# Vaiyapuri

Vaiyapuri (born 23 October 1968 as Ramakrishnan) is an Indian actor who has worked in Tamil-language films. He rose to fame by appearing in supporting roles in the late 1990s and early 2000s, often portraying supporting comedic characters. His first major role was in Balu Mahendra's Raman Abdullah (1997), while his roles in films including Thulladha Manamum Thullum (1999), Gemini (2002) and Mani Ratnam's Raavanan (2010) also garnered him acclaim.

## Career

In December 1986, Vaiyapuri moved from his hometown of Theni to Chennai hoping to become an actor in the Tamil film industry. Unable to immediately get a chance in films because of his skinny physical stature, he worked as a bearer at a hotel on Mount Road. Vaiyapuri's first break came through television serials on Doordarshan, where he notably worked on an adaptation of Sujatha's Kolaiyuthir Kalam. He started his film career appearing as an extra and then in minor roles in films, before making a breakthrough with his role in Balu Mahendra's comedy film Raman Abdullah (1997). The success of the film prompted several film makers to approach him for comedic roles in their projects, with the actor subsequently winning acclaim for his roles in Kadhal Palli (1997), Priyamudan (1998) and Kaathala Kaathala, where he collaborated with actor Kamal Haasan. In the late 1990s, he continued appearing as a supporting actor, often portraying one of the several comedians in a film. His work in Thulladha Manamum Thullum (1999), where he portrayed a comedic role of a man slowly becoming a transgender, won him further critical acclaim.
Throughout his career, Vaiyapuri has often appeared in films starring Kamal Haasan and the actor selected Vaiyapuri for a major supporting role in the actor's Mumbai Xpress (2005). Vaiyapuri was later cast as a transgender in Mani Ratnam's Raavanan (2010), which he described as a "major turning point" in his career. He shot for the film alongside an ensemble cast including Vikram and Aishwarya Rai, with the film winning critical acclaim upon release. In 2010, he announced that he was set to play the protagonist in a film directed by newcomer Devindiran, while he had also shot for a Malayalam film titled Kalyanamam Kalyanam where he portrayed the second lead. However neither film eventually had a theatrical release. In the 2010s, Vaiyapuri was cast in less films as the Tamil film industry generally moved away from including separate comedy tracks in films. He has since worked on more low-budget films in supporting roles, while continuing to regularly collaborate in films starring Kamal Haasan such as Uttama Villain (2015) and Papanasam (2015).
In 2017, Vaiyapuri received media attention for taking part in the reality television show Bigg Boss hosted by Kamal Haasan. After spending 84 days in the house, he was evicted in a poll by the public.

