Sivakarthikeyan

Early life and family

Sivakarthikeyan was born on 17 February 1985 in Piranmalai near Singampunari in Sivagangai district in a Tamil family. His father G. Doss was a jail superintendent. He has an elder sister, who is a doctor. He completed schooling at Campion Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School in Tiruchirappalli and earned a Bachelor’s degree from JJ College of Engineering. He married Aarthi on 27 August 2010. The couple have three children, one daughter and two sons. His cousin is Arun Prabu, for which he collaborated with for Vaazhl (2021).

Career

2006–2012: Early career and introduction to cinema

Sivakarthikeyan took part in various cultural events and performed mimicry and standup comedy during his college years. He took a three month-break in between studies, to take part in the auditions of Kalakka Povathu Yaaru?, a comedy reality TV show airing on Star Vijay, and won the second season of the competition in 2006. The makers of Aegan (2008) noticed his performance and offered him a supporting role in the film, but his portions did not make the final cut. He appeared in short films such as Mugaputhagam.

Director Pandiraj approached Sivakarthikeyan to play the lead role in his film Marina (2012), and he signed the project. He prepared for the role by visiting Marina Beach extensively to study the surroundings, while revealing that he hoped that his natural talent of humor would come through onscreen. Featuring alongside Oviya as a young couple in the film, Sivakarthikeyan's performance was well-received, with a critic noting "the romance adds colour to a monochrome film", while the reviewer also noted that the "role of Senthilnathan requires Siva to be just himself, it is just a cake walk in terms of performance for this actor."

Aishwarya Rajinikanth signed up Sivakarthikeyan to play a supporting role as Dhanush's friend in 3, after being impressed with his work onstage as a host. Though the film opened to mixed reviews, critics appreciatied Sivakarthikeyan's work as providing comic relief in a serious film. He was next seen in Ezhil's romantic comedy Manam Kothi Paravai that released later that year. It opened to mixed reviews with a critic noting that the film "might not provide Sivakarthikeyan the platform he is aspiring for – lead roles in movies. But it does showcase his potential as an actor."

2013–2019: Experimentation in genres and success

In 2013, Sivakarthikeyan appeared in three films. In his first release of the year, Kedi Billa Killadi Ranga, a dual hero coming-of-age comedy film, Sivakarthikeyan partnered once again with Pandiraj and acted alongside Vimal. The film opened to positive reviews from critics, and became a success at the box office. His next film was Dhanush's debut production venture Ethir Neechal, written and directed by R. S. Durai Senthilkumar, a former assistant of director Vetrimaaran. It is a story about a young man having talent as a long-distance runner, who strives to make an identity for himself. His third release of the year was director Ponram's comedy Varuthapadatha Valibar Sangam, which saw Sivakarthikeyan portray a carefree rural youth and he was paired with newcomer Sri Divya, and Soori. Sivakarthikeyan sang a song in a film, the first of his career. He won positive reviews for his performance from critics, with Sify noting "Sivakarthikeyan is terrific as Bosepandi because he makes it look so believable on screen with his body language, eyes and dialogue delivery". Another reviewer called him a delight to watch and claimed that he carried the script. The film completed 100 days during its theatrical run and was Sivakarthikeyan's biggest commercial box office success at that time. His performances in 2013 led him to win the year's Vijay Award for Entertainer of the Year, an onstage moment which Sivakarthikeyan described as "memorable".

