{{Short description|Indian Malayalam actor, director}} {{Use dmy dates|date=June 2025}} {{Use Indian English|date=June 2025}} {{Infobox person | name = Vineeth Kumar | birth_name = | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1977|11|11|df=yes}} | image = VINEETH KUMAR.jpg | education = | alma_mater = University of Calicut | occupation = {{Hlist | Actor | director}} | birth_place = Pazhayangadi, Kannur, Kerala, India | years_active = 1988–present | spouse = {{marriage|Sandhya|2010}} | children = 2 | awards = Kerala State Film Awards }}
'''Vineeth Kumar''' (born on 11 November 1977) is an Indian actor, director and screenwriter known for his work in the Malayalam film industry. He has had a career spanning decades, transitioning from a child artist to an accomplished director.
He made his acting debut in 1988 as a child artist in the movie ''Padippura''. The same year, he earned critical acclaim and the Kerala State Film Award<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-03-03 |title=Official website of the Information and Public Relations Department of Kerala |url=http://www.prd.kerala.gov.in/stateawards2.htm |access-date=2024-11-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303234213/http://www.prd.kerala.gov.in/stateawards2.htm |archive-date=3 March 2016 }}</ref> for his performance in the epic historical drama ''Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha''.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Vineeth Kumar Vadakkan Veeragatha |url=https://in.video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?fr=mcafee&p=vineeth+kumar+vadakkan+veeragatha&type=E210IN885G91561#id=1&vid=6d4d464d828a18fabf2fe49dddb30313&action=click |access-date=2024-11-27 |website=in.video.search.yahoo.com}}</ref> Directed by Hariharan and written by M.T. Vasudevan Nair, this film featured him as the younger version of Mammootty's iconic character Chandu Chekavar.
He made his directorial debut with ''Ayal Njanalla'' (2015),<ref>{{Cite news |title=Ayal Njanalla Movie Review |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movie-reviews/ayal-njanalla/movie-review/48316084.cms |access-date=2024-11-28 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> a romantic comedy entertainer, starring Fahad Faasil.<ref name=":1" />
==Personal life== Vineeth was born on 11 November 1977<ref>{{Cite web |last=Santhosh |first=Vivek |date=2024-11-11 |title=Vineeth Kumar is Shajahan in Aashiq Abu's Rifle Club |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/malayalam/news/2024/Nov/11/vineeth-kumar-is-shajahan-in-aashiq-abus-rifle-club |access-date=2025-07-19 |website=Cinema Express}}</ref> to Karunan and Yamuna in Pazhayangadi, Kannur. He had his primary education from Koodali Higher Secondary School. After pre-degree from Government Brennen College, Thalassery, he pursued a BSc degree in Mathematics.
He started learning Bharatanatyam at the age of six and quickly became known for his talent. As a student, he won several dance prizes, including the top "Kalaprathibha" title at the Kerala School Kalolsavam in 1988.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What's with Vineeth and school arts festivals? |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/in-depth/kalolsavam-school-youth-fest-kannur/whats-with-vineeth-and-school-arts-festivals.html |access-date=2024-11-27 |website=OnManorama}}</ref>
He married Sandhya on 19 August 2010.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-09-01 |title=Wedlock for Vineeth Kumar |url=https://www.mollywoodframes.com/2010/09/wedlock-for-vineeth-kumar.html |access-date=2025-07-19 |website=Mollywood Frames}}</ref> They have two daughters, Maitreyi and Mathangi.
==Film career== === As a child actor === During his early years, Kumar played significant roles in several notable films, including ''Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha'' (1989), ''Bharatham'' (1991), ''Sargam'' (1992), ''Midhunam'' (1992), and ''Adwaitham'' (1993). These performances established him as a versatile child actor in Malayalam cinema.
After he transitioned into adult roles, Kumar gained recognition for his performances in films such as ''Devadoothan'' (2000), ''Kanmashi'' (2002), ''Sethurama Iyer CBI'' (2004), ''Aparichithan'' (2004), ''The Tiger'' (2005), ''Vegam'' (2014), and ''Simon Daniel'' (2022){{cn|date=December 2025}}
=== As director === Vineeth Kumar ventured into direction with his debut film ''Ayal Njanalla'' (2015),<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ayaal Njanalla: A Fahadh phase |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/ayaal-njanalla-movie-review-fahadh-faasil-vineeth-kumar.html |access-date=2024-11-27 |website=www.onmanorama.com}}</ref> starring Fahadh Faasil. He also wrote the screenplay for this film which explored themes of self-discovery and relationships.
His second directorial venture, ''Dear Friend'' (2022),<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-04-09 |title=Tovino Thomas, Basil Joseph, and Darshana Rajendran to team up for Vineeth Kumar's directorial - Exclusive! |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/tovino-thomas-basil-joseph-and-darshana-rajendran-to-team-up-for-vineeth-kumars-directorial-exclusive/articleshow/90744738.cms |access-date=2024-11-27 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> starring Tovino Thomas in the lead, premiered in theaters on 10 June 2022. The film received widespread acclaim and was subsequently released on the Netflix OTT platform<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-07-06 |title=Tovino Thomas starrer 'Dear Friend' to stream on OTT this weekend |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/tovino-thomas-starrer-dear-friend-to-stream-on-ott-this-weekend/articleshow/92696597.cms |access-date=2024-11-27 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> in July 2022, where it continued to garner positive reviews.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-09-07 |title=Tovino, Darshana join director Vineeth Kumar's new film |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2021/Sep/07/tovino-darshana-join-director-vineeth-kumars-new-film-2355150.html |access-date=2024-11-27 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> The movie delved into the lives of a group of friends searching for their missing companion, who is later revealed to be a con artist.<ref name=":2" /> The film received praise for its engaging narrative and character development.
His latest movie was ''Pavi Caretaker'' (2024)<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-04-19 |title='Pavi Caretaker' trailer: Dileep starrer promises a lighthearted journey |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/pavi-caretaker-trailer-dileep-starrer-promises-a-lighthearted-journey/articleshow/109422948.cms |access-date=2024-11-27 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> starring Dileep.
== Filmography == {| class="wikitable sortable" |+ Film credits as an actor ! scope="col" | Year ! scope="col" | Title !Role !Notes ! |- | rowspan="5" |1989 | ''Oru Vadakkan Veeragatha'' |Young Chandu |rowspan="11"|Child actor |<ref name=":0" /> |- | ''Mudra'' | | |- | ''Padippura'' | | |- | ''Anagha'' | | |- | ''Dasharatham'' |Joseph | |- | rowspan="2" |1991 | ''Bharatham'' |Appu | |- | ''Inspector Balram'' |Jithu | |- | rowspan="2" |1992 | ''Sargam'' | | |- | ''Adhwaytham'' | | |- |1993 | ''Mithunam'' |Young Sethu | |- |1994 | ''Vishnu'' | | |- |1996 | ''Azhakiya Ravanan'' |Santhosh | | |- |1997 | ''Krishnagudiyil Oru Pranayakalathu'' |Balan | | |- | rowspan="2" |2000 | ''Devadoothan'' |Nikhil Maheshwar | |<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-26 |title=Devadoothan movie review: Mohanlal's timeless musical horror should have come with the tagline 'masters at work' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/devadoothan-movie-review-mohanlals-timeless-musical-horror-should-have-come-with-the-tagline-masters-at-work-9475914/ |access-date=2024-11-27 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> |- | ''Thottam'' | | | |- |2001 | ''Sharja to Sharja'' |Kannan | | |- | rowspan="2" |2002 | ''Pranayamