Rajendran
Rajendran | |
|---|---|
| File:Actor Motta Rajendran at the Vilaasam Press Meet.jpg Raasendran at the Vilaasam Press Meet | |
| Born | 1 June 1957 Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Other names | Naan Kadavul Rajendran, Mottai Rajendran |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1978–present |
Arunachalam Rajendran[1] (born 1 June 1957[1]), better known as Mottai Rajendran or Naan Kadavul Rajendran, is an Indian stunt double and actor working mainly in Tamil cinema. He debuted in 2003 with the Tamil film Pithamagan and has worked as a stunt double in over 500 South Indian films since then. He played the role of a villain in Naan Kadavul (2009) which won huge critical acclaim and fetched him the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Villain. Since then, he has continued to play villainous and later humorous supporting characters in a number of Tamil films.[2] He is noted for his rough voice and alopecia universalis, which he claims was the result of coming into contact with industrial waste during a stunt sequence.[3][4]
Career
[edit | edit source]Rajendran began his film career working as a stunt double in hundreds of south Indian films mostly in Tamil.
He played a small but significant role in Pithamagan (2003) and made his full-fledged acting debut as a villain in Naan Kadavul (2009).[2][5] His performance as a cruel leader who tortures beggars earned critical acclaim with a critic noting that he is "menacing and loathsome".[6]
Following his villainous comedy role in Boss Engira Bhaskaran (2010), he says he was typecast in similar roles.[2][5] His appearance as a killer who dons the garb of a woman in Thirudan Police (2014) was appreciated by critics as "the ultimate showstealer and his already popular lady makeover clinches it big time".[7] His first release in 2015 was Darling, where he appeared as the ghostbuster.[5] The Times of India wrote, "His bald head, thin figure and sandpapery voice make him effective for both villainous and comical roles but from the screams and whistles that his character gets, it is clear that he has made much more impact as a comedian".[8] His second release of the year was Ivanuku Thannila Gandam (2015), where he appeared as a murderer. Before its release, Rajendran's presence in the film's promotional videos received a positive response.[5][9] The film was released to negative reviews, though Rajendran's performance was appreciated by critics, one of whom noted that "the film belongs to Rajendran as he comes out with his trademark dialogue delivery [...] and carries the entire film".[10]
He later co-starred mostly with actor Santhanam in movies Dhilluku Dhuddu (2016), Dhilluku Dhuddu 2 (2019), Biskoth (2020), Parris Jeyaraj (2021), Dikkiloona (2021), DD Returns (2023), 80s Buildup (2023), Vadakkupatti Ramasamy (2024) and Devil's Double Next Level (2025).
Personal life
[edit | edit source]A. Rajendran was born on 1 June 1957 in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, India. His father, Arunachalam, and two elder brothers are also stunt masters. Rajendran previously used to have androgenic hair, but following an incident in which he jumped into a pond of chemical runoff from a nearby factory as part of a stunt for a Malayalam movie, he had lost every bit of hair from his body, earning him the nickname "Motta" Rajendran.[11]
Filmography
[edit | edit source]| † | Denotes film or TV productions that have not yet been released |
Tamil films
[edit | edit source]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Rudhra | Henchman | Uncredited role |
| 1992 | Amaran | Henchman | Uncredited role |
| Thambi Pondatti | Henchman | Uncredited role | |
| Thirumathi Palanisamy | Henchman | Uncredited role | |
| 1993 | Gentleman | Henchman | Uncredited role |
| 1995 | Puthiya Aatchi | Henchman | Uncredited role |
| 2003 | Lesa Lesa | Deva's friend | Uncredited role[12] |