Sivakarthikeyan started the year 2014 with a comedy film Maan Karate produced by A. R. Murugadoss. The film featured him as a carefree urban youth who fakes himself as a boxer to impress a girl. In 2015, he paired up once again with Durai Senthilkumar for a police action film, Kaaki Sattai. The film released on 27 February 2015. It was a story about a sincere constable who takes risks to stop black market organ donation and having the aim to become an Inspector. He again joined hands with Ponram in the film Rajini Murugan, starring another newcomer Keerthy Suresh. The film's producer, N. Linguswamy, ultimately failed to provide Sivakarthikeyan with his salary due to losses incurred by the film's delayed release. His film Remo, directed by debutant Bakkiyaraj Kannan and produced by R. D. Raja, featured Sivakarthikeyan playing a lovestruck youth disguising himself as a female nurse to befriend his love interest. Sivakarthikeyan's next venture was director Mohan Raja's action-thriller, Velaikkaran, pairing with Nayanthara and featuring Fahadh Faasil as the main antagonist. The film, which revolves around an employee fighting against food adulteration in society, was released in 2017 to positive reviews from critics.

Sivakathikeyan then featured in the 2018 film Seemaraja, collaborating with director Ponram for the third time. The film, featuring an ensemble cast including Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Simran, Lal and Soori, released to mixed reviews. Later that year, he acted in the film, Kanaa, the directorial debut of Arunraja Kamaraj and the debut film of Sivakarthikeyan's production company Sivakarthikeyan Productions. The film features Sivakarthikeyan as a cricket coach, acting alongside Aishwarya Rajesh and Sathyaraj. The film was released to highly positive reviews. Sivakarthikeyan's first 2019 film was Mr. Local, starring opposite Nayanthara for the second time, which received poor reviews. His scenes from Kanaa were reused in the Telugu remake of the film titled Kousalya Krishnamurthy. In 2019, Sivakarthikeyan appeared in the family drama film Namma Veettu Pillai, and in a superhero film Hero.

2021–present: Further success

Sivakarthikeyan's only 2021 film was Doctor, which received highly positive reviews from critics and audiences. It became the highest-grossing film of his career, with a global collection of 100 crore rupees. This is his first movie to join the 100 crore club. His next release was Don, which released in 2022. Like Doctor, it received favorable reviews by both the critics and audience. It also went on to collect 100 crores at the global box office, becoming his second consecutive 100 crore hit. In 2022, he began filming for Prince under the direction of K. V. Anudeep. At the same time, he also began shooting for Maaveeran, which was directed by Madonne Ashwin. Prince released in 2022 to negative reviews, but Maaveeran released in 2023 and was a commercial success. Soon after, on the occasion of Pongal, his long-delayed film Ayalaan was released in 2024 to generally positive reviews, especially with families. The film used 1,400 visual shots, which is the most for any Indian film. Clashing with his former co-star's film Captain Miller, the film grossed over ₹96 crores (US$12 million), emerging as a box office success, and becoming among the highest-grossing Indian films of 2024.

A month later, Sivakarthikeyan's film with Raaj Kamal Films International, directed by Rajkumar Periyasamy, was announced, previously under the tentative title SK21. On 16 February 2024, the title was revealed to be Amaran, as confirmed by a teaser trailer. The teaser garnered more than 2 million views within 6 hours. Amaran became a sleeper hit at the box office, emerged as the second highest-grossing Tamil film of 2024, garnering widespread critical acclaim for its engaging screenplay, based on the real life incidents revolving around veteran Indian army officer Mukund Varadarajan. The film was his first major fully-fledged action entertainer.

His latest film was directed by A. R. Murugadoss, in his second collaboration with the director, after him previously producing Maan Karate. Anirudh Ravichander was announced as the music director for the film, in his ninth collaboration with the musician, as confirmed by his presence at the film's muharat pooja. The movie is titled Madharaasi.

Controversies

In 2023, Tamil composer D. Imman publicly announced that he would no longer collaborate with actor Sivakarthikeyan, mentioning a personal betrayal that deeply impacted his life. He chose not to share further details, emphasizing his children’s well-being and the importance of privacy.

Filmography

Films

As an actor

• All films are in Tamil unless otherwise noted.

