Indukuri Sunil Varma (born 28 February 1974), known mononymously as Sunil, is an Indian actor who works predominantly in Telugu films, and has also featured in a few Tamil films. Noted for his comic roles, Sunil has appeared in over 180 films in his career, including a few lead roles.[1] He has won three state Nandi Awards and two Filmfare Awards South. He was widely considered as one of Tollywood's finest comedians during his peak in the 2000s, most known for his distinct laugh and delivery of jokes.
Sunil | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 28 February 1974[3][1] |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 2000–present |
| Works | Full list |
| Spouse |
Sruthi (m. 2002) |
| Children | 2 |
Sunil played a lead role in Andala Ramudu (2006)[1] and later went on to star in several Telugu language films including commercial successes like Maryada Ramanna (2010), Poola Rangadu (2012), and Tadakha (2013).[5][6]
His career took a decline over the 2010s as he opted for more lead hero roles over comedian roles in commercially unsuccessful films,[7] but has seen a career resurgence as a villain and in more versatile roles.[8] Sunil started as the antagonist in the films Colour Photo (2020) and Pushpa: The Rise (2021), which were commercially successful films. His Tamil films include Maaveeran (2023) and Jailer (2023), the latter of which is his highest grossing release till date.
Career
editSunil started his career in 1996 as an extra in the film Akkada Ammayi Ikkada Abbayi. However, his scenes did not make it to the final cut of the film.[9] His career began on a slow note with movies like Second Hand (which was stopped from production), and Peruleni Cinema. Prema Katha and Swayamvaram were his first real opportunities in the industry. Chiru Navvutho and Nuvve Kavali were the first films that he acted in. Nuvve Kavali was the first one to release.[4]
In 2010, Sunil starred in S. S. Rajamouli-directed Maryada Ramanna, which was a commercial success.[6] A reviewer from Sify noted that: "Sunil would no longer look like a comedy hero. His dances are simply superb."[10]
Sunil was then cast in the lead role in Poola Rangadu, directed by Veerabhadram Chowdary which was released across 450 theatres worldwide. The film received positive reviews.[citation needed] He was the antagonist in the film Colour Photo (2020), which brought him critical acclaim.[11]
The 2021 film Pushpa: The Rise saw Sunil in an unusual role of a serious gangster Mangalam Seenu, very different from the comedy roles he usually plays.[12] The success of the film brought him many offers to play negative roles and he made his Tamil debut in 2023 with Maaveeran (2023).[13]
Personal life
editSunil hails from Bhimavaram of Andhra Pradesh, India.[4] Sunil celebrated his 40th birthday for a noble cause donating to a blind school and spending time with them.[14]
Director Trivikram Srinivas and Sunil have been friends since their days in Bhimavaram. They, along with director Gunasekhar, were roommates in Punjagutta during their struggling days. As of 2016, Trivikram rents the room as a memory.[15][16]
Accolades
edit- Best Comedian – Telugu – Peda Babu (2004)[17]
- Best Supporting Actor - Telugu – Tadakha (2013)[18]
- Best Male Comedian – Nuvvu Nenu (2001)[19]
- Best Male Comedian – Andhrudu (2005)[19]
- Special Jury Award – Maryada Ramanna (2010)[19]
Filmography
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c d Srikanth, S (28 February 2020). "అందాల రాముడు సునీల్ కు పుట్టినరోజు జేజేలు!" [Birthday wishes to Andala Ramudu Sunil]. HMTV (in Telugu). Archived from the original on 30 December 2022. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
- ^ Kavirayani, Suresh (9 September 2017). "Testing time for Sunil Varma". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 7 April 2023. Retrieved 4 September 2020.
- ^ "Sunil turns into SI Ramaraju for "Colour Photo"; first look out". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 26 September 2022. Retrieved 13 September 2020.
- ^ a b c "Sunil - Telugu Cinema interview - Telugu film actor". www.idlebrain.com. Archived from the original on 22 April 2018. Retrieved 17 October 2007.
- ^ "Sunil Not Interested In Comedian Roles Anymore?". Sakshi Post. 7 August 2020. Archived from the original on 22 August 2020. Retrieved 4 September 2020.
- ^ a b "I am basking in the success of Maryada Ramanna, says director". The Hindu. 29 July 2010. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 18 October 2020. Retrieved 4 September 2020.
- ^ "The Rise, Fall and Resurrection of Telugu Actor Sunil, Who Stars in Colour Photo". 28 October 2020.
- ^ "Sunil's Comic Charm Attracts Tamil Directors". 16 August 2023.
- ^ Shekar, Raja (7 February 2021). "పవన్ కళ్యాణ్ సినిమాలో సునీల్ విలన్ గా నటించాడట.. కానీ…". TeluguStop.com. Archived from the original on 30 December 2022. Retrieved 11 June 2022.
- ^ "Maryada Ramanna". Sify. Archived from the original on 2 July 2014.
- ^ "Success meet: Actor Sunil shares experience of working with 'Colour Photo' cast". ap7am.com. Archived from the original on 30 December 2022. Retrieved 26 November 2020.
- ^ "Sunil as 'Mangalam Srinu' looks intense in Allu Arjun's 'Pushpa'". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 11 November 2021. Retrieved 7 January 2022.
- ^ "Sunil becomes part of one more Tamil film". 123telugu. 21 January 2023.
- ^ "Sunil spends his birthday at Devnar Blind School". Cinesiren. Archived from the original on 2 March 2013. Retrieved 28 February 2013.
- ^ "ఆయనో స్టార్ డైరెక్టర్.. ఇప్పటికీ రూ.ఐదు వేల అద్దె కడుతూ." Sakshi (in Telugu). 30 August 2021. Archived from the original on 20 May 2022. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
- ^ "ఆ గది పంజాగుట్టలో ఉంది..." Samayam Telugu (in Telugu). 19 February 2016. Archived from the original on 27 September 2022. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
- ^ "Filmfare awards for South India - Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam & Kannada - Telugu Cinema". www.idlebrain.com. Archived from the original on 18 March 2015. Retrieved 11 August 2014.
- ^ 61st Filmfare Awards South
- ^ a b c "Actor Sunil to ditch hero role for next film, return to comedy". The News Minute. 4 January 2018. Archived from the original on 10 April 2021. Retrieved 4 September 2020.