Vishnu Vishal stands as one of Tamil cinema’s most talented and versatile actors, known for his powerful performances in diverse roles ranging from sports dramas to psychological thrillers. He has captivated audiences through realistic portrayals and earned recognition for his dedication to transforming himself for each character. From his debut in Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu to his breakthrough role in Ratsasan, Vishnu Vishal has consistently demonstrated remarkable talent throughout his 16-year career in the Tamil film industry.
Vishnu Vishal is a 41-year-old Indian actor and producer with an estimated net worth of $4 million as of 2025. Born on July 17, 1984, in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, Vishnu Vishal rose to fame through his critically acclaimed performances in films like Ratsasan (2018), establishing himself as both an actor and successful film producer through his production house Vishnu Vishal Studioz.
Quick Facts About Vishnu Vishal
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Vishal Kudawla (professionally known as Vishnu Vishal) |
| Date of Birth | July 17, 1984 (Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India) |
| Age | 41 years old (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Actor, Film Producer |
| Net Worth | $4 million / ₹31 crore (2025) |
| Current Spouse | Jwala Gutta (married April 22, 2021) |
| Children | 2 (Son: Aryan; Daughter: Mira) |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (177 cm) |
| Weight | 68 kg (150 lbs) |
| Famous For | Ratsasan (2018), Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu (2009), Neerparavai (2012) |
Vishnu Vishal Early Life and Education
Vishnu Vishal was born as Vishal Kudawla to Ramesh Kudawla, a high-ranking Director General of Police (DGP) in the Tamil Nadu police force, and Asha Kudawla. He grew up in a disciplined household with his siblings – elder sister Anchal Kudawla and younger brother Rudra, who later appeared in his film Oho Enthan Baby (2025).
Educational Background
| Institution | Location | Qualification | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holy Cross Matriculation Higher Secondary School | Vellore, Tamil Nadu | Secondary Education | Completed schooling |
| SRM Institute of Science and Technology | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | MBA in Marketing | Post-graduation |
Cricket Career Before Films
Before entering the film industry, Vishnu Vishal pursued professional cricket with serious dedication. He played in TNCA (Tamil Nadu Cricket Association) league games and was progressing well in his sporting career. However, a severe leg injury ended his cricket dreams while he was still young. During his bedridden recovery period, he developed a keen interest in watching films, which eventually led him to pursue acting as a career.
Vishnu Vishal Personal Life and Family
Family Background
| Family Member | Name | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Father | Ramesh Kudawla | Retired Director General of Police (DGP), Tamil Nadu Police |
| Mother | Asha Kudawla | Homemaker |
| Elder Sister | Anchal Kudawla | – |
| Younger Brother | Rudra | Actor (appeared in Oho Enthan Baby) |
Marriages and Children
| Marriage | Spouse | Marriage Date | Status | Children |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Marriage | Rajini Natraj (daughter of actor K. Natraj) | December 2, 2010 | Divorced (November 2018) | Son: Aryan (born January 31, 2017) |
| Second Marriage | Jwala Gutta (badminton champion) | April 22, 2021 | Married | Daughter: Mira (born April 22, 2025) |
Relationship with Jwala Gutta
Vishnu Vishal began dating Olympic badminton player Jwala Gutta after his divorce from Rajini Natraj. The couple got engaged in September 2020 on Jwala’s 37th birthday. They married in an intimate ceremony at Jwala’s home in Hyderabad on April 22, 2021. The couple welcomed their daughter Mira on their fourth wedding anniversary, April 22, 2025, in a special double celebration. Actor Aamir Khan named their daughter during a traditional naming ceremony.
Vishnu Vishal Career and Achievements
Vishnu Vishal’s journey from an aspiring cricketer to a successful Tamil cinema actor showcases his dedication and versatility. His career spans over 16 years with more than 30 films, ranging from sports dramas to psychological thrillers.
Acting Debut and Breakthrough
After being offered a role by Anand Chakravarthy in Suseenthiran’s directorial debut Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu (2009), Vishnu spent months preparing intensively. He sat under the sun for hours daily to tan his skin to look like a kabaddi player and trained for kabaddi matches five hours a day for three months under a professional coach. The film received critical acclaim and earned him a nomination for the Vijay Award for Best Debut Actor and the Edison Award for Best Debut Actor.
Complete Filmography
| Year | Film Title | Role | Director | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu | Lead Role | Suseenthiran | Debut film; Edison Award winner |
| 2010 | Bale Pandiya | Lead Role | Siddharth Chandrasekhar | Comedy film |
| 2010 | Drohi | Rowdy character | Sudha Kongara | Gained 15 kg for role |
| 2011 | Kullanari Koottam | Lead Role | Moorthy | Comedy film |
| 2012 | Neerparavai | Arulappasaamy (Fisherman) | Seenu Ramasamy | SIIMA nomination; Critical acclaim |
| 2014 | Mundasupatti | Lead Role | Ram Kumar | Romantic comedy hit |
| 2014 | Jeeva | Jeeva | Suseenthiran | Sports drama |
| 2015 | Indru Netru Naalai | Elango | R. Ravikumar | Science fiction comedy; Box office hit |
| 2016 | Velainu Vandhutta Vellaikaaran | Murugan | Ezhil | First production venture; Commercial success |
| 2016 | Maaveeran Kittu | Krishnakumar ‘Kittu’ | Suseenthiran | Period drama set in 1980s |
| 2017 | Kathanayagan | Thambidurai | Tha. Muruganantham | Comedy film |
| 2017 | Kootathil Oruthan | Special Appearance | T. J. Gnanavel | Cameo role |
| 2018 | Ratsasan (Raatchasan) | SI Arun Kumar | Ram Kumar | Breakthrough role; Multiple awards; Psychological thriller |
| 2018 | Silukkuvarupatti Singam | Sathyamoorthi | Chella Ayyavu | Action comedy |
| 2021 | Kaadan (Aranya) | Maaran | Prabhu Solomon | Wildlife conservation drama; Mixed reviews |
| 2022 | FIR (Faizal Ibrahim Raiz) | Irfan Ahmed / Faizal Ibrahim Raiz | Manu Anand | Muslim protagonist; Banned in Malaysia, Kuwait, Qatar |
| 2022 | Gatta Kusthi (Matti Kusthi) | Veera (Wrestler) | Chella Ayyavu | Family entertainer; Co-produced by Ravi Teja |
| 2024 | Lal Salaam | Thirunavukarasu | Aishwarya Rajinikanth | Featured Rajinikanth in guest appearance |
| 2025 | Oho Enthan Baby | Lead Role | Krishnakumar Ramakumar | Romantic drama; Also producer; Co-stars cousin Rudra |
Upcoming Projects (2025-2026)
| Project Title | Role | Director | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aaryan | Cop | Various | Post-production |
| Mohandas | Lead Role | Murali Karthick | In Production |
| Irandu Vaanam | Lead Role | Ram Kumar | In Production |
| Veera Dheera Sooran | Lead Role | Various | Announced |
| Gatta Kusthi 2 | Veera | Chella Ayyavu | In Production |
| Raatchasan 2 | SI Arun Kumar | Ram Kumar | Pre-production |
Production House
Vishnu Vishal established Vishnu Vishal Studioz in 2015, producing multiple successful films. His first production venture was Velainu Vandhutta Vellaikaaran (2016), which became one of the most profitable films at the box office.
| Year | Film Title | Box Office |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Velainu Vandhutta Vellaikaaran | Commercial success |
| 2017 | Kathanayagan | Moderate success |
| 2018 | Silukkuvarupatti Singam | Average |
| 2022 | FIR | Box office success |
| 2022 | Gatta Kusthi | Commercial success |
| 2025 | Oho Enthan Baby | Released |
Vishnu Vishal Net Worth and Lifestyle
Vishnu Vishal’s estimated net worth is $4 million (approximately ₹31 crore) as of 2025, making him one of the successful actors and producers in Tamil cinema. His wealth comes from acting fees, film production ventures, and brand endorsements.
Income and Earnings
| Income Source | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Per Film Salary | ₹3-4 crore | Average remuneration per movie |
| Annual Income | ₹9 crore | From films and production |
| Monthly Income | ₹80 lakh – 1 crore | From various sources |
| Total Assets | ₹31 crore ($4 million) | Net worth as of 2025 |
Physical Appearance
| Physical Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (177 cm) |
| Weight | 68 kg (150 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Body Type | Athletic (maintains fitness through regular gym workouts) |
Vishnu Vishal Hobbies and Interests
Beyond his professional commitments, Vishnu Vishal maintains an active lifestyle with various interests that reflect his disciplined upbringing and sports background.