As a producer

As dubbing artist

Television

Discography

As playback singer

As lyricist

Awards and nominations

References

References

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3. (5 November 2024). "Sivakarthikeyan gets emotional talking about his father at Amaran success meet: 'His death shattered me'". [[The Indian Express]].
4. (5 December 2024). "My biggest inspiration: Actor Sivakarthikeyan's sweet birthday wish for his sister". [[India Today]].
5. (1 February 2025). "Sivakarthikeyan recalls 'first experience acting as a woman'". [[The Times of India]].
6. (16 November 2023). "Guess this actor from childhood photo". [[News18]].
7. (7 January 2025). "Sivakarthikeyan reveals why he once considered quitting cinema". [[The Indian Express]].
8. "Aarthi and Sivakarthikeyan's Adorable Wedding Video Goes Viral". Indiaglitz.
9. (12 July 2021). "Sivakarthikeyan and his wife Aarthi blessed with their second child, a baby boy".
10. (4 August 2021). "Sivakarthikeyan introduces his son Gugan Doss See first pic".
11. (15 July 2024). "Actor Sivakarthikeyan, wife Aarthi name their baby boy Pavan". [[The Hindu]].
12. https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/arun-prabhu-talks-working-with-his-cousin-sivakarthikeyan-for-vaazhl-shares-his-definition-of-modern-day-mainstream-cinema-9804761.html
13. "Kollywood Movie Actor Sivakarthikeyan Biography, News, Photos, Videos". Nettv4u.
14. Lakshmi, V.. (27 June 2013). "I never thought I'd become a hero: Sivakarthikeyan". [[The Times of India]].
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17. (15 March 2018). "Love and laughter". [[The Hindu]].
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29. [http://www.ibtimes.co.in/kakki-sattai-kaaki-sattai-opening-weekend-box-office-collection-sivakarthikeyans-film-earns-624983 'Kakki Sattai (Kaaki Sattai) Opening Weekend Box Office Collection: Sivakarthikeyan's Film Earns ₹13.34 Crore in the First Weekend] {{Webarchive. link. (3 March 2015 . Ibtimes.co.in (2 March 2015). Retrieved on 6 May 2015.)
30. Pillai, Sreedhar. (2015-05-02). "Trouble in Kollywood". The Hindu.
31. (7 October 2016). "Remo (aka) Sivakarthikeyan's Remo review".
32. (22 December 2017). "Velaikkaran review- An honest film that hits the right notes".
33. Ramanujam, Srinivasa. (13 September 2018). "'Seema Raja' review: The decline of royalty". [[The Hindu]].
34. (2 November 2018). "'Kanaa' release dates announced".
35. "Namma Veettu Pillai Movie Review {3/5}: Sivakarthikeyan starrer is an okayish family drama".
36. Janani K.. (20 December 2019). "Hero Movie Review: Sivakarthikeyan's film has interesting premise, but let down by execution".
37. (27 January 2021). "Sivakarthikeyan's new film titled Don, makers tease with announcement video". Hindustan Times.
38. (16 May 2022). "'Don' to make its digital premiere next month".
39. (10 February 2022). "The shooting of 'SK 20' begins with a muhurat puja; Sathyaraj joins Sivakarthikeyan".
40. (1 January 2022). "Sivakarthikeyan To Make His Tollywood Debut With Director Anudeep KV's Next".
41. (2 September 2022). "Aditi Shankar begins shooting for Sivakarthikeyan's Maaveeran".
42. (16 July 2022). "Mahesh Babu Unveiled The Title Of Sivakarthikeyan's Mahaveerudu".
43. (15 July 2022). "'Maaveeran': Sivakarthikeyan-Madonne Ashwin film's title announced".
