Vadivelu

Kumaravadivel Natarajan known professionally as Vadivelu, is an Indian actor, comedian and occasional playback singer, having acted mainly in Tamil movies.

He has at least 200 credits to his filmography and several awards including three Tamil Nadu State Film Awards for Best Comedian.

Cashing in on his popularity, he starred in the lead role of the historical comedy in the film Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikecei.

The movie was declared a blockbuster and was widely acclaimed for its 'clean' comedy.

Vadivelu played in a dual role, playing twin brothers of a heartless but comical dictator king and a revolutionary.

He was launched in 1988, in T. Rajendar's En Thangai Kalyani at the career peak of the Goundamani-Senthil duo.

His popularity led to his media-coined nickname, Vaigai Puyal, referring to the river that flows through his hometown Madurai.

In 1988, he was launched through a small character in T. Rajendar's En Thangai Kalyani.

Vadivelu met Rajkiran on a train while on his way to Chennai to visit his bride-to-be.

Rajkiran later recalled that he was so amused by their conversation during the train ride that he agreed to give Vadivelu a role in his upcoming film, En Rasavin Manasile (1991), directed by Kasthuri Raja.

It was also the beginning of the Goundamani-Senthil-Vadivelu combination that produced a few skits in the early 90s.

Vijayakanth supported Vadivelu during his early career.

He stated that he was substantial in casting him in 1992's Chinna Gounder.

In 1992, he played contrasting characters in both Kamal Haasan films.

Vadivelu joined Goundamani and Charle in the comedy film Singaravelan.

Then in the movie Thevar Magan, Vadivelu played a worker in patriarch Sivaji Ganesan's household.

Vadivelu's first solo came in director Shankar's Kadhalan (1994), in which he played the friend of Prabhu Deva's university student character.

Vadivelu has received awards in the Best Comedian category for his performances in various films, such as Kaalam Maari Pochu (1996), Chandramukhi (2005), and Kathavarayan (2008).

He won his first Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Comedian in Kaalam Maari Pochu (1996).

Vadivelu is known to assist directors, with his own input being used during sets.

The hallmark of his comedy was self-deprecation.

Vadivelu's characters thought very highly of themselves – they were clownish versions of the gang leader.

After a certain stage of success, he started to act as a solo comedian, supported by other minor comedians.

His first film as a lead actor, Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikesi (2006), also achieved commercial and critical success.

His comedic portrayals have been critiqued as using the persona of a misunderstood, mistreated Subaltern rogue, often subject to on-screen violence and ridicule in the style of slapstick comedy.

His next venture as the lead star was in the movie Indiralogathil Na Azhagappan (2008).

On 21 September 2008, Vadivelu's residence in the Saligramam neighbourhood in Chennai was pelted with stones by a gang, leaving several windows broken and furniture damaged.

The actor had taken refuge in a room in his home and was safe.

Vadivelu is said to have suspected Vijayakanth because of a recent case that he had filed against the latter for assault and because the final court hearing was to take place the following day.

He suspected that the attack may have been carried out to prevent Vadivelu from attending the hearing.

As a result, Vadivelu filed another case against Vijayakanth for attempted murder.

He later mentioned his interest in contesting against Vijayakanth in the upcoming assembly elections and in his words, "teaching him a lesson."

In response, actor Vijayakanth, in a press meet on 22 September, claimed that Vadivelu's allegations were based on hearsay.

Images and videography of Vadivelu's expressions found a second life despite the corresponding dormancy in his career during the 2010s in Indian Internet subcultures.

In 2010, Vadivelu held a press conference, accusing fellow comedian and actor Singamuthu for forgery and financial cheating.

Vadivelu, who was previously friends with Singamuthu, purchased land from him but later came to learn that the documents were void.

In 2017, The News Minute reported, "Vadivelu's career is not what it used to be but Tamil Nadu still turns to him for a laugh or to a summarize a situation in one line."

In 2019, Vadivelu was featured in the sudden viral memes related to the hashtag Pray for Nesamani which was the most trending hashtag in India during the year.

Prior to his career, Vadivelu worked in his father's glass cutting business and continued it with his brothers after his father died.

In his free time, he participated in local stage plays, usually in comedic roles.