Mohan Ravi (born 10 September 1980),[1] better known by his stage name Jayam Ravi, is an Indian actor who works in the Tamil cinema. The son of veteran film editor A. Mohan, Ravi made his lead acting debut in Jayam. He has won one Tamil Nadu State Film Award and one Filmfare Award South and three SIIMA Awards respectively.

Jayam Ravi
Ravi in 2015
Born
Mohan Ravi

(1980-09-10) 10 September 1980 (age 44)
Alma materLoyola College, Chennai
OccupationActor
Years active1989–Present
Spouse
Aarthi
(m. 2009; div. 2024)
Children2
RelativesEditor Mohan (father)
Mohan Raja (brother)

The success of a later film Jayam prompted the title to become a prefix to his stage name, and he continued to collaborate with his brother for other films including M. Kumaran S/O Mahalakshmi (2004), Unakkum Enakkum (2006), Santhosh Subramaniam (2008) and Thani Oruvan (2015).

Early life and family

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Jayam Ravi was born as Mohan Ravi in Tirumangalam, Madurai.[1] His father is Editor Mohan, a Tamil Rowther,[2] while his mother is from Andhra Pradesh. His elder brother, Mohan Raja, is a film director, with most of his films featuring Ravi in the lead role, while his sister, Roja, is a dentist. Ravi grew up in both Chennai and Hyderabad. He completed his schooling at Jawahar Vidyalaya in Ashok Nagar, Chennai. He studied dancing under the Bharatnatyam dancer Nalini Balakrishnan and performed his arangetram at the age of 12. After completing his degree in Visual Communication from Loyola College, Chennai, he decided to get into the film industry. He also trained in acting at the Kishore Namit Kapur Institute in Mumbai.[3][4] Before debuting as an actor, Ravi had been an assistant director to Suresh Krishna for Aalavandhan (2001), starring Kamal Haasan. [citation needed]

Acting career

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1989–2008: Debut and success

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Ravi acted as a child actor in three films including two Telugu films: Oru Thottil Sabadham (1989), Bava Bavamaridi (1993) and Palnati Pourusham (1993), which were all produced by his father.[1][5]

Jayam Ravi made his lead acting debut in the action-masala film Jayam, produced by his father and directed by his brother Mohan Raja. It was a remake of the 2002 Telugu film of the same name. His next venture was the sentimental drama M. Kumaran Son Of Mahalakshmi (2004), the remade version of the Telugu film Amma Nanna O Tamila Ammayi, in which he starred alongside Asin Thottumkal. Of Ravi's performance, a critic from Sify wrote that he "makes you want to see more of him",[6] while The Hindu's Malathi Rangarajan noted that he came out with an "appreciable portrayal throughout".[7] The film, considered a family entertainer, received the Tamil Nadu State Film Special Award for Best Film and fetched Ravi himself the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor.[8] It also emerged a financial success.[9]

His next release, Daas (2005), a romantic action,[10][11] featured him as a football player.[12] The film took an even bigger opening than his previous ones.[13] Sify's reviewer described his performance as "impressive", calling Ravi a "hundred percent convincing as an action hero".[14] Mazhai, a remake of the Telugu film Varsham, was his other release that year, which was "lukewarm" at the box office.[15] In 2006, he starred in Saran's Idhaya Thirudan, which performed poorly at the box office,[16] following which, he acted in Unakkum Enakkum (initially released and promoted as Something Something Unakkum Enakkum), again under his brother's direction in another remake of a Telugu film Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana. Ravi portrayed a rich, happy-go-lucky NRI from London, who has to live and fight for his love in dire conditions in a rural milieu.[17] The film, which featured Trisha Krishnan alongside Ravi, became a high critical as well as financial success,[18] emerging one of the highest-grossing and most-profitable films of the year.[19][20] The N. Linguswamy-produced Deepavali under Ezhil's direction was released on 2007.[21]

In 2008, Ravi appeared in three films. Following a cameo appearance in Velli Thirai, he acted in the family drama Santhosh Subramaniam, once again under his brother's direction in a remake. In the Tamil version of the 2006 Telugu film Bommarillu, starring opposite Genelia D'Souza, he played a young man, whose choices and wishes are continually subdued by his father.[22] Ravi received a nomination for the Best Tamil Actor Award at the 56th Filmfare Awards South. Next, he starred in the action thriller Dhaam Dhoom, directed by cinematographer-director Jeeva, who died in the midst of the film's shooting in Russia.[23] Completed by Jeeva's assistant Manikandan, his wife Aneez Tanveer and his guru P. C. Sreeram, Dhaam Dhoom released in mid-2008 in which he portrayed Gautham Subramaniyam, a man accused in a murder he did not commit.[24] Sify's reviewer wrote that he was "simply amazing in his role", label the film as an "out and out Jayam Ravi movie".[24]

