K. Manikandan stands as one of Tamil cinema’s most versatile talents, known for his powerful performances and exceptional writing abilities. He has captivated audiences through his diverse roles in critically acclaimed films and earned recognition for his adaptability across multiple entertainment domains. From his breakthrough as a dialogue writer in “Vikram Vedha” (2017) to his memorable performance as Rajakannu in “Jai Bhim” (2021), K. Manikandan has consistently demonstrated his artistic range throughout his decade-long career in the Tamil film industry.
K. Manikandan is a 37-year-old Indian actor, screenwriter, and director with an estimated career spanning over 12 years as of 2025. Born on September 29, 1987, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, K. Manikandan rose to fame through his multifaceted contributions to Tamil cinema as an actor, dialogue writer, and director. He is currently riding high on the success of his latest film “Kudumbasthan” (2025), which marks his third consecutive hit as a lead actor.
Quick Facts About K. Manikandan
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | K. Manikandan |
| Date of Birth | September 29, 1987 (Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India) |
| Age | 37 years old (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Actor, Screenwriter, Director, Former Radio Jockey |
| Industry | Tamil Film Industry (Kollywood) |
| Debut Film (Acting) | India Pakistan (2015) |
| Debut Film (Writing) | Pizza II: Villa (2013) |
| Notable Works | Jai Bhim (2021), Good Night (2023), Lover (2024), Kudumbasthan (2025) |
| Famous For | Versatile acting performances and dialogue writing |
K. Manikandan Early Life and Education
K. Manikandan was born in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and began his entertainment journey as a mimicry artist during his early years. His initial career foundation was built through participation in comedy shows and developing his skills as a performer before transitioning into radio and eventually cinema.
Early Career Foundation
| Career Stage | Role/Position | Details | Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comedy Shows | Contestant | Kalakka Povathu Yaaru Season 4 (Vijay TV) | Runner-up among 600 contestants |
| Radio Career | Radio Jockey | FM Channel | Built communication skills |
| Voice Acting | Dubbing Artist | Films and TV shows | Versatile voice work |
| Mimicry | Artist | Professional mimicry performances | Foundation for acting skills |
K. Manikandan Career and Achievements
K. Manikandan’s career encompasses multiple aspects of filmmaking, beginning with his writing debut in “Pizza II: Villa” (2013) and evolving into a successful acting career. His journey demonstrates remarkable versatility, transitioning from supporting roles to leading performances while maintaining his writing contributions to Tamil cinema.
Complete Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Category | Director | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Pizza II: Villa | Dialogue Writer | Writing Debut | Deepan Chakravarthy | Career debut as writer |
| 2015 | India Pakistan | Actor | Acting Debut | N. Anand | First acting role |
| 2016 | Kadhalum Kadanthu Pogum | Supporting Actor | Drama | Nalan Kumarasamy | Minor role |
| 2016 | Narai Ezhuthum Suyasaritham | Director/Actor | Independent Film | K. Manikandan | Directorial debut, festival selections |
| 2017 | 8 Thottakkal | Antagonist | Thriller | Sri Ganesh | Alongside M. S. Bhaskar and Lallu |
| 2017 | Vikram Vedha | Police Constable Santhanam/Dialogue Writer | Neo-noir Thriller | Pushkar–Gayathri | Best Dialogue Writer Award |
| 2018 | Kaala | Supporting Actor | Political Drama | Pa. Ranjith | Played Rajinikanth’s son |
| 2019 | Sillu Karupatti | Lead Actor | Romantic Anthology | Halitha Shameem | Alongside Nivedithaa Sathish |
| 2019 | Viswasam | Dialogue Writer | Action Drama | Siva | Writing contribution |
| 2019 | Thambi | Dialogue Writer | Thriller | Jeethu Joseph | Writing contribution |
| 2021 | Aelay | Supporting Actor | Drama | Halitha Shameem | Critical acclaim |
| 2021 | Jai Bhim | Rajakannu | Legal Drama | T. J. Gnanavel | Critical acclaim, powerful performance |
| 2021 | Netrikann | Supporting Actor | Thriller | Milind Rau | Notable performance |
| 2021 | Sila Nerangalil Sila Manithargal | Dialogue Writer | Drama | Vishal Venkat | Writing contribution |
| 2023 | Good Night | Lead Actor | Comedy Drama | Vinayak Chandrasekaran | Audience favorite, lead role success |
| 2023 | Mathagam | Lead Actor | Web Series | Disney+ Hotstar | Tamil web series |
| 2024 | Lover | Arun (Lead) | Romantic Drama | Prabhu Ram Vyas | Positive reviews for realistic portrayal |
| 2024 | Baby John | Supporting Actor | Action | Kalees | Recent release |
| 2025 | Kudumbasthan | Naveen Palanisamy (Lead) | Comedy Drama | Rajeshwar Kalisamy | Third consecutive hit as lead, positive reviews |
Writing Portfolio
| Film | Year | Role | Genre | Recognition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pizza II: Villa | 2013 | Dialogue Writer | Horror | Writing debut |
| Vikram Vedha | 2017 | Dialogue Writer | Neo-noir Thriller | Best Dialogue Writer Award – Behindwoods Gold Medal 2018 |
| Viswasam | 2019 | Dialogue Writer | Action Drama | Commercial success |
| Thambi | 2019 | Dialogue Writer | Thriller | Critical appreciation |
| Sila Nerangalil Sila Manithargal | 2021 | Dialogue Writer | Drama | Quality writing |
