{{Short description|Indian actor (born 1973)}} {{Use British English|date=September 2014}} {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2014}} {{Infobox person | name = Komal Kumar | image = Komal Kumar.jpg | caption = | birth_name = Komal Kumar Shivalingappa | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1973|07|04|df=yes}}<ref>{{cite news |title=Komal Kumar: Movies, Photos, Videos, News, Biography & Birthday |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Komal-Kumar |website=The Times of India |access-date=12 October 2020}}</ref> | birth_place = Mayasandra, Tumkur, Mysore State (now Karnataka), India | years_active = 1992–present | othername = | occupation = {{hlist|Actor|film producer}} | spouse = {{marriage|Anasooya|1993}} | relatives = Jaggesh (brother) }}
'''Komal Kumar Shivalingappa''' (born 4 July 1973), known mononymously as '''Komal''', is an Indian actor and film producer known for his work in Kannada cinema. He made his acting debut with ''Super Nan Maga'' in 1992. Since his debut, Komal has acted in over 100 films, initially in comedic roles as a supporting actor before playing lead roles. He is the younger brother of actor Jaggesh, with whom he has frequently collaborated professionally.
Komal has won Karnataka State Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for the film ''Thavarige Baa Thangi'' in 2003 and won the South Filmfare Award for his performance in ''Neenello Naanalle'' in 2006.
== Early life and family == Komal was born into a well-to-do family of industrialists. He completed his studies in Ooty and was interested in taking up the civil service examinations before he lost interest in academics. He subsequently wanted to pursue a course in cinematography at the Film and Television Institute in Pune, but was unable to do so "owing to my academic background in arts." He then took to acting "doing small roles". His brother, Jaggesh, is an established actor in Kannada cinema.<ref name="dh1">{{cite web |last1=Dinesh |first1=Chethana |title=Smile saar, smile |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/apr13/ent2.asp |publisher=Deccan Herald |access-date=23 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040203121025/http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/apr13/ent2.asp |archive-date=3 February 2004 |date=13 April 2003 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Komal's nephews Gururaj and Yathiraj are also actors. His wife Anasooya is a producer who has produced the film ''Kal Manja''. The couple released the film under their home banner Soundarya Lahari Combines.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.realbollywood.com/2010/10/komal-kumar-signs-films-simultaneously.html|title=Komal Kumar signs films simultaneously|website=www.realbollywood.com|access-date=5 June 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130201011445/http://www.realbollywood.com/2010/10/komal-kumar-signs-films-simultaneously.html|archive-date=1 February 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
== Career == Komal made his film debut playing a supporting role in his brother's 1992 film ''Super Nanna Maga''. In ''Military Mava'' (1993), he was cast in a lead role under the stage name of Chiranjeevi. In an interview to ''Deccan Herald'' in 2003, he recalled, "Unfortunately, the [latter] film flopped miserably and I lost interest in acting. But my brother kept encouraging me to take up more acting assignments. He would always advice me not to give up." He added, "My role of a villain in ''Soma'' (1996) against my brother Jaggesh and Subhashri, who is Malashri's sister, was appreciated so much by Malashri that she cast me for her brother's role in her next movie ''Lady Commissioner''." After a string of other films that he acted in failed to do well or failed to fetch him recognition, it was in ''Thavarige Baa Thangi'' (2002) that he received appreciation for his performance. He was subsequently cast in ''Katthegalu Saar Katthegalu'' (2003).<ref name="dh1"/>
