{{short description|Indian actor}} {{EngvarB|date=October 2013}} {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}} {{Infobox person | honorific_prefix = | name = Arulnithi | image = | caption = | birth_name = Arulnithi Tamilarasu | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1987|7|21|df=yes}} | birth_place = Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India | parents = Tamilarasu (Father)<br />Mohana (Mother) | relatives = See Karunanidhi family | years_active = 2010–present | spouse = {{marriage |Keerthana|2015}} | children = 2 | alma_mater = Loyola College, Chennai | occupation = Actor }} '''Arulnithi Tamilarasu''' (born 21 July 1987) is an Indian actor, who works in Tamil films.
==Early life== Arulnithi's grandfather is M. Karunanidhi, a former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. His father is M. K. Tamilarasu, brother of M. K. Stalin, Former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. His cousins include noted producers Udhayanidhi Stalin and Dhayanidhi Alagiri.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20100816092033/http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14953068 Friday Fury- 13 August]. Sify.com (13 August 2010).</ref>
Arulnithi was educated at St. Michael's Academy in Chennai, before pursuing a degree at Loyola College. He then went on to Pondicherry University to undertake more qualifications.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Rangarajan|first=Malathi|date=2010-08-13|title=Another hero is here|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/Another-hero-is-here/article16129523.ece|url-access=subscription|access-date=2021-04-02|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=13 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220513080708/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/Another-hero-is-here/article16129523.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Personal life== Arulnithi married Keerthana on 7 June 2015.<ref>{{Cite news |date=9 June 2015 |title=Arulnithi and Keerthana got married at a high profile ceremony at the Anna Arivalayam, Chennai |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/events/chennai/Arulnithi-and-Keerthana-got-married-at-a-high-profile-ceremony-at-the-Anna-Arivalayam-Chennai/articleshow/47584984.cms |website=The Times of India |access-date=10 June 2015 |archive-date=17 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150617110048/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/events/chennai/Arulnithi-and-Keerthana-got-married-at-a-high-profile-ceremony-at-the-Anna-Arivalayam-Chennai/articleshow/47584984.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> Their first child, a son, was born in 2017,<ref>{{cite web |date=28 November 2021 |title=Arulnithi and wife Keerthana welcome their second child |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/arulnithi-and-wife-keerthana-welcome-their-second-child-7646284/ |website=The Indian Express |access-date=5 August 2022 |archive-date=5 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220805210729/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/arulnithi-and-wife-keerthana-welcome-their-second-child-7646284/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and their second child, a daughter, was born in November 2021.<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-11-28 |title=Arulnithi and wife Keerthana welcome a baby girl, their second child |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/arulnithi-and-wife-keerthana-welcome-a-baby-girl-their-second-child-1881790-2021-11-28 |website=India Today |access-date=5 August 2022 |archive-date=5 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220805210801/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/arulnithi-and-wife-keerthana-welcome-a-baby-girl-their-second-child-1881790-2021-11-28 |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Acting career== Arulnithi was offered the lead role in Pandiraj's ''Vamsam'' after his paternal cousin, Udhayanidhi Stalin, opted out of the role. The film featured him as a young man shying away from the politics of his village, despite claims for him to avenge his father's death. The film, which featured him alongside Sunaina, was heavily promoted in Tamil Nadu, and became a profitable venture at the box office, garnering positive reviews. His second film was ''Udhayan'', in which he played dual roles for the first time.<ref>[http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/may-11-03/arulnidhi-udayan-16-05-11.html Arulnidhi Is Going To Be Twice As Good – Arulnidhi – Udayan – Charlie – Tamil Movie News] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110518013216/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/may-11-03/arulnidhi-udayan-16-05-11.html |date=18 May 2011 }}. Behindwoods.com (16 May 2011).</ref><ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150218223720/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/bloodlust-and-beyond/article2153098.ece|access-date=2 November 2023|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/bloodlust-and-beyond/article2153098.ece|date=2 July 2011|title=Bloodlust and beyond|archive-date=18 February 2015}}</ref> The next film ''Mouna Guru'', directed by debutant Santhakumar, was a critically acclaimed sleeper hit which was also screened at the Hong Kong International Film Festival 2013.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Mouna-Guru-in-Hong-Kong-film-festival/articleshow/19030704.cms|title=Mouna Guru in Hong Kong film festival|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2020-04-27|archive-date=15 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215195827/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/mouna-guru-in-hong-kong-film-festival/articleshow/19030704.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2013, he starred in the action drama film ''Thagaraaru'', which was released to average reviews.<ref>{{Cite news|url = https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/thagaraaru-the-trouble-is/article5433516.ece|title = Thagaraaru: The trouble is…|newspaper = The Hindu|date = 7 December 2013|last1 = Rangarajan|first1 = Malathi|access-date = 23 February 2021|archive-date = 28 July 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210728005924/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/thagaraaru-the-trouble-is/article5433516.ece|url-status = live}}</ref> In 2014, his film ''Oru Kanniyum Moonu Kalavaanikalum'' in Chimbu Deven’s trademark style, filled with quirky characters, fantastical elements, and loads of comedy and satire, was released.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/review-oru-kanniyum-moonu-kalavaanikalum-is-interesting-south/20140407.htm|title=Review: Oru Kanniyum Moonu Kalavaanikalum is interesting|first=S.|last=Saraswathi|website=Rediff|access-date=23 February 2021|archive-date=8 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508141157/https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/review-oru-kanniyum-moonu-kalavaanikalum-is-interesting-south/20140407.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2015, his horror film ''Demonte Colony'', directed by R. Ajay Gnanamuthu,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sify.com/movies/demonte-colony-review-tamil-pfwqI8fehcdeh.htm|title=Review: Demonte Colony|work=Sify}}</ref> is inspired by real life events centred around a supposedly haunted colony in Chennai called ''Demonte Colony''. The film received mostly positive reviews from critics and became a commercial success at the box office.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/review-demonte-colony-is-a-gripping-tale-of-horror-south/20150522.htm|title=Review: Demonte Colony is a gripping tale of horror|access-date=23 February 2021|archive-date=13 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220513080708/https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/review-demonte-colony-is-a-gripping-tale-of-horror-south/20150522.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Thereafter, the comedy ''Naalu Policeum Nalla Irundha Oorum'' (2015) which was released to negative reviews.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/naalu-polisum-nalla-iruntha-oorum/naalu-polisum-nalla-iruntha-oorum-review.html|title=Naalu Polisum Nalla Iruntha Oorum (Aka) Naalu Polisum Nalla Irundha Oorum review|date=24 July 2015|access-date=23 February 2021|archive-date=14 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514213051/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/naalu-polisum-nalla-iruntha-oorum/naalu-polisum-nalla-iruntha-oorum-review.html|url-status=live}}</ref> His next film was the crime thriller ''Aarathu Sinam'' (2016), which marks the arrival of a remake of yet another brilliant Malayalam film, Jeethu Joseph's ''Memories'' that had Prithviraj playing the lead.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/aarathu-sinam/aarathu-sinam-review.html|title = Aarathu Sinam (Aka) Aaradhu Sinam review|date = 26 February 2016|access-date = 23 February 2021|archive-date = 22 February 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200222035142/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/aarathu-sinam/aarathu-sinam-review.html|url-status = live}}</ref> In Radha Mohan's ''Brindhavanam'' (2017), Arulnithi plays a deaf and mute character and his relationship with actor Vivek.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/brindavanam-movie-review-director-radha-mohan-s-film-is-heartwarming-and-funny/story-h607p9Lx3s8H7xnjt64BYK.html|title = Brindavanam movie review: Director Radha Mohan's film is heartwarming and funny|date = 26 May 2017|access-date = 23 February 2021|archive-date = 7 October 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211007045001/https://www.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/brindavanam-movie-review-director-radha-mohan-s-film-is-heartwarming-and-funny/story-h607p9Lx3s8H7xnjt64BYK.html|url-status = live}}</ref> Arulnithi's choice of screenplays has always been promising, giving importance to the content, and his next film was ''Iravukku Aayiram Kangal'' (2018). Arulnithi fits well into his character and shows maturity with his performance. It was released to positive reviews and performed well at the box office.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/iravukku-aayiram-kangal/iravukku-aayiram-kangal-review.html|title = Iravukku Aayiram Kangal (Aka) IravukkuAayiram Kangal review|date = 11 May 2018|access-date = 23 February 2021|archive-date = 14 September 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190914004444/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/iravukku-aayiram-kangal/iravukku-aayiram-kangal-review.html|url-status = live}}</ref> In 2019, the thriller ''K-13'' is another quality film from Arulnithi who has an eye for good scripts. Arulnithi has once again delivered a subtle performance.<ref>[https://www.sify.com/movies/k-13-review-a-fairly-neat-mystery-thriller-review-tamil-tfdpOGdcdbhcd.html K-13 review: A fairly neat mystery thriller ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503230815/http://www.sify.com/movies/k-13-review-a-fairly-neat-mystery-thriller-review-tamil-tfdpOGdcdbhcd.html |date=3 May 2019 }}</ref>
