# Goundamani

Subramaniyan Karuppaiya (born 25 May 1939), known by his stage name Goundamani, is an Indian actor and comedian who works in Tamil cinema. He is known for his comic duo partnership in Tamil films with fellow actor Senthil. The pair dominated the Tamil industry as comedians in the 1980s and 90s.
He was called Goundamani as a misconception by actor/director K. Bhagyaraj which he himself stated in an interview and the pseudonym stuck with him forever. He has the ability to give counter dialogues on the spot and off the script on stage and during shooting. He was at his peak of his career as a comedian in Tamil cinema for nearly 40 years. Despite his popularity, Goundamani is known for being a social recluse.

## Early life

Goundamani was born as Subramaniyan on 25 May 1939 in Vallakundapuram, a village near Udumalaipettai in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. His father is Karuppaiya and his mother is Annammal. He married Shanthi in 1963 and has 2 daughters.

## Career

On having interest in acting, he went to Chennai and initially started acting in theatre dramas and then entered into the Tamil film industry (Kollywood) due to his strong theatrical background.
He made his film acting debut in Server Sundaram where he featured in a minor and uncredited role as a driver. He made his full-fledged debut in 1977 film 16 Vayathinile where he played the role of Rajinikanth's sidekick. His role in the 1977 P. Bharathiraja directorial was also Goundamani's first credited role in his film career.
Goundamani has played lead roles in a few films during his career, but is predominantly a supporting actor playing comedy roles. While performing roles of a solo comedian in films, he often co-starred with Senthil to form a comedy duo. The pair was described as "Tamil cinema's Laurel and Hardy" and have performed slapstick humour in many Tamil films from the mid-1980s until the early 2000s. Both of them are also remembered as partners-in-crime and also known for their chemistry.
Both Goundamani and Senthil were critically acclaimed for their career defining performance in Gangai Amaren's directorial Karakattakkaran (1989). Karakattakaran also coincidentally marked Goundamani and Senthil's 100th film as comedians together. Senthil and Goundamani both reportedly spent full 28 days on set during the shooting of the film. Goundamani's phrases in one of the comedy scenes featured in Karakattakaran, "Adhu enda enna pathu andha kelvi ketta?" when Senthil asked him "Intha cara vachiruntha Sopanasundhariya yaaru vaichiruka" became the highlight of the film and later became viral internet memes.
Goundamani's comedy scene from Thangamana Raasa (1989) is also best remembered by critics for dreaming of singing under the music of Ilaiyaraja when he was spending a jail term for petty crime. His one line phrases "Start the music", "Arasiyal la ithellam saatharnamappa" and "Kosu thollai thaanga mudiyala pa" which featured in the 1992 film Suriyan also later became a viral meme and trendsetter in Internet.
After recuperating from diabetes and respiratory illnesses during the late 2000s, he featured in Vaaimai and also played the lead role in 49-O, which began productions in 2013. It was directed by debutant Arokiadoss, a former assistant of Gautham Vasudev Menon. In 2019, he was approached by film director R. Kannan and actor Santhanam to cast him in a supporting role for their film project but Goundamani reportedly turned down the offer as he was sceptical about the role.

## Filmography
### 1960s

List of Goundamani 1960s film credits :
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 1964 | Server Sundaram | Driver | Uncredited role |

### 1970s

List of Goundamani 1970s film credits :
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 1970 | Raman Ethanai Ramanadi | School Van Driver | Uncredited role |
| 1971 | Thenum Paalum | Subramani | |
| 1977 | 16 Vayathinile | Subramani | |
| 1978 | Kizhake Pogum Rail | Ramaiya | |
| 1978 | Sigappu Rojakal | Manager | |
| 1979 | Anandam Enndru Arambam | | |
| 1979 | Puthiya Vaarpugal | Ammavasai | |
| 1979 | Suvarilladha Chiththirangal | Kaliyannan | |