Komal return to playing a lead role with ''Mr. Garagasa'' (2008).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/from-darshan-dinakar-to-jaggesh-komal-a-look-at-the-star-siblings-ruling-the-kannada-film-industry/articleshow/74303759.cms|title=From Darshan-Dinakar to Jaggesh-Komal: A look at the star siblings ruling the Kannada film industry|date=25 February 2020|work= The Times of India}}</ref> However he got a break as a lead actor in the 2009 released ''Chamkaisi Chindi Udaysi'' produced by his brother-in-law and his wife. Since then he acted as a solo hero in films such as ''Maryade Ramanna'' and ''Kal Manja''.<ref name="hit">{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/komal-to-act-in-vasco-da-gama/articleshow/18267729.cms|title=Komal to act in Vasco Da Gama|date=21 January 2013|work=The Times of India|access-date=17 October 2023|archive-date=25 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125121604/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Komal-to-act-in-Vasco-Da-Gama/articleshow/18267729.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>
His 2012 film ''Govindaya Namaha'' has been declared a blockbuster catapulting him to the stardom status.<ref name="hit"/> The song "Pyarge Aagbittaite" featuring Parul Yadav and himself went viral on the internet.<ref>{{cite news|author=Sharanya C. R. |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-02-02/news-interviews/31013554_1_song-debut-film-yogaraj-bhat |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140115062440/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-02-02/news-interviews/31013554_1_song-debut-film-yogaraj-bhat |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 January 2014 |title=Is Pyarge the next Kolaveri in the making? |date=2 February 2012 |newspaper=The Times of India |accessdate=31 July 2012}}</ref> After a string of commercial failures, Komal starred in the horror–comedy ''Namo Bhootatma'' (2014), a performance that was received well by critics. Shyam Prasad S. of ''Bangalore Mirror'' felt that "Komal does his job well" and that "[t]here are no histrionics with everything cut to the point."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Prasad S. |first1=Shyam |title=Film Review: Namo Bhootatma |url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/reviews/film-review-namo-bhootatma/articleshow/45315216.cms |website=Bangalore Mirror |access-date=12 October 2020 |language=en |date=29 November 2014}}</ref> Prior to the film's release, Komal had stated that he would quit Kannada films if it failed commercially.<ref>{{cite news |title=Komal Threatens to Quit Sandalwood |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2014/oct/08/komal-threatens-to-quit-sandalwood-669401.html |access-date=12 October 2020 |work=The New Indian Express |date=8 October 2014}}</ref> After being typecast as an actor who could only play comedic roles,<ref>{{cite web |last1=George |first1=Nina C. |title=Will attend to flooding, says new BBMP administrator |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/metrolife/metrolife-cityscape/will-attend-to-flooding-says-new-bbmp-administrator-888110.html |website=Deccan Herald |access-date=12 October 2020 |language=en |date=15 September 2020}}</ref> Komal starred in the cop film ''Kempegowda 2'' (2019), the eponymous role that he shed {{convert|26|kg|lb}} to play.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sebastian R. |first1=Shilpa |title=Komal goes from being overweight to a fit cop in Kempegowda 2 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/komal-goes-from-being-overweight-to-a-fit-cop-in-kempegowda-2/article28900488.ece |website=The Hindu |access-date=12 October 2020 |language=en-IN |date=8 August 2019}}</ref>