2009–2019: Action and comedy roles

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In 2009, Ravi starred in the action-adventure film Peranmai. In 2010, he starred in the action-comedy Thillalangadi, a remake of the 2009 Telugu-language film Kick. In 2011, he starred in the romantic drama Engeyum Kaadhal. In 2013, he starred in the action film Ameerin Aadhi-Bhagavan. In 2014, he starred in the action film Nimirndhu Nil, which was also shot simultaneously in Telugu as Janda Pai Kapiraju with Nani in the lead.[25]

In 2015, Ravi appeared in four films: the romantic comedy Romeo Juliet, the action-comedy Sakalakala Vallavan, the action-thriller Thani Oruvan (directed by his brother Mohan Raja) and the sports action film Bhooloham. In 2016, he starred in the action-horror film Miruthan revolving around a zombie apocalypse. In 2017, he appeared in the action-thriller Bogan (reuniting with actor Arvind Swami after Thani Oruvan) and the action-adventure film Vanamagan.[26]

In 2018, he starred in the sci-fi action film Tik Tik Tik (considered as India's first space film)[27] and the action-thriller Adanga Maru. In 2019, he made a cameo in the adventure film Thumbaa and starred as the lead in the comedy film Comali.[28]

2021–present: Professional expansion

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After a two-year absence from the big screen, Ravi made his debut in OTT platforms through his 25th film Bhoomi in 2021. The film was supposed to release at theatres due to COVID-19 pandemic in India.[29] In 2022, he was seen in Mani Ratnam's Ponniyin Selvan as Arulmozhivarman who later became the Chola Emperor Raja Raja Chola.[30]

Personal life

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Ravi Mohan married Aarthi, daughter of film producer Sujatha Vijayakumar, in 2009.[31] They have two sons, Aarav and Ayaan. Aarav appeared in the film Tik Tik Tik (2018).[32][33] Ravi and Aarthi separated in 2024, with Ravi filing for divorce.[34][35]

Filmography

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  • All films are in Tamil, unless otherwise noted.
List of Jayam Ravi films and roles
Year Title Role(s) Notes
1989 Oru Thottil Sabadham child artist[1]
1993 Bava Bavamaridi Young Raju Telugu film, child artist[5]
1994 Palnati Pourusham Young Bheemineni Brahmanna Telugu film, child artist[5]
2003 Jayam Ravi
2004 M. Kumaran Son of Mahalakshmi M. Kumaran
2005 Daas Antony Daas
Mazhai Arjun
2006 Idhaya Thirudan Mahesh Aalwar
Unakkum Enakkum Santhosh
2007 Deepavali Billu Mudaliar
2008 Velli Thirai Himself Guest appearance
Santhosh Subramaniyam Santhosh Subramaniyam
Dhaam Dhoom Gautham Subramaniam
2009 Peranmai Dhuruvan
2010 Thillalangadi Krishna
2011 Ko Himself Guest appearance
Engeyum Kadhal Kamal
2013 Aadhi Bhagavan
  • Aadhi Shanmugam,
  • Baghavan Bhai[a]
2014 Ninaithathu Yaaro Himself Guest appearance
Nimirndhu Nil
  • Aravindan Sivasamy,
  • Narasimha Reddy[a]
2015 Janda Pai Kapiraju Himself Guest appearance
Romeo Juliet Karthik
Sakalakala Vallavan Shakthi
Thani Oruvan ASP Mithran IPS
Bhooloham Bhooloham
2016 Miruthan SI Karthik
2017 Bogan ACP Vikram IPS
Vanamagan Jara (Vaasi)
2018 Tik Tik Tik M. Vasudevan (Vasu)
Adanga Maru SI Subhash
2019 Thumbaa John Cameo
Comali Ravi
2021 Bhoomi Bhoominathan
2022 Ponniyin Selvan: I Arulmozhi Varman
2023 Agilan Agilan, Nandha[a]
Ponniyin Selvan: II Arulmozhi Varman [36]
Iraivan ACP Arjun IPS [37]
2024 Siren Thilagan
Brother Karthik Kumarasamy [38]
Genie TBA Filming[39]
Kadhalika Neramillai TBA Filming
Key
Denotes films that have not yet been released