## Filmography

| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 1994 | Karuththamma | Bus Conductor | |
| 1994 | Mani Rathnam | | |
| 1995 | Chellakannu | Barber | |
| 1995 | Ilaya Ragam | | |
| 1996 | Avvai Shanmughi | Flower Decorator | |
| 1997 | Love Today | | |
| 1997 | Kadhal Palli | Palli | |
| 1997 | Raasi | Narikuravar | |
| 1997 | Raman Abdullah | | |
| 1997 | Aahaa..! | | |
| 1997 | Ullaasam | Gopalu | |
| 1998 | Kaadhale Nimmadhi | Blind beggar | |
| 1998 | Maru Malarchi | Palli | |
| 1998 | Dhinamdhorum | | |
| 1998 | Kaadhala Kaadhala | | |
| 1998 | Ponnu Velayira Bhoomi | | |
| 1998 | Jolly | Govind | |
| 1998 | Harichandra | Muthu | |
| 1998 | Sandhippoma | Hospital patient | |
| 1998 | Kalyana Galatta | | |
| 1998 | Unnidathil Ennai Koduthen | Delhi | |
| 1998 | Sollamale | Painter | |
| 1998 | Kannedhirey Thondrinal | Dinesh | |
| 1998 | Senthooram | | |
| 1999 | Thulladha Manamum Thullum | Kalyanasundaram | |
| 1999 | Ninaivirukkum Varai | | |
| 1999 | Kallazhagar | Govindankutti | |
| 1999 | Unnai Thedi | Vaiyapuri | |
| 1999 | Chinna Raja | | |
| 1999 | Periyanna | Prisoner | |
| 1999 | Poomagal Oorvalam | Muniyandi | |
| 1999 | Suyamvaram | Potential groom | |
| 1999 | Nee Varuvai Ena | | |
| 1999 | Amarkalam | Mani | |
| 1999 | Anbulla Kadhalukku | Vengaipuli | |
| 1999 | Unakkaga Ellam Unakkaga | Gun Pandi | |
| 1999 | Maanaseega Kadhal | | |
| 1999 | Ooty | Vaiyapuri | |
| 1999 | Sundari Neeyum Sundaran Naanum | | |
| 1999 | Time | Servant | |
| 1999 | Unnaruge Naan Irundhal | | |
| 1999 | Aasaiyil Oru Kaditham | Jambulingam | |
| 1999 | Hello | Chandru's friend | |
| 2000 | Good Luck | | |
| 2000 | Hey Ram | Vedha | |
| 2000 | Sudhandhiram | | |
| 2000 | Thai Poranthachu | | |
| 2000 | Pennin Manathai Thottu | Mute servant | |
| 2000 | Simmasanam | Thangarasu's friend | |
| 2000 | Rhythm | umbrella salesman | |
| 2000 | Ilaiyavan | | |
| 2000 | Uyirile Kalanthathu | Siva's assistant | |
| 2000 | Priyamaanavale | Stepnee | |
| 2000 | Anbudan | Sathya's friend | |
| 2000 | Ennavale | Charles | |
| 2000 | Parthen Rasithen | Bus driver | |
| 2001 | Paarvai Ondre Podhume | Guru | |
| 2001 | Dumm Dumm Dumm | Saami | |
| 2001 | Dhill | Udumalai | |
| 2001 | Sonnal Thaan Kaadhala | | |
| 2001 | Poovellam Un Vasam | Durai | |
| 2001 | Chocolate | | |
| 2001 | Veettoda Mappillai | Dhamu | |
| 2001 | Kadal Pookkal | | |
| 2001 | Majunu | Vasanth's friend | |
| 2001 | Vadagupatti Maapillai | | |
| 2001 | Piriyadha Varam Vendum | Sanjay's friend | |
| 2002 | Pammal K. Sambandam | Dili | |
| 2002 | Alli Arjuna | Meenatchi | |
| 2002 | Gemini | Oberoi | |
| 2002 | Ezhumalai | Marriage Broker's assistant | |
| 2002 | Nettru Varai Nee Yaaro | | |
| 2002 | Raja | Onan | |
| 2002 | Naina | | |
| 2002 | En Mana Vaanil | Azhagusundaram | |
| 2002 | Arputham | Ashok's friend | |
| 2002 | Style | Manikkam | |
| 2003 | Military | | |
| 2003 | Manasellam | Bala's friend | |
| 2003 | Nala Damayanthi | Ramji's cousin | |
| 2003 | Aahaa Ethanai Azhagu | | |
| 2003 | Alaudin | Alaudin's friend | |
| 2003 | Vani Mahal | | |
| 2003 | Kadhaludan | Marriage broker | |
| 2003 | Parasuram | Anjali's uncle | |
| 2003 | Anbe Un Vasam | Hussain | |
| 2003 | Enakku 20 Unakku 18 | Train passenger | |
| 2004 | Jai | College Student | |
| 2004 | Adi Thadi | | |
| 2004 | Arul | Arul's friend | |
| 2004 | Jana | Jana's servant | |
| 2004 | Maanasthan | | |
| 2004 | Vasool Raja MBBS | Piles Patient | |
| 2004 | Arasatchi | Soosai | |
| 2004 | Attahasam | Kumbudren Saamy | |
| 2004 | Vishwa Thulasi | | |
| 2004 | M. Kumaran S/O Mahalakshmi | Velu | |
| 2004 | Super Da | | |
| 2005 | Thirupaachi | Police Constable | |
| 2005 | Kadhal Seiya Virumbu | Dharma | |
| 2005 | Kadhal FM | Inspector | |
| 2005 | Arputha Theevu | Vaiyapuri | |
| 2005 | Kochi Rajavu | | Malayalam film |
| 2005 | Mumbai Xpress | Johnson | |
| 2005 | Sivakasi | Sivakasi's childhood friend | |
| 2005 | Kannamma | | |
| 2005 | Priyasakhi | | |
| 2006 | Idhaya Thirudan | | |
| 2006 | Vanjagan | Ravi | |
| 2006 | Vattaram | Burma's Sidekick | |
| 2006 | Prathi Gnayiru 9 Manimudhal 10.30 Varai | Police officer | |
| 2006 | Azhagiya Asura | | |