After a few years of no releases, Komal appeared in the comedy film ''Undenama'' (2023). He played the role of an engineer Venkatesh whose only aim in life to get married and thereby get the license to have sex, something he had been obsessed with since childhood. The film was not received well by critics who called it "jaded".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lokesh |first1=Vinay |title=Undenama Movie Review : Komal carries this comic capper solely on his shoulders |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movie-reviews/undenama/movie-review/99492085.cms |website=The Times of India |access-date=5 August 2023 |date=14 April 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Joy |first1=Prathibha |title=Undenaama review: Komal and Harish Raj lead adult comedy that isn't fun |url=https://www.ottplay.com/review/undenaama-review-komal-and-harish-raj-lead-adult-comedy-that-isnt-fun/235865c4b674 |website=OTTPlay |access-date=5 August 2023 |language=en |date=3 June 2023}}</ref> In the horror-comedy ''Namo Bhootatma 2'' as Arjun, a prankster and owner of a local television channel, that gets into trouble after he pranks a couple of gangsters. The film received mixed reviews from critics. Shashiprasad S. M. of the ''South First'' called him "the only saving grace" of the film,<ref>{{cite web |last1=S. M. |first1=Shashiprasad |title=Namo Bhoothathma 2 review: A ghastly affair of 11 ghosts that intolerably haunt for over two hours |url=https://thesouthfirst.com/entertainment/namo-bhoothathma-2-movie-review |website=The South First |access-date=5 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230805105615/https://thesouthfirst.com/entertainment/namo-bhoothathma-2-movie-review/ |archive-date=5 August 2023 |date=4 August 2023}}</ref> while ''The New Indian Express'' wrote, "Komal Kumar's comedic timing acts as a lifeline, serving as the saving grace that ties together the mishmash of gags. His comic brilliance keeps you engaged, often reminiscent of his brother Jaggesh's expressions."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sharadhaa |first1=A. |title='Namo Bhoothathma 2' movie review: Komal Kumar anchors this lacklustre horror comedy |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2023/aug/05/namo-bhoothathma-2-movie-review-komal-kumaranchors-this-lacklustrehorror-comedy-2602083.html |website=The New Indian Express |access-date=5 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230805110123/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2023/aug/05/namo-bhoothathma-2-movie-review-komal-kumaranchors-this-lacklustrehorror-comedy-2602083.html |archive-date=5 August 2023 |date=5 August 2023}}</ref>
== Filmography == *''All films are in Kannada, unless otherwise noted.'' {| class="wikitable" |- ! Year !! Film !! Role !! Notes |- | 1992 || ''Super Nanna Maga'' || Vishnu || |- | rowspan="2"|1993 || ''Shivanna'' || || |- |''Military Mava'' || || Credited as S. Chiranjeevi |- | rowspan="2"|1994 || ''Prema Simhasana'' || || |- | ''Beda Krishna Ranginata'' || || |- | rowspan="3"|1996 || ''Soma'' || || |- | ''Pattanakke Banda Putta'' || || |- | ''Shivanna'' || || |- | 1997 || ''Lady Commissioner'' || Hari || |- | 1999 || ''Drona'' || || |- | rowspan="2"|2000 || ''Shukradese'' || || |- | ''Khiladi'' || || |- | rowspan="4"|2001 || ''Jipuna Nanna Ganda'' || Abhishek || |- | ''Mr. Harishchandra'' || || |- | ''Rusthum'' || || |- |''Kurigalu Saar Kurigalu'' || Ice Candy Gopala || |- | rowspan="6"|2002 || ''123'' || Kotigobba || Partially reshot version |- |''Ninagoskara'' || Thief || |- | ''Hattoora Odeya'' || || |- | ''Thavarige Baa Thangi'' || Nandeesha || Karnataka State Film Award for Best Supporting Actor |- | ''Love U'' || || |- | ''Makeup'' || Karate master || |- | rowspan="3"| 2003 || ''Katthegalu Saar Katthegalu'' || Komi || |- | ''Preetisle Beku'' || || |- | ''Kasu Iddone Basu'' || || |- | rowspan="2" | 2004 || ''Love'' || Antony || |- | ''Maurya'' || Manu's friend || |- | rowspan="6"|2005 || ''Jootata'' || Eeshwar Khan || |- | ''Varsha'' || || |- |''Mr. Bakra'' || Director || Guest appearance |- |''Gowramma'' || Bunty || |- | ''Sye'' || Reliance worker || |- | ''Love Story'' || || |- | rowspan="13"|2006 || ''7 O' Clock'' || Thief|| |- | ''Neenello Naanalle'' || Gunda || Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Kannada |- | ''Mohini 9886788888'' || Investigating officer || |- | ''Chellata'' || || |- | ''Shree'' || || |- || ''Odahuttidavalu'' || || |- || ''Student'' || || |- || ''Thandege