Acting
Tanikella Bharani
Tanikella Bharani (born 14 July 1954) is an Indian actor, screenwriter, poet, playwright, and director who primarily works in Telugu cinema, with appearances in Tamil and Hindi films. He began his career as a stage actor and playwright in the mid-1970s before entering the film industry. Bharani made his film debut as a dialogue writer for *Kanchu Kavacham* (1984). He wrote dialogues for films including *Ladies Tailor* (1985), *Sri Kanaka Mahalakshmi Recording Dance Troupe* (1987), and Ram Gopal Varma's gangster drama *Shiva* (1989), in which he also played Nanaji. He later appeared in villainous, comedic, and supporting roles. He won the Nandi Award for Best Villain for *Samudram* (1999) and the Nandi Award for Best Character Actor for *Nuvvu Nenu* (2001). Bharani has acted in more than 750 films and has written books, plays, and devotional songs dedicated to Lord Shiva. He made his directorial debut with the Telugu drama *Mithunam* (2012), starring S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and Lakshmi, and received the CineMAA Special Jury Award for Best Direction. He played the priest Swamyji in S. S. Rajamouli's *Baahubali: The Beginning* (2015) and *Baahubali 2: The Conclusion* (2017). His Tamil film roles include appearances in *Ghilli* (2004) and *Vaathi* (2023). His 2024 releases include the political thriller *Prathinidhi 2*, the action film *Bhaje Vaayu Vegam*, Harish Shankar's *Mr. Bachchan*, the thriller *Kalinga*, and *Nindha*. His 2025 credits include Krish Jagarlamudi's period film *Hari Hara Veera Mallu*, Mohan Krishna Indraganti's comedy *Sarangapani Jathakam*, *Kishkindhapuri*, and Mani Ratnam's Tamil action-drama *Thug Life*. He has received three Nandi Awards and the Sahitya Puraskar for his literary work.
Filmography
Raakaasa
Film · 2026
The Paradise
Film · 2026
Kiku Chiranjeevi
Film · 2026
Sarangapani Jathakam
Film · 2025
Thug Life
Film · 2025
Neeli Megha Shyama
Film · 2025
Madhushala
Film · 2025
Bāhubali: The Epic
Film · 2025
Kishkindhapuri
Film · 2025
Meghalu Cheppina Prema Katha
Film · 2025
Andhela Ravamidhi
Film · 2025
Katha Sudha
Series · 2025
Bhaje Vaayu Vegam
Film · 2024
Sarkaaru Noukari
Film · 2024
Inti Number – 13
Film · 2024
Karataka Damanaka
Film · 2024
Prathinidhi 2
Film · 2024
Sriranga Neethulu
Film · 2024
Vidya Vasula Aham
Film · 2024
Nindha
Film · 2024
Shivam Bhaje
Film · 2024
Drill
Film · 2024
Honeymoon Express
Film · 2024
Kalinga
Film · 2024
Mr Bachchan
Film · 2024
Manamey
Film · 2024
Bench Life
Series · 2024
BRO
Film · 2023
Mr. King
Film · 2023
Raa Raa... Penimiti
Film · 2023
Vaathi
Film · 2023
Kisi Ka Bhai... Kisi Ki Jaan
Film · 2023
Spy
Film · 2023
Peddha Kapu - 1
Film · 2023
Dochevaarevarura
Film · 2023
Premadesam
Film · 2023
Mind Game
Film · 2023
Aadikeshava
Film · 2023
Mystery
Film · 2023
Dhootha
Series · 2023
Acharya
Film · 2022
Ghani
Film · 2022
Shekar
Film · 2022
Godse
Film · 2022
HIT: The 2nd Case
Film · 2022
Bheemla Nayak
Film · 2022
Ramarao On Duty
Film · 2022
Super Machi
Film · 2022
Geetha
Film · 2022
Sarkaru Vaari Paata
Film · 2022
F3: Fun and Frustration
Film · 2022
Alluri
Film · 2022
Bimbisara
Film · 2022
Wanted PanduGod
Film · 2022
First Day First Show
Film · 2022
Dhamaka
Film · 2022
Andaru Bagundali Andulo Nenundali
Film · 2022
Cheppalani Undhi
Film · 2022
Son of India
Film · 2022
Raja Vikramarka
Film · 2021
Pelli SandaD
Film · 2021
Skylab
Film · 2021
Drushyam 2
Film · 2021
Ippudu Kaaka Inkeppudu
Film · 2021
Eakam
Film · 2021
Bangaru Bullodu
Film · 2021
Jathi Ratnalu
Film · 2021
Gaali Sampath
Film · 2021
Raja Raja Chora
Film · 2021
April 28th Em Jarigindi