K. Manikandan Awards and Recognition
K. Manikandan has received significant recognition for both his writing and acting contributions to Tamil cinema.
| Year | Award/Honor | Category | Work | Awarding Body |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Best Feature Film | Director | Narai Ezhudhum Suyasaritham | Raintree International Film Festival |
| 2018 | Best Dialogue Writer | Writing | Vikram Vedha | Behindwoods Gold Medal Awards |
Festival Selections and Recognition
| Film | Festival | Year | Category | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Narai Ezhuthum Suyasaritham (Endless) | Bengaluru International Film Festival | 2016 | Indian Cinema Competition | Bengaluru, India |
| Narai Ezhuthum Suyasaritham (Endless) | 16th New York Indian Film Festival | 2016 | One of four selected films | New York, USA |
K. Manikandan Hobbies and Interests
Beyond his professional achievements, K. Manikandan maintains several personal interests that reflect his diverse personality.
| Interest/Hobby | Details | Personal Connection | Public Knowledge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tea Appreciation | Avid tea lover | Prefers tea over other beverages | Well-documented preference |
| Mimicry | Professional mimicry skills | Foundation of entertainment career | Career beginning |
| Voice Acting | Dubbing for films and TV shows | Ongoing professional skill | Industry recognition |
| Writing | Dialogue writing for major films | Creative expression | Award-winning work |
K. Manikandan Online Presence and Social Links
Official Social Media
| Platform | Username/Handle | Followers/Status | Link/URL | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| @manikabali87 | 506K followers | instagram.com/manikabali87 | Official Account | |
| Twitter/X | @Manikabali87 | Active | twitter.com/manikabali87 | Official Account |
Professional Profiles
| Platform Type | Platform Name | Profile Status | Link/URL | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IMDb | Actor Database | Active/Complete | imdb.com/name/nm8904193/ | Filmography |
| Wikipedia | Biography Page | Active | en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K._Manikandan | Encyclopedia |
| TMDB | Movie Database | Active | themoviedb.org/person/1721513-k-manikandan | Film Database |
Unknown Facts About K. Manikandan
Here are fascinating unknown facts about K. Manikandan that most fans don’t know, including his career transformation journey, behind-the-scenes experiences, and personal challenges that shaped his artistic evolution.
Career Transformation Journey
K. Manikandan’s entertainment journey began with intense competition, as he participated in a comedy reality show where he competed against 600 other contestants and emerged as the runner-up. This early experience taught him resilience and performance skills that would later benefit his acting career. His transition from radio jockey to dubbing artist was a strategic career move that allowed him to understand voice modulation and character portrayal before entering mainstream cinema.
Working alongside superstar Rajinikanth in “Kaala” (2018) was initially intimidating for Manikandan, who admitted to feeling fear when he learned he would be playing Rajini’s son. He described sweating profusely and being on the verge of tears during his close-up scene when Rajinikanth personally sat in front of him to observe his performance. This moment became a turning point that taught him to handle pressure while working with established stars.
Behind-the-Scenes Dedication
For his acclaimed role as Rajakannu in “Jai Bhim” (2021), K. Manikandan spent extended time with Irular tribespeople to authentically learn their lifestyle and mannerisms. Director T.J. Gnanavel made this immersive research a condition for his casting, and Manikandan committed without taking on other projects during this preparation period. This method acting approach contributed significantly to the film’s authenticity and his powerful performance.
His directorial debut “Narai Ezhuthum Suyasaritham” (English title: “Endless”) not only showcased his filmmaking skills but also earned international recognition at prestigious film festivals. The independent film was selected for both the Bengaluru International Film Festival and the New York Indian Film Festival, demonstrating his storytelling abilities beyond acting and writing.
