# Ilavarasu

Ilavarasu is an Indian cinematographer and actor, who works in the Tamil film industry. He started his career as a cinematographer and worked for 13 films, winning a Tamil Nadu State Film Award for one of them. He, however, became better known as an actor, after he appeared in pivotal roles in Bharathiraja's and Cheran's films. He starred in over 160 Tamil films, mostly in supporting and comedic roles.

## Early life

He was born on 28 August 1964 in Melur, a town in Madurai district, present-day Tamil Nadu. His father P. Malaichamy served as a Member of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly during 1967-76 on behalf of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). Malaichamy was also one of the DMK members jailed during the 1975-77 Indian Emergency under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA).

## Career

According to T. Saravanan of The Hindu, Ilavarasu's debut film was to have been the unproduced Tamil film Top Tucker, and instead became Oru Kaidhiyin Diary (1984). However, Malathi Rangarajan of the same paper says he first appeared in a minuscule role in Bharathiraja's 1987 film Vedham Pudhithu.
He gained popularity as a cinematographer in 1996 with the film Panchalankurichi, starring Prabhu and Madhubala. The following year, he worked on another Prabhu movie titled Periya Thambi, directed by Chitra Lakshmanan. His breakthrough came with a significant role in Cheran’s Porkkaalam (1997), which propelled him into the spotlight as a recognized actor. In 1998, Ilavarasu served as the cinematographer for two films, Ninaithen Vandhai and Iniyavale. While initially offered villainous characters, he later shifted his focus to character roles. The actor has shared screen with many actors in his career. Ilavarasu has played many versatile characters and has entertained the fans with his humour sense. He has also played villain roles in a few films. A few memorable roles of him include Bagavathi (2002), Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikecei (2006), Kalavani (2010), Lingaa (2014), Kanaa (2018) and NGK (2019).
In addition to his film career, Ilavarasu has also ventured into television, appearing in the 2022 series Anandha Ragam on Sun TV.