| Hobby/Interest | Details | Level of Involvement |
|---|---|---|
| Fitness & Gym | Regular workouts, transformed body for roles | Daily commitment; achieved six-pack abs |
| Cricket | Plays in Celebrity Cricket League for Chennai Rhinos | Active participation |
| Swimming | Regular swimming for fitness | Frequent activity |
| Traveling | Explores new destinations | Leisure activity |
| Pets | Dog lover; owns a pet named Bambi | Pet parent |
Vishnu Vishal Favorites and Preferences
| Category | Preference |
|---|---|
| Favorite Food | Continental, South Indian cuisine |
| Favorite Color | Blue |
| Role Model | His father Ramesh Kudawla (draws inspiration from) |
Vishnu Vishal Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Vishnu Vishal has received recognition for his powerful performances and dedication to his craft.
| Year | Award | Category | Film | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Edison Award | Best Debut Actor | Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu | Won |
| 2010 | Vijay Award | Best Debut Actor | Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu | Nominated |
| 2013 | SIIMA Award | Best Actor in Leading Role | Neerparavai | Nominated |
| 2019 | Los Angeles Film Awards | Best Picture, Best Thriller, Best Score, Best Actor | Ratsasan | Won (4 awards) |
| 2019 | Los Angeles Theatrical Release Competition & Awards (LATCA) | Best Music Score, Best Action Feature Film | Ratsasan | Won (2 awards) |
| 2019 | Norway Tamil Film Festival | Best Actor | Ratsasan | Nominated |
Vishnu Vishal Controversies and Legal Issues
Throughout his career, Vishnu Vishal has faced several controversies that have attracted media attention. Here’s a factual overview of the major incidents and their outcomes.
Major Controversies
| Year | Controversy Type | Description | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-2020 | Divorce & Relationship Rumors | Media speculation blamed Jwala Gutta and actress Amala Paul for his divorce from Rajini Natraj | Vishnu publicly denied allegations; called rumors insensitive |
| 2022 | Film Ban | FIR film banned in Malaysia, Kuwait, and Qatar for addressing Muslim stereotyping as terrorists | Film released successfully in other markets; addressed sensitive social issue |
| 2023 | Social Media Misinterpretation | Cryptic tweet “I tried again, I failed again” led to divorce rumors with Jwala Gutta | Clarified tweet was about professional matters; shared intimate moments with wife to dispel rumors |
| 2024 | Professional Dispute | Reported tiff with filmmaker Prabhu Solomon regarding Kaadan production | Vishnu later broke silence on the matter; details remained private |
Unknown Facts About Vishnu Vishal
Here are fascinating unknown facts about Vishnu Vishal that most fans don’t know, including his hidden talents, extreme dedication, and surprising personal journey.
Career Transformation and Dedication
Vishnu Vishal’s commitment to his craft is evident in the extreme measures he takes for his roles. For his debut film Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu, he didn’t just learn kabaddi basics – he underwent a complete physical transformation. He sat under the scorching sun for hours every single day to darken his complexion, making it look authentic for a village kabaddi player. Then he trained rigorously for three months, five hours daily under a professional kabaddi coach. This level of dedication for a debut role is rarely seen in the industry.
In stark contrast, for his role in Drohi (2010), Vishnu gained 15 kilograms to portray a mature rowdy character from Royapuram. This dramatic weight transformation within a year of his debut showcased his willingness to completely alter his physique based on character requirements. Few actors in Tamil cinema have shown such drastic physical commitment early in their careers.
Cricket Dreams and Depression Journey
Before films, Vishnu Vishal was on track to becoming a professional cricketer and even played for India’s Under-19 cricket team. His cricket career wasn’t just a hobby – it was a serious pursuit with national-level participation. The leg injury that ended this dream left him bedridden and devastated. During this recovery period, he discovered cinema by watching films extensively, which eventually led to his acting career.
Following his 2018 divorce, Vishnu Vishal fell into severe depression. In interviews, he revealed he had never consumed alcohol until age 28, but during his depression phase, he nearly became an addict. He credits his father for providing crucial support during this dark period. His transformation came through fitness – he religiously followed a strict diet and workout regimen, refusing to stop until he achieved a six-pack. This journey from depression to fitness became a turning point in his personal and professional life.
