List of Tamil film actors

This list outlines the names of popular lead film actors, who previously worked or are currently working in the Tamil film industry ("Kollywood"), based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The list is ordered by the year of their debut as a leading actor or the year of their landmark film. Actors who have starred in at least five films as lead are included in the list.

See also: List of Tamil film actresses


1930s
M. G. Ramachandran
Year Name Debut film Other notable films
1934 M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar Pavalakkodi Ambikapathy (1937), Haridas (1944), Amarakavi (1952)
1936 P. U. Chinnappa Chandrakantha Uthama Puthiran (1940), Harichandra (1944), Jagathalaprathapan (1944)
1936 MGR Sathi Leelavathi Rajakumari (1947), Nadodi Mannan (1958), Ulagam Sutrum Valiban (1973)

1940s
Gemini Ganesan
Year Name Debut film Other notable films
1946 M. N. Nambiar Vidyapathi Nadodi Mannan (1958), Enga Veettu Pillai (1965), Ninaithadhai Mudippavan (1975)
1947 Gemini Ganesan Miss Malini Vanjikottai Valiban (1958), Kalyana Parisu (1959), Naan Avanillai (1974)

1950s
Sivaji Ganesan
Year Name Debut film Other notable films
1952 Sivaji Ganesan Parasakthi Veerapandiya Kattabomman (1959), Deiva Magan (1969), Mudhal Mariyathai (1985)
1952 S. S. Rajendran Parasakthi Mudhalali (1957), Poompuhar (1964), Pazhani (1965)
1954 M. R. Radha Ratha Kanneer Paava Mannippu (1961), Bale Pandiya (1962), Karpagam (1963)
1957 R. Muthuraman Karpukkarasi Nenjil Or Aalayam (1962), Kadhalikka Neramillai (1964), Ooty Varai Uravu (1967)

1960s
Sivakumar
Year Name Debut film Other notable films
1963 A. V. M. Rajan Naanum Oru Penn Veera Abhimanyu (1965), Thillana Mohanambal (1968), Dheivam (1972)
1964 Ravichandran Kadhalikka Neramillai Adhey Kangal (1967), Justice Viswanathan (1971), Sabatham (1971)
1965 Sivakumar Kaakum Karangal Rosaappo Ravikkai Kaari (1979), Sindhu Bhairavi (1985), Marupakkam (1990)
1965 Jaishankar Iravum Pagalum Vallavan Oruvan (1966), CID Shankar (1970), Nootrukku Nooru (1971)

1970s
Rajinikanth
Kamal Haasan
Year Name Debut film Other notable films
1973 Kamal Haasan Arangetram Moondram Pirai (1983), Nayakan (1987), Indian (1996)
1973 Vijaykumar Ponnukku Thanga Manasu Aval Oru Thodar Kathai (1974), Agni Natchathiram (1988), Nattamai (1994)
1975 Rajinikanth Apoorva Raagangal Mullum Malarum (1978), Baashha (1995), 2.0 (2018)
1978 Sathyaraj Sattam En Kaiyil Vedham Pudhithu (1987), Amaithipadai (1994), Baahubali: The Beginning (2015)
1978 Sarath Babu Nizhal Nijamagiradhu Mullum Malarum (1978), Nenjathai Killathe (1980), Muthu (1995)
1978 Sudhakar Kizhake Pogum Rail Niram Maaratha Pookkal (1979), Enga Ooru Rasathi (1980), Rusi Kanda Poonai (1980)
1978 Vijayan Kizhake Pogum Rail Uthiripookkal (1979), Pasi (1979), Niram Maaratha Pookkal (1979)
1979 Rajesh Kanni Paruvathile Antha Ezhu Naatkal (1981), Anal Kaatru (1983), Achamillai Achamillai (1984)
1979 Bhagyaraj Puthiya Vaarpugal Mundhanai Mudichu (1983), Chinna Veedu (1985), Oru Oorla Oru Rajakumari (1995)
1979 Vijayakanth Inikkum Ilamai Sattam Oru Iruttarai (1981), Captain Prabhakaran (1991), Ramanaa (2002)
1979 Pratap Pothen Azhiyatha Kolangal Moodu Pani (1980), Nenjathai Killathe (1980), Meendum Oru Kaathal Kathai (1985)
1979 Suman Neechal Kulam Ellam Inba Mayyam (1981), Sivaji (2007), Kuruvi (2008), Aegan (2008)