| 2007 | Pokkiri | Thamizh's friend | |
| 2007 | Deepavali | Villager | |
| 2007 | Nanbanin Kadhali | | |
| 2007 | Adavadi | Michael | |
| 2007 | Urchagam | Bhai | |
| 2007 | Vasantham Vanthachu | Somu | |
| 2007 | Vel | Mokkasami | |
| 2007 | Machakaaran | Vicky's friend | |
| 2008 | Nenjirukkumvarai Ninaivirukkum | | |
| 2008 | Sadhu Miranda | | |
| 2008 | Tharagu | | |
| 2008 | Dasavathaaram | Prabhu | |
| 2008 | Pandi | Thief | |
| 2008 | Kuselan | Kuppusamy's assistant | |
| 2008 | Keka | Police Inspector | Telugu film |
| 2008 | Nayagan | | |
| 2008 | Nadigai | | |
| 2008 | Thiruvannamalai | Thumbi Singaram | |
| 2009 | Villu | Pugazh's friend | |
| 2009 | Mayandi Kudumbathar | | |
| 2009 | Unnai Kann Theduthe | Rudhra's friend | |
| 2009 | Naalai Namadhe | | |
| 2009 | Munnar | Kanagavel | |
| 2009 | Thee | Rajapandiyan's sidekick | |
| 2010 | Thunichal | | |
| 2010 | Twinkle Twinkle Little Star | | Malayalam film |
| 2010 | Irumbukkottai Murattu Singam | Viruma | |
| 2010 | Kola Kolaya Mundhirika | Constable Rajappan | |
| 2010 | Kanagavel Kaaka | Karuppu | |
| 2010 | Raavanan | Raasathi | |
| 2010 | Indrasena | | |
| 2010 | Bale Pandiya | | |
| 2010 | Chikku Bukku | Singaram | |
| 2010 | Unakkaga En Kadhal | Tata Birla | |
| 2010 | Androru Naal | | |
| 2010 | Neethana Avan | Venus | |
| 2011 | Kaavalan | Bhoomi's friend | |
| 2011 | Muthukku Muthaaga | | |
| 2011 | Maapillai | | |
| 2011 | Sabash Sariyana Potti | | |
| 2011 | En Ullam Unnai Theduthey | | |
| 2011 | Vellore Maavattam | | |
| 2011 | Velayudham | Speed's brother | |
| 2011 | Osthe | Police Constable | |
| 2011 | Aduthathu | | |
| 2012 | Ullam | | |
| 2012 | Pandi Oliperukki Nilayam | Neighbour | |
| 2013 | Nagaraja Cholan MA, MLA | | |
| 2013 | Ragalaipuram | Insurance policy agent | |
| 2013 | Alex Pandian | Nandu | |
| 2014 | Enna Satham Indha Neram | | |
| 2014 | Bramman | Police Inspector | |
| 2014 | Thirudan Police | Guest appearance | |
| 2014 | Vellaikaara Durai | Land Broker | |
| 2014 | Amara | | |
| 2014 | Ninaivil Nindraval | | |
| 2015 | Uttama Villain | Snake charmer | |
| 2015 | Papanasam | Restaurant Owner | |
| 2015 | Maharani Kottai | Dhanakodi | |
| 2015 | Adhibar | Bobby | |
| 2015 | Savaale Samaali | | |
| 2016 | Narathan | Baskar's assistant | |
| 2016 | Velainu Vandhutta Vellaikaaran | Constable Vasanthakumar | |
| 2016 | Vellikizhamai 13am Thethi | Saravanan's friend | |
| 2016 | Vendru Varuvaan | | |
| 2016 | Thirumaal Perumai | | |
| 2016 | Andaman | | |
| 2017 | Aarambamey Attakasam | | |
| 2017 | Veera Vamsam | | |
| 2018 | Kalakalappu 2 | Sathyamoorthy | |
| 2018 | Pakka | | |
| 2018 | Annanuku Jai | Narayanan | |
| 2019 | Oviyavai Vitta Yaru | | |
| 2019 | En Kaadhali Scene Podura | | |
| 2019 | Love Action Drama | Doctor | Malayalam film |
| 2019 | Market Raja MBBS | Demo Patient | |
| 2020 | Routtu | | |
| 2021 | Pei Mama | | |
| 2021 | Operation JuJuPi | Politician | |
| 2022 | Yutha Satham | Ambi | |
| 2022 | Viruman | Auctioneer | |
| 2022 | Kanam | Auto driver Maari | |
| 2022 | Riya - The Haunted House | | |
| 2022 | Aattral | Traffic Police | |
| 2022 | Powder | Saamy | |
| 2023 | Thalaikoothal | transgender demigod | |
| 2023 | Jambu Maharishi | | |
| 2023 | Kick | Ad Council | |
| 2023 | Leo | Astrologer | |
| 2023 | Kapil Returns | | |
| 2023 | License | Head constable | |
| 2023 | Va Varalam Va | | |
| 2024 | Local Sarakku | Film director | |
| 2024 | Petta Rap | Janaki's uncle | |
| 2024 | Paraman | | |
| 2025 | Otha Votu Muthaiya | | |

## Television

| Year | Show | Role | Network | Notes |
| 2004-2007 | My Dear Bootham | Kittu, Moosa's Friend & Title Voice "Kalakkara Machi" | Sun TV |
| 2011 | Asatha Povathu Yaaru? | Judge | Sun TV |
| 2017 | Bigg Boss | Contestant | Star Vijay | Evicted Day 84 |
| 2017 | Nandini | Himself | Sun TV | guest role |
| 2018 | Bigg Boss Tamil 2 | Guest | Star Vijay | from day 85 to 91 |
| 2020 | Magarasi | Rajendran | Sun TV | guest role |
| 2021 | Sundari | Kattam Kandhaswamy | Sun TV | guest role |
| 2021 | Gokulathil Seethai | Varudhukutty | Zee Tamil | guest role |
| 2022 | Amudhavum Annalakshmiyum | | Zee Tamil | guest role |