### 1980s

List of Goundamani 1980s film credits :
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 1980 | Paruvathin Vasalile | | |
| 1980 | Saranam Ayyappa | | |
| 1980 | Mangala Nayagi | | |
| 1980 | Kallukkul Eeram | | |
| 1980 | Enga Ooru Rasathi | | |
| 1980 | Vasantha Azhaippugal | | |
| 1981 | Devi Dharisanam | | |
| 1981 | Kudumbam Oru Kadambam | House Owner | |
| 1981 | Velichathukku Vanga | | |
| 1981 | Nenjile Thunivirunthal | | |
| 1981 | Netrikan | Singaram | |
| 1982 | Anandha Ragam | | |
| 1982 | Mullillatha Roja | | |
| 1982 | Pakkathu Veetu Roja | | |
| 1982 | Antha Rathirikku Satchi Illai | | |
| 1982 | Ilanjodigal | | |
| 1982 | Valibamey Vaa Vaa | | |
| 1982 | Agaya Gangai | | |
| 1983 | Uyirullavarai Usha | | |
| 1983 | Inimai Idho Idho | | |
| 1983 | Kaadhal Oviyam | | |
| 1983 | Malaiyoor Mambattiyan | 'Silk' Singaram | |
| 1983 | Thoongadhe Thambi Thoongadhe | | |
| 1983 | Aanandha Kummi | | |
| 1984 | Komberi Mookan | | |
| 1984 | Naan Paadum Paadal | | |
| 1984 | Neram Nalla Neram | | |
| 1984 | Nilavu Suduvathillai | | |
| 1984 | Naalai Unathu Naal | Varadhan | |
| 1984 | Priyamudan Prabhu | | |
| 1984 | Unnai Naan Santhithen | | |
| 1984 | Thambathigal | | |
| 1984 | Vaidehi Kathirunthal | All-in-All Azhaguraja | |
| 1985 | Rajathi Rojakili | | |
| 1985 | Aagaya Thamaraigal | Boopathy | |
| 1985 | Amudha Gaanam | | |
| 1985 | Anbin Mugavari | | |
| 1985 | Japanil Kalyanaraman | Mayilsamy | |
| 1985 | Idhaya Kovil | Logidhasan Bhagavathar | |
| 1985 | Kanni Rasi | Gopikrishna | |
| 1985 | Aasha | | |
| 1985 | Karaiyai Thodadha Alaigal | | |
| 1985 | Mannukketha Ponnu | Vishamurukki Veluchamy | |
| 1985 | Meendum Parasakthi | | |
| 1985 | Anthasthu | | |
| 1985 | Pagal Nilavu | George Kutty | |
| 1985 | Annai Bhoomi | Ragappa | |
| 1985 | Panam Pathum Seiyum | | |
| 1985 | Idhu Engal Rajyam | | |
| 1985 | Alai Osai | | |
| 1985 | Pattuselai | | |
| 1985 | Karuppu Chattaikaran | | |
| 1985 | Rajagopuram | | |
| 1985 | Vellai Manasu | | |
| 1985 | Udaya Geetham | | |
| 1985 | Bus Conductor | | |
| 1985 | Marudhani | School Teacher | |
| 1985 | Thendral Thodatha Malar | | |
| 1985 | Eetti | | |
| 1985 | Geethanjali | | |
| 1985 | Hello Yaar Pesurathu | | |
| 1985 | Karpoora Deepam | | |
| 1985 | Naane Raja Naane Mandhiri | Kuppusamy | |
| 1986 | Karimedu Karuvayan | | |
| 1986 | Jeevanathi | | |
| 1986 | December Pookal | | |
| 1986 | Maragatha Veenai | | |
| 1986 | Engal Thaikulame Varuga | | |
| 1986 | Aayiram Pookkal Malarattum | | |
| 1986 | Mr. Bharath | Sanjeevi | |
| 1986 | Rasigan Oru Rasigai | | |
| 1986 | Meendum Pallavi | | |
| 1986 | Piranthaen Valarnthaen | Raja | |
| 1986 | Thalaiyaati Bommaigal | | |
| 1986 | Mannukkul Vairam | | |
| 1986 | Visham | | |
| 1986 | Dharma Pathini | | |
| 1986 | Isai Paadum Thendral | | |
| 1986 | Paadum Paravaigal | | Partially reshot version |
| 1987 | Dhoorathu Pachai | | |
| 1987 | Gramatthu Minnal | | |
| 1987 | Jaathi Pookkal | | |
| 1987 | Per Sollum Pillai | | |
| 1987 | Ninaive Oru Sangeetham | | |
| 1987 | Idhu Oru Thodar Kathai | | |
| 1988 | Manamagale Vaa | | |
| 1988 | Sarkarai Pandal | | |
| 1989 | Anbu Kattalai | | |
| 1989 | Enne Petha Raasa | | |
| 1989 | Karagattakaran | 'Thavil Vidhwan' Thangavelu | |
| 1989 | Manasukketha Maharasa | | |
| 1989 | Enga Ooru Mappillai | | |
| 1989 | Ninaivu Chinnam | Kundalakesi | |
| 1989 | Pennbuthi Pin Buthi | | |
| 1989 | Ponmana Selvan | | |
| 1989 | Raaja Raajathan | | |
| 1989 | Rasathi Kalyanam | | |
| 1989 | Thangamana Raasa | | |
| 1989 | Vaathiyaar Veettu Pillai | | |
| 1989 | Mundhanai Sabatham | | |

