Singampuli
{{Short description|Indian actor and director (born 1968)}}
{{for|the 2011 film|Singam Puli}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2016}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Singampuli
| image =
| imagesize =
| caption = Singampuli in 2022
| birth_name =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1968|07|06|df=y}}
| birth_place = Periyakulam, Tamil Nadu, India
| death_date =
| death_place =
| othername = Ram Sathya
| yearsactive = 2002{{ndash}}present
| spouse = Pushpavalli
| children = 2
| website =
| occupation = Actor, director
}}
Singampuli is an Indian actor and director working in Tamil films. After making Red (2002) and Maayavi (2005), he has made a career appearing in comedy roles and supporting roles.{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/my-first-break-singam-puli/article917584.ece|title=My First Break: Singam Puli - The Hindu|newspaper=The Hindu|date=27 November 2010|publisher=thehindu.com|accessdate=2014-07-20|last1=Kumar|first1=S. R. Ashok}}
Career
Singampuli was born and brought up in Theni, Periyakulam and after studying engineering in Bangalore, he arrived in Chennai looking for a career in films. During his stint as an assistant director with Sundar C, Singampuli suggested the original plot point of Unnai Thedi (1999) to the director and Sundar wrote the script of the film within a week, before discussing the line with actor Ajith Kumar. Ajith was initially unimpressed but agreed to do the romantic story anyway, mentioning that if the film became a success he would feature in a future film to be directed by Singampuli.{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article917584.ece|title=My First Break: Singam Puli - The Hindu|newspaper=The Hindu|date=27 November 2010|publisher=thehindu.com|accessdate=2014-07-20|last1=Kumar|first1=S. R. Ashok}} Subsequently, he agreed terms to work in the 2002 action film Red, a story telling the tale of a Madurai-based revolutionary. The film opened to mixed reviews upon release and eventually the film had an average run at the box office but went on to gain cult status among ajith fans after some years.{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2002/01/25/stories/2002012501050200.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030627174909/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2002/01/25/stories/2002012501050200.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=2003-06-27|title="Red"|author=thmrn|work=The Hindu|accessdate=2014-07-20}} In 2005, he made the kidnap comedy film Maayavi featuring Suriya and Jyothika, winning acclaim for his work.{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/mayaavi-review-tamil-13690380.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140129140806/http://www.sify.com/movies/mayaavi-review-tamil-13690380.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2014-01-29|title=Movie Review : Mayaavi|website=Sify|accessdate=2014-07-20}}
Director Bala cast him in an acting role as a beggar in Naan Kadavul (2009) and since Singampuli has appeared in several films in supporting roles.
Singampuli bagged the Best Comedian Award for his role in Anjukku Onnu (2016).{{Cite web|url=https://thesouthfirst.com/entertainment/tamil/tamil-nadu-state-film-awards-for-2015-announced-madhavan-and-jyothika-declared-best-actors/|title =Tamil Nadu State Film Awards for 2015 announced, Madhavan and Jyothika declared best actors|date =5 March 2024}}
He has acted and collaborated with directors Rasu Madhuravan's drama films Mayandi Kudumbathar (2009), Goripalayam (2010), Muthukku Muthaaga (2011) and Pandi Oliperukki Nilayam (2012) followed by Ezhil's comedy films Manam Kothi Paravai (2012), Desingu Raja (2013) and Vellaikaara Durai (2014) as well as M. Muthaiya's actions drama films Pulikkuthi Pandi (2021), Viruman (2022) and Kathar Basha Endra Muthuramalingam (2023).
In 2024, he gives a remarkable performance in the action thriller Maharaja.{{Cite web|url=https://news.abplive.com/movie-review/entertainment/movie-review-maharaja-movie-review-starring-vijay-sethupathi-in-his-50th-film-anurag-kashyap-1695636|title =Maharaja Review: Vijay Sethupathi Shines In His 50th Film Which Succeeds In Parts|date =14 June 2024}} The film emerged as a massive hit at the box office.{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vijay-sethupathis-maharaja-surpasses-rajinikanths-2-0-becomes-the-highest-kollywood-grosser-in-china/articleshow/115892885.cms|title =Vijay Sethupathi's 'Maharaja' surpasses Rajinikanth's '2.0,' becomes the highest Kollywood grosser in China|newspaper =The Times of India}}
Singampuli's foray into acting marked a new chapter in his illustrious career. His presence on Top Cooku Dupe Cooku has endeared him to audiences across Tamil audience, further solidifying his status as a beloved figure in the realm of entertainment.{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/tamil/did-you-know-top-cooku-dupe-cooku-fame-singampuli-was-a-director-once/articleshow/110139459.cms|title =Did you know Top Cooku Dupe Cooku fame Singampuli was a director once?|newspaper =The Times of India|date =15 May 2024}}
Family
The actor's family includes his wife, Pushpavalli,{{Cite web |last=ganesh.perumal |title=சொந்த தாய்மாமா பொண்ணு... இராணுவத்துல வேலை பாக்குறாங்க - மனைவி பற்றிய ஆச்சர்ய தகவலை வெளியிட்ட சிங்கம்புலி |url=https://tamil.asianetnews.com/gallery/gallery/maharaja-movie-fame-singam-puli-says-about-his-wife-who-is-working-in-army-gan-sfmcro |access-date=2024-11-23 |website=Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd |language=ta}} an Indian Army officer. Together, they have two sons, Savith Annavi aged 18 and Tirunaa Annavi aged 17.