1980s
Prabhu
Sarathkumar
Arjun
Year Name Debut film Other notable films
1980 Mohan Moodu Pani Payanangal Mudivathillai (1982), Mouna Ragam (1986), Mella Thirandhathu Kadhavu (1987)
1980 Raveendran Oru Thalai Ragam Echchil Iravugal (1982), En Priyame (1983), Adutha Varisu (1983)
1980 Shankar Oru Thalai Ragam Sujatha (1980), Kanalukku Karaiyethu (1982), Kadhal Enum Nadhiyinile (1989)
1980 Chandrasekhar Oru Thalai Ragam Palaivana Solai (1981), Oomai Vizhigal (1986), Nanba Nanba (2002)
1980 Nizhalgal Ravi Nizhalgal Nayakan (1987), Ore Oru Gramathiley (1989), Adhisaya Manithan (1990)
1980 S. Ve. Sekhar Varumayin Niram Sivappu Kudumbam Oru Kadambam (1981), Manal Kayiru (1982), Poove Poochooda Vaa (1985)
1981 Rajeev Rail Payanangalil Palaivana Solai (1981), Nizhal Thedum Nenjangal (1982), Chain Jayapal (1985)
1981 Visu Kudumbam Oru Kadambam Chidambara Rahasiyam (1985), Samsaram Adhu Minsaaram (1986), Varavu Nalla Uravu (1990)
1981 Thiagarajan Alaigal Oivathillai Malaiyoor Mambattiyan (1983), Neengal Kettavai (1984), Salem Vishnu (1990)
1981 Karthik Alaigal Oivathillai Agni Natchathiram (1988), Ponnumani (1993), Unnidathil Ennai Koduthen (1998)
1981 Suresh Panneer Pushpangal Manjal Nila (1982), Apoorva Sahodarigal (1983), Hello Yaar Pesurathu (1985)
1982 Prabhu Sangili Chinna Thambi (1992), Duet (1994), Chandramukhi (2005)
1982 Raghuvaran Ezhavathu Manithan Puriyaadha Pudhir (1990), Baashha (1994), Mudhalvan (1999)
1983 Bhanu Chander Silk Silk Silk Neengal Kettavai (1984), Veedu (1988), Thimiru (2006)
1983 T. Rajendar Thangaikkor Geetham Mythili Ennai Kaathali (1986), Oru Thayin Sabhatham (1987), En Thangai Kalyani (1988)
1983 Anand Babu Thangaikkor Geetham Puriyaadha Pudhir (1990), Pudhu Vasantham (1990), Naan Pesa Ninaipathellam (1993)
1983 Pandiyan Mann Vasanai Pudhumai Penn (1984), Aan Paavam (1985), Kizhakku Cheemayile (1993)
1984 Arjun Nandri Gentleman (1993), Jai Hind (1994), Mudhalvan (1999)
1984 Murali Poovilangu Pagal Nilavu (1985), Pudhu Vasantham (1990), Idhayam (1991)
1985 Pandiarajan Aan Paavam Paatti Sollai Thattathe (1998), Gopala Gopala (1996), Anjathe (2008)
1985 Arun Pandian Chidambara Rahasiyam Oomai Vizhigal (1986), Inaindha Kaigal (1990), Devan (2002)
1986 Ramarajan Namma Ooru Nalla Ooru Enga Ooru Pattukaran (1987), Karagattakaran (1989), Amman Kovil Vaasalile (1996)
1986 Rahman Nilave Malare Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal (1989), Sangamam (1999), Dhuruvangal Pathinaaru (2016)
1986 Raja Kadalora Kavithaigal Pudhu Vasantham (1990), Captain Magal (1993), Karuththamma (1994)
1987 Ramesh Aravind Manathil Uruthi Vendum Keladi Kanmani (1990), Duet (1994), Panchathantiram (2002)
1987 Ramki Chinna Poove Mella Pesu Inaindha Kaigal (1990), Rajali (1996), Irattai Roja (1996)
1987 Nassar Kavithai Paada Neramillai Nayakan (1987), Avatharam (1995), Saivam (2014)
1987 Charan Raj Neethikku Thandanai Naan Sonnathey Sattam (1988), Adhu Antha Kaalam (1988), Gentleman (1993)
1988 Sarathkumar Kan Simittum Neram Nattamai (1994), Surya Vamsam (1997), Muni 2: Kanchana (2011)
1988 Livingston Poonthotta Kaavalkaaran Sundara Purushan (1996), Sollamale (1998), En Purushan Kuzhandhai Maadhiri (2001)
1989 Rajkiran Enne Petha Raasa Aranmanai Kili (1993), Nandha (2001), Pa Paandi (2017)
1989 Parthiban Pudhiya Paadhai Bharathi Kannamma (1997), Azhagi (2002), Naanum Rowdydhaan (2015)