Writing Excellence Recognition
When Manikandan received the Best Dialogue Writer award for “Vikram Vedha” at the Behindwoods Gold Medal Awards 2018, he humbly credited directors Pushkar and Gayathri and actor Vijay Sethupathi for their collaborative contributions, stating he couldn’t take complete credit for the success. This demonstrates his collaborative spirit and professional humility despite achieving individual recognition.
His tea preference is so well-known among colleagues that it has become a distinctive personal trait, with Manikandan choosing tea over any other beverage consistently throughout his career. This simple preference reflects his grounded personality despite growing fame and success in the entertainment industry.
Lesser Known Facts About K. Manikandan
Beyond the well-known achievements, here are additional lesser-known facts about K. Manikandan that reveal interesting aspects of his personality, professional growth, and unique career trajectory in Tamil cinema.
Multi-Talented Foundation
K. Manikandan’s versatility extends far beyond acting, with his career beginning as a mimicry artist who developed exceptional skills in voice imitation and character portrayal. His transition from mimicry to radio jockey work provided him with communication skills and audience connection abilities that later enhanced his on-screen presence. The combination of these early experiences created a unique foundation that few actors possess when entering the film industry.
His dubbing and voice acting work for various films and TV shows developed his understanding of character voices and emotional expression, skills that directly translated into his nuanced acting performances. This background in voice work explains his natural delivery and dialogue timing in films, particularly evident in his breakthrough role in “Jai Bhim.”
International Recognition and Festival Circuit
His directorial work “Narai Ezhuthum Suyasaritham” gained international attention not just for its festival selections, but for being one of only four films chosen for the prestigious New York Indian Film Festival in 2016. This achievement positioned him as a filmmaker with global appeal, demonstrating his storytelling abilities transcend regional boundaries. The film’s English title “Endless” reflects universal themes that resonated with international audiences.
Working with veteran actor Delhi Ganesh in his directorial debut provided Manikandan with invaluable experience in directing established performers while also acting alongside them. This dual responsibility of directing and acting simultaneously showcased his multitasking abilities and comprehensive understanding of filmmaking processes.
Industry Recognition and Collaborative Spirit
His dialogue writing for major commercial successes like “Viswasam” and “Thambi” demonstrates his ability to adapt his writing style to different directors and genres, from action entertainers to psychological thrillers. This versatility in writing has made him a sought-after dialogue writer in the Tamil film industry, working with diverse directorial styles and star actors.
The transition from supporting roles to lead actor status represents a carefully planned career progression rather than accidental success. His breakthrough performance in “Jai Bhim” was strategically followed by lead roles in “Good Night,” “Lover,” and “Kudumbasthan,” establishing him as a bankable leading man capable of carrying films independently.
Frequently Asked Questions About K. Manikandan
What is K. Manikandan’s age?
K. Manikandan is 37 years old, born on September 29, 1987, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
What is K. Manikandan famous for?
K. Manikandan is best known for his powerful performance as Rajakannu in “Jai Bhim” (2021) and his award-winning dialogue writing for “Vikram Vedha” (2017). He has successfully transitioned from supporting roles to lead actor status.
What are K. Manikandan’s recent movies?
K. Manikandan’s recent films include “Good Night” (2023), “Lover” (2024), and “Kudumbasthan” (2025), marking three consecutive successful lead roles.
Did K. Manikandan win any awards?
Yes, K. Manikandan won the Best Dialogue Writer award for “Vikram Vedha” at the Behindwoods Gold Medal Awards 2018 and the Best Feature Film award for his directorial debut “Narai Ezhudhum Suyasaritham” at the Raintree International Film Festival 2016.
What was K. Manikandan’s first movie?
K. Manikandan’s acting debut was “India Pakistan” (2015), while his writing debut was “Pizza II: Villa” (2013).
Has K. Manikandan directed any films?
Yes, K. Manikandan directed the independent film “Narai Ezhuthum Suyasaritham” (English title: “Endless”) in 2016, which was selected for international film festivals.
What is K. Manikandan’s background before films?
Before entering films, K. Manikandan worked as a mimicry artist, radio jockey, and dubbing artist. He was the runner-up in Kalakka Povathu Yaaru Season 4 on Vijay TV.
Which films did K. Manikandan write dialogues for?
K. Manikandan has written dialogues for several successful films including “Vikram Vedha” (2017), “Viswasam” (2019), “Thambi” (2019), and “Sila Nerangalil Sila Manithargal” (2021).
What is K. Manikandan’s social media presence?
K. Manikandan is active on Instagram (@manikabali87) with 506K followers and Twitter (@Manikabali87), where he shares updates about his projects and personal interests.
What are K. Manikandan’s upcoming projects?
Following the success of “Kudumbasthan” (2025), K. Manikandan is expected to announce new projects as a lead actor, continuing his successful streak in Tamil cinema.
