Suruli Rajan
Encyclopedia
Suruli Rajan was a Tamil film comedian. He was a recipient of Tamil Nadu State Government’s Best Comedian Award for the year 1981-82.
. His father Ponniah Pillai worked as an accountant for farm owners of the adjoining areas in Theni. The child was named after the Suruli Velappar, the family deity at the temple atop a hill graced by the picturesque Suruli Falls
.
Suruli Rajan lost his parents one after and had to discontinue his schooling. He moved to his brother’s house in Madurai
and worked as an apprentice mechanic in a neighborhood workshop. Bitten by the acting bug, he acted in several amateur stage plays in Madurai before moving to Madras in 1959 in search of greener pastures.
In spite of his passion for acting opportunities were few and far between. A sudden spate of opportunities in stage plays filled him with heartening optimism. He worked with various drama troupes, including those of O.A.K.Devar, pisir Ramarao, T.N. Balu and in Karunanidhi’s ‘kagithapoo’ staged in aid of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
party’s election fund. It was filmmaker Joseph Thaliayath of The Citadel Film Corporation Pvt. Ltd who brought Suruli rajan to cinema, first in a brief appearance in Iravum Pagalum in the year 1965 and soon after in a more noticeable comic role in Kaadhal paduthum paadu the year following.
His friendship with T.N. Balu earned him memorable roles in blockbusters by T.R.Ramanna like naan
and MoondRezhuthu. Despite his young age Suruli Rajan was offered older roles in many of his early movies. Two other significant roles in his early years were the Madras Tamil spewing cameo in APN’s Thirumalai thenkumari (1970) and that of the devout fisherman in Aadhi parasakthi (1971). With his unique intonation and a flair for the absurd, Surulirajan rose to popularity in the late 70s.
Though at times bordering on the bawdy, he seldom failed to elicit a laugh. Suruli’s brilliant portrayal of a niggardly rustic in M.A.Khaja’s Maanthoppu Kiliye (1979) fetched him rare plaudits and has earned a place of pride in the annals of the immortal comedy sequences of Tamil cinema. ‘It never rains, but pours’ they say, and Suruli’s capers had become a mandatory inclusion in most movies of the time. He created a record by acting in not less than 50 movies in a single year in 1980.
His career was cut short due his untimely death in 1980 (aged 42) while he was in the peak of his career.
Biography
Suruli Rajan was born in 1938 in Periyakulam, near TheniTheni
Theni is a town in the Western Tamil Nadu state of South India. It is the headquarters of Theni District. It is known for the large-scale trading of Cardamom, Cotton, Grapes, chilli and Textiles. It hosts the second largest weekly market in Tamil Nadu and the fourth largest in South India...
. His father Ponniah Pillai worked as an accountant for farm owners of the adjoining areas in Theni. The child was named after the Suruli Velappar, the family deity at the temple atop a hill graced by the picturesque Suruli Falls
Suruli Falls
Suruli falls , also known as Chinna Suruli, Cloud Land Falls or Meghamalai Falls, is located from Theni and from Cumbum in the Theni District in Tamil Nadu, India. Nearest habitation is Kombaithozhu Village. It is a 2 stage Cascading water fall. The Suruli River supplying the falls originates...
.
Suruli Rajan lost his parents one after and had to discontinue his schooling. He moved to his brother’s house in Madurai
Madurai
Madurai is the third largest city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It served as the capital city of the Pandyan Kingdom. It is the administrative headquarters of Madurai District and is famous for its temples built by Pandyan and...
and worked as an apprentice mechanic in a neighborhood workshop. Bitten by the acting bug, he acted in several amateur stage plays in Madurai before moving to Madras in 1959 in search of greener pastures.
In spite of his passion for acting opportunities were few and far between. A sudden spate of opportunities in stage plays filled him with heartening optimism. He worked with various drama troupes, including those of O.A.K.Devar, pisir Ramarao, T.N. Balu and in Karunanidhi’s ‘kagithapoo’ staged in aid of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam is a state political party in the states of Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry, India. It is a Dravidian party founded by C. N. Annadurai as a breakaway faction from the Dravidar Kazhagam headed by Periyar...
party’s election fund. It was filmmaker Joseph Thaliayath of The Citadel Film Corporation Pvt. Ltd who brought Suruli rajan to cinema, first in a brief appearance in Iravum Pagalum in the year 1965 and soon after in a more noticeable comic role in Kaadhal paduthum paadu the year following.