Filmography
=As writer and director =
| class="wikitable sortable" style="background:#f5f5f5;" | ||||
| style="background:#B0C4DE;"
! rowspan="2" scope="col"| Year ! rowspan="2" scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" colspan="2"| Credited as ! rowspan="2" scope="col" | Notes | ||||
| Director
! Writer | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Kannan Varuvaan | {{No}} | {{partial|Story, dialogue}} | Credited as D. Singapuli |
| 2002 | Red | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | Credited as Ram Sathya |
| 2004 | Perazhagan | {{No}} | {{partial|Dialogue}} | Credited as D. P. Singappuli |
| 2005 | Maayavi | {{Yes}} | {{partial|Story, screenplay}} | |
| 2009 | Renigunta | {{No}} | {{partial|Dialogue}} | |
| 2010 | Virunthalikku | {{No}} | {{partial|Dialogue}} |
=As assistant director=
| class="wikitable sortable" style="background:#f5f5f5;" | ||
| style="background:#B0C4DE;"
! Year ! Film !class=unsortable| Notes | ||
| rowspan="1"|1999 | Unakkaga Ellam Unakkaga | |
| rowspan="1"|2002 | Raja | |
| rowspan="1"|2003 | Anjaneya |
=As actor=
| class="wikitable sortable" style="background:#f5f5f5;"
|+ List of film acting credits | |||
| style="background:#B0C4DE;"
! scope="col" | Year ! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" | Role ! scope="col" class=unsortable| Notes | |||
| 1997 | Janakiraman | Anandraj's henchman | uncredited |
| 2000 | Kannan Varuvaan | Radharavi's henchman | uncredited |
| rowspan="3"|2009 | Naan Kadavul | Kuyyan | |
| Mayandi Kudumbathar | Mayandi Virumandi | {{won}}, Ananda Vikatan Cinema Award for Best comedian | |
| Eesa | Kadukkai | ||
| rowspan="3"|2010 | Goripalayam | M. G. R. Chinnasamy | |
| Milaga | Azhagar's friend | ||
| Virunthali | Oli Shankar | ||
| rowspan="6"|2011 | Thoonga Nagaram | Special appearance | |
| Nandhi | Selvaraj | ||
| Muthukku Muthaaga | Suruttu | ||
| Eththan | Veerasingam | ||
| Padhinettan Kudi Ellai Arambam | |||
| Sankarankovil | |||
| rowspan="5"|2012 | Sengathu Bhoomiyilae | Ondippuli | |
| Aravaan | |||
| Manam Kothi Paravai | Modu Mutti | ||
| Pandi Oliperukki Nilayam | Pandi's brother | ||
| Akilan | |||
| rowspan="7"|2013 | Kadal | Clarence | |
| Unakku 20 Enakku 40 | |||
| Oruvar Meethu Iruvar Sainthu | |||
| Desingu Raja | Koushik | ||
| Naiyaandi | |||
| Jannal Oram | Tiyagi Thillai | ||
| Ragalaipuram | Constable | ||
| rowspan="10"|2014 | Vadakkum Therkum | ||
| Oru Oorla Rendu Raja | |||
| Kaaviya Thalaivan | Palavesam | ||
| Pappali | Councillor | ||
| Sandiyar | |||
| Aindhaam Thalaimurai Sidha Vaidhiya Sigamani | Vijay Sethupathi | ||
| Sigaram Thodu | Pickpocket | ||
| Kaadu | MaduraiKaaran | ||
| Appuchi Gramam | Govinda | ||
| Vellaikaara Durai | Balu dasan | ||
| rowspan="9"|2015 | Pongi Ezhu Manohara | Mani | |
| Sandamarutham | Mayilu | ||
| Kallappadam | Singampuli | ||
| Sagaptham | Tiger | ||
| Demonte Colony | Producer (Guest appearance) | ||
| Naalu Policeum Nalla Irundha Oorum | Padhinettampadiyan | ||
| Vanna Jigina | |||
| Pokkiri Mannan | Kali | ||
| 9 Thirudargal | |||
| rowspan="15"|2016 | Karai Oram | Vettukili | |
| Sethu Boomi | |||
| Sowkarpettai | Puli | ||
| Hello Naan Pei Pesuren | Game Samiyar | ||
| Kida Poosari Magudi | |||
| Yokkiyan Varan Somba Thooki Ulla Vai | |||
| Guhan | |||
| Saalaiyoram | |||
| Velainu Vandhutta Vellaikaaran | |||
| Pandiyoda Galatta Thaangala | An Aspiring actor | ||
| Muthina Kathirika | Vanjinathan | ||
| Ka Ka Ka Po | |||
| Aandavan Kattalai | Murugesan | ||
| Anjukku Onnu | {{won}}, Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Comedian | ||
| Kadavul Irukaan Kumaru | Madaswamy | ||