Family Connections and Name Change
Vishnu Vishal’s birth name is Vishal Kudawla, but he changed it professionally to avoid confusion with another popular Tamil actor named Vishal Krishna. His uncle was a bit actor in Hindi films like Phool Bane Angaray (1991) and Gardish (1993), and played a key role in shaping Vishnu’s interest in the film industry. This family connection provided him with insider perspectives on cinema even before he formally entered the field.
His younger brother Rudra made his acting debut alongside Vishnu in the film Oho Enthan Baby (2025), showing the family’s growing involvement in Tamil cinema. His father Ramesh Kudawla, despite being a high-ranking police officer (DGP), fully supported his son’s unconventional career choice, transitioning from sports to cinema.
Celebrity Cricket League and Continued Sports Involvement
Despite his cricket career ending due to injury, Vishnu Vishal never gave up his love for the sport. He actively plays in the Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) representing the Chennai Rhinos team, keeping his cricketing passion alive through this entertainment platform. This allows him to combine his two loves – cinema and cricket – on a single stage.
International Recognition for Ratsasan
While Ratsasan (2018) was a massive success in India, few people know about its exceptional international recognition. The psychological thriller won an impressive four awards at the Los Angeles Film Awards, including Best Picture, Best Thriller, Best Score, and Best Actor. It also secured two more awards at the Los Angeles Theatrical Release Competition & Awards (LATCA) in 2019 for Best Music Score and Best Action Feature Film. This level of international acclaim for a Tamil film is remarkable and placed Vishnu Vishal on the global cinema map.
Production House Strategy
When Vishnu established Vishnu Vishal Studioz in 2015, his first production Velainu Vandhutta Vellaikaaran (2016) became one of the most profitable ventures at the box office. This early success in production gave him the confidence to produce multiple films simultaneously while acting in them. Unlike many actor-producers who face financial troubles, Vishnu has maintained a balanced approach, carefully selecting projects that offer both commercial viability and creative satisfaction.
Lesser Known Facts About Vishnu Vishal
Beyond the well-known achievements, here are lesser-known facts about Vishnu Vishal that reveal interesting aspects of his personality, background, and life experiences.
Personal Character and Personality
Vishnu Vishal was an introvert during his college days, as he revealed in an interview. This shy personality contrasts sharply with his on-screen charisma and his current confident public persona. His transformation from a reserved student to a successful actor and producer demonstrates significant personal growth over the years.
He is very particular about fitness and maintains a disciplined workout regimen. After his divorce-related depression, he transformed his body through dedicated gym sessions and achieved a six-pack, which he proudly displayed in several films. His fitness journey has become an inspiration for many of his fans who followed his transformation on social media.
Educational and Family Background Details
Vishnu completed his MBA in Marketing and Brand Management from SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai. He initially applied for an engineering course but dropped out due to his inclination toward cricket. This educational background in marketing later helped him in his production ventures, as he understood audience preferences and commercial viability better than many actor-producers.
He comes from a disciplined family with his father being a Director General of Police (DGP) in Tamil Nadu. This strict upbringing instilled strong values and work ethics that are evident in his professional commitment. His father featured with him on the cover of Provoke magazine in December 2016, showing their close bond.
First Marriage and Long Relationship
Vishnu’s first wife Rajini Natraj was his college-mate and childhood sweetheart. They were in a relationship for four years before getting married on December 2, 2010, at Hotel Asiana in Chennai. Their marriage lasted nearly eight years before they separated in 2018. Their son Aryan was born on January 31, 2017. Despite the divorce, both parents committed to co-parenting their son amicably.
Second Marriage Special Timing
His engagement to badminton champion Jwala Gutta happened on her 37th birthday in September 2020. Their wedding took place on April 22, 2021, in an intimate ceremony at Jwala’s home in Hyderabad. Remarkably, their daughter Mira was born exactly four years later on their fourth wedding anniversary, April 22, 2025, making it a double celebration. The child’s naming ceremony was performed by Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, who named her Mira.
Film Industry Connections
His first wife Rajini Natraj is the daughter of veteran Tamil actor K. Natraj, who was known to be a very close friend of Superstar Rajinikanth. This connection gave Vishnu early insights into the Tamil film industry’s inner workings. Years later, he would work alongside Rajinikanth in Lal Salaam (2024), directed by Rajinikanth’s daughter Aishwarya Rajinikanth.
Controversial Film Subject Matter
Vishnu showed tremendous courage by choosing to play a Muslim protagonist in FIR (2022), addressing the sensitive issue of Muslims being branded as terrorists. The film was banned in Malaysia, Kuwait, and Qatar due to its subject matter, but this didn’t deter him from taking on socially relevant roles. He considers it important to address such stereotypes through cinema.
