roles.
Nicknames
  • Mani

Frequently Asked Questions

01

Who was Manivannan?

Manivannan was a legendary Tamil actor, director, and writer, known for his versatile roles in over 400 films and directing 50+ Tamil movies.

02

What are some famous films directed by Manivannan?

He directed popular films like Amaidhi Padai, Pudhu Manithan, Chinna Thambi Periya Thambi, and Nagaraja Cholan MA, MLA.

03

In which roles is Manivannan most remembered as an actor?

Manivannan is remembered for his character roles, including villains, comedic roles, father or uncle figures, and socially conscious characters.

04

Did Manivannan work as a writer in Tamil cinema?

Yes, he started as a story and dialogue writer, collaborating with director Bharathiraja and contributing to many early Tamil films.

05

What was Manivannan’s contribution to Tamil cinema outside acting?

Besides acting, he was a director, writer, and political activist, known for incorporating political satire, social messages, and cultural commentary in his films.

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