1990s
Vijay
Ajith kumar
Vikram
Suriya
Year Name Debut film Other notable films
1990 Mammootty Mounam Sammadham Azhagan (1991), Thalapathi (1991), Kandukondain Kandukondain (2000)
1990 Anand Nila Pennae Thalaivasal (1992), Thiruda Thiruda (1993), Avathara Purushan (1996)
1990 Vignesh Avanga Namma Ooru Ponnuga Kizhakku Cheemayile (1993), Raman Abdullah (1997), Soori (2003)
1990 Vikram En Kadhal Kanmani Sethu (1999), Pithamagan (2003), Anniyan (2005)
1990 Prashanth Vaigasi Poranthachu Thiruda Thiruda (1993), Jeans (1998), Ponnar Shankar (2011)
1991 Napoleon Pudhu Nellu Pudhu Naathu Seevalaperi Pandi (1994), Asuran (1995), Ettupatti Rasa (1997)
1991 Selva Aatha Un Koyilile Sakthivel (1994), Nattupura Pattu (1996), Golmaal (1998)
1991 Arvind Swamy Thalapathi Roja (1992), Bombay (1994), Thani Oruvan (2010)
1992 Saravanan Pondatti Rajyam Nallathe Nadakkum (1993), Thaai Manasu (1994), Paruthiveeran (2007)
1992 Karikalan Solaiyamma Solaiyamma (1992), Ramanaa (2002), Aravaan (2012)
1992 Vijay Naalaiya Theerpu Kadhalukku Mariyadhai (1997), Ghilli (2004), Mersal (2016)
1992 Vineeth Aavarampoo May Madham (1994), Kadhal Desam (1996), Chandramukhi (2005)
1993 Jayaram Gokulam Murai Maman (1995), Thenali (2000), Julie Ganapathi (2003)
1993 Ranjith Pon Vilangu Sindhu Nathi Poo (1994), Maru Malarchi (1998), Bheeshmar (2003)
1993 Ajith Kumar Amaravathi Aasai (1995), Vaali (1999), Mankatha (2011)
1994 Prakash Raj Duet Iruvar (1997), Ghilli (2004), Kanchivaram (2009)
1994 Prabhu Deva Indhu Kaadhalan (1994), Minsara Kanavu (1997), Ullam Kollai Poguthae (2001)
1994 Karan Nammavar Raman Abdullah (1997), Color Kanavugal (1998), Kokki (2006)
1995 Arun Vijay Murai Mappillai Pandavar Bhoomi (2001), Thadaiyara Thaakka (2012), Yennai Arindhaal (2015)
1996 Abbas Kadhal Desam V.I.P. (1997), Kandukondain Kandukondain (2000), Aanandham (2001)
1997 Suriya Nerukku Ner Kaakha Kaakha (2003), Ghajini (2005), Vaaranam Aayiram (2008)
1997 Mohanlal Iruvar Pop Corn (2003), Jilla (2014), Kaappan (2019)
1999 Manoj Bharathiraja Taj Mahal Samudhiram (2001), Alli Arjuna (2002), Annakodi (2013)
1999 Kunal Kadhalar Dhinam Paarvai Ondre Podhume (2001), Punnagai Desam (2002), Super Da (2004)