Television

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Year Name of Television Show Role Network
2024 Super Singer Season 10 Guest Star Vijay
Jodi Are U Ready

Awards and nominations

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Year Category Award Film Result Ref.
2004 Best Actor Tamil Nadu State Film Awards M. Kumaran Son Of Mahalakshmi Won [40]
2008 Best Actor Vijay Awards Santosh Subramaniam Nominated
Best Actor – Tamil Filmfare Awards South Nominated
2009 Best Actor Edison Awards Peranmai Won [41]
Best Actor Vijay Awards Nominated
Best Actor – Tamil Filmfare Awards South Nominated [42]
2015 Most Romantic Star of South Indian Cinema SIIMA Awards Romeo Juliet Won [43]
Best Actor Edison Awards Thani Oruvan Won [44]
Performance In A Leading Role – Male IIFA Utsavam Won [45]
Best Actor (Critics) – South Filmfare Awards Won [46]
Best Actor – Tamil Filmfare Awards South Nominated [47]
Best Actor SIIMA Awards Nominated
Best Actor (Critics) Won [48]
Best Actor Vikatan Awards Bhooloham Won [49]
2018 Best Actor - Tamil Filmfare Awards South Adanga Maru Nominated [50]
Best Actor (Critics) SIIMA Awards Won [51]
Best Actor Nominated [52]

Notes

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  1. ^ a b c Jayam Ravi played two characters.