### 1990s

List of Goundamani 1990s film credits :
| Year | Title | Role |
| 1990 | Vaazhkai Chakkaram | Constable |
| 1990 | Paattali Magan | Dharmadi Dharmalingam |
| 1990 | Salem Vishnu | Kathavarayan |
| 1990 | Paattukku Naan Adimai | |
| 1990 | Thangathin Thangam | |
| 1990 | Neengalum Herothan | Pavadaikanth |
| 1990 | Ulagam Pirandhadhu Enakkaga | 'Suthi' Josiyar |
| 1990 | Periya Idathu Pillai | Guest Appearance |
| 1990 | Madurai Veeran Enga Saami | 'Balloon' Kandasamy |
| 1990 | Ooru Vittu Ooru Vanthu | Captain Tamilarasu |
| 1990 | Velai Kidaichuduchu | |
| 1990 | Patanathil Petti | |
| 1990 | My Dear Marthandan | Idea Mani |
| 1990 | Puthu Paatu | Palanisamy |
| 1990 | Nadigan | Kurangu Kannayiram |
| 1990 | Namma Ooru Poovatha | Everything Ekambaram |
| 1991 | Naadu Adhai Naadu | |
| 1991 | Naan Pudicha Mappillai | Thandavarayan |
| 1991 | Pudhu Manithan | Rasappa |
| 1991 | Chinna Thambi | Kanthasamy |
| 1991 | En Rasavin Manasile | |
| 1991 | Adhikari | |
| 1991 | Marikozhundhu | |
| 1991 | Idhaya Vaasal | Balaraman |
| 1991 | Cheran Pandiyan | Mechanic Manikkam |
| 1991 | Ayul Kaithi | |
| 1991 | Vaidehi Kalyanam | Pachamuthu |
| 1991 | Oorellam Un Paattu | |
| 1991 | Thambi Oorukku Pudhusu | |
| 1991 | Vasanthakala Paravai | |
| 1991 | Kizhakku Karai | Raja (Jacky) |
| 1991 | Bramma | Valayapalayam Chinnasamy |
| 1991 | Nallathai Naadu Kekum | A police officer who disguises himself as a ghost |
| 1991 | Thalattu Ketkuthamma | Rasaiya's uncle |
| 1991 | Nenjamundu Nermaiyundu | |
| 1991 | Pondatti Sonna Kettukanum | Dharmalingam |
| 1992 | Mannan | Muthu |
| 1992 | Chinna Gounder | Vellai |
| 1992 | Pandithurai | Mayilsamy |
| 1992 | Rickshaw Mama | Govinthasamy |
| 1992 | Thilagam | Singamuthu |
| 1992 | Ilavarasan | Kung Fu Master |
| 1992 | Chinna Thayye | |
| 1992 | Periya Gounder Ponnu | Palanisamy |
| 1992 | Sivantha Malar | Police constable |
| 1992 | Thanga Manasukkaran | Guitarist |
| 1992 | Singaravelan | Drums Mani |
| 1992 | Therku Theru Machan | |
| 1992 | Chinnavar | |
| 1992 | Chinna Pasanga Naanga | Govinthan |
| 1992 | Oor Mariyadhai | 'Miner' Mahadevan |
| 1992 | Idhuthanda Sattam | Karuppan |
| 1992 | Aavarampoo | Chellappa Aasari |
| 1992 | Thaali Kattiya Raasa | |
| 1992 | Magudam | Thanni Samy |
| 1992 | Pattathu Raani | Jalagandeswaran |
| 1992 | Suriyan | Pannikutty Ramasamy |
| 1992 | Pangali | Mani |
| 1992 | Samundi | Muthu |
| 1992 | David Uncle | Kavundar |
| 1992 | Senthamizh Paattu | Murugesan |
| 1992 | Thirumathi Palanisamy | Dhandapani |
| 1992 | Onna Irukka Kathukanum | Sudalai |
| 1992 | Villu Pattukaran | Appakannu |
| 1992 | Natchathira Nayagan | 'Detective' Thiruvasagam |
| 1993 | Koyil Kaalai | Ilaneer Businessman |
| 1993 | Walter Vetrivel | 'Royal' Ramasamy |
| 1993 | Rakkayi Koyil | Singaram |
| 1993 | Manikuyil | |
| 1993 | Ejamaan | Vellaiyangiri |
| 1993 | Maharasan | Govindan |
| 1993 | Amma Ponnu | |
| 1993 | Uthama Raasa | Ondippulithevar |
| 1993 | Ponnumani | Naachi |
| 1993 | Porantha Veeda Puguntha Veeda | Ravi's Father |
| 1993 | Uzhaippali | P. A. of Lawyer |
| 1993 | Band Master | |
| 1993 | Dharma Seelan | |
| 1993 | Gentleman | Mani |
| 1993 | Udan Pirappu | 'White Rice' Vellasamy |
| 1993 | Thalattu | |
| 1993 | I Love India | |