2000s
Dhanush
Karthi
Vishal
Jayam ravi
Year Name Debut film Other notable films
2000 Madhavan Alaipayuthey Minnale (2001), Kannathil Muthamittal (2002), Irudhi Suttru (2016)
2001 Raghava Lawrence Parthale Paravasam Muni (2007), Muni 2: Kanchana (2011), Kanchana 2 (2015)
2001 Shaam 12B Lesa Lesa (2003), Iyarkai (2003), Ullam Ketkumae (2005)
2002 Dhanush Thulluvadho Ilamai Kadhal Kondein (2003), Aadukalam (2011), Velaiilla Pattadhari (2014),Vada chennai (2018),Asuran (2019)
2002 Jeevan University Kaaka Kaaka (2003), Thiruttu Payale (2006), Naan Avanillai (2007)
2002 Prasanna Five Star Azhagiya Theeye (2004), Kanda Naal Mudhal (2005), Kalyana Samayal Saadham (2013)
2002 Cheran Solla Marandha Kadhai Autograph (2004), Thavamai Thavamirundhu (2005), Yuddham Sei (2011)
2002 Silambarasan Kadhal Azhivathillai Manmadhan (2004), Vallavan (2006), Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa (2011)
2002 Srikanth Roja Kootam Parthiban Kanavu (2003), Kana Kandaen (2005), Nanban (2012)
2002 Nandha Mounam Pesiyadhe Eeram (2009), Anandhapurathu Veedu (2010), Vellore Maavattam (2011)
2002 Richard Kadhal Virus Naalai (2006), Pen Singam (2010), Ninaithathu Yaaro (2014)
2002 Ramana Style Meesai Madhavan (2005), Ajantha (2009), Meaghamann (2014)
2003 Jiiva Aasai Aasaiyai Raam (2005), Kattradhu Thamizh (2007), Ko (2011)
2003 Sibi Sathyaraj Student Number 1 Lee (2007), Naaigal Jaakirathai (2014), Sathya (2017)
2003 Jayam Ravi Jayam Santosh Subramaniam (2008), Peranmai (2009), Thani Oruvan (2015)
2003 Siddharth Boys Aaytha Ezhuthu (2004), Kadhalil Sodhappuvadhu Yeppadi (2012), Kaaviya Thalaivan (2014)
2003 Bharath Boys Kaadhal (2004), Em Magan (2006), Veyyil (2006)
2003 Nakul Boys Kadhalil Vizhunthen (2008), Maasilamani (2009), Tamiluku En Ondrai Aluthavum (2015)
2004 S. J. Surya New Isai (2015), Mersal (2016), Monster (2019)
2004 Vishal Chellamae Sandakozhi (2005), Avan Ivan (2011), Thupparivaalan (2017)
2004 Karthik Kumar Vaanam Vasappadum Kanda Naal Mudhal (2005), Poi Solla Porom (2008), Pasanga 2 (2015)
2004 Ravi Krishna 7G Rainbow Colony Sukran (2005), Kedi (2006), Aaranya Kaandam (2011)
2004 Santhanam Manmadhan Arai En 305-il Kadavul (2008), Boss Engira Bhaskaran (2010), Kanna Laddu Thinna Aasaiya (2013)
2005 Jithan Ramesh Jithan Jerry (2006), Madurai Veeran (2007), Osthe (2012)
2005 Vikranth Karka Kasadara Pandianadu (2013), Thakka Thakka (2015), Thondan (2017)
2005 Prithviraj Kana Kandaen Mozhi (2007), Raavanan (2010), Kaaviya Thalaivan (2014)
2005 Navdeep Arinthum Ariyamalum Nenjil Jil Jil (2006), Aegan (2008), A Aa E Ee (2009)
2005 Arya Arinthum Ariyamalum Naan Kadavul (2009), Boss Engira Bhaskaran (2010), Raja Rani (2013)
2006 Narain Chithiram Pesuthadi Pallikoodam (2007), Anjathe (2008), Mugamoodi (2012)
2006 Natty Naalai Muthukku Muthaaga (2011), Sathuranga Vettai (2014), Richie (2017)
2006 Sundar C. Thalai Nagaram Veerappu (2007), Sandai (2008), Aranmanai (2014)
2007 Karthi Paruthiveeran Paiyaa (2010), Madras (2014), Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru (2017)
2007 Vinay Unnale Unnale Jayamkondaan (2008), Aranmanai (2014), Thupparivaalan (2017)
2007 Jai Chennai 600028 Subramaniapuram (2008), Engaeyum Eppothum (2011), Raja Rani (2013)
2007 Shiva Chennai 600028 Thamizh Padam (2010), Kalakalappu (2012), Vanakkam Chennai (2013)
2007 Vijay Vasanth Chennai 600028 Naadodigal (2009), Ennamo Nadakkudhu (2014), Chennai 600028 II (2016)
2007 Shakthi Vasudevan Thottal Poo Malarum Mahesh, Saranya Matrum Palar (2008), Ninaithale Inikkum (2009), Shivalinga (2017)
2007 Kishore Polladhavan Aadukalam (2011), Haridas (2013), Visaranai (2016)
2007 Aadhi Mirugam Eeram (2009), Aravaan (2012), Maragadha Naanayam (2017)
2007 Naveen Chandra Pazhaniappa Kalloori' Koottam (2014), Sarabham (2014), Sivappu (2015)
2008 Ajmal Ameer Anjathe TN 07 AL 4777 (2009), Ko (2011), Karuppampatti (2013)
2008 Samuthirakani Subramaniapuram Visaranai (2016), Appa (2016), Thondan (2017)
2008 Sasikumar Subramaniapuram Naadodigal (2009), Sundarapandian (2012), Tharai Thappattai (2016)
2008 Vaibhav Saroja Mankatha (2011), Kappal (2014), Meyaadha Maan (2017)
2008 Kreshna Alibhabha Kazhugu (2012), Yaamirukka Bayamey (2014), Pandigai (2017)
2008 Shanthanu Bhagyaraj Sakkarakatti Siddu +2 (2010), Kandaen (2011), Koditta Idangalai Nirappuga (2017)
2008 Ganesh Venkatraman Abhiyum Naanum Unnaipol Oruvan (2009), Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru (2013), Thani Oruvan (2015)
2009 Vishnu Vishal Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu Neerparavai (2012), Jeeva (2014), Indru Netru Naalai (2015), Ratsasan (2018)
2009 Vimal Pasanga Kalavani (2010), Kalakalappu (2012), Manjapai (2014)