His friendship with T.N. Balu earned him memorable roles in blockbusters by T.R.Ramanna like naan
Naan
Naan is a leavened, oven-baked flatbread. It is typical of and popular in South and Central Asia, in Iran, and in South Asian restaurants abroad. Influenced by the large influx of South Asian labour, naan has also become popular in Saudi Arabia and other Persian Gulf states.Originally, naan is a...
and MoondRezhuthu. Despite his young age Suruli Rajan was offered older roles in many of his early movies. Two other significant roles in his early years were the Madras Tamil spewing cameo in APN’s Thirumalai thenkumari (1970) and that of the devout fisherman in Aadhi parasakthi (1971). With his unique intonation and a flair for the absurd, Surulirajan rose to popularity in the late 70s.
Though at times bordering on the bawdy, he seldom failed to elicit a laugh. Suruli’s brilliant portrayal of a niggardly rustic in M.A.Khaja’s Maanthoppu Kiliye (1979) fetched him rare plaudits and has earned a place of pride in the annals of the immortal comedy sequences of Tamil cinema. ‘It never rains, but pours’ they say, and Suruli’s capers had become a mandatory inclusion in most movies of the time. He created a record by acting in not less than 50 movies in a single year in 1980.
His career was cut short due his untimely death in 1980 (aged 42) while he was in the peak of his career.
Filmography
| Year Year A year is the orbital period of the Earth moving around the Sun. For an observer on Earth, this corresponds to the period it takes the Sun to complete one course throughout the zodiac along the ecliptic.... | Tamil Movie Tamil cinema Tamil cinema is the film industry based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, dedicated to the production of films in the Tamil language. It is based in Chennai's Kodambakkam district, where several South Indian film production companies are headquartered... | Actors |
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| 1976 | Akka Akka Akka is traditionally a female spirit in Sámi and Finnish mythology.In Sámi mythology, the first akka was Maderakka and her daughters were Sarakka, Uksakka and Juksakka. Some Sámi thought they lived under their kota tents.... |
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| Badrakali | ||
| Inspector Manaivi | ||
| Janaki Sabatham | ||
| Kumara Vijayam | ||
| Madhana Maaligai | ||
| Mayor Meenakthi | ||
| Mittai Mummi | ||
| Nee Indri Naan Illai | ||
| Ore Thanthai | ||
| Thunive Thunai | ||
| Ungalil Oruthi | ||
| Uravaadum Nenjam | ||
| Vazhvu En Pakkam | ||
| 1977 | Aaru Pushpangal | |
| Aattukkara Alamelu | ||
| Annan Oru Koil | ||
| Annan Oru Koil | ||
| Deepam Deepam Deepam may refer to:* Amara Deepam, a 1956 Tamil film.* Amaradeepam, a 1977 Telugu film.* Deepam TV, satellite television channel* Diya , type of lamp* Karthika Deepam * Karthikai Deepam, festival... |
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| Durga Devi | ||
| Gasslight Mangamma | ||
| Ilaya Thalaimurai | ||
| Madhura Geetham | ||
| Munnooru Naal | ||
| Nee Vazha Vendum | ||
| Odi Vilayadu Thatha | ||
| Oli Mayamana Ethirkalam | ||
| Oruvanukku Oruthi | ||
| Palaabhishekam | ||
| Perumaikuriyaval | ||
| Raasi Nalla Raasi | ||
| Sonnathai Seiven | ||
| Sonthamadi Nee Enakku | ||
| Thoondil Meen | ||
| 1978 | Aayiram Jenmangal Aayiram Jenmangal Aayiram Jenmangal is a Tamil film is directed by Durai, starring Vijayakumar, Latha and Rajnikanth in the lead roles. It was the first horror film of Rajinikanth.-Plot:... |
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| Aghni Pravesam | ||
| Anna Lakshmi | ||