| 1993 | Dhuruva Natchathiram | |
| 1993 | Chinna Jameen | Thalaiyari Mama |
| 1993 | Kattabomman | 'Supervisor' Subramani |
| 1993 | Rojavai Killathe | Devit Lorry Driver |
| 1994 | Sethupathi IPS | Muthaiya |
| 1994 | Rajakumaran | Marusamy, The Milkman |
| 1994 | Aranmanai Kaavalan | Thangamani |
| 1994 | Varavu Ettana Selavu Pathana | 'Anjatha Singam' Marugupandi |
| 1994 | Seeman | |
| 1994 | Vandicholai Chinraasu | Kittu |
| 1994 | Jai Hind | Kottaisamy |
| 1994 | Rasigan | Ekambaram |
| 1994 | Mettupatti Mirasu | Kavundar |
| 1994 | Vietnam Colony | Joseph |
| 1994 | Sadhu | 'Anjukolai' Aarumugam |
| 1994 | Sathyavan | Kiruba |
| 1994 | Thai Maaman | Rasappan's uncle |
| 1994 | Jallikattu Kaalai | Aarusamy |
| 1994 | Nattamai | Pangali / Pangali's mom |
| 1994 | Periya Marudhu | Sudalai |
| 1994 | Nila | |
| 1994 | Thaai Manasu | Chokkalingam |
| 1995 | Naan Petha Magane | K. D. Varadarajan |
| 1995 | Veluchami | Kathavarayan |
| 1995 | Muthu Kaalai | |
| 1995 | Muthukulikka Vaariyala | Kondakara Annachi |
| 1995 | Raja Enga Raja | Raja |
| 1995 | Coolie | |
| 1995 | Karnaa | Nayak |
| 1995 | Lucky Man | Yamadharmarajan |
| 1995 | Chinna Vathiyar | Astrologer |
| 1995 | Murai Maman | Perusu (Sirasu's elder brother) |
| 1995 | Villadhi Villain | Mani |
| 1995 | Thamizhachi | Villangam |
| 1995 | Marumagan | Govindsamy |
| 1995 | Thedi Vandha Raasa | Albert Kothandam |
| 1995 | Chakravarthy | Chinnappa |
| 1995 | Nadodi Mannan | Ponnusamy |
| 1995 | Periya Kudumbam | Post Master |
| 1995 | Mr. Madras | Govindsamy |
| 1995 | Ilavarasi | Gaja |
| 1995 | Ragasiya Police | Ponnurangam |
| 1995 | Maa Manithan | Mr. Dinar / Vettiyan |
| 1995 | Ayudha Poojai | Kanthasamy |
| 1995 | Maaman Magal | |
| 1995 | Murai Mappillai | Ramesh |
| 1995 | Mannai Thottu Kumbidanum | Desingu |
| 1996 | Coimbatore Mappillai | Gopal |
| 1996 | Parambarai | Karuppusamy |
| 1996 | Ullathai Allitha | Great Vasu |
| 1996 | Mahaprabhu | Sethu |
| 1996 | Nattupura Pattu | Kattamuthu |
| 1996 | Musthaffaa | Chellappa |
| 1996 | Indian | Subbaiah |
| 1996 | Pudhu Nilavu | Taxi Driver |
| 1996 | Katta Panchayathu | |
| 1996 | Avathara Purushan | 'Pickpocket' Periyasamy |
| 1996 | En Aasai Thangachi | |
| 1996 | Poovarasan | Govind |
| 1996 | Mettukudi | Kalingarayan |
| 1996 | Parivattam | |
| 1996 | Tata Birla | Ranjith |
| 1996 | Senathipathi | Kathavarayan |
| 1996 | Gnanapazham | |
| 1997 | Periya Thambi | Azhagu Sundaram |
| 1997 | Nesam | |
| 1997 | Pudhayal | |
| 1997 | Mannava | Raghupathy |
| 1997 | Vallal | Sithappu |
| 1997 | Sishya | |
| 1997 | Periya Idathu Mappillai | Kaali |
| 1997 | Aahaa Enna Porutham | |
| 1997 | Thedinen Vanthathu | Tamizhmani / 'Pollachi' Ponnusamy |
| 1997 | Janakiraman | |
| 1997 | Rettai Jadai Vayasu | |
| 1998 | Aval Varuvala | Dhandapani |
| 1998 | Thaayin Manikodi | 'Silverspoon' Shilpakumar |
| 1998 | En Uyir Nee Thaane | 'Bullet' Jackie |
| 1998 | Bhagavath Singh | |
| 1999 | Suriya Paarvai | Raj Bharath / Nattamai |
| 1999 | Ponnu Veetukkaran | Ekambaram |
| 1999 | Ethirum Pudhirum | Auto Driver |
| 1999 | Kadhalar Dhinam | Professor Jack |
| 1999 | Malabar Police | Govindrajan (Govindo) |
| 1999 | Unakkaga Ellam Unakkaga | Kundalakesi |
| 1999 | Azhagarsamy | |