References

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  1. ^ a b c d T, Manigandan K. "HBD Jayam Ravi: ஜெயம் ரவி குழந்தை நட்சத்திரமாக நடித்த தமிழ் படம் எது தெரியுமா?". Tamil Hindustan Times (in Tamil). Archived from the original on 17 November 2023. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
  2. ^ "Lovable Madurai People". Ananda Vikatan. Chennai, India. 14 September 2011. Archived from the original on 8 April 2014. Retrieved 29 March 2014.
  3. ^ "Jayam Ravi talks to his fans". Sify. 9 September 2008. Archived from the original on 8 November 2013. Retrieved 18 October 2011.
  4. ^ "'Jayam' Ravi meets fans on". Sify. Archived from the original on 9 December 2013. Retrieved 18 October 2011.
  5. ^ a b c "Jayam Ravi was a child actor in two films". The Times of India. 25 July 2015.
  6. ^ "Movie Review:M.Kumaran son of Mahalakshmi". Sify. Archived from the original on 9 September 2014. Retrieved 18 October 2011.
  7. ^ "Entertainment / Film Review : M. Kumaran Son of". The Hindu. India. 8 October 2004. Archived from the original on 12 February 2012. Retrieved 18 October 2011.
  8. ^ "Tamil Nadu state awards announced".
  9. ^ "'Jayam' Ravi is victorious second time!". Sify. 22 November 2004. Archived from the original on 21 October 2012. Retrieved 18 October 2011.
  10. ^ "Daas".
  11. ^ "Jeyam Ravi on a hat-trick". Rediff. Archived from the original on 26 October 2012. Retrieved 18 October 2011.
  12. ^ "Jeyam Ravi on a hat-trick".
  13. ^ "Welcome to". Sify. 20 January 2007. Archived from the original on 20 October 2012. Retrieved 18 October 2011.
  14. ^ "Movie Review:Dass". Sify. Archived from the original on 11 October 2014. Retrieved 18 October 2011.
  15. ^ "Ravi's big white hope!". Sify. 5 February 2006. Archived from the original on 21 October 2012. Retrieved 18 October 2011.
  16. ^ "Ravi in a fix!". Sify. 17 February 2006. Archived from the original on 21 October 2012. Retrieved 18 October 2011.
  17. ^ "Something Something Unakkum Enakkum Review".
  18. ^ "15 Years of 'Unakkum Enakkum': Five lovable scenes from Jayam Ravi and Trisha's romantic drama".
  19. ^ "2006– Hits & Misses". Sify. 29 December 2006. Archived from the original on 23 August 2011. Retrieved 18 October 2011.
  20. ^ "Year-ender Part I".
  21. ^ "Deepavali, an early festival for the crew".
  22. ^ "Cinema Plus / Film Review : The "Jayam" jamboree – Santosh Subramaniam". The Hindu. India. 18 April 2008. Archived from the original on 12 June 2008. Retrieved 18 October 2011.
  23. ^ "Cinematographer Jeeva passes away in Russia".
  24. ^ a b "Movie Review:Dhaam Dhoom". Sify. Archived from the original on 12 August 2015. Retrieved 18 October 2011.
  25. ^ "Nimirndhu Nil gearing up". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 9 June 2016. Retrieved 16 September 2020.
  26. ^ "Vanamagan Review {2/5}: The movie is initially amusing, but the second half exposes the hollow, unimaginative script". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 11 January 2020. Retrieved 16 September 2020.
  27. ^ "Tik Tik Tik: Breaking down the visual effects in India's first space film". The Indian Express. 22 June 2018. Archived from the original on 12 November 2019. Retrieved 12 November 2019.
  28. ^ "Comali movie review: This Jayam Ravi comedy is a winner". 16 August 2019. Archived from the original on 22 June 2020. Retrieved 16 September 2020.
  29. ^ "Jayam Ravi's 25th film Bhoomi likely to release directly on OTT: Report". 29 September 2020. Archived from the original on 9 January 2021. Retrieved 17 October 2021.
  30. ^ "Karthi's, Jayam Ravi's looks in Ponniyin Selvan out". Deccan Chronicle. 10 January 2020. Archived from the original on 1 December 2020. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  31. ^ "Wedding bells for Ravi". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 30 July 2017. Retrieved 26 May 2017.
  32. ^ "Jayam Ravi's advice to his sons: Don't make girls cry". India Today. 19 December 2018.
  33. ^ "Jayam Ravi's son Aarav celebrates birthday with Tik Tik Tik crew".
  34. ^ "Jayam Ravi reacts to wife Aarti's divorce comment, says 'walked out of home' with nothing". Hindustan Times. 22 September 2024.
  35. ^ "Jayam Ravi moves court to get officially get divorced from wife Aarti". The Times of India. 10 September 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 11 September 2024. Retrieved 25 September 2024.
  36. ^ K, Avinash (28 December 2022). "Mani Ratnam's 'Ponniyin Selvan: 2' to release on April 28, 2023". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 26 January 2023. Retrieved 26 January 2023.
  37. ^ "Jayam Ravi's film with director Ahmed to join the Diwali race". The Times of India. 19 June 2022. Archived from the original on 20 June 2022. Retrieved 20 June 2022.
  38. ^ "'JR 30': Jayam Ravi's film with M Rajesh commences with a muhurat puja". The Times of India. 3 August 2022. Archived from the original on 9 August 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
  39. ^ "In pictures: Jayam Ravi's next 'Genie' starts with a muhurat puja". The Times of India. 5 July 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 27 September 2023. Retrieved 27 September 2023.
  40. ^ "Happy Birthday Jayam Ravi: 5 Must-Watch Films of the Star". News18. 10 September 2020. Archived from the original on 21 October 2021. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
  41. ^ "Edison Awards". www.edisonawards.in. Archived from the original on 9 November 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
  42. ^ "9th Annual Edison Awards: Thani Oruvan bags maximum number of awards, yet again".
  43. ^ Srinivasan, Sudhir (15 August 2015). "Best compliments, from Dubai". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 13 February 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
  44. ^ "9th Annual Edison Awards: Thani Oruvan bags maximum number of awards, yet again".
  45. ^ "IIFA Utsavam 2016: Baahubali and Thani Oruvan win maximum number of awards". India Today. 3 February 2016. Archived from the original on 7 August 2021. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
  46. ^ "Jayam Ravi and Jyotika win critics awards at Filmfare".
  47. ^ "Tamil Nominations for 63rd Britannia Filmfare Awards South 2016". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 14 January 2017. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
  48. ^ "South Indian International Movie Awards". siima.in. Archived from the original on 13 June 2016.
  49. ^ "சிறந்த நடிகர் ஜெயம் ரவி - `பூலோகம்'".
  50. ^ "66th Filmfare Awards South 2019: Here's the complete list of nominees". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 10 December 2021. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
  51. ^ "SIIMA Awards 2019 - Here's the list of winners!".
  52. ^ "SIIMA Awards 2019 Nominations List – Tamil Movies | Telegraph Star". 19 July 2019. Archived from the original on 9 July 2021. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
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