Vishal (actor)

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Vishal
Vishal2018.jpg
Vishal in 2018
Born
Vishal Krishna Reddy

(1977-08-29) 29 August 1977 (age 44)[1][2]
Madras, Tamil Nadu, India
Alma materLoyola College, Chennai
OccupationActor, Producer, Film Director,
Secretary General for Nadigar Sangam,
Anti-piracy activist
Years active2004–present
Parent(s)G. K. Reddy (father)
Janaki Devi(mother)
RelativesVikram Krishna (brother)
Aishwarya (sister)
Sriya Reddy (Sister-in-law)

Vishal Krishna Reddy (born 29 August 1977),[1] known mononymously as Vishal, is an Indian film actor and producer who works at the Tamil film industry. The younger son of film producer G. K. Reddy, Vishal studied Visual Communications at Loyola College, Chennai. Best known for his roles in action films, he produces films under his production company, Vishal Film Factory.[3]

Vishal made an entrance into the film industry as an assistant director for Arjun. He then became an actor and played his first lead role in the romantic thriller Chellamae (2004), before going on to star in the commercially successful action films Sandakozhi, Thimiru, Thaamirabharani and Malaikottai.[4] Following a series of unsuccessful films at the box office, Vishal chose to create his own production studio and has since produced and worked on profitable ventures such as Pandiya Naadu (2013), Naan Sigappu Manithan (2014) and Poojai (2014).[5]

Vishal was elected as the General Secretary of the Nadigar Sangam in October 2015 after initiating a movement against the previous committee.[6] He was expelled from Tamil Film Producers' Council (TFPC) for remarks against the council.[7][8] Later in April 2017, he won the election and got elected as President of Tamil Film Producers Council.

Early life and family[]

Vishal with his father G. K. Reddy and late politician M. Karunanidhi.

Vishal Krishna Reddy was born into a Telugu family to G. K. Reddy and Janaki Devi on 29 August 1977 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. His father was a businessman and a film producer for Telugu and Tamil films. His family is settled in Chennai.[citation needed] His elder brother Vikram Krishna has produced several of Vishal's films and had previously appeared as an actor in films under the screen name of Ajay.[9] Vishal obtained his secondary education from Don Bosco Matriculation Higher Secondary School before securing a degree in visual communications from Loyola College, Chennai.[citation needed]

Acting career[]

2004–2011[]

Vishal assisted actor-director Arjun Sarja in his venture Vedham (2001), and a producer spotted Vishal on the sets of the film and signed him to appear in an acting role in Gandhi Krishna's Chellamae (2004).[10][11] Accepting the role, Vishal prepared by joining Koothu-P-Pattarai to hone his acting skills and played the protagonist role of Raghunandan, whose wife is kidnapped by her childhood friend.[11] A critic described his performance is "apt" but "there was plenty left to hone".[12][13] His next film was Sandakozhi (2005) with N. Linguswamy, who had previously worked with his father's production house as an assistant director.[14] Vishal was described to have "improved from his Chellamae days" and "clicked as an action hero".[15] Film journalists stated that he was "the fastest rising action hero" of the time.[16] After a cameo as himself in Sasi's Dishyum (2006), he went on to appear in Tarun Gopi's action film Thimiru (2006). The film opened to mixed reviews with Vishal being praised for his intense performance with a critic calling his performance "the film's only strength and, to an extent, making up for the weak script and poor characterisation".[17] The film became Vishal's third consecutive commercial success, and he began to emerge in Tamil films.[18]

His next film, the political action drama Sivappathigaram (2006), directed by Karu Pazhaniappan was a failure financially despite favourable reviews.[19] His next film was released in January 2007, Hari's multi-starring family action drama Thaamirabharani (2007) and the film went on to gain considerable box office success, carrying good reports amidst other big budget releases.[20][21] Later in the year, he appeared in Boopathy Pandian's Malaikottai (2007), a comedy entertainer. In his first full-length comic role, Vishal received mixed feedback for his portrayal from critics, with Rediff stating that he is "a far cry from the rather endearing young man in Sandakozhi", whilst describing his performance as "cringe-able".[22] Behindwoods stated it as an "Average masala-mix entertainer".[23] The film took a large opening and was declared a blockbuster, featuring in the top 10 at behindwoods box office. In the year 2008, for the first time, Vishal portrayed a police officer in Sathyam, which became a commercial failure at the box office. Then both his films Thoranai (2009) and Theeradha Vilaiyattu Pillai (2010) were just average grossers. Additionally, the box-office duds, Sathyam and Thoranai, both of which were bilingual in Tamil and Telugu, failed to establish his popularity in Telugu cinema.[24]