| Pithamagan | Prison Warden | Uncredited role[13] | |
| 2005 | Thotti Jaya | Henchman | Uncredited role |
| 2006 | Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu | Henchman in 'Karka Karka' song | Uncredited role |
| Thalaimagan | Fighter | Uncredited role | |
| 2007 | Thee Nagar | Henchman | Uncredited role |
| 2009 | Naan Kadavul | Thandavan | Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Villain[14] Nominated, Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Tamil |
| 2010 | Boss Engira Bhaskaran | Velpandi | |
| Baana Kaathadi | Gang Leader | ||
| Uthamaputhiran | Velu | ||
| Milaga | Rajendran | ||
| Thambi Arjuna | Mani | ||
| 2011 | Ilaignan | Kaalia | |
| Mugaputhagam | Goon | Short film | |
| Rowthiram | Local Goon | ||
| Thambikottai | Amirthalingam | ||
| Velayudham | A local goon | ||
| Ambuli | Guhan | ||
| 2012 | Varudangal 20 | Annachi | |
| 2013 | Samar | Tree cutter | |
| Kan Pesum Vaarthaigal | Janani's uncle | ||
| Singam 2 | Sahaayam | ||
| Pattathu Yaanai | Hotel Owner | ||
| Varuthapadatha Valibar Sangam | Goolmaayi | ||
| Raja Rani | Henry | ||
| Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara | Painter Rajendran (Raj) | ||
| Maayai | |||
| 2014 | Kadhal Solla Aasai | Verumpuli | |
| Vilaasam | |||
| Thirudan Police | Manickam | ||
| Vellaikaara Durai | Rajendran | ||
| 2015 | Darling | Ghost Gopal Varma | |
| Ivanuku Thannila Gandam | Mark | ||
| Kalakattam | |||
| Nannbenda | "Scorpio" Shankar | ||
| Kanchana 2 | Marudhu's brother | ||
| Masss | Ghost | ||
| Eli | Kuruvi Manda Kumaru | ||
| Palakkattu Madhavan | U. Santosh Kumar | ||
| Sakalakala Vallavan | Inspector Muthukaruppan / Robot | ||
| Adhibar | |||
| 49-O | Advertisement director | ||
| Jippaa Jimikki | |||
| Naanum Rowdydhaan | Rowdy Raja | ||
| Om Shanti Om | Vavval Pandi | ||
| Vedalam | "Kolkata" Kaali | ||
| Thiruttu Rail | |||
| 2016 | Peigal Jaakkirathai | ||
| Nayyapudai | Baby Anaconda | ||
| Vaaliba Raja | Ragendra | ||
| Theri | P. Rajender | Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Tamil[15] | |
| Velainu Vandhutta Vellaikaaran | Ghost 'Motai' Guru | ||
| Enakku Innoru Per Irukku | Maha | ||
| Jackson Durai | Bradlee (Suruli) | ||
| Dhilluku Dhuddu | Sketch "Mani" | ||
| Arthanari | |||
| Wagah | PET Master | ||
| Yaanai Mel Kuthirai Sawaari | |||
| Remo | Mohana Santhosh | ||
| Kadavul Irukaan Kumaru | Father Francis Rajendran | ||
| Atti | |||
| Veera Sivaji | CBI officer | ||
| 2017 | Bairavaa | Traffic police M. Rajendran | |
| Enakku Vaaitha Adimaigal | Karuppu Rock | ||
| Mupparimanam | Himself | Cameo | |
| Motta Shiva Ketta Shiva | Sunami Star Subash | ||
| Bruce Lee | Uncle of Abbas | ||
| Paambhu Sattai | Water company owner | ||
| Sangili Bungili Kadhava Thorae | Chairman | ||
| Thangaratham | Malaichamy | ||
| Anbanavan Asaradhavan Adangadhavan | Mani / Rajhu | ||
| Gemini Ganeshanum Suruli Raajanum | Sulthan Bhai | ||
| Podhuvaga Emmanasu Thangam | Rajendran | ||
| Katha Nayagan | Mike Maari | ||
| Neruppu Da | MLA Kabali | ||
| Bayama Irukku | Ajith | ||
| Pichuva Kaththi | |||
| Hara Hara Mahadevaki | Spike | ||
| Mersal | Health Minister | ||
| Brahma.com | Vanagamudi | ||
| 2018 | Gulaebaghavali | Annachi | |
| Madura Veeran | |||
| Solli Vidava | Narayana | ||
| Veera | Jonty Rhodes | ||
| Kaathadi | |||
| Munthal | |||
| Iruttu Araiyil Murattu Kuththu | Jack | ||
| Kaathiruppor Pattiyal | |||
| Mohana | |||
| Junga | S. Duraisingam | ||
| Ghajinikanth | Rajini's friend | ||
| Maniyaar Kudumbam | Chellakilli | ||
| Kolamavu Kokila | Alponse | ||
| Aaruthra | Avudaiappan's assistant | ||
| Seema Raja | Himself | Special appearance | |
| Nota | Ramaswamy | ||
| Kalavani Mappillai | Vanagamoodi | ||
| 2019 | Vantha Rajavathaan Varuven | Loan collector | |
| Dhilluku Dhuddu 2 | Viji's uncle | ||
| Nethraa | |||
| Pettikadai | |||
| Pottu | Thief | ||
| Boomerang | Film producer | ||