Thakka Maga'' || || |- | ''Honeymoon Express'' || Rama|| |- | ''Tenali Rama'' || || |- | ''Aishwarya'' || Bunk Seena || |- | ''Dattha'' || Tingu || |- | ''Sevanthi Sevanthi'' || Malavalli || |- | rowspan="9"|2007 || ''Govinda Gopala'' || Gopala || |- |''Arasu'' || Daas || |- | ''Hudugaata'' || "Mathi" Madesha || |- | ''Tamashegaagi'' || Shivu || |- | ''Sathyavan Savithri'' || || |- | ''Cheluvina Chittara'' || || |- | ''Manmatha'' || Marriage broker || |- | ''Maathaad Maathaadu Mallige'' || || |- |''Chanda''|| College friend|| |- | rowspan="10"|2008 || ''Gaja'' || Appaji || |- | ''Akasha Gange'' || || |- | ''Satya in Love'' || || |- | ''Vamshi'' || Vamshi's sidekick || |- | ''Mast Maja Maadi'' || Mylari || |- | ''Meravanige'' || || |- | ''Mr. Garagasa'' || Muniya "Mr. Garagasa" || |- | ''Shivani'' || || |- | ''Sangama'' || Kama || |- | ''Dheemaku'' ||Komal Kumar alias KK|| Cameo |- | rowspan="5"|2009 || ''Jaaji Mallige'' || || |- | ''Chamkaisi Chindi Udaysi'' || Bot Seena || |- | ''Muniya'' || || |- | ''Male Bille'' || || |- | ''Mooru Guttu Ondu Sullu Ondu Nija'' || Siddu || |- | rowspan="7"|2010 || ''Appu and Pappu'' || Animal trainer || |- | ''Nannavanu'' || Thief || |- | ''Thipparalli Tharlegalu'' || Pandu || |- | '' Lift Kodla'' || Ring Road Gowda || |- | ''Aptharakshaka'' || Dr. Srinath || |- | ''Yaksha'' || || |- | ''Vaare Vah'' || Adesh Deshpande a.k.a. Adi || |- | rowspan="3"|2011 || ''Kal Manja'' || "Kal" Manja || |- | ''Allide Nammane Illi Bande Summane'' || Himself || Guest appearance |- | ''Maryade Ramanna'' || Ramu || |- | rowspan="2"|2012 || ''Govindaya Namaha'' || Govinda || Nominated—SIIMA Award for Best Comedian |- | ''Nandeesha'' || Nandeesha || |- | rowspan="5"|2013 || ''Lakshmi'' || || |- | ''CID Eesha'' || || |- | ''Veera'' || || |- | ''Radhan Ganda'' || Krishna || |- | ''Pyarge Aagbittaite'' || || |- | rowspan="4"|2014 || ''Karoodpathi'' || Banti Babu || Also singer<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/music/komal-croons-for-karodpathi/articleshow/25436397.cms|title=Komal croons for Karodpathi|author=Vinay Lokesh|work=The Times of India}}</ref> |- | ''Pungi Daasa'' || Ramadasa || |- | ''Aindhaam Thalaimurai Sidha Vaidhiya Sigamani'' || Dr. Sathish Kumar || Tamil film |- | ''Namo Boothatma'' || Karthik || |- | rowspan="2"|2015 || ''Goa'' || Swamy || |- | ''Lodde'' || Narasimha "Lodde" || |- | rowspan="2"|2016 || ''Kathe Chitrakathe Nirdeshana Puttanna'' || Puttanna || |- | ''Deal Raja'' || "Deal" Raja || |- | 2019 || ''Kempegowda 2'' || Kempegowda || |- | rowspan="2"|2023 || ''Undenama'' || Venkatesh || |- | ''Namo Bhootatma 2'' || Arjun || |- |2024 |''Yala Kunni'' |K. D. Nagappa / Satya Harishchandra |Dual role |- |rowspan="2"|2025||''Rajaputhiran'' || Linga || Tamil film |- | ''Kona'' || Narayana || <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/kannada/review/2025/Oct/31/kona-movie-review-komal-kumar-anchors-the-films-uneasy-horror|title=Kona Movie Review: Komal Kumar anchors the film’s uneasy horror|first=A.|last=Sharadhaa|date=31 October 2025|website=Cinema Express}}</ref> |- |rowspan="4" |2026 |''Rolex'' | |Filming |- |''Tenali D A. LLB'' |Tenali |Filming |- |''Sangeetha Bar And Restaurant'' | |Post-Production |- |''Ashokavana'' | |Completed |}
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == * {{IMDb name|3837488}} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20120215021545/http://popcorn.oneindia.in/artist/2793/1/komal-kumar.html Komal Kumar Filmography] * [https://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article3428757.ece Komal Interview] {{Subject bar |commons = yes |commons-search = |d = yes |d-search = |portal1 = Biography |portal2 = }} {{authority control}}
Category:Kannada actors Category:Indian male film actors Category:Male actors in Kannada cinema Category:Living people Category:Male actors from Karnataka Category:People from Tumakuru district Category:Indian male comedians Category:21st-century Indian male actors Category:1973 births Category:Karnataka State Film Award winners