Film · 2021
SR Kalyanamandapam
Film · 2021
Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo
Film · 2020
Entha Manchivaadavuraa
Film · 2020
Sarileru Neekevvaru
Film · 2020
Pressure Cooker
Film · 2020
Maa Vintha Gaadha Vinuma
Film · 2020
Bombhaat
Film · 2020
V
Film · 2020
Maharshi
Film · 2019
1st Rank Raju
Film · 2019
2 Hours Love
Film · 2019
Krishna Rao Supermarket
Film · 2019
Madhanam
Film · 2019
Raghupathi Venkaiah Naidu
Film · 2019
Sita
Film · 2019
Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy
Film · 2019
Gayatri
Film · 2018
Agnyaathavaasi
Film · 2018
Nela Ticket
Film · 2018
Naa Nuvve
Film · 2018
Sammohanam
Film · 2018
Jamba Lakidi Pamba
Film · 2018
Vijetha
Film · 2018
Pantham
Film · 2018
Chandrullo Unde Kundelu
Film · 2017
Prema Entha Madhuram Priyuraalu Antha Katinam
Film · 2017
Gautamiputra Satakarni
Film · 2017
Om Namo Venkatesaya
Film · 2017
DJ: Duvvada Jagannadham
Film · 2017
Guru
Film · 2017
Ninnu Kori
Film · 2017
Nene Raju Nene Mantri
Film · 2017
Goutham Nanda
Film · 2017
Shamantakamani
Film · 2017
Shatamanam Bhavati
Film · 2017
Gulf
Film · 2017
Raja the Great
Film · 2017
Radha
Film · 2017
Kathalo Rajakumari
Film · 2017
Mister
Film · 2017
Ami Thumi
Film · 2017
Bāhubali 2: The Conclusion
Film · 2017
Oopiri
Film · 2016
Brahmotsavam
Film · 2016
Brahmotsavam
Film · 2016
Sardaar Gabbar Singh
Film · 2016
Srirastu Subhamastu
Film · 2016
Jyo Achyutananda
Film · 2016
Ism
Film · 2016
Ekkadiki Pothavu Chinnavada
Film · 2016
Okka Ammayi Thappa
Film · 2016
Gentleman
Film · 2016
Garam
Film · 2016
Naruda Donoruda
Film · 2016
Janda Pai Kapiraju
Film · 2015
Temper
Film · 2015
Surya Vs Surya
Film · 2015
Bāhubali: The Beginning
Film · 2015
Bruce Lee: The Fighter
Film · 2015
Mantra 2
Film · 2015
Kick 2
Film · 2015
Bengal Tiger
Film · 2015
Inji Iduppazhagi
Film · 2015
Rey
Film · 2015
Tiger
Film · 2015
Bandipotu
Film · 2015
Virattu
Film · 2014
Rabhasa
Film · 2014
Aagadu
Film · 2014
Rowdy
Film · 2014
Kalavaram
Film · 2014
Karthikeya
Film · 2014
Current Theega
Film · 2014
Ra Ra Krishnayya
Film · 2014
Exploring ''Shiva'' Movie After 25 Years
Film · 2014
Alludu Seenu
Film · 2014
Basanti
Film · 2014
Autonagar Surya
Film · 2014
Race Gurram
Film · 2014
Bhimavaram Bullodu
Film · 2014
Baadshah
Film · 2013
Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu
Film · 2013
Iddarammayilatho
Film · 2013
D for Dopidi
Film · 2013
Pavithra
Film · 2013
Adda
Film · 2013
Alias Janaki
Film · 2013
Naayak
Film · 2013
Ramayya Vasthavayya
Film · 2013
Sukumarudu
Film · 2013
Julayi
Film · 2012
Gabbar Singh
Film · 2012
Dhammu
Film · 2012
Shirdi Sai
Film · 2012
Dhoni
Film · 2012
Cameraman Ganga Tho Rambabu
Film · 2012
Neeku Naaku Dash Dash
Film · 2012
Lovely
Film · 2012
Panjaa
Film · 2011
Once Upon a Warrior
Film · 2011
Aakasame Haddu
Film · 2011
Vastadu Naa Raju
Film · 2011
Kshetram
Film · 2011
180
Film · 2011
Oosaravelli
Film · 2011
Katha Screenplay Darsakatvam Appalaraju
Film · 2011
Badrinath
Film · 2011
Golconda High School
Film · 2011
Oh My Friend
Film · 2011
Kudirithe Kappu Coffee
Film · 2011
Dhada
Film · 2011
Dookudu
Film · 2011
Wanted
Film · 2011
Adhurs
Film · 2010
Drohi
Film · 2010
Gaayam 2
Film · 2010
Sadhyam
Film · 2010
Brindavanam
Film · 2010
Ragada
Film · 2010
Leader
Film · 2010
Rakht Charitra
Film · 2010
Rakht Charitra 2
Film · 2010
Jhummandi Naadam
Film · 2010
Shambo Shiva Shambo
Film · 2010
Om Shanti
Film · 2010
Khaleja
Film · 2010
Baava
Film · 2010
Kedi
Film · 2010
Aunty Uncle Nanda Gopal
Film · 2010
Collector Gari Bharya
Film · 2010
A Aa E Ee
Film · 2009
Kurradu
Film · 2009
Sontha ooru
Film · 2009
Saleem
Film · 2009
Ek Niranjan
Film · 2009
Oy!