| Athaivida Rahasiyam | ||
| Aval Thantha Uravu | ||
| Bhairavi Bhairavi Bhairavi is a fierce and terrifying aspect of the Devi virtually indistinguishable from Kali, except for her particular identification as the consort of the Bhairava.-Symbolism:... |
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| Chittuk Kuruvi | ||
| En Kelvikku Enna Bathil En Kelvikku Enna Bathil En Kelvikku Enna Bathil is a 1978 Tamil film that is directed by P.Madhavan. It starrs Rajinikanth and Sripriya in the lead roles.... |
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| Ival Oru Seethai | ||
| Kannamoochi | ||
| Kannan Oru Kai Kuzhandai | ||
| Karate Kamala | ||
| Machanai Patheengala | ||
| Makkal Kural Makkal Kural Makkal Kural is a Tamil daily newspaper, started in 1973 by M. Shanmugavel.This evening paper was famous for its explosive stand against Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam rule in Tamil Nadu at that time. The firebrand editorials of Shanmugavel and TRR were historic at that time. On seeing the popularity... |
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| Manitharil Ithanai Nirangala | ||
| Meenatshi Kunkumam | ||
| Mela Thalangal | ||
| Oru Veedu Oru Ulagam | ||
| Panchamurtham | ||
| Pavathin Sambalam | ||
| Rajavukku Etha Rani | ||
| Rudra Thandavam | ||
| Sakkaipodu Podu Raja | ||
| Sankar Saleem Siman | ||
| Sonnadhu Needhana | ||
| Taxi Driver Taxi Driver Taxi Driver is a 1976 American drama film directed by Martin Scorsese and written by Paul Schrader. The film is set in New York City, soon after the Vietnam War. The film stars Robert De Niro and features Jodie Foster, Harvey Keitel, and Cybill Shepherd. The film was nominated for four Academy... |
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| Thai Meedhu Sathiyan | ||
| Thirukkalyanam | ||
| Thirupura Sundari | ||
| Unakkum Vaazhvu Varum | ||
| 1979 | Annai Oru Alayam | |
| Appothey Sonneyney Keetiya | ||
| Dharma Yuddham | ||
| Ennadi Meenakshi | ||
| Ennadi Meenakshi | ||
| Kadavul Amaitha Medai | ||
| Kamasasthiram | ||
| Kizhakkum Merkkum Santhikkindrana | ||
| Lakshmi Lakshmi Lakshmi or Lakumi is the Hindu goddess of wealth, prosperity , light, wisdom, fortune, fertility, generosity and courage; and the embodiment of beauty, grace and charm. Representations of Lakshmi are also found in Jain monuments... |
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| Manthoppu Kiliye | ||
| Mudal Iravu | ||
| Mugathil Mugam Parkalam | ||
| Naanoru Kai Paarkiren | ||
| Nangooram | ||
| Neechal Kulam | ||
| Needhikkumun Neeya Naana | ||
| Neeya | ||
| Oru Vidukathai Oru Thodardathai | ||
| Oru Vidukathai Oru Thodarkadhai | ||
| Paathai Maarinal | ||
| Pagalil Oru Iravu | ||
| Pancha Bootham | ||
| Poonthalir | ||
| Raja Rajeswari | ||
| Siri Siri Maamaa | ||
| Sithira Chevvanam | ||
| Sri Ramajayam | ||
| Thayillamal Naanillai | ||
| Veettukku Veedu Vasappadi | ||
| Yaarukku Yaar Kaval | ||
| 1980 | Anbukku Naan Adimai Anbukku Naan Adimai Anbukku Naan Adimai is a Tamil film is directed by R.Thyagarajan and Produced under the 'Thevar films' banner by C.Dandayuthapani. It Starrs Rajnikanth, Vijayan, Surulirajan, Thengai Seenivasan, Asokan, Sundarrajan, Sujatha, Rathi, Ramaprabha and Jayamalini.-Plot:Vijayan, the Inspector and Rajini a... |
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| Antharangam Oomayanathu | ||
| Azhaitthal Varuven | ||
| Bambai Mail 109 | ||
| Deiveega Rahangal | ||
| Deiveega Rahangal | ||
| Edhir Veettu Jannal | ||