## Filmography
### As actor
#### Films

| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 1985 | Muthal Mariyathai | Photographer | |
| 1985 | Idaya Kovil | Shankar's Friend | |
| 1985 | Oru Kaidhiyin Diary | Crowd member | Uncredited role |
| 1986 | Kadalora Kavithaigal | Chinnappa Das' friend | |
| 1987 | Vedham Pudhithu | Balu Thevar's nephew | |
| 1988 | Kodi Parakuthu | Police constable | |
| 1990 | Sandhana Kaatru | | Uncredited role |
| 1994 | Ravanan | | |
| 1995 | Pasumpon | Angusamy | |
| 1997 | Porkkaalam | Rasu | |
| 2000 | Vetri Kodi Kattu | | |
| 2000 | Sabhash | | |
| 2001 | Kutty | Pazhaniappan | |
| 2001 | Poovellam Un Vasam | Pandi | |
| 2001 | Pandavar Bhoomi | Carpenter | |
| 2001 | Thavasi | Kaarmegam | |
| 2001 | Shahjahan | Police Inspector | |
| 2002 | Red | Pandi | |
| 2002 | Gemini | Police Commissioner | |
| 2002 | Shree | Pasupathy | |
| 2002 | Karmegham | Saguni | |
| 2002 | Sundara Travels | Parotta Master Kasi | |
| 2002 | Maaran | Irulandi | |
| 2002 | University | | |
| 2002 | Bagavathi | Singamuthu | |
| 2002 | Ramanaa | | |
| 2002 | Style | Pandithurai | |
| 2003 | Anbe Sivam | Police Inspector | |
| 2003 | Pallavan | | |
| 2003 | Kadhal Sadugudu | | |
| 2003 | Well Done | | |
| 2003 | Pudhiya Geethai | Shekar | |
| 2003 | Saamy | Sivakasi Pattasu Raman | |
| 2003 | Jayam | | |
| 2003 | Eera Nilam | Chellakannu | |
| 2003 | Boys | Kumar's father | |
| 2003 | Thiruda Thirudi | | |
| 2003 | Anjaneya | Eshwarapandiyan | |
| 2003 | Naam | | |
| 2003 | Unnai Charanadaindhen | Teja's father | |
| 2003 | Bheeshmar | Aadhi | |
| 2003 | Ragasiyamai | | |
| 2003 | Sindhamal Sitharamal | | |
| 2004 | Varnajalam | Police Constable | |
| 2004 | Autograph | Narayanan Teacher | |
| 2004 | Kuthu | Arunachalam | |
| 2004 | Kavithai | | |
| 2004 | Jana | Jana's brother-in-law | |
| 2004 | Sound Party | | |
| 2004 | Madhurey | Anitha's father | |
| 2004 | Kangalal Kaidhu Sei | John Vaseegaran's servant | Uncredited role |
| 2004 | Giri | Ramalingam | |
| 2004 | Neranja Manasu | Poochi | |
| 2004 | Attahasam | | |
| 2004 | Chatrapathi | Deputy Commissioner | |
| 2004 | Maha Nadigan | | |
| 2004 | Aai | Traffic Police Officer Subbarayan | |
| 2004 | Jaisurya | ACP | |
| 2004 | Meesai Madhavan | Kadalas | |
| 2004 | Gomathi Nayagam | Kutraleeswaran | |
| 2005 | Ayodhya | Vaiyapuri | |
| 2005 | Ji | Varadharajan's henchman | |
| 2005 | Kadhal FM | Astrologer | |
| 2005 | Gurudeva | Police Officer | |
| 2005 | Sevvel | | |
| 2005 | Oru Naal Oru Kanavu | Rajamani | |
| 2005 | Majaa | | |
| 2005 | Chanakya | Police inspector | |
| 2005 | Thavamai Thavamirundhu | Azhagarsamy | |
| 2006 | Kalabha Kadhalan | | |
| 2006 | Thambi | Shankarayan | |
| 2006 | Kusthi | Abi's father | |
| 2006 | Oru Kadhal Seiveer | Aadhi | |
| 2006 | Sudesi | Cook | |
| 2006 | Don Chera | Perumal | |
| 2006 | Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikecei | Mangunipaandiyan | |
| 2006 | Sengathu | Yedhukku | |
| 2006 | Thiruvilaiyaadal Aarambam | Muthukrishnan | |
| 2007 | Agaram | MLA | |
| 2007 | Thirumagan | Thavasi | |
| 2007 | Koodal Nagar | | |
| 2007 | Chennai 600028 | Manohar | |
| 2007 | Periyaar | | |
| 2007 | Sivaji | | Guest appearance |
| 2007 | Thullal | Security guard | |
| 2007 | Cheena Thaana 001 | Tamizharasu's father's friend | |
| 2007 | Nam Naadu | Albert | |
| 2007 | Pasupathi c/o Rasakkapalayam | Terrorist | |
| 2008 | Pirivom Santhippom | Visalakshi's neighbor | |
| 2008 | Vaazhthugal | Thirunavukkarasu | |
| 2008 | Thangam | | |
| 2008 | Vambu Sandai | | |
| 2008 | Arai En 305-il Kadavul | Wellesley Prabhu | |
| 2008 | Kuruvi | Elango | |
| 2008 | Pandi | Periyamaayan | |
| 2008 | Kathavarayan | Police inspector | |
| 2008 | Dhanam | Dhanam's friend | |
| 2008 | Silambattam | Police | |
| 2008 | Panchamirtham | Kasi | |
| 2009 | Kadhalna Summa Illai | | |
| 2009 | 1977 | Manikkam | |
| 2009 | Mayandi Kudumbathar | Mayandi and Virumandi's elder cousin | |
| 2009 | Engal Aasan | Muthu | |
| 2009 | Pokkisham | | |
| 2009 | Kanthaswamy | | |
| 2009 | Madurai Sambavam | | |
| 2009 | Ninaithale Inikkum | Sethuraman | |
| 2009 | Solla Solla Inikkum | | |
| 2009 | Arumugam | Arumugam's father | |
| 2010 | Rettaisuzhi | | |
| 2010 | Sura | Samuthira Raja's sidekick | |
| 2010 | Goripalayam | Moovendhan | |
| 2010 | Irumbukkottai Murattu Singam | Dagalandi | |
| 2010 | Maanja Velu | Sivagnanam | |
| 2010 | Milaga | Vaazhaithoppu Maari | |
| 2010 | Kalavani | Ramasamy | |
| 2011 | Ilaignan | | |
| 2011 | Seedan | Madhava Kounder | |
| 2011 | Bhavani | Shanmugam | |
| 2011 | Muthukku Muthaaga | Thavasi | |