His next movie was the multistarrer drama ''Kalathil Santhippom'' (2021) starring with Jiiva. was released to mixed reviews and became an average grosser.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/kalathil-santhippom/kalathil-santhippom-review.html | title=Kalathil Santhippom (Aka) Kalathil Sandhippom review | date=5 February 2021 | access-date=5 August 2022 | archive-date=26 November 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221126094556/https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/kalathil-santhippom/kalathil-santhippom-review.html | url-status=live }}</ref> In 2022, he starred in thriller films with ''D Block'', ''Dejavu'' and ''Diary''. Except for the former film, the latter two films released to positive reviews and was also commercially successful.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/interviews/2022/jul/21/arulnithi-not-many-senior-filmmakers-have-approached-me-32913.html | title=Arulnithi: Not many senior filmmakers have approached me | website=Cinema Express | access-date=5 August 2022 | archive-date=22 July 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722075629/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/interviews/2022/jul/21/arulnithi-not-many-senior-filmmakers-have-approached-me-32913.html | url-status=live }}</ref> In 2023, two of his films, ''Thiruvin Kural'' and ''Kazhuvethi Moorkkan'', were released.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2023/Apr/15/thiruvin-kural-movie-review-promising-premise-with-not-so-sound-results-2565952.html|title ='Thiruvin Kural' movie review: Promising premise with not-so-sound results}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/review/2023/May/26/kazhuvethi-moorkkan-movie-reviewa-noteworthy-addition-to-the-list-of-anti-casteist-social-dramas-43900.html|title =Kazhuvethi Moorkkan Movie Review: A noteworthy addition to the list of anti-casteist social dramas}}</ref> Next, director R. Ajay Gnanamuthu's ''Demonte Colony 2'' (2024) sees the filmmaker reuniting with Arulnithi, along with an intriguing new cast for this horror thriller. Initially met with a decent reception, the film quickly became a box office sensation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/box-office/demonte-colony-2-box-office-collection-arulnithi-starrer-officially-earned-rs-55-crore-globally/articleshow/112916564.cms|title = 'Demonte Colony 2' box office collection: Arulnithi starrer officially earned Rs 55 crore globally}}</ref>
==Filmography== {| class="wikitable sortable" ! Year !! Film !! Role !! Notes |- | 2010 || ''Vamsam'' || Anbarasu || Nominated, Vijay Award for Best Debut Actor |- |rowspan=2| 2011 || ''Udhayan'' || Vasanth and Udhayan ||Dual role |- | ''Mouna Guru'' || Karunakaran || |- | 2013 || ''Thagaraaru'' || Saravanan || |- | 2014 || ''Oru Kanniyum Moonu Kalavaanikalum'' || Thamizh || |- |rowspan=2| 2015 ||''Demonte Colony'' || Srinivasan "Srini" || |- | ''Naalu Policeum Nalla Irundha Oorum'' || Shanmugapandian || |- | 2016 || ''Aarathu Sinam'' || Aravind || |- | 2017 || ''Brindhavanam'' || Kannan || |- | 2018 || ''Iravukku Aayiram Kangal'' || Bharath || |- | 2019 || ''K-13'' || Madhiazhagan / Dilip || |- | 2021 ||''Kalathil Santhippom'' || Anand || |- | rowspan="3" |2022 ||''D Block''|| Arul || |- |''Dejavu''|| Vikram Kumar || |- |''Diary''|| Varadhan Annadurai || |- | rowspan="3" |2023 || ''Kannai Nambathey'' || Bharath || Voice only<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sundar |first=Anusha |date=16 March 2023 |title=We need more socio-political films’ |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2023/Mar/16/we-need-moresocio-political-films-2556345.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515135049/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2023/mar/16/we-need-moresocio-political-films-2556345.amp |archive-date=15 May 2023 |access-date=6 November 2023 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> |- |''Thiruvin Kural''|| Thiru|| |- |''Kazhuvethi Moorkkan''|| Moorkasamy|| |- | rowspan="1" |2024 || ''Demonte Colony 2''|| Srinivasan "Srini and Raghunandan "Raghu"|| Dual role |- | rowspan="1"| 2025 || ''Rambo'' || Ramkumar alias Rambo|| |- | 2026 || {{pending film|Demonte Colony 3}} || Srinivasan "Srini and Raghunandan "Raghu" || Dual role; Filming |- |{{TBA}} | {{Pending film|My Dear Sister}} || Pachai Krishnan|| Filming<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-11-16 |title=Arulnithi–Mamta Mohandas starrer My Dear Sister nears completion |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2025/Nov/16/arulnithimamta-mohandas-starrer-my-dear-sister-nears-completion |access-date=2025-11-16 |website=Cinema Express |language=en}}</ref> |- |{{TBA}} |{{Pending film|Arulvaan}} |TBA |Completed<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-01-15 |title=Arulnithi reunites with Ganesh Vinayakan for Arulvaan |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2026/Jan/15/arulnithi-reunites-with-ganesh-vinayakan-for-arulvaan |access-date=2026-01-15 |website=Cinema Express |language=en}}</ref> |}
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== *{{IMDb name|4650730}}
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Category:1987 births Category:21st-century Indian male actors Category:Male actors in Tamil cinema Category:Living people Category:Karunanidhi family Category:Male actors from Chennai