44. (2024-02-01). "Sivakarthikeyan's 'Ayalaan' Telugu version is blocked from theatres; deets inside". The Times of India.
45. (2022-01-15). "It's official: Sivakarthikeyan's next with Rajkumar Periyasamy". The Times of India.
46. (16 February 2024). "AMARAN TEASER {{!}} Ulaganayagan Kamal Haasan {{!}} Sivakarthikeyan {{!}} Rajkumar {{!}} GV Prakash {{!}} R. Mahendran".
47. Kaushal, Sweta. "India: Big Global Scores For Tamil Films 'Kanguva', 'Amaran'".
48. (2024-11-24). "'Amaran' box office collection day 24: Sivakarthikeyan and Sai Pallavi's film dominates". The Times of India.
49. "Amaran - Problematic propaganda {{!}} Tamil Guardian".
50. (15 February 2024). "#SKxARM Pooja Ceremony {{!}} Siva Karthikeyan, Rukmini Vasanth {{!}} A R Murugadoss {{!}} Anirudh Ravichander".
51. (17 October 2023). "Music composer D Imman says he will never work with Sivakarthikeyan again: 'He betrayed me'".
52. "Marina Review – Marina Movie Review".
53. (18 February 2019). "14 SHADES OF SIVAKARTHIKEYAN! WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE?".
54. (2016-05-11). "Manam Kothi Paravai".
55. M Suganth (29 March 2013) [http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/tamil/movie-reviews/Kedi-Billa-Killadi-Ranga/movie-review/19279715.cms Kedi Billa Killadi Ranga movie review: Wallpaper, Story, Trailer at Times of India] {{Webarchive. link. (24 July 2014 . ''The Times of India''. Retrieved 17 October 2013.)
56. (2013-05-03). "Tamil review: "Ethir Neechal" nothing exceptional, yet watchable".
57. Mannath, Malini. (8 September 2013). "Varuthapadatha Vaalibar Sangam: Karthikeyan's splendid take". The New Indian Express.
58. (2014-04-05). "Movie review: Maan Karate is a messed-up bout". [[Hindustan Times]].
59. [https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150228/entertainment-movie-review/article/movie-review-kaaki-sattai-senthilkumar-has-done-estimable "Movie review 'Kaaki Sattai': One is certain to be dazzled ad amused"] . ''Deccan Chronicle''.
60. "Sivakarthikeyan does a cameo in SRK's film".
61. "Rajini Murugan Movie Review {3/5}: Critic Review of Rajini Murugan by Times of India". The Times of India.
62. (8 October 2016). "Remo movie review: Sivakarthikeyan's film entertains but not charming enough".
63. (22 December 2017). "Velaikkaran movie review: Sivakarthikeyan, Fahadh Faasil shine in this message-heavy but impactful film". Hindustan Times.
64. Ramanujam, Srinivasa. (2018-09-13). "'Seema Raja' review: The decline of royalty". The Hindu.
65. "Kanaa Movie Review". [[The Times of India]].
66. "Mr. Local Review {2/5}: The film is full of ineffective one-liners, illogical scenes and exhausting dialogues and songs".
67. "Sivakarthikeyan About Kousalya Krishnamurthy Movie Audio Launch {{!}} Aishwarya Rajesh". Shreyas Media.
68. (9 October 2021). "'Doctor' movie review: An enjoyable comedy-caper that has Sivakarthikeyan playing down his strengths – the Hindu".
69. K, Janani. (13 May 2022). "Don Movie Review: Sivakarthikeyan's film is a mindless entertainer with a message".
70. Pillai, Sreedhar. (30 May 2022). "Sreedhar Pillai on X: "After the blockbuster success of #Don, @Siva_Kartikeyan's #SK20 is all geared up for {{as written".
71. (25 January 2021). "Ayalaan movie to release during Christmas 2021".
72. (9 May 2024). "After Trisha, Sivakarthikeyan To Play Cameo In Vijay's GOAT?".