Vishal was then given the opportunity to feature in Bala's dark comedy Avan Ivan (2011), after being recommended to the director by his friend Arya. Portraying a village stage actor with a squint, Vishal had severe eye pain and headaches, and he also had a serious muscular injury on sets.[25] The film opened to mixed reviews, though Vishal's performance won positive reviews. Indiaglitz stated that Vishal delivered an "award winning performance" and that his "mannerisms and body language give you goosebumps". The reviewer further cited that "Vishal's spontaneous response to his mentor's death in the movie is touching. His demonstration of Navarasas in front of actor Suriya will melt you in tears".[26][27] Vishal played the role of a police officer in his following release Vedi (2011), directed by Prabhu Deva, which was declared an instant flop at the box office.[28]

2013–present[]

Vishal in 2013.

In the 2013 film Samar, Vishal played a forest trek guide. Behindwoods stated that he "rocks in the action sequences".[29][30] Following a cameo role in Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru, he starred in the action films Pattathu Yaanai and Pandiya Naadu. The latter was Vishal's debut production venture.[31][32] Vishal opted to produce and collaborate with Thiru for a third venture Naan Sigappu Manithan (2014), a revenge drama, in which his character had narcolepsy. To prepare for the lead role, Vishal read up and studied real life case studies of people with the disorder, citing that there were no references from cinema which he could watch and learn. Then he had acted under director Hari for the second time in Poojai (2014), which did somewhat good business at the box office. In 2015, he acted two films, namely, Aambala and Paayum Puli.[33][34]

In 2016, he appeared in three movies; Kathakali, Marudhu and Kaththi Sandai. The first two were average grossers, while Kaththi Sandai became a flop at the box office. In January 2017, Vishal signed his debut Malayalam film, as the main antagonist in the Mohanlal-starrer Villain, directed by B. Unnikrishnan.[35][36] In September 2017, Vishal played a detective in Thupparivaalan directed by Mysskin which was loosely based on the British writer Arthur Conan Doyle's detective character, Sherlock Holmes. The film was a commercial success and was appreciated by audiences and critics.[37] In 2018, Vishal had two major releases. The first one was Irumbu Thirai directed by newcomer P. S. Mithran which released in May 2018.[38] And second was Sandakozhi 2 released in October 2018 was written and directed by N. Linguswamy. A sequel to the successful Sandakozhi (2005), the film features Vishal in his 25th film.[39] The film turned out to be an average grosser.[40] In 2019, he did one movie titled Action directed by Sundar C.[41] The film received mixed reviews and was a box office failure.[42] In 2021, he acted in the action thriller Chakra directed my newcomer M.S Anandan. The film which released on 19 February, received mixed reviews from critics and audience.[43]

Tamil Film Producers Council (2017–present)[]

He was elected as President of Tamil Film Producers Council election, which was held on 2 April 2017.[44][45][46] Apart from this, Vishal is also a staunch advocate against online piracy since 2014, having started an anti-piracy cell.[47]

Television[]

He made his television début in October 2018 as a host of Sun Naam Oruvar, a talk show airing on Sun TV.[48][49]

Politics[]

Vishal filed his nomination as an independent candidate for the by-poll to Radhakrishnan Nagar constituency in Chennai, which fell vacant following Jayalalithaa's death in December 2017.[50] But his nomination was rejected.[51]

Legal issues[]

Vishal was arrested by police in December 2018 when he tried to enter inside the Tamil Film Producers Council in T Nagar, Chennai by forcefully trying to break the lock. The council was locked by 300 film producers alleging that Vishal failed to fulfil his promises during the elections in 2015.[52]

Filmography[]