| rowspan="9"|2017 | Koditta Idangalai Nirappuga | ||
| Muthuramalingam | Mookkaiyya Thevar's nephew | ||
| Yaakkai | Muniyappan | ||
| Ayyanar Veethi | |||
| Yentha Nerathilum | |||
| Puyala Kelambi Varom | |||
| Karuppan | Karuppan's Uncle | ||
| En Aaloda Seruppa Kaanom | Soosai | ||
| Aangila Padam | Iruttu Pusari | ||
| rowspan="13"|2018 | Mannar Vagaiyara | Puli Moota | |
| Saranalayam | |||
| Padaiveeran | Bartender | ||
| Yemaali | Selvaraj | ||
| Kalakalappu 2 | Seenu's assistant | ||
| Merlin | |||
| Pakka | |||
| Alaipesi | |||
| Enna Thavam Seitheno | |||
| Maniyaar Kudumbam | |||
| Azhagumagan | |||
| Genius | Ramamoorthy's friend | ||
| Evanukku Engeyo Matcham Irukku | Giri | ||
| rowspan="3"|2019 | Kadhal Munnetra Kazhagam | ||
| Ganesha Meendum Santhipom | Paandi | ||
| Thavam | Caterer | ||
| rowspan="4"|2020 | Thottu Vidum Thooram | ||
| Psycho | Rajanayakam | ||
| Irandam Kuththu | Priya's father | ||
| Naanga Romba Busy | Constable Naidu | ||
| rowspan="6"|2021 | Pulikkuthi Pandi | Pandi's uncle | |
| Sulthan | Villager | ||
| Pei Mama | |||
| MGR Magan | M. G. Karuppusamy | ||
| Raajavamsam | Singampuli | ||
| Anandham Vilayadum Veedu | Sakkarapandi | ||
| rowspan="9" |2022 | Don | Kandhan | |
| Panni Kutty | Temple priest | ||
| The Legend | VJ's Assistant | ||
| My Dear Lisa | Chef cook | ||
| Viruman | Thalaiyaari | ||
| Kanmani Paappa | Kokki Kumar | ||
| Pattathu Arasan | Kannan | ||
| Powder | |||
| DSP | Uppiliyappan | ||
| rowspan="7" |2023 | Kathar Basha Endra Muthuramalingam | Head Constable | |
| Azhagiya Kanne | |||
| Kabadi Bro | Argent Muthu | ||
| Naadu | |||
| Va Varalam Va | |||
| Thee Ivan | Vinayagam | ||
| Moothakudi | |||
| rowspan="6" |2024 | Local Sarakku | Agent Thangaraj | |
| Aranmanai 4 | Constable A. Sakthivel | ||
| Haraa | |||
| Maharaja | Nallasivam | ||
| Udhir @ Poomara Kathu | |||
| Kadaisi Ulaga Por | Perumal | ||
| rowspan="5" |2025 | Baby and Baby | Singampuli | |
| Fire | |||
| Konjam Kadhal Konjam Modhal | Santhanam | ||
| Enai Sudum Pani | |||
| Retro | Rukmini’s father | Filming |
= As dubbing artist =
| class="wikitable sortable" style="background:#f5f5f5;" | |||
| style="background:#B0C4DE;"
! Year ! Film ! Role !class=unsortable| Notes | |||
| 2019 | The Lion King | rowspan=2 |Timon | rowspan=2 | Tamil version{{cite web|url=https://www.thestatesman.com/entertainment/mufasa-the-lion-king-roars-with-indias-top-stars-in-hindi-tamil-telugu-versions-1503366827.html|title=Mufasa The Lion King roars with India's top stars in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu versions|date=20 November 2024|access-date=20 November 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241120082701/https://www.thestatesman.com/entertainment/mufasa-the-lion-king-roars-with-indias-top-stars-in-hindi-tamil-telugu-versions-1503366827.html|archive-date=20 November 2024|website=Statesman}} |
| 2024 | Mufasa: The Lion King |
=Television=
| class="wikitable sortable" style="background:#f5f5f5;" | ||||
| style="background:#B0C4DE;"
! Year ! Title ! Role ! Network !class=unsortable| Notes !{{Reference heading}} | ||||
| 2023 | Ayali | ZEE5 | Streaming television series
| | |
| 2024{{Ndash}}present
|Contestant | | ||||
| 2025
|Thiyagarajan |ZEE5 |Streaming television series |
References
{{reflist|2}}
External links
- {{IMDb name|id=4020011}}
{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Singampuli}}
Category:Male actors in Tamil cinema
Category:People from Theni district
Category:Male actors from Tamil Nadu
Category:21st-century Indian male actors
Category:Indian male comedians