2010s
Vijay Sethupathi
Sivakarthikeyan
Year Name Debut film Other notable films
2010 Aari Rettaisuzhi Maalai Pozhudhin Mayakathilaey (2012), Nedunchaalai (2014), Maya (2015)
2010 Atharvaa Baana Kaathadi Muppozhudhum Un Karpanaigal (2012), Paradesi (2013), Kanithan (2016)
2010 Arulnithi Vamsam Mouna Guru (2011), Demonte Colony (2015), Brindavanam (2017)
2010 Harish Kalyan Sindhu Samaveli Sattapadi Kutram (2011), Poriyaalan (2014), Pyaar Prema Kaadhal (2017)
2010 Vidharth Thottupaar Mynaa (2010), Kuttrame Thandanai (2016), Kurangu Bommai (2017)
2010 Vijay Sethupathi Thenmerku Paruvakaatru Pizza (2012), Naanum Rowdy Dhaan (2015), Vikram Vedha (2017)
2011 Ashwin Nadunisi Naaygal Mankatha (2011), Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara (2013), Zero (2016)
2012 Sivakarthikeyan Marina Ethir Neechal (2013), Varuthapadatha Valibar Sangam (2013), Remo (2016)
2012 Sri Vazhakku Enn 18/9 Onaayum Aatukuttiyum (2013), Vil Ambu (2016), Maanagaram (2017)
2012 Udhayanidhi Stalin Oru Kal Oru Kannadi Idhu Kathirvelan Kadhal (2014), Manithan (2016), Ippadai Vellum (2017)
2012 Dulquer Salmaan Vaayai Moodi Pesavum O Kadhal Kanmani (2015), Solo (2017), Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal (2020)
2012 Dinesh Attakathi Cuckoo (2014), Thirudan Police (2014), Visaranai (2016)
2012 Vijay Antony Naan Salim (2014), Pichaikkaran (2016), Yaman (2017)
2012 Vikram Prabhu Kumki Ivan Veramathiri (2013), Arima Nambi (2014), Sigaram Thodu (2014)
2013 Gautham Karthik Kadal Vai Raja Vai (2015), Rangoon (2017), Hara Hara Mahadevaki (2017)
2013 Ashok Selvan Soodhu Kavvum Pizza 2: The Villa (2013), Thegidi (2014), Kootathil Oruthan (2017)
2013 Bobby Simha Soodhu Kavvum Jigarthanda (2014), Ko 2 (2016), Iraivi (2016)
2013 Kathir Madha Yaanai Koottam Kirumi (2015), Ennodu Vilayadu (2017), Vikram Vedha (2017)
2014 Kalaiyarasan Madras Kabali (2016), Adhe Kangal (2017), Uru (2017)
2015 G. V. Prakash Kumar Darling Trisha Illana Nayanthara (2015), Pencil (2016), Sarvam Thaala Mayam (2019)
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