{{short description|Indian film director and actor}} {{Use Indian English|date=February 2018}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2018}} {{Infobox person | name = K. S. Ravikumar | image = K. S. Ravikumar at the first look launch of 'Policegiri' (cropped).jpg | caption = Ravikumar in 2013 | birth_name = K. S. Ravikumar | birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1958|05|30}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://tamilfilmdirectorsassociation.com/profile.php?sno=805|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023222652/http://tamilfilmdirectorsassociation.com/profile.php?sno=805|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 October 2012|title=TANTIS|date=23 October 2012|access-date=9 June 2020}}</ref> | birth_place = Vanganoor, Tamil Nadu, India | death_date = | death_place = | occupation = Film director, Film producer, Screenwriter, Actor | years_active = 1990–present | spouse = Karpagam Ravikumar | children = 3 }} '''K. S. Ravikumar''' (born 30 May 1958) is an Indian film director, film producer, screenwriter and actor who primarily works in Tamil cinema and few Telugu films. He is one of the most commercially successful directors of Indian cinema. He has won many awards including one Filmfare Award South and five Tamil Nadu State Film Awards.
== Career ==
=== 1990–1997 === Ravikumar assisted various directors such as Bharathiraja, Vikraman, E. Ramdoss, Nagesh, Ramarajan and K. Rangaraj. Ravikumar worked as co-director on R. B. Choudary's production ''Pudhu Vasantham'' directed by Vikraman and the success of the film prompted the producer to give Ravikumar a chance to make his directorial debut.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Kalki|language=Ta|pages=29–30|url=https://archive.org/details/kalki1995-05-21/page/28/mode/2up|date=21 May 1995|title=ரவிக்குமாரின் நிலைமை தலைகீழான கதை|access-date=9 February 2023}}</ref> Ravikumar thus debuted as a film maker through ''Puriyaadha Pudhir'' (1990), a crime thriller starring Rahman and Raghuvaran. A remake of the Kannada film ''Tarka'', the film won positive reviews upon release and remains as Ravikumar's only film outside the masala film genre.<ref name="bday">{{Cite web |url=http://silverscreen.in/features/ks-ravikumar-birthday-feature/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140601130924/http://silverscreen.in/features/ks-ravikumar-birthday-feature/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 June 2014 |title=KS Ravikumar Birthday Feature |date=30 May 2014 |publisher=Silverscreen.in |access-date=4 June 2015}}</ref> The success of the film meant that Ravikumar was able to expand his team of assistants and shortly after began work on a film under the same production house titled ''Pudhu Kaaviyam'' with Vikram in the lead role, though the venture was later shelved. He subsequently switched his genre of films to make a series of village action entertainers and regularly collaborated with actor Sarath Kumar, scoring successes with ''Cheran Pandiyan'' (1991) and ''Nattamai'' (1994), after which he became a highly sought after film maker in the Tamil film industry.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/its-a-special-day-for-ksravikumar-tamil-news-108262 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140602051527/http://www.indiaglitz.com/Its-a-special-day-for-KSRavikumar-tamil-news-108262 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 June 2014 |title=Its a special day for KSRavikumar – Tamil Movie News |date=30 May 2014 |website=IndiaGlitz.com |access-date=4 June 2015}}</ref>
Ravikumar then signed on to make ''Muthu'' (1995), adapting Priyadarshan's Malayalam film ''Thenmavin Kombath'', for a film produced by K. Balachander and starring Rajinikanth. Despite buying the official remake rights, he worked on his own screenplay, and the film consequently went on to gain "cult classic" status in India and Japan, as well as becoming one of the most profitable Tamil films till date at release.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://m.rediff.com/movies/1999/jun/18mut.htm |title=Rediff On The NeT, Movies: Pioneer Muthu |date=18 June 1999 |publisher=M.rediff.com |access-date=4 June 2015}}</ref> Soon after he worked with Kamal Haasan for the first time in ''Avvai Shanmugi'' (1996), an Indian adaptation of the American comedy film, ''Mrs. Doubtfire''. The film, also featuring Meena and Gemini Ganesan, won positive reviews and performed well at the box office. The Hindu praised the film claiming "turns out to be entertainer, mouthful from start to finish".