Animal Lover
Vishnu is a passionate dog lover and owns a pet dog named Bambi. He frequently shares pictures with his pet on social media, showing his softer side beyond his intense on-screen performances. His love for animals extends to supporting various animal welfare causes.
Repeated Collaborations
Vishnu has worked multiple times with director Suseenthiran (Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu, Jeeva, Maaveeran Kittu) and director Ram Kumar (Mundasupatti, Ratsasan, and upcoming Irandu Vaanam and Raatchasan 2). These repeated collaborations show his loyalty to directors who understand his strengths and help him deliver memorable performances.
Vishnu Vishal Online Presence and Social Links
Official Social Media Accounts
| Platform | Username/Handle | Followers | Link/URL | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| @thevishnuvishal | 890K followers | instagram.com/thevishnuvishal | ✓ Verified | |
| Twitter/X | @TheVishnuVishal | 1.7M followers | twitter.com/TheVishnuVishal | ✓ Verified |
| Vishnu Vishal Studioz | 6,823+ likes | facebook.com/VishnuVishalStudiozOffl | Official Page |
Professional Profiles
| Platform Type | Platform Name | Profile Status | Link/URL | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IMDb | Actor Database | Active/Complete | imdb.com/name/nm3684167 | Complete Filmography |
| Wikipedia | Biography Page | Active | en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vishnu_Vishal | Encyclopedia Entry |
| TMDB | Movie Database | Active | themoviedb.org/person/584250 | Film Credits |
Frequently Asked Questions About Vishnu Vishal
What is Vishnu Vishal’s net worth?
Vishnu Vishal’s estimated net worth is $4 million (approximately ₹31 crore) as of 2025, primarily from his acting career, film production ventures, and brand endorsements.
How old is Vishnu Vishal?
Vishnu Vishal is 41 years old, born on July 17, 1984, in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
Is Vishnu Vishal married?
Yes, Vishnu Vishal is currently married to Indian badminton champion Jwala Gutta since April 22, 2021. He was previously married to Rajini Natraj from 2010 to 2018.
How many children does Vishnu Vishal have?
Vishnu Vishal has two children – a son named Aryan (born January 31, 2017) from his first marriage to Rajini Natraj, and a daughter named Mira (born April 22, 2025) with current wife Jwala Gutta.
What is Vishnu Vishal famous for?
Vishnu Vishal is best known for his powerful performances in Ratsasan (2018), a psychological thriller that earned international acclaim, as well as Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu (2009) and Neerparavai (2012).
How tall is Vishnu Vishal?
Vishnu Vishal is 5 feet 9 inches (177 cm) tall and weighs approximately 68 kg (150 lbs).
What is Vishnu Vishal’s real name?
Vishnu Vishal’s birth name is Vishal Kudawla. He changed his professional name to Vishnu Vishal to avoid confusion with another Tamil actor named Vishal Krishna.
Did Vishnu Vishal play cricket professionally?
Yes, Vishnu Vishal played cricket in TNCA league games and was part of India’s Under-19 cricket team before a severe leg injury ended his cricket career. He now plays in the Celebrity Cricket League for Chennai Rhinos.
What awards has Vishnu Vishal won?
Vishnu Vishal won the Edison Award for Best Debut Actor for Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu (2009). His film Ratsasan (2018) won four awards at the Los Angeles Film Awards including Best Picture, Best Thriller, Best Score, and Best Actor.
Who is Vishnu Vishal’s wife Jwala Gutta?
Jwala Gutta is a former Indian badminton player who represented India at the Olympics and won multiple international medals. She is a 2012 London Olympics women’s doubles quarter-finalist and was previously married to badminton player Chetan Anand.
What is Vishnu Vishal Studioz?
Vishnu Vishal Studioz is the production company established by Vishnu Vishal in 2015. The company has produced several successful films including Velainu Vandhutta Vellaikaaran (2016), FIR (2022), and Gatta Kusthi (2022).
What are Vishnu Vishal’s upcoming movies?
Vishnu Vishal’s upcoming projects include Aaryan (post-production), Mohandas, Irandu Vaanam with director Ram Kumar, Veera Dheera Sooran, Gatta Kusthi 2, and the highly anticipated Raatchasan 2.
