There are actors, then there are superstars, and then there are artistes. And if there is one performer who deserves all of these accolades, it is Dhanush. The actor, who made his debut in Tamil films, has become a household name as a result of his outstanding performances in films of different genres and languages. Dhanush has been able to slip into the garb of various characters with the easiness and poise of a veteran, from the boy-next-door to the menacing gangster you don’t want to mess with. Despite being the son-in-law of superstar Rajnikanth, Dhanush has developed his own identity.
Dhanush is widely regarded as one of the most talented actors in Tamil cinema. Because of his impressive body of work, hard-hitting performances, and wonderful personality, the National Award-winning star has a large fan base. He’s appeared in a number of well-received films and proven that success is his middle name. Today, as ‘D’ turns a year older, here’s a look at some of his most popular films.
RAANJHANA
Directed by: Aanand L. Rai
Produced by: Krishika Lulla, Aanand L. Rai
Starring: Dhanush, Sonam Kapoor, Abhay Deol
Cinematography: Natarajan Subramaniam, Vishal Sinha
Kundan (Dhanush), Pundit’s son, has a crush on a girl at first sight. Because they’re both kids, we dismiss it as a completely pointless crush. But, even after a few years, the boy is still in love with Zoya (Sonam Kapoor). He follows her around school, holding her hand and getting smacked in the process. Finally, she gives in due to his “consistency.” When Zoya enrols at JNU (Jawaharlal Nehru University), the film shifts cities and introduces us to the university’s idealistic and political culture. As she confronts, then falls for, student leader Akram, she rediscovers a long-lost strength (Abhay Deol). Zoya returns to her hometown after an eight-year absence, only to discover that some things have changed and others, surprisingly, have not.
MAARI
Directed by: Balaji Mohan
Produced by: Listin Stephen, Raadhika
Starring : Dhanush, Vijay Yesudas, Kajal Aggarwal
Cinematography: Om Prakash
Maari (Dhanush) works for a local don. According to popular legend, Maari murdered another powerful goon in the area eight years ago, after which he took over as local don. When Arjun (Vijay Yesudas), a cunning cop, is transferred to the area, he attempts to gather enough evidence to put Maari behind bars with the assistance of Sridevi (Kajal), who has her own reasons to despise the don. Now, Maari the goon with a big heart returns from jail, only to discover that his territory has been taken over by Arjun. What comes next?
ATRANGI RE
Directed by: Aanand L. Rai
Produced by: Aanand L. Rai, Himanshu Sharma
Starring : Akshay Kumar, Sara Ali Khan, Dhanush
Cinematography: Pankaj Kumar
A rom-com that reveals the story of Rinku and Vishu as they’re brought together under unexpected situations and how this circumstances leads to the blooming of a deep bond between them. The film begins with Rinku (Sara Ali Khan) on the run, pursued by a group of men. But wait, this ‘toofan se kudi’ isn’t a helpless damsel. She is fearless and unafraid to speak her mind.
Rinku’s grandmother (Seema Biswas) decides to marry her granddaughter by hook or by crook after a ‘glass breaking’ spree on a railway station and an increase in the number of her unsuccessful attempts to elope with her lover Sajid Ali Khan (Akshay Kumar). Rinku is thus forced to marry Vishu (Dhanush), a former medical student from Tamil Nadu who is about to marry his dean’s daughter Mandy.
PA PAANDI
Directed by: Dhanush
Produced by: Dhanush
Starring: Rajkiran, Revathi, Prasanna, Dhanush
Cinematography: Velraj
Pa Paandi tells the story of retired stuntman Power Paandi (Rajkiran), who lives with his son Raghavan (Prasanna), daughter-in-law Prema (Chaaya Singh), and their two children Dhruv (Master Raghav) and Shaksha (Baby Chavvi).
Power Paandi is a person who is constantly involved in social causes; in one instance, it becomes a police case and his father scolds him; he then decides to go on a bike trip, which leads him to his first love, Poondhendral (Revathi). The entire tale narrated with fun and emotions.
THE GRAY MAN
Directed by: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Produced by: Joe Russo, Anthony Russo
Starring : Ryan Gosling, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Dhanush
Cinematography: Stephen F. Windon
Six, a highly skilled assassin in the CIA’s deep-cover Sierra programme, is the agency’s best death merchant. However, a mission goes wrong, and Six is now on the run from the CIA, pursued by sociopathic former agent Lloyd Hansen. Six must be ruthless to avoid Hansen, who will stop at nothing to bring Six down, with the help of agent Dani Miranda and handler Donald Fitzroy.
Nobody expected Dhanush to survive in the industry when he made his debut in ‘Thulluvadho Ilamai’ in 2002, because he lacked the looks of a typical actor. Years later, Dhanush is widely regarded as one of the best actors working in Tamil cinema. Dhanush has proven his worth numerous times over the years. Dhanush is also one of the few actors who has had a successful Bollywood career as a result of the commercial success of ‘Raanjhanaa.’ Go and stream these movies today on this big day.