<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://members.tripod.com/~S_Jagadish/films/avvaihindu.html |title=Avvai Shanmughi review on THE HINDU |date=15 November 1996 |publisher=Members.tripod.com |access-date=4 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/91597BB83C97B34B65256940004D0DDC |title=Not a good year |work=The Hindu |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322151824/http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/%28docid%29/91597BB83C97B34B65256940004D0DDC |archive-date=22 March 2012 |access-date=23 December 2014}}</ref> The success of his two films with the two leading Tamil actors prompted further opportunities in big productions in 1997, notably Vijayakanth's ''Dharma Chakkaram'' and the comedy ''Pistha'' featuring Karthik.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indolink.com/tamil/cinema/Reviews/articles/pistha.htm |title=Pistha Movie Review |website=www.indolink.com |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990420011600/http://www.indolink.com/tamil/cinema/Reviews/articles/pistha.htm |archive-date=1999-04-20}}</ref>
=== 1998–2010 === [[File:Art Director M.Prabakaran with 'Padma Vibhushan' Mr. Rajnikanth.jpg|thumb| Ravikumar with Rajinikanth at Lingaa shooting]] In December 1997, Ravikumar announced his next project ''Padayappa'' (1999) would feature Rajinikanth again as the lead actor with Sivaji Ganesan also in a pivotal role. Though principal photography for the film was supposed to have started in April 1998, the FEFSI strike that took place at that time delayed the project. After the strike ended, Ravikumar was able to complete Arjun's ''Kondattam'' and the successful drama with Sarath Kumar, ''Natpukkaga'' (1998). The film was further delayed when Ravikumar accepted to quickly remake ''Natpukkaga'' in Telugu as ''Sneham Kosam'' (1999) with Chiranjeevi in the lead.<ref name="Amar Reddy">{{Cite web |url=http://cinemalead.com/visitor-column-id-the-journey-of-living-legend-rajinikanth-part-6-amar-reddy-15-09-133376.htm |title=The Journey of living legend Rajinikanth – Part 6 |last=Reddy, Amar |date=15 September 2013 |publisher=Cinemalead |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141219165738/http://cinemalead.com/visitor-column-id-the-journey-of-living-legend-rajinikanth-part-6-amar-reddy-15-09-133376.htm |archive-date=19 December 2014 |access-date=18 December 2014}}</ref> The shoot of ''Padayappa'' began in November 1998 and was subsequently completed in three months, with the film became a blockbuster upon release, as well as earning positive reviews from critics. Following the success of ''Padayappa'', producer K. R. Gangadharan signed Ravikumar to direct a film and was insistent that the title should be ''Minsara Kanna'' (1999), after the popular song from Ravikumar's earlier film. His only collaboration with actor Vijay till date, the film opened to below average reviews collections.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://m.rediff.com/movies/1999/jul/02ss.htm |title=Rediff On The NeT, Movies: Gossip from the southern film industry |date=2 July 1999 |publisher=M.rediff.com |access-date=4 June 2015}}</ref> He then completed the village action film ''Paattali'' (1999) with Sarath Kumar within a month, as well as directing a portion of the record-breaking comedy drama ''Suyamvaram'', bringing his release count for the year to five.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/jul/15swa.htm |title=Rediff On The NeT, Movies: The review of Swayamvaram |date=15 July 1999 |work=Rediff.com |access-date=4 June 2015}}</ref> Ravikumar consequently worked on his first home production through the comedy film ''Thenali'' (2000), starring Kamal Haasan in the titular role. While his wife Karpagam produced the film under his home studio RK Celluloids, Ravikumar worked on the screenplay and direction for the film also starring Jayaram, Jyothika and Devayani. Completing the film swiftly despite avid publicity, ''Thenali'' won critical and commercial acclaim, prompting grand felicitations of the director at the success meet.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pvv.ntnu.no/~kailasan/news.htm |title=Latest News |publisher=Pvv.ntnu.no |access-date=4 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://m.rediff.com/movies/2000/sep/21tamil.htm |title=rediff.com, Movies: Showbuzz! The story of a kiss! Kamal and Jyotika |date=21 September 2000 |publisher=M.rediff.com |access-date=4 June 2015}}</ref> In 2001, he had two releases; the Telugu marital comedy ''Bava Nachadu'' and the family drama ''Samudhiram'', in which he worked with Sarath Kumar again.