73. (2024-12-25). "Year Ender 2024: Top 10 highest-grossing Kollywood movies at worldwide box office".
74. (14 February 2024). "Sivakarthikeyan's 'SK23' with AR Murugadoss begins with an pooja". [[The Times of India]].
75. (14 December 2024). "சிவகார்த்திகேயன் 25-வது படத்தின் முதற்கட்ட படப்பிடிப்பு தொடங்கியது".
76. Features, C. E.. (2025-04-09). "Sivakarthikeyan Productions to present Darshan-Kaali Venkat's House Mates".
77. Features, Cinema Express. (2025-12-25). "Sivakarthikeyan's SK Productions presents Radikaa-led Thaai Kizhavi".
78. IndiaGlitz Tamil. (2019-05-13). "நான் உதவியதை நீங்களாவது சொன்னீங்களே : Sivakarthikeyan Speech I Nayanthara I Mr. Local Press Meet".
79. Aiyappan, Ashameera. (2019-05-20). "Interview {{!}} Nobody has become an alcoholic because of my films: 'Mr Local' director Rajesh".
80. (2024-10-26). "Bigg Boss Tamil 8: From Sivakarthikeyan's stunning entry to Pavitra getting nomination free pass; Major events at a glance". The Times of India.
81. Sivakarthikeyan. "Sivakarthikeyan on X: "Here is the second single #Vannarapettayila from #Maaveeran – A @bharathsankar12 Musical! ..."".
82. (14 July 2017). "Tamil Nadu announces the State Film Awards for six consecutive years in a surprise move. Here's the complete list of winners".
83. Sudish Kamath. "Stars in Sharjah". The Hindu.
84. (16 January 2017). "SIIMA Awards 2014 Tamil winners list".
85. (6 July 2014). "Vijay Awards: Ajith's "Arrambam", Kamal Haasan, Sivakarthikeyan Bag Awards [Winners List]".
86. (26 May 2014). "Vijay Television Awards 2014 – List of winners and Images".
87. (14 March 2017). "IIFA South Utsavam Awards 2017: Here is the complete nomination list for Tamil movies".
88. (13 March 2017). "10th Edison Awards 2016: Rajinikanth, Simbu, Sivakarthikeyan's films win big; here is the complete winners' list".
89. (2 July 2017). "SIIMA Awards 2017 Day 2: Mohanlal wins Best Actor, Vijay bags Best Entertainer".
90. EDISON AWARDS. (16 January 2018). "Vote for @Siva_Kartikeyan is Nominated As #BestActor for #Velaikkaran at #11thAnnualEdisonAwards Vote here 👉https://t.co/M5HcIG4Y0d @rameshlaus @24AMSTUDIOS @jayam_mohanraja @RDRajaofficial https://t.co/fcxamWCYQp".
91. 24AM. (26 February 2018). "Our Velaikkaran won 5 Awards at #11thAnnualEdisonAwards.Thank u 4 d recognition & appreciation👍 Best film: #Velaikkaran (@24AMSTUDIOS) Favorite Actor: @Siva_Kartikeyan Best Music Director: @anirudhofficial Best Art Director: @muthurajthanga1 Best choreographer: @shobimaster".
92. (16 September 2018). "SIIMA Awards 2018 – Tamil winners list".
93. (2021-08-28). "Dhanush, Manju Warrier, Chetan Kumar, others: SIIMA Awards announces nominees".
94. "Siva Karthikeyan Sensational Speech After Winning Best Actor Award for Doctor {{!}} SIIMA 2022".
95. (7 April 2023). "Pinkvilla Style Icons Edition 2 Winners list: Kiara Advani, Janhvi to Kartik Aaryan, a look at who won what!".
96. (4 August 2024). "Filmfare Awards South 2024 full winners list: Nani's Dasara, Siddharth's Chithha win big".
97. (19 February 2021). "Kalaimamani Award: Aishwarya Rajesh, Sivakarthikeyan, Gautham Menon among awardees".
98. (19 February 2021). "Sivakarthikeyan to Gautham Menon: Here's the list of Kalaimamani awardees of 2021". [[The New Indian Express]].
99. (September 7, 2025). "SIIMA 2025 Tamil, Malayalam: Prithviraj Sukumaran, Sai Pallavi win top honours".