| 2011 | Pillaiyar Theru Kadaisi Veedu | Ganesan's uncle | |
| 2011 | Mudhal Idam | Ponnusamy | |
| 2011 | Puli Vesham | Thamarai's father | |
| 2011 | Sadhurangam | Analaar | |
| 2011 | Aduthathu | | |
| 2011 | Velayudham | Poor man | |
| 2011 | 7aum Arivu | Aravind's uncle | |
| 2011 | Marudhavelu | Marudhavelu's father | |
| 2012 | Kondaan Koduthaan | Chellaiya | |
| 2012 | Kalakalappu | Anjuvatti Alagesan | |
| 2012 | Manam Kothi Paravai | Raamaiya | |
| 2012 | Billa II | Selvaraj | |
| 2012 | Etho Seithai Ennai | Veeru's aide | |
| 2012 | Ozhimuri | Vaidyan | Malayalam film |
| 2013 | Thillu Mullu | Pasupathy's Uncle | |
| 2013 | Mathapoo | Karthik's brother-in-law | |
| 2013 | Ya Ya | Varadharajan | |
| 2013 | Jannal Oram | Police Inspector | |
| 2013 | Chandhamama | Santhanakrishnan's father | |
| 2013 | Pattam Pole | Karthik's uncle | Malayalam film |
| 2014 | Veeram | Azhagappan | |
| 2014 | Sathuranga Vettai | Chettiyar | |
| 2014 | Pappali | | |
| 2014 | Pattaya Kelappanum Pandiya | Velpandiyan's father | |
| 2014 | Pagadai Pagadai | S. Kotteswaran | |
| 2014 | Lingaa | Saami Pillai | |
| 2015 | Killadi | Inspector Britto | |
| 2015 | En Vazhi Thani Vazhi | Police Officer | |
| 2015 | Rajathandhiram | Sethu Madhavan | |
| 2015 | Idam Porul Yaeval | | Unreleased |
| 2015 | 36 Vayadhinile | Vegetable merchant | |
| 2015 | Papanasam | Constable Shanmugam | |
| 2015 | Maanga | Nambirajan | |
| 2015 | Jippaa Jimikki | Lorry driver | |
| 2015 | Aaranyam | Kumaresan | |
| 2016 | Navarasa Thilagam | Paneerselvam | |
| 2016 | Vetrivel | Navaneetham | |
| 2016 | Ko 2 | Home Minister | |
| 2016 | Uchathula Shiva | Ondipuli | |
| 2016 | Kallattam | Pazhani | |
| 2016 | Meen Kuzhambum Mann Paanaiyum | Annamalai's friend | |
| 2016 | Chennai 600028 II | Manohar | |
| 2017 | Kanavu Variyam | Ezhil's father | |
| 2017 | Sangili Bungili Kadhava Thorae | Parvathy's brother | |
| 2017 | Aayirathil Iruvar | Vanarajan | |
| 2017 | Mayaanadhi | Police Inspector Ilavarasu | Malayalam film |
| 2018 | Kadaikutty Singam | Manikkam | |
| 2018 | Kannakkol | | |
| 2018 | Azhagumagan | Azhagu | |
| 2018 | Aan Devathai | Solvilanguperumal | |
| 2018 | Jarugandi | Samuel | |
| 2018 | Kanaa | Thangarasu | |
| 2019 | Natpuna Ennanu Theriyuma | Ramanan | |
| 2019 | NGK | MLA Pandiyan | |
| 2019 | Kalavani 2 | Ramasamy | |
| 2019 | Sixer | Aadhi's father | |
| 2019 | Magamuni | Muthuraj | |
| 2019 | Thambi | Jeevanand | |
| 2021 | Kalathil Santhippom | Ashok's father | |
| 2021 | Oru Kudaikul | | |
| 2021 | Appathava Aattaya Pottutanga | | |
| 2021 | Doctor | Padmini and Navneeth's father | |
| 2021 | Jai Bhim | Gunasekaran | |
| 2022 | Naai Sekar | Pooja's father | |
| 2022 | Anbulla Ghilli | Bhargavi's father | |
| 2022 | Etharkkum Thunindhavan | Aadhini's father | |
| 2022 | Maaran | Aravindan | |
| 2022 | Jana Gana Mana | Anbumani | Malayalam film |
| 2022 | Visithiran | | |
| 2022 | Nenjuku Needhi | Sub-Inspector Malaichami | |
| 2022 | Viruman | Thenmozhi's father | |
| 2022 | Sardar | Politician | |
| 2022 | DSP | Murugapandi | |
| 2023 | Vaathi | Education Minister | |
| 2023 | Viduthalai Part 1 | Ila. Ilavarasu | |
| 2023 | Rudhran | Police Inspector | |
| 2023 | Raavana Kottam | Chitravel | |
| 2023 | Parking | House Owner | |
| 2023 | Jigarthanda DoubleX | Minister Kaarmegham | |
| 2023 | Kuiko | | |
| 2023 | Thee Ivan | | |
| 2024 | Yaavarum Vallavare | Baskar | |
| 2024 | Dear | Rangarajan | |
| 2024 | Romeo | Arivazhagan and Janani's father | |
| 2024 | PT Sir | Rathinam | |
| 2024 | Maya Puthagam | | |
| 2024 | Raayan | Meghalai's father | |
| 2024 | P2 | | |
| 2024 | Meiyazhagan | Ekambaram, a caterer | |
| 2024 | Viduthalai Part 2 | Ila. Ilavarasu | |
| 2024 | Max | Ravanan | Kannada Film |
| 2024 | Thiru.Manickam | Sumathi's uncle | |
| 2025 | Mr. Housekeeping | Chokkalingam | |
| 2025 | Poorveegam | | |
| 2025 | Baby and Baby | Muthaiya | |

#### Television

| Year | Title | Role | Channel | Notes |
| 2022 | Anandha Ragam | Shanmugavel | Sun TV | Extended Guest Appearance |

### As cinematographer

| Year | Film | Notes |
| 1996 | Panchalankurichi | |
| 1997 | Periya Thambi | |
| 1998 | Ninaithen Vandhai | |
| 1998 | Iniyavale | |
| 1999 | Manam Virumbuthe Unnai | Winner, Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Cinematographer |
| 2000 | Veeranadai | |
| 2000 | Sabhash | |
| 2000 | Eazhaiyin Sirippil | |
| 2001 | Love Marriage | |
| 2009 | Ajantha | |
| 2010 | Thunichal | |

### As dubbing artist

| Year | Film | Actor | Notes |
| 1994 | Karuththamma | Ponvannan | |
| 1996 | Panchalankurichi | Mahanadi Shankar | |