In 2002, Ravikumar made a third collaboration with Kamal Haasan through the comedy drama ''Panchathanthiram'', which was produced by his manager P. L. Thenappan. Telling the story of five friends and a trip to Bangalore which goes awry, the film opened to rave reviews and made profits at the box office.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.nowrunning.com/movie/74/tamil/panchathanthiram/17/review.htm |title=Panchathanthiram Review – Tamil Movie Panchathanthiram Nowrunning Review |date=6 June 2002 |publisher=Nowrunning.com |access-date=4 June 2015 |archive-date=21 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221235831/http://www.nowrunning.com/movie/74/tamil/panchathanthiram/17/review.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> ''Villain'' (2002), his first film featuring Ajith Kumar, was shot swiftly within forty days and also became a blockbuster upon release. He later remade the film in Telugu in 2003 under the same name with Rajasekhar in the lead role, after finishing ''Paarai'' (2003), another village action film with Sarath Kumar. In 2004, he began production on a third film starring Rajinikanth titled ''Jaggubhai''. Ravikumar spent six months on pre-production works and missed out on the opportunity to direct Kamal Haasan in ''Vasool Raja MBBS'' during the period, but the film was later shelved after a photo shoot. Rajinikanth had asked for changes to the script and after several months of tinkering, the pair decided to part ways and abandon the project.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/tamil/interview.php?id=13628063&cid=2408 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060703185220/http://sify.com/movies/tamil/interview.php?id=13628063&cid=2408 |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 July 2006 |title=K.S.Ravikumar- Giving hits, his speciality |date=20 January 2007 |website=Sify |access-date=4 June 2015}}</ref> He moved on to make ''Aethiree'' (2004), a film about an imposter gangster with Madhavan, before agreeing terms with NIC Arts to make a follow-up film with Ajith Kumar in three roles from November 2004, after ''Villain'''s success. Despite beginning production soon after the launch, financial problems meant that it progressed slowly and ''Varalaru'', only had a theatrical release in late 2006. The film, however, won positive reviews and became the blockbuster hit for Ajith until that date. In between, he worked quickly on another action drama, ''Saravana'' (2006) with Silambarasan, a remake of the Telugu film ''Bhadra'' (2005).<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/oct/23var.htm |title=Ajith all the way in Varalaaru |work=Rediff.com |access-date=4 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/article3231113.ece |title=In the race, surely – Varalaaru |date=27 October 2006 |publisher=Thehindu.com |access-date=4 June 2015}}</ref>
Ravikumar collaborated with Kamal Haasan again in the high-budget venture ''Dasavathaaram'' (2008), where the actor portrayed ten different roles. Revealing that the film was an action adventure, encompassing mankind's concern for the environment, science and faith, ''Dasavathaaram'' became Ravikumar's most expensive and lengthy shoot till date. The film opened to positive reviews and became the most profitable Tamil film of 2008, with Ravikumar's work garnering a Filmfare Best Tamil Director Award nomination.<ref name="das">{{Cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/tamil/interview.php?id=14691880&cid=2408 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080613000420/http://sify.com/movies/tamil/interview.php?id=14691880&cid=2408 |url-status=dead |archive-date=13 June 2008 |title=Welcome to |date=20 January 2007 |website=Sify |access-date=4 June 2015}}</ref> ''Aadhavan'' (2009) featuring Suriya and Nayantara was his next release, and it saw him return to his standard "commercial packaging" and the film performed well at the box office.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-reviews/reviews-2/aadhavan.html |title=Aadhavan – Tamil Movie Reviews – Suriya Nayanthara Ramesh Kanna Vadivelu K.S.Ravikumar Udhayanidhi Stalin Harris Jayaraj |website=Behindwoods.com |access-date=4 June 2015}}</ref> His shelved venture, the family-drama ''Jaggubhai'' (2010), re-began shoot with Sarath Kumar and Shriya Saran in mid 2008 but delays meant that the film was only released in January 2010, after a leaked copy had found itself online.