Actor
Karthi
Based In
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Origin
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Years Active
2007–present
Karthi Biography
Karthi Personal Information
- Full Name: Karthik Sivakumar
- Stage Name: Karthi
- Date of Birth: 25 May 1977
- Birthplace: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Nationality: Indian
- Profession: Actor, Singer, Philanthropist
- Years Active: 2007–present
- Zodiac Sign: Gemini
- Languages Known: Tamil, Telugu, English
- Religion: Hinduism
- Hobbies: Travelling, Photography, Nature & Farming activities
Family Background
- Father: Sivakumar (Veteran Tamil actor)
- Mother: Lakshmi Sivakumar
- Brother: Suriya (Actor and producer)
- Sister: Brindha Sivakumar (Playback singer)
- Brother-in-law: Jyothika (Actress, married to Suriya)
Education
- Schooling: Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan, Chennai
- Bachelor’s Degree: Mechanical Engineering
- College: Crescent Engineering College, Chennai
- Post-graduation: Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering
- University: Binghamton University, New York, USA
- Former Profession: Graphic Designer & Assistant Director (worked with Mani Ratnam before acting)
Career Highlight
| Year | Movie Name | Career Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Paruthiveeran | Debut film and major breakthrough; acclaimed performance |
| 2010 | Paiyaa | Commercial blockbuster; established as a romantic-action lead |
| 2010 | Naan Mahaan Alla | Strong critical and audience response |
| 2010 | Aayirathil Oruvan | Cult classic; showcased versatile acting |
| 2011 | Siruthai | First dual role; successful mass entertainer |
| 2013 | Biriyani | Positive reception; successful dark-comedy thriller |
| 2014 | Madras | Highly acclaimed role; won major awards |
| 2016 | Thozha | Successful bilingual (Tamil–Telugu); appreciated performance |
| 2017 | Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru | Critically acclaimed police crime drama; major turning point |
| 2019 | Kaithi | Game-changer performance; massive success and cult status |
| 2022 | Ponniyin Selvan: Part 1 | Landmark role as Vandiyathevan; pan-Indian recognition |
| 2023 | Ponniyin Selvan: Part 2 | Continued global success; career peak |
| 2023 | Japan | Notable experimental role |
| 2024–2025 | New and upcoming projects | Continued strong presence in Tamil cinema |
Recent Activity
- Karthi is currently promoting his upcoming film Vaa Vaathiyaar, scheduled for release on 12 December 2025.
- He recently visited the Srirangam Temple as part of his promotions and personal engagements.
- Karthi unveiled the first-look poster for his new film Enter The Dragon, featuring actor Vishal.
- He spoke about the ongoing plans and updates related to Nadigar Sangam activities.
- His recent film Japan was released in 2023.
- Karthi is also confirmed to be part of the upcoming project Sardar 2.
Awards List
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Aayutha Ezhuthu | Michael’s friend | Uncredited role; also assistant director |
| 2007 | Paruthiveeran | Paruthiveeran | Won — Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil; Won — Tamil Nadu State Film Special Prize; Won — Vijay Award for Best Male Debut |
| 2010 | Aayirathil Oruvan | Muthu | Nominated — Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil |
| 2010 | Paiyaa | Shiva | Nominated — Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil |
| 2010 | Naan Mahaan Alla | Jeeva Prakasam | Nominated — Vijay Award for Best Actor |
| 2011 | Siruthai | DSP Rathnavel Pandian and Rocket Raja | Dual role |
| 2011 | Ko | Himself | Guest appearance in song “Aga Naga” |
| 2012 | Saguni | Kamalakannan | — |
| 2013 | Alex Pandian | Alex Pandian | — |
| 2013 | All in All Azhagu Raja | Azhagu Raja and Young Muthukrishnan | Dual role |
| 2013 | Biriyani | Sugan | — |
| 2014 | Madras | Kaali | Won — Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor – Tamil; Won — SIIMA Critics Award for Best Actor; Nominated — Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil; Nominated — Vijay Award for Best Actor |
| 2015 | Komban | Kombaiah Pandian (Komban) | — |
| 2016 | Oopiri / Thozha | Seenu | Nominated — Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu; Simultaneously shot in Telugu |
| 2016 | Kaashmora | Kaashmora and Raj Nayak | Dual role |
| 2017 | Kaatru Veliyidai | Varun Chakrapani (VC) | — |
| 2017 | Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru | DSP Theeran Thirumaran | Won — Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor – Tamil; Won — Edison Award for Best Actor |
| 2018 | Kadaikutty Singam | Perunazhi Gunasingam | Nominated — SIIMA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role |
| 2019 | Dev | Dev Ramalingam | — |
| 2019 | Kaithi | Dilli | Won — Norway Tamil Film Festival Award for Best Actor |
| 2019 | Thambi | Saravanan (Vicky) | — |
| 2021 | Sulthan | Vikram (Sulthan) | — |
| 2022 | Viruman | Viruman | — |
| 2022 | Ponniyin Selvan: I | Vallavaraiyan Vandiyadevan | Nominated — Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil |
| 2022 | Sardar | Inspector Vijayaprakash and Chandra Bose “Sardar” | Dual role |
| 2023 | Ponniyin Selvan: II | Vallavaraiyan Vandiyadevan | — |
| 2023 | Japan | Japan Muni | 25th film |
| 2024 | Meiyazhagan | Meiyazhagan | Won — SIIMA Critics Award for Best Actor |
| 2024 | Kanguva | Rathaangasan and Commander Ryan | Cameo appearance |
| 2025 | HIT: The Third Case | ACP Veerappan IPS | Cameo appearance, Telugu film |