Thambi Ramaiah

Thambi Ramaiah—man, what a character in the Tamil film scene. Born way back in 1956 in Pudukkottai, he’s got that old-school charm, but he’s anything but outdated. You’ll spot him in a heap of movies, but honestly, his roles in Mynaa, Thani Oruvan, and Kumki? Absolute standouts. Ramaiah’s not just some sidekick for laughs; he brings this gritty, real energy to the screen, like he’s been through some stuff and he’s not afraid to show it. He’s got this knack for flipping between intense and hilarious, sometimes in the same scene. Sometimes you’re laughing at his deadpan delivery, other times you’re like, “Whoa, that hit hard.” He’s not boxed in either—jumping from acting to directing like it’s no big deal. Sure, a lot of folks know about his comedy, but dig a bit deeper and you’ll see he’s got range. Drama, action, whatever. Directors love throwing him curveballs, and somehow, he always nails it. In Mynaa, his performance just sticks with you, and in Thani Oruvan, he’s got this sharp presence that kinda steals the show. Kumki? He makes the emotional beats land without hamming it up. People in the industry respect the guy, and audiences—especially in Tamil Nadu—can’t get enough of his style. He’s proof you don’t need to be the hero to leave a mark; sometimes, being unforgettable is enough.