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/53274.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100114103356/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/53274.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 January 2010 |title=SarathRadhika in tears: Stars support – Tamil Movie News |date=5 January 2010 |website=IndiaGlitz.com |access-date=4 June 2015}}</ref> He made a further collaboration with Kamal Haasan again in the romantic comedy ''Manmadan Ambu'' (2010), though the film opened to mixed reviews and collections.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/reviekeywords/south-review-of-manmadhan-ambu/20101223.htm |title=Kamal Haasan delivers with Manmadhan Ambu – Rediff.com Movies |date=23 December 2010 |work=Rediff.com |access-date=4 June 2015}}</ref>
=== 2013–present === After he completed his work, he began production on his first Hindi film, adapting director Hari's Tamil film ''Saamy'' (2003) in a venture titled ''Policegiri'' (2013) with Sanjay Dutt in the lead role. However, despite a high-profile launch, production was troubled as a result of Dutt's impending arrest. Subsequently, the film was rushed with Ravikumar only able to use ten days of Dutt's forty-day schedule for the film, and the director noted he mentally prepared himself for the subsequent box office failure.<ref name="ss">{{Cite web|date=22 December 2014|title=Above and Beyond: The KS Ravikumar Interview|url=https://silverscreen.in/tamil/features/above-and-beyond-the-ks-ravikumar-interview/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180102150942/https://silverscreen.in/tamil/features/above-and-beyond-the-ks-ravikumar-interview/|archive-date=2 January 2018|access-date=4 June 2015|website=Silverscreen.in|publisher=}}</ref> In January 2014, a felicitation event titled ''Endrendrum Ravikumar'' was held at the Nehru Indoor Stadium marking the director's 25th year in the industry and was attended by several of Ravikumar's contemporaries and colleagues.<ref name="er">{{Cite web |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/time-for-a-flashback/article5559243.ece |title=Time for a flashback |last=Udhav Naig |date=10 January 2014 |publisher=Thehindu.com |access-date=4 June 2015}}</ref> Following the completion of ''Kochadaiiyaan'', Ravikumar began work on a new venture titled ''Lingaa'' (2014) with Rajinikanth, rather than reviving ''Rana''. Signing on Anushka Shetty and Sonakshi Sinha in other lead roles, production began in May 2014 and period scenes were shot around sets in Karnataka. The film was completed in a period of 120 days, considerably shorter than any other film of equal budget or film starring Rajinikanth in recent times and opened to successful collections commercially. Prior to release, Ravikumar and his scriptwriter Ponkumaran, successfully evaded legal action from claims of plagiarism regarding the script.<ref name="ss" /> He has directed featuring Sudeep, ''Kotigobba 2'' in Kannada language as the lead role. The film have been successful in their industry.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/mudinja-ivana-pudi-review-tamil-movie-20140|title=Mudinja Ivana Pudi review. Mudinja Ivana Pudi Tamil movie review, story, rating|website=IndiaGlitz.com|access-date=9 June 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/reviews/Movie-Review-Kotigobba-2/articleshow/53675020.cms|title=Movie Review: Kotigobba 2|website=Bangalore Mirror|access-date=9 June 2020}}</ref> He later directed two Telugu actions films with Nandamuri Balakrishna in ''Jai Simha'' (2018) and ''Ruler'' (2019).<ref>{{Cite news |title=Jai Simha Movie Review|url=https://indiaglitz.com/jai-simha-review-telugu-movie-22010 |access-date=2020-08-05 |work=Indiaglitz}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Review : Ruler – Old School Action Drama|url=https://www.123telugu.com/reviews/ruler-telugu-movie-review.html |access-date=2019-12-21 |work= 123 Telugu}}</ref>