Film · 2009
Rechipo
Film · 2009
Snehituda
Film · 2009
Kalavaramaye Madilo
Film · 2009
Boni
Film · 2009
Current
Film · 2009
Ready
Film · 2008
Kasipatnam Choodarababu
Film · 2008
Kathanayakudu
Film · 2008
Bheema
Film · 2008
Victory
Film · 2008
Krishnarjuna
Film · 2008
Souryam
Film · 2008
Jalsa
Film · 2008
Kuselan
Film · 2008
Bommana Brothers Chandana Sisters
Film · 2008
Ashta Chamma
Film · 2008
Krishna
Film · 2008
Mr. Medhavi
Film · 2008
Appu Chesi Pappu Koodu
Film · 2008
Kalidasu
Film · 2008
Satyam
Film · 2008
Nenu Meeku Telusa...?
Film · 2008
Okkadunnadu
Film · 2007
Anumanaspadam
Film · 2007
Dhee
Film · 2007
Sri Mahalakshmi
Film · 2007
Mee Sreyobhilashi
Film · 2007
Chirutha
Film · 2007
Munna
Film · 2007
Jagadam
Film · 2007
Classmates
Film · 2007
Azhagiya Tamil Magan
Film · 2007
Raju Bhai
Film · 2007
Thulasi
Film · 2007
Nava Vasantham
Film · 2007
Rakhi
Film · 2006
Godavari
Film · 2006
Pournami
Film · 2006
Oka V Chitram
Film · 2006
Annavaram
Film · 2006
Sri Ramadasu
Film · 2006
Bommalata
Film · 2006
Kamli
Film · 2006
Amma Cheppindi
Film · 2006
Boss
Film · 2006
Tata Birla Madhyalo Laila
Film · 2006
Happy
Film · 2006
Bommarillu
Film · 2006
Game
Film · 2006
Bhagyalakshmi Bumper Draw
Film · 2006
Maayajaalam
Film · 2006
Gopi – Goda Meeda Pilli
Film · 2006
Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana
Film · 2005
Subash Chandra Bose
Film · 2005
Allari Pidugu
Film · 2005
Dhairyam
Film · 2005
Chakram
Film · 2005
Allari Bullodu
Film · 2005
Jai Chiranjeeva
Film · 2005
Athadu
Film · 2005
Sada Mee Sevalo
Film · 2005
Balu
Film · 2005
Hungama
Film · 2005
Dhana 51
Film · 2005
Political Rowdy
Film · 2005
Youth
Film · 2005
Nenunnanu
Film · 2004
Malliswari
Film · 2004
Gambeeram
Film · 2004
Oka Pellam Muddu Rendo Pellam Vaddu
Film · 2004
Gowri
Film · 2004
Jai
Film · 2004
Mr & Mrs Sailaja Krishnamurthy
Film · 2004
Sye
Film · 2004
Ghilli
Film · 2004
Venky
Film · 2004
Grahanam
Film · 2004
Samba
Film · 2004
Arjun
Film · 2004
Samba
Film · 2004
Love Today
Film · 2004
Naaga
Film · 2003
Ela Cheppanu
Film · 2003
Enakku 20 Unakku 18
Film · 2003
Vasantham
Film · 2003
Vishnu
Film · 2003
Satyam
Film · 2003
Donga Ramadu and Party
Film · 2003
Oka Raju Oka Rani
Film · 2003
Oka Radha Iddaru Krishnula Pelli
Film · 2003
Dongodu
Film · 2003
Ninne Ishtapaddanu
Film · 2003
Kabaddi Kabaddi
Film · 2003
Okariki Okaru
Film · 2003
Juniors
Film · 2003
Gangotri
Film · 2003
Missamma
Film · 2003
Indra
Film · 2002
Nuvve... Nuvve...