Vishal in 2015
Key
Films that have not yet been released Denotes films that have not yet been released
  • All films are in Tamil, unless otherwise noted.
Year Film Role Language Notes Ref.
1989 Jadikketha Moodi N/A Tamil Child artist [53]
2001 Vedham N/A Tamil Assistant director [54]
2004 Chellamae Ragunandan Tamil [13]
2005 Sandakozhi Balu Tamil [16]
Dishum Himself Tamil Cameo appearance [55]
[56]
2006 Thimiru Ganesh Tamil [18]
Sivappathigaram Sathyamoorthy Tamil [19]
2007 Thaamirabharani Bharaniputhiran Tamil [20]
Malaikottai Anbu Tamil [23]
2008 Satyam Sathyam Tamil Simultaneously shot in Telugu as Salute [57]
[58]
2009 Thoranai Murugan Tamil [59]
Pistha Muralikrishna Telugu [60]
[24]
2010 Theeradha Vilaiyattu Pillai Karthik Tamil [61]
2011 Avan Ivan Walter Vanangamudi Tamil Won, Norway Tamil Film Festival Award for Special Jury Award

Nominated, 1st South Indian International Movie Awards For Best Actor

Nominated, 6th Vijay Awards For Best Actor

Vedi Prabhakaran (Balu)[a] Tamil [62]
2012 Madha Gaja Raja Raja Tamil Unreleased [63]
2013 Samar Shakthi Tamil [64]
Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru Himself Tamil Cameo appearance [65]
[66]
Pattathu Yaanai Saravanan Tamil [67]
Pandiya Naadu Sivakumar Tamil Also producer
Won, SIIMA Award for Best Debutant Producer

Nominated, 3rd South Indian International Movie Awards For Best Actor

Nominated, 8th Vijay Awards For Best Actor [68]

2014 Naan Sigappu Manithan Indhiran Tamil Also producer [69]
Kathai Thiraikathai Vasanam Iyakkam Himself Tamil Cameo appearance [70]
[71]
Poojai Vasudevan Tamil Also producer [72]
2015 Aambala Saravanan Tamil Also producer [73]
Vasuvum Saravananum Onna Padichavanga Vetrivel Tamil Cameo appearance [74]
[75]
Paayum Puli Jayaseelan Tamil [76]
2016 Kathakali Amudhavel Tamil Also producer [77]
Marudhu Marudhu Tamil [78]
Kaththi Sandai Arjun Ramakrishnan (Cheenu)[a] Tamil [79]
2017 Thupparivaalan Kaniyan Poongundran Tamil Nominated, Vijay Award for Best Actor [80]
Villain Saktivel Palaniswamy Malayalam [35]
2018 Irumbu Thirai R. Kathiravan Tamil Also producer [81]
Sandakozhi 2 Balu Tamil 25th Film [81]
2019 Ayogya Karnan Tamil [82]
Action Subhash Tamil [83]
2021 Chakra Chandru Tamil [84]
EnemyFilms that have not yet been released TBA Tamil Awaiting release [85]
2022 Veerame Vaagai SoodumFilms that have not yet been released TBA Tamil Filming [86]
Thupparivaalan 2Films that have not yet been released Kaniyan Poongundran Tamil Under production; also director [87]

Television[]

Year Show Channel Role Ref.
2018 - 2019 Sun Naam Oruvar Sun TV Host [88]

Notes[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b Vishal plays a single character with two or more names.

References[]