He has since acted in several films and played the lead in ''Mathil'' (2021).<ref>{{Cite news |title=Mathil Movie Review: KS Ravikumar just about salvages a middling good-intentioned drama|url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/reviews/tamil/2021/Apr/14/mathil-movie-review-ks-ravikumar-just-about-salvages-a-middling-good-intentioneddrama-23954.html |access-date=2021-04-14 |work=Cinema Express}}</ref> In the science-fiction comedy ''Koogle Kuttappa'' (2022), the Tamil remake of the Malayalam film, ''Android Kunjappan Version 5.25'', that has helped unearth the fine actor in director K. S. Ravikumar. As the hot-headed Subramani, the director-turned-actor effortlessly eases into the role whose success relies heavily on the chemistry he shares with the humanoid robot.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Koogle Kuttappa Movie Review: Ravikumar shoulders a memorable retelling |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/review/2022/May/06/koogle-kuttappa-movie-reviewravikumar-shoulders-a-memorable-retelling-31314.html |access-date=2022-05-06 |work=Cinema Express}}</ref>
== Style of working ==
=== Production === <!-- http://topnews.in/while-kamal-class-oriented-rajanikant-mass-oriented-2153828 --> Ravikumar's films are usually in the masala genre,<ref>{{Cite web|title=KS Ravikumar: Pariyerum Perumal is a masala film|url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/interviews/2021/apr/21/ks-ravikumarpariyerum-perumal-is-a-masala-film-24089.html|access-date=11 January 2022|website=Cinema Express|language=}}</ref> with action, family sentiment, comedy, betrayal, revenge and redemption appearing as key themes. He consciously avoids marking experimental or art films, despite making his directorial debut with ''Puriyaadha Pudhir''.<ref name="ss" /><ref name="speciality">{{Cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2002/10/30/stories/2002103000080200.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040116031114/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2002/10/30/stories/2002103000080200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 January 2004 |title=Giving hits, his speciality |last=Pillai |first=Sreedhar |date=30 October 2002 |work=The Hindu |access-date=4 June 2015}}</ref> Ravikumar has often associated with the same team of writers and assistants since his early career, with actor-director Ramesh Khanna being a near constant fixture in his team since a shelved venture titled ''Pudhu Kaaviyam'' was announced in 1990.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-09-04|title=இப்படி ஒரு கிராஃப் தமிழ் சினிமாவில் ஒரே ஒருத்தருக்கு மட்டும்தான் இருக்கு! - ரமேஷ் கண்ணா எழுதும் திரையிடாத நினைவுகள் #9|url=https://www.nakkheeran.in/360-news/thodargal/vikram-exclaims-rajakumarans-love-devayani-ramesh-kanna-thiraiyidadha-ninaivugal|access-date=2021-09-16|website=Nakkheeran|language=ta}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=சனா|title="கமல் சார், என்னை டக்குனு தூக்கிப்போட்டுட்டார்!"- ரமேஷ் கண்ணா #Panchathanthiram|url=https://cinema.vikatan.com/tamil-cinema/ramesh-kanna-talks-about-panchathanthiram-movie|access-date=2022-01-19|website=Ananda Vikatan|date=2 July 2020 |language=ta}}</ref> Rather than considering his original storylines, Ravikumar has primarily gathered plots from other writers, refined them and adapted them into screenplays. He has regularly associated with Erode Soundar in village-based films, M. A. Kennedy in romantic comedies and Crazy Mohan in ventures featuring Kamal Haasan. Ravikumar often works on the script with his own story discussion team, away from his assistant directors, revealing that writing was "a personal process". However, for the production of ''Lingaa'' (2014), he revealed that the rush to finish the film by December 2014, meant he was unable to stay solely focused on the script and ventured out to help his assistants scout locations and arrange schedules.<ref name="ss" />
Ravikumar is renowned for his quick schedules and his prompt completion of films, with Sify noting he is often considered a "film producer's delight" for being able to stay within time and budget allotments.<ref name="ss image">{{Cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/tamil/interview.php?id=12110055&cid=2408 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150321215723/http://www.sify.com/movies/tamil/interview.php?id=12110055&cid=2408 |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 March 2015 |title=Welcome to |date=20 January 2007 |website=Sify |access-date=4 June 2015}}</ref> He made an exception for his quick paced schedules with ''Dasavathaaram'' (2008), saying it was significantly more difficult to make than his previous ventures and involved extensive simultaneous CGI work to production.<ref name="das" /> The shooting for ''Lingaa'', one of the most expensive Tamil films to that point, was completed within 120 days. The duration was significantly smaller than any other Tamil film of equal budget, as well as for any recent film starring a leading actor, such as Rajinikanth, in the main role.<ref name="ss" /> Ravikumar has also made cameo appearances in most of his directorial ventures, likening them to Alfred Hitchcock's cameo appearances.<ref name="speciality" />