| Ellam Un Kairasi Ellam Un Kairasi -Plot:Major Sundarrajan is a smuggler; Rajini is a mechanic. Incidentally Major Sundarrajan is the father of Rajini, which he gets to know only in the climax. Meanwhile they have lots of conflicts and fights, which is the so-called story of the movie. Also there Seema, who is the heroine. And... |
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| Enga Vathiyar | ||
| Enga Vathiyar | ||
| Geetha Oru Shenbaga Poo | ||
| Jony | ||
| Kaadu | ||
| Kaali | ||
| Kadhal Kadhal Kadhal | ||
| Kalam Bathil Sollum | ||
| Karadi | ||
| Karumbu Vill | ||
| Kathal Kiligal | ||
| Kumarip Pennin Ulathile | ||
| Kuruvik Koodu | ||
| Malargindra Paruvathile | ||
| Meenakshi Meenakshi Minakshi is an Avatar of the Hindu Goddess Parvati - and consort of Shiva - who is worshipped mainly by South Indians. She is also one of the few Hindu female deities to have a major temple devoted to her - the far famed Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu... |
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| Megathukkum Thagamundu | ||
| Murattuk Kalai | ||
| Muzhu Nilavu | ||
| Naan Potta Saval | ||
| Neer Nilam Neruppu | ||
| Oli Pirandhadhu | ||
| Ore Mutham | ||
| Oru Marathu Paravaigal | ||
| Panam Penn Pasam | ||
| Paruvathin Vasalile | ||
| Pennukku Yaar Kaaval | ||
| Pollathavan | ||
| Ponnagaram | ||
| Porkalam | ||
| Pudiya Thoranangal | ||
| Rishi Moolam | ||
| Rusi Kanda Poonai | ||
| Saranam Iyyappa | ||
| Thani Maram | ||
| Theru Vilakku Theru Vilakku Theru Vilakku is 1980 Indian film in Tamil. The film has Vijayan and Deepa in the lead roles. Kamal Haasan recorded a song in his voice in the film.... |
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| Ullasa Paravaigal Ullasa Paravaigal Ullasa Paravaigal is a Tamil language film starring Kamal Haasan in the lead role of the protagonist.-Plot:Ravi is in denial about his mental health as a result of the death of his girlfriend. His father and friend Raju played by Suruli_Rajan hatch a plan to take him overseas to get him treatment... |
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| Valli Mayil | ||
| Vandi Chakkaram | ||
| Veli Thandiya Velladu | ||
| 1981 | Aadugal Nanaigindrana | |
| Anichamalar | ||
| Kadavulin Theerpu | ||
| Kannadi | ||
| Kanni Mahamayi | ||
| Kazhugu Kazhugu Kazhugu is a Tamil directed by SP. Muthuraman, starring Rajnikanth in the lead along with Rati Agnihotri as the heroine. The film was moderately successful in the box office, but became a cult film among Rajini fans.... |
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| Lorry Driver Rajakkannu | ||
| Oru Iravu Oru Paarvai | ||
| Pennin Vaazhkkai | ||
| Pennmanam Pesugirathu | ||
| Ram Lakshman Ram Lakshman Ram Lakshman is a Tamil language film starring Kamal Haasan in the lead role of the protagonist.-References: The story is about the relationship between Ram and Lakshman .... |
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| Sankarlal Sankarlal Sankarlal is a Tamil language film starring Kamal Haasan in the lead role of the protagonist. This film was initially planned to be directed by T.N.Balu. Unfortunately T.N.Balu died half-way before completing this film. So Kamal Haasan himself directed and completed this film... |
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| Satya Sundaram | ||
| Vadagai Veedu | ||
| Vadagai Veedu | ||
| Vasanthakalam | ||
| 1982 | Aval Yetriya Dheebangal | |
| Hitler Umanath | ||
| Iniyavale Vaa | ||
| Irattai Manithan | ||
| Muraiponnu | ||
| Nayakarin Magal | ||
| Nirandharam | ||
| Oorukku Oru Pillai | ||
| Pannaiburathu Pandavargal | ||
| Sangili | ||
| 1983 | Avaloru Kaviyam | |
| Kashmir Kadhali | ||
| Oppandham | ||
| Samsaram Enbathu Veenai | ||
| 1984 | Pillayar | |