K. K. Rathnam (8 August 1930 – 26 January 2023), known as Judo Rathnam, was an Indian action choreographer in Kollywood, Bollywood, Mollywood, Sandalwood and Tollywood.[1] He made his debut as an actor in the film Thamarai Kulam in 1959, and later made his debut as a stunt master in the film Vallavan Oruvan in 1966. He made his last appearance as an actor before retirement in the film Thalainagaram in 2006. Stunt masters and actors such as Vikram Dharma, Super Subbarayan, Thalapathy Dinesh, Jaguar Thangam, Rocky Rajesh, Rambo Rajkumar, FEFSI Vijayan, Stun Siva, Ponnambalam, Judo. K. K. Ramu, Indian Baskar, Rajasekhar, Ambur. R. S. Babu, M. Shahul Hameed, Kundrathur Babu, Azhagu & Vengal Rao have worked as fighters and assistants to him.[citation needed] His son Judo. K. K. Ramu is also a stunt master, while his grandsons Judo Lenin and John Prince are stunt artists.[2][failed verification]

Judo Rathnam
Born
K. K. Rathnam

(1930-08-08)8 August 1930
Died26 January 2023(2023-01-26) (aged 92)
Gudiyatham, Tamil Nadu, India
Other namesKalaichelvan, Rudhranagam
Occupations
  • Actor
  • action choreographer
  • stunt coordinator
Years active1959–2023
SpouseGovindammal

Rathnam died on 26 January 2023, at age 92.[3]

Early life and career

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Rathnam was born in Gudiyattam. From his early childhood, he was attracted towards bodybuilding, yoga and silambam. He won gold medal in bodybuilding and silver cup in boxing which led Rathnam to receive opportunities in films as a stuntman. Mugavai Rajamanikkam took him to Chennai and introduced him to Muktha Srinivasan who gave him an opportunity for playing a stuntman in his film Thamarai Kulam.[4] He was given the name Judo Rathnam by A. Kareem at Tamil Art Literature Conference.

Filmography

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Actor

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Producer

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Awards and honours

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References

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  1. ^ "JUDO RATNAM RELEASES A BOOK ON HIS MEMOIRS WITH SUPERSTAR". Filmschannels. 29 April 2013. Archived from the original on 19 April 2014. Retrieved 27 March 2014.
  2. ^ "Judo. K. K. Rathnam Antru Kanda Mugam". Wordpress.com. 15 May 2015. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 16 October 2015.
  3. ^ "Legendary stunt choreographer Judo Rathnam passes away at 92". Cinema Express. 26 January 2023. Archived from the original on 26 January 2023. Retrieved 26 January 2023.
  4. ^ "என்.டி.ராமாராவ் அசந்து போனார்!". Kalki (in Tamil). 28 November 1982. pp. 52–53. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
  5. ^ "Judo. K. K. Rathnam takes place in the Guinness Books of Records". Thina Boomi. 1 June 2013. Archived from the original on 11 June 2024. Retrieved 3 March 2020.
  6. ^ "Appreciation Ceremony conducted for Judo. K. K. Rathnam who had won Sankaradas Swamigal Award". Dina Mani. 19 December 2016. Archived from the original on 3 February 2023. Retrieved 3 March 2020.
  7. ^ "Kalaimamani awards after 8 years: 201 artistes get awards". Deccan Chronicle. 1 March 2019. Archived from the original on 21 June 2020. Retrieved 3 March 2020.
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