| Sangathamizhan | Kittappa | ||
| Natpuna Ennanu Theriyuma | Raju's father | ||
| Dharmaprabhu | Shiva | ||
| Gorilla | Saloon Owner | ||
| A1 | CCTV Chidambaram | ||
| Jackpot | Motta | ||
| Puppy | |||
| 50/50 | Pachai Kulandhai | ||
| 2020 | Time Enna Boss | "Semma Singer" Judge / Mahatma Gandhi from Earth 36 | Web series |
| Irandam Kuththu | Swamiji | ||
| Naanga Romba Busy | Corrupt Businessman | ||
| Biskoth | Mottappa | ||
| Time Up | |||
| 2021 | Trip | Anjaa Puli | |
| Naanum Single Thaan | Mr Love | ||
| Paris Jayaraj | Guru | ||
| Michaelpatty Raja | Naidu | ||
| Engada Iruthinga Ivvalavu Naala | Nesamani | ||
| Call Taxi | Kamal | ||
| Dikkiloona | Mental Hospital Doctor | ||
| Pei Mama | Sethupathi | ||
| MGR Magan | Mattapparai | ||
| Anandham Vilayadum Veedu | Worker | ||
| 2022 | Kundas | ||
| Kadamaiyai Sei | Thief | ||
| Powder | |||
| Gurumoorthi | Security Guard | ||
| Varalaru Mukkiyam | Chris Gayle | ||
| Oh My Ghost | |||
| 2023 | Vaathi | 'Bittu' Bhupathi | |
| Single Shankarum Smartphone Simranum | Police | ||
| Pallu Padama Paathukka | Ramesh | ||
| Kannitheevu | |||
| Ghosty | Motta (Mental Hospital warden) | ||
| Ellaam Mela Irukuravan Paathuppan | Superstar Rajeshkanth and alien (dual role) | ||
| Vimanam | Balaraju | partially reshot version | |
| Rayar Parambarai | Shanthamurthy | ||
| DD Returns | Professor | ||
| Lockdown Diarie | |||
| Web | |||
| Japan | Japan's aide | ||
| 80s Buildup | Diamond thief | ||
| Sarakku | |||
| 2024 | Vadakkupatti Ramasamy | Goon | |
| Guardian | Azhagu's brother-in-law | ||
| Yaavarum Vallavare | Paandi | ||
| The Boys | Sundaram's uncle | ||
| Rathnam | Mahesh | ||
| Aranmanai 4 | Rathnam | ||
| Thozhar CheGuevara | Doctor Naveen | ||
| 2025 | Madha Gaja Raja | Viswanath’s henchman | |
| Baby and Baby | Thokkudurai | ||
| Otha Votu Muthaiya | Sithappa | ||
| Leg Piece | Annachi | ||
| Devil's Double Next Level | "Veen Pechu" Babu | [16] | |
| Chennai City Gangsters | Memory Dass | [17][18] | |
| Desingu Raja 2 | Dinesh | ||
| Bhoghee | |||
| Rambo | |||
| Rajini Gaang | Jadamudi Jambulingam | ||
| Konja Naal Poru Thalaiva |
Telugu films
[edit | edit source]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Lakshmi Narasimha | Henchman | Uncredited role |
| Gudumba Shankar | Henchman | Uncredited role | |
| Sakhiya | Uncredited role | ||
| 2005 | Sri | Uncredited role | |
| 2006 | Kithakithalu | Watermelon seller | Uncredited role[19] |
| 2007 | Athidi | Henchman | Uncredited role |
| 2018 | Chalo | Senior Veeramuthu | |
| 2019 | Chikati Gadilo Chithakotudu | Gopal Varma | |
| 2022 | Sammathame | Assistant of Music Director | |
| F3 | Gudivada Gurunatham | ||
| 2023 | Waltair Veerayya | Gundu Mani | |
| Sir | 'Boothu' Bhushanam | ||
| Vimanam | Balaraju | [20] | |
| 2025 | Akkada Ammayi Ikkada Abbayi | Krishna’s Boss | |
| Tribanadhari Barbarik | Dasanna | ||
| They Call Him OG | Gossiper | ||
| Trimukha | Watchman Veerabadram |
Malayalam films
[edit | edit source]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Tokyo Nagarathile Viseshangal | Thug | Uncredited role |
| 2001 | Randam Bhavam | Goon | Uncredited role |
| 2002 | Thandavam | Shankar Das's Henchman | Uncredited role[citation needed] |
| 2016 | Sivapuram | ||
| 2018 | Street Lights | Manimaran | |
| Odiyan | Odiyan doppelgänger | ||
| 2019 | Love Action Drama | SI Rajendran | |
| Kamala | Thoothukudi Raja | ||
| 2024 | Bad Boyz | ||
| 2025 | Pariwar | [21] | |
| The Protector | [22] |
Other language films
[edit | edit source]| Year | Title | Role | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Insan | Head of Cobra gang | Hindi | Uncredited role |
| 2008 | Ghajini | Ghajini's henchman | Uncredited role | |
| 2010 | Naayaka | Nagappa | Kannada | |
| 2017 | Kolara |
References
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External links
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