Film · 2002
Okato Number Kurradu
Film · 2002
Manmadhudu
Film · 2002
Takkari Donga
Film · 2002
Avunu Valliddaru Ishtapaddaru!
Film · 2002
Allari
Film · 2002
Dhanalakshmi I Love You
Film · 2002
O Chinadaana
Film · 2002
The Rite, a Passion
Film · 2002
Sontham
Film · 2002
Mounamelanoye
Film · 2002
Sreeram
Film · 2002
Santosham
Film · 2002
Anandam
Film · 2001
Student No. 1
Film · 2001
Mrugaraju
Film · 2001
Narasimha Naidu
Film · 2001
Ammo Bomma
Film · 2001
Budget Padmanabham
Film · 2001
Sri Manjunatha
Film · 2001
Chiranjeevulu
Film · 2001
Time Pass
Film · 2001
Family Circus
Film · 2001
Nuvvu Nenu
Film · 2001
Nuvvu Naaku Nachav
Film · 2001
Manasantha Nuvve
Film · 2001
Priyamaina Neeku
Film · 2001
Snehamante Idera
Film · 2001
Itlu Sravani Subramanyam
Film · 2001
Naa Manasistha Raa
Film · 2001
Goppinti Alludu
Film · 2000
Devullu
Film · 2000
Vamsi
Film · 2000
Moodu Mukkalaata
Film · 2000
Tirumala Tirupati Venkatesa
Film · 2000
Ninne Premistha
Film · 2000
Chitram
Film · 2000
Azad
Film · 2000
Nuvvu Vasthavani
Film · 2000
NTR Nagar
Film · 2000
Jayam Manadera
Film · 2000
Chala Bagundi
Film · 2000
Neti Gandhi
Film · 1999
Raja
Film · 1999
Aavide Shyamala
Film · 1999
Thammudu
Film · 1999
Postman
Film · 1999
Samudram
Film · 1999
Pilla Nachindi
Film · 1999
Abhishekam
Film · 1998
Chandralekha
Film · 1998
Pandaga
Film · 1998
O Panaipothundi Babu
Film · 1998
Pelli Peetalu
Film · 1998
Maavidakulu
Film · 1998
Paape Naa Pranam
Film · 1998
Aayanagaru
Film · 1998
Annamayya
Film · 1997
Pelli Chesukundaam
Film · 1997
Priyaraagalu
Film · 1997
Veedevadandi Babu
Film · 1997
Pattukondi Chuddam
Film · 1997
Ugadi
Film · 1997
Egire Paavurama
Film · 1997
Mama Bagunnava
Film · 1997
Akka! Bagunnava?
Film · 1996
Gunshot
Film · 1996
Bombay Priyudu
Film · 1996
Vinodham
Film · 1996
Deyyam
Film · 1996
Family
Film · 1996
Mummy Mee Aayanochadu
Film · 1996
Desa Drohulu
Film · 1995
Lingababu Love Story
Film · 1995
Gharana Bullodu
Film · 1995
Amma Donga!
Film · 1995
Big Boss
Film · 1995
Pokiri Raja
Film · 1995
Money Money
Film · 1995
Aunty
Film · 1995
Sogasu Chuda Taramaa
Film · 1995
Sisindri
Film · 1995
Ghatotkachudu
Film · 1995
Kishkinda Kaanda
Film · 1994
Subhalagnam
Film · 1994
Lucky Chance
Film · 1994
Aame
Film · 1994
Yamaleela
Film · 1994
Allarodu
Film · 1994
Veetla Visheshanga
Film · 1994
Money
Film · 1993
Matru Devo Bhava
Film · 1993
Varasudu
Film · 1993
Pekata Paparao
Film · 1993
Gaayam
Film · 1993
Mister Pellam
Film · 1993
Rendilla Poojari
Film · 1993
Shabash Ramu
Film · 1993
Appula Appa Rao
Film · 1992
Aditya 369
Film · 1991
Seetharamaiah Gari Manavaralu
Film · 1991
Jaitra Yatra
Film · 1991
Shiva
Film · 1990
Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari
Film · 1990
Swara Kalpana
Film · 1989
Siva
Film · 1989
Chettu Kinda Pleader
Film · 1989
Kallu
Film · 1988
Sri Kanaka Mahalakshmi Recording Dance Troupe
Film · 1987
Lawyer Suhasini
Film · 1987
Ladies Tailor
Film · 1986
Sira
Film
Patta Pagalu
Film
BharataVarsha - Saga of Shula
Film
Paataku Praanam
Film
Hide & Silk
Film