### 2000s

List of Goundamani 2000s film credits :
| Year | Title | Role |
| 2000 | Veeranadai | Ulagavaayan |
| 2000 | Kannan Varuvaan | Thannirmalai/Athiyapatham/Ezhumalai |
| 2000 | Kannaal Pesavaa | Clinton |
| 2001 | Kunguma Pottu Gounder | Chinnasamy |
| 2001 | Vedham | Govindsamy |
| 2001 | Samuthiram | Ramanathan |
| 2001 | Azhagana Naatkal | Ranjith |
| 2002 | Baba | Annamalai |
| 2002 | Samasthanam | Selvam |
| 2003 | Chokka Thangam | Muthu's uncle |
| 2003 | Yes Madam | Ganesh Kumar |
| 2003 | Parasuram | Sub-Inspector Thangaraj |
| 2004 | Manmadhan | 'Puncture' Pandi |
| 2006 | Suyetchai MLA | Visky |
| 2008 | Thangam | Kalai |

### 2010s

List of Goundamani 2010s film credits :
| Year | Title | Role |
| 2010 | Jaggubhai | MIB alias Kalaniyappan |
| 2010 | Pollachi Mappillai | Chellapatta |
| 2015 | 49-O | Savuri |
| 2016 | Enakku Veru Engum Kilaigal Kidayathu | Caravan Krishnan |
| 2016 | Vaaimai | Benny |

### 2020s

List of Goundamani 2020s film credits :
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 2025 | Otha Votu Muthaiya | Muthaiya | |