=== Approach to actors === Ravikumar has often chosen to work with established actors rather than newcomers, indicating that they are commercially more viable than newcomers, and are easier to handle them as they are more experienced.<ref name="ss image" /> He has regularly worked on his scripts only after finalising the lead actor, adding changes in the original plot line in order to blend it into the actor's image.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/%E2%80%98Cinema-is-just-business%E2%80%99/article14568240.ece|title=Cinema is just business|first=Sudhir|last=Srinivasan|newspaper=The Hindu|date=13 August 2016|access-date=9 June 2020|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref> Describing his collaborations with Rajinikanth, Ravikumar noted he ensured that each scene was discussed with the actor during the making of ''Padayappa'' (1999) and that Rajinikanth decided exactly where to place punch dialogues in order to attract audiences.<ref name="ss image" /> Referring to his work with Kamal Haasan, he noted that the actor would describe a detailed scene on how to make his core audience of "city-slickers" laugh during the making of ''Thenali'' (2000) and ''Panchatanthiram'' (2002), and then request Ravikumar to add a slapstick element to make it applicable to village audiences too.<ref name="ss image" /> Ravikumar has also often collaborated with Sarath Kumar, who has since dedicated his success to the director's opportunities, with the pair working on several quickly shot village action films in the 1990s.<ref name="er" />
Ravikumar's temper with technicians has often been described to be "constantly on the edge", with assistant directors often remarking that Ravikumar yells regularly on set to ensure the production team work more efficiently. Director Cheran revealed that during his stint as an assistant director, he fell out with Ravikumar and was subsequently left out of the team of ''Purusha Lakshanam'' (1993) after irking the director.<ref name="ss" />
== Filmography == {{Pending films key}}
=== As director and screenwriter === *''Note: other than Suyamvaram, he wrote the screenplay of all of his films.'' {| class="wikitable sortable" |- style="background:#B0C4DE;" ! Year ! Film !Language ! Notes |- || 1990 || ''Puriyada Pudir'' | rowspan="19" |Tamil|| Remake of ''Tarka'' |- | rowspan="2" | 1991 || ''Cheran Pandian''|| |- | ''Putham Pudhu Payanam'' || |- | rowspan="2" | 1992 || ''Oor Mariyadhai'' || |- | ''Pondatti Rajyam'' || |- | rowspan="3" | 1993 || ''Suriyan Chandran'' || |- | ''Band Master'' || |- | ''Purusha Lakshanam''|| |- | rowspan="2" | 1994 || ''Sakthivel'' || |- |''Nattamai''|| Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Film<br />Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Director |- | rowspan="3" | 1995 || ''Muthukulikka Vaariyala''|| |- | ''Periya Kudumbam''|| |- | ''Muthu''|| |- | rowspan="2" | 1996 || ''Parambarai''|| |- | ''Avvai Shanmugi''|| |- | rowspan="2" | 1997 || ''Dharma Chakkaram''|| |- | ''Pistha''|| |- | rowspan="2" | 1998 || ''Kondattam''|| Also story writer |- | ''Natpukkaga''||Filmfare Award for Best Film – Tamil<br /> Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Film |- | rowspan="5" | 1999 || ''Sneham Kosam'' |Telugu || Remake of ''Natpukkaga''; dual roles |- | ''Padayappa'' | rowspan="5" |Tamil|| Also story writer<br />Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Film |- | ''Suyamvaram'' || |- | ''Minsara Kanna''|| |- | ''Paattali''|| |- || 2000 || ''Thenali''||25th film |- | rowspan="2" | 2001 || ''Bava Nachadu'' |Telugu|| |- | ''Samudhiram'' | rowspan="4" |Tamil|| |- | rowspan="2" | 2002 || ''Panchathantiram''|| |- | ''Villain''|| |- | rowspan="2" | 2003 || ''Paarai''|| |- |''Villain'' |Telugu ||Remake of the film of the same name |- | 2004 || ''Aethiree'' | rowspan="7" |Tamil|| |- | rowspan="2" | 2006 || ''Saravana''|| |- | ''Varalaru''|| Vijay Award for Favourite Director |- | 2008 || ''Dasavathaaram''|| ITFA