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  2. ^ "A meaningful birthday celebration for Vishal". Sify.com. Retrieved 19 October 2015.
  3. ^ sify.com
  4. ^ "Actor Vishal riding on success". The Hindu. 26 November 2006. Archived from the original on 8 February 2007. Retrieved 8 February 2010.
  5. ^ "Naan Sigappu Manithan hits 50". The Times of India. 30 May 2014. Retrieved 19 October 2015.
  6. ^ "Nadigar Sangam election dates announced". The Times of India. 8 September 2015. Retrieved 19 October 2015.
  7. ^ "Vishal removed from Producers' Council - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 20 November 2016.
  8. ^ "Vishal Expelled from Producer's Council". Chitramala. 15 November 2016. Retrieved 20 November 2016.
  9. ^ "Vikram Krishna weds Shriya reddy". Sify. 8 March 2008. Archived from the original on 20 October 2012. Retrieved 9 January 2011.
  10. ^ "Star Interviews : Hero Vishal: Interview and profile". Telugucinema.com. Retrieved 10 May 2013.
  11. ^ Jump up to: a b "Interview with Chellamae Vishal". IndiaGlitz. 20 September 2004. Retrieved 7 January 2011.
  12. ^ Rangarajan, Malathi (17 September 2004). "Chellamae". The Hindu. Retrieved 9 January 2011.
  13. ^ Jump up to: a b "Chellamey". Sify. 20 September 2004. Archived from the original on 20 October 2013. Retrieved 9 January 2011.
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  15. ^ "Sandakozhi". Sify. 14 November 2005. Archived from the original on 20 October 2013. Retrieved 9 January 2011.
  16. ^ Jump up to: a b "Vishal-The dark horse!". Sify. 9 May 2006. Archived from the original on 19 October 2012. Retrieved 9 January 2011.
  17. ^ Sudha, S (4 August 2006). "Thimiru is a time-pass flick". Rediff. Retrieved 9 January 2011.
  18. ^ Jump up to: a b "Vishal alters the list of top heroes in Kollywood!!". Behindwoods. 8 August 2006. Retrieved 9 January 2011.
  19. ^ Jump up to: a b Rajaraman, R (25 November 2006). "Sivapathigaram Review". Nowrunning.com. Retrieved 13 January 2011.
  20. ^ Jump up to: a b Iyer, Sriram (14 January 2007). "Thamirabharani is worth a watch". Rediff. Retrieved 13 January 2011.
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  22. ^ Srinivasan, Pavithra (28 September 2007). "Malaikottai is avoidable". Rediff. Retrieved 13 January 2011.
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  33. ^ https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/aambala-mindless-in-madurai/article6794231.ece
  34. ^ https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/paayum-puli-review-suseenthiran-takes-a-tried-and-tested-script-to-make-it-look-fresh-261289-2015-09-04
  35. ^ Jump up to: a b "Vishal's role in Malayalam debut revealed?". The New Indian Express.
  36. ^ IANS. "Vishal to play the main antagonist in Mohanlal's next?".
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  40. ^ "Review : Sandakozhi-2 review:A watchable rural action entertainer (2018)". www.sify.com. Retrieved 12 January 2019.
  41. ^ "Action Trailer – Vishal". www.chennaiboxoffice.com. Archived from the original on 15 November 2019. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
  42. ^ https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/161119/action-review-this-vishal-film-is-strictly-for-action-lovers.html
  43. ^ https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/chakra/chakra-review.html
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  49. ^ "Actor Vishal's new TV venture to premiere soon - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 6 January 2019.
  50. ^ "Vishal contests RK Nagar elections: Puratchi Thalapathy's political plunge was a long time in the making". Indian Express.
  51. ^ "RK Nagar Nomination Rejected, Actor Vishal Says "Mockery Of Democracy"". NDTV.
  52. ^ Chennai, India Today Web Desk. "Tamil Film Producers Council President Vishal detained after complaints". India Today. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
  53. ^ "ARTS – Indian Cinema, Kollywood, Kollywood Actors, Vishal". Indian Mirror. 29 August 1977. Retrieved 19 October 2015.
  54. ^ "Vishal assisted Arjun in the film Vedham". The Times of India.
  55. ^ "Dishyum Tamil Movie – Vishal Cameo Scene". YouTube. 5 December 2014. Retrieved 19 October 2015.
  56. ^ "Vishal TVSK Dishyum – Top Heroes And Their Cameos- Cinemalea". Cinemalead.com. Retrieved 19 October 2015.
  57. ^ "Review: Sathyam". Rediff. Retrieved 19 October 2015.
  58. ^ "Salute music launch – Telugu cinema – Vishal & Nayana Tara". Idlebrain.com. 28 July 2008. Retrieved 19 October 2015.
  59. ^ "Give us a break, please – Thoranai – CHEN". The Hindu. 5 June 2009. Retrieved 19 October 2015.
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  81. ^ Jump up to: a b "Vishal's next titled as Irumbu Thirai". Behindwoods. 30 August 2016.
  82. ^ "Vishal's 'Temper' remake titled 'Ayogya', officially launched with ceremony". The News Minute. 25 August 2018.
  83. ^ "'Action' review: Vishal's film is for action lovers, but plot is an afterthought". The News Minute. 15 November 2019.
  84. ^ "Vishal's Chakra First Look Poster Out". www.chennaiboxoffice.com. Archived from the original on 12 February 2020. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
  85. ^ "Vishal's first look from Enemy is out - Times of India". The Times of India.
  86. ^ "'Vishal 31' team starts shooting for the film from today with a pooja ceremony". Republic World. 6 May 2021. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  87. ^ "Mysskin begins work on his next, Thupparivaalan 2". The New Indian Express.
  88. ^ "Actor Vishal's new TV venture to premiere soon". 5 October 2018.

External links[]

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