Best Director Award<br />Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Film<br /> Nominated, Vijay Award for Favourite Film<br />Nominated, Vijay Award for Favourite Director<br />Nominated, Filmfare Award for Best Director |- | 2009 || ''Aadhavan''|| Nominated, Vijay Award for Favourite Film<br />Nominated, Vijay Award for Favourite Director |- | rowspan="2" | 2010 || ''Jaggubhai''|| |- |''Manmadhan Ambu''|| |- | 2013 || ''Policegiri'' |Hindi ||Remake of ''Saamy'' |- |2014 | ''Lingaa'' |Tamil||Nominated, Vijay Award for Favourite Director |- | rowspan="2" | 2016 || ''Kotigobba 2'' |Kannada|| rowspan="2" |Bilingual film |- |''Mudinja Ivana Pudi'' |Tamil |- | 2018 || ''Jai Simha'' | rowspan="2" |Telugu|| |- | 2019 |''Ruler'' ||<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/balakrishna-starrer-ruler-wraps-up-its-thailand-schedule/articleshow/70907885.cms|title=Balakrishna starrer Ruler wraps up its Thailand schedule|website=The Times of India|date=30 August 2019 }}</ref> |}
=== As producer === {| class="wikitable" |+ !Year !Film !Notes |- |2000 |''Thenali'' |Co-produced with R. Karpagam |- |2022 | ''Koogle Kuttappa'' |Co-produced with Kallal Global Entertainment |- |2024 |''Hit List'' |Co-Produced With Ramesh Grand Creations |}
=== As writer === {| class="wikitable" |+ !Year !Film !Director !Notes |- |2014 |''Kochadaiyaan'' | Soundarya Rajnikanth |<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/a-gift-to-the-tamil-audience-rajinikanth/article5767051.ece |title=A gift to the Tamil audience: Rajinikanth |date=9 March 2014 |work=The Hindu |access-date=12 May 2019}}</ref> |}
=== As actor === *''All films are in Tamil, unless otherwise noted.'' {| class="wikitable sortable" ! Year !! Film !! Role !! Note |- | 1986 || ''Aayiram Pookkal Malarattum'' || Mohan's friend || Uncredited |- | 1989 || ''Raaja Raajathan'' || Priest || Uncredited |- | rowspan="2" | 1990 || ''Pudhu Vasantham'' || Watchman || Uncredited |- | ''Puriyada Pudir'' || Cellmate || Guest appearance |- | rowspan="2" | 1991 || ''Cheran Pandian'' || Sundaram || |- | ''Putham Pudhu Payanam'' || Sivalingam || |- | rowspan="2" | 1992 || ''Oor Mariyadhai'' || Rakappan || Guest appearance |- | ''Pondatti Rajyam'' || Sandhegam || |- | rowspan="4" |1993 || ''Suriyan Chandran'' || || |- | ''Madhumathi'' || || |- | ''Band Master'' || Band Master || Guest appearance |- | ''Purusha Lakshanam'' || Photographer || Guest appearance |- | 1994 | ''Nattamai'' || Villager || Guest appearance |- | rowspan="3" | 1995 || ''Muthukulikka Vaariyala'' || Raja || |- | ''Periya Kudumbam'' || Financial partner || |- | ''Muthu'' || Landlord in Kerala || |- | 1996 | ''Avvai Shanmugi'' || Market man || Guest appearance |- | rowspan="3" | 1997 || ''Dharma Chakkaram'' || Inspector || Guest appearance |- | ''Pistha'' || Devotee || Guest appearance |- | ''Pagaivan'' || Durairaj || |- | rowspan="3" | 1998 || ''Kondattam'' || Photographer || Guest appearance |- | ''Santhosham'' || || |- | ''Golmaal'' || ACP Bike Pandian & Chinna Pandi || Dual role |- | 1998 || ''Natpukkaga'' || Limping priest || Guest appearance |- | rowspan="5" | 1999 || ''Sneham Kosam'' || Airport passenger / Limping priest || Telugu film; Guest appearance (dual roles) |- | ''Ponnu Veetukkaran'' || Jeeva's father || |- | ''Padayappa'' || Guest at Anitha's birthday party || Guest appearance |- | ''Minsara Kanna'' || Company GM || Guest appearance |- | ''Paattali'' || Flower Decorator || Guest appearance |- | rowspan="2" | 2000 || ''Kannaal Pesavaa'' || Himself || Guest appearance |- | ''Thenali'' || Himself || Guest appearance |- | rowspan="2" | 2001 || ''Bava Nachadu'' || ATV driver || Telugu film |- | ''Dost'' || Boxing referee || Guest apperarance |- | rowspan="4" | 2002 || ''Thamizh'' || Police Inspector || |- | ''Panchathantiram'' || Flight captain Kumar || Guest appearance |- | ''Villain'' || Man requesting a photo || Guest appearance |- | ''Kadhal Virus'' || Himself || Guest appearance |- | rowspan="3" | 2003 || ''Indru Mudhal'' || Dr. K. S. Ravikumar || |- | ''Paarai'' || Building contractor || Guest appearance |- | ''Villain'' || Himself || Telugu film |- | rowspan="2" | 2004 || ''Arul'' || Thirupathi || |- | ''Aethiree'' || Bachelor || Guest appearance |- | rowspan="4" | 2006 || ''Thalai Nagaram'' || Assistant Commissioner || |- | ''Thalaimagan'' || || Guest appearance |- | ''Saravana'' || Train passenger || Guest appearance |- | ''Varalaru'' || Family doctor || Guest appearance |- | 2007 || ''Thottal Poo Malarum'' || Taxi driver || |- | 2008 || ''Dasavathaaram'' || Dancer || Special appearance in the song "Ulaganaygane" |- | rowspan="2" | 2009 || ''Satrumun Kidaitha Thagaval'' || Manickavel || |- | ''Aadhavan'' || New servant || Guest appearance |- | rowspan="3" | 2010 || ''Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa'' || Himself || |- | ''Jaggubhai'' || Airport supervisor || Guest appearance |- | ''Manmadhan Ambu'' || Himself || Guest appearance |- | rowspan="2" | 2013 || ''Onbadhule Guru'' || DSP Balram Naidu || |- | ''Policegiri'' || Drunk guest || Hindi film |- | rowspan="5" | 2014 || ''Ninaithathu Yaaro'' || Himself || |- | ''Inga Enna Solluthu'' || Himself || |- | ''Sigaram Thodu'' || Ravi || |- | ''Aadama Jaichomada'' || K. Sathyamoorthy || |- | ''Lingaa'' || "Finishing" Kumar || Guest appearance |- | 2015 || ''Thanga Magan'' || Vijayraghavan || |- | rowspan="4" | 2016 || ''Kotigobba 2'' || rowspan="2"| Dancer || Kannada film; cameo appearance in the title song |- | ''Mudinja Ivana Pudi'' || Cameo appearance in the song "Aisalamma" |- | ''Rekka'' || Ratna || |- | ''Remo'' || Himself || |- | rowspan="3" | 2017 || ''En Aaloda Seruppa Kaanom'' || Politician || |- | ''Maayavan'' || Minister || |- | ''Palli Paruvathile'' || Sarangan || |- | 2018 || ''Jai Simha'' || Court judge || Telugu film |- | rowspan="2" | 2019 || ''Ayogya'' || Head Constable Abdul Kader || |- | ''Comali'' || MLA Dharmaraj || |- | rowspan="2" | 2020 || ''Ayya Ullen Ayya'' || || |- | ''Naan Sirithal'' || Dilli Babu || |- | rowspan="3" | 2021 || ''Mathil'' || Lakshmikanthan || |- | ''Maaligai'' || O. K. Kumar || |- | ''Obama Ungalukkaaga'' || || |- | rowspan="5" | 2022 || ''Koogle Kuttappa'' || Subramani || |- | ''Maayon'' || Vasudevan || |- | ''Cobra'' || Nellaiappan || |- | ''Miral'' || Rama's father || |- | ''Varalaru Mukkiyam'' || Gopal || |- | rowspan="5" | 2023 || ''Ghosty'' || Dass || |- | ''Japan'' || Minister Pazhanisamy || |- | ''80s Buildup'' || Yama || |- | ''Annapoorani'' || 'Arusuvai' Annamalai || |- | ''Sarakku'' || Judge || |- | rowspan="6" | 2024 || ''Lal Salaam'' || Ra. Sathyamoorthy || |- | ''Aranmanai 4'' || DSP Jagadeesan || |- | ''Saamaniyan'' || Murugavel || |- | ''Vasco Da Gama'' || Uthaman & Binu || |- | ''Andhagan'' || Dr. Sami || |- | ''Kanguva'' || Nolasco Raposo || |- | rowspan="3" | 2025 || ''Rajabheema'' || Minister Mandranayagam ||<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/raja-bheema/movie-review/117674753.cms|title=Raja Bheema Movie Review : A well-meaning but generic tale about man and beast lumbers along|work=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=2025-02-01}}</ref> |- | ''Dragon'' || Parasuram || |- | ''School'' || Inspector Kaleeshwaran || <ref>{{cite news |last1=M |first1=Narayani |title=School Movie Review: Too many subjects in a forgettable horror flick |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/review/2025/May/23/school-movie-review-too-many-subjects-in-a-forgettable-horror-flick |work=Cinema Express |date=23 May 2025 |language=en}}</ref> |- |rowspan="2"|2026 |''Ustaad Bhagat Singh'' |Chief Minister Chandrasekhar Rao |Telugu film |- |''Kara'' | Kandhasaami | |}
=== Television === {| class="wikitable" !Year !Television show !Role !Network |- |2023 |''Kadhaippoma'' |Cameo |YouTube (Chapter - 10 ) |- |2024 |''Super Singer Season 10'' |Guest |Star Vijay |- |2024 |''Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Seniors 4'' |Guest |Zee Tamil |- |}
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == {{Commons category|K. S. Ravikumar}} * {{IMDb name|id=0433893|name=K. S. Ravikumar}}
{{K. S. Ravikumar}} {{TamilNaduStateAwardForBestDirector}}
{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ravikumar, K.S}} Category:Indian male film actors Category:Tamil male actors Category:Telugu film directors Category:Tamil film directors Category:Tamil-language film directors Category:Tamil screenwriters Category:Living people Category:1957 births Category:Tamil Nadu State Film Awards winners Category:Hindi-language film directors Category:Kannada film directors Category:20th-century Indian people Category:21st-century Indian people Category:Film directors from Tamil Nadu Category:People from Tiruvallur district Category:Screenwriters from Tamil Nadu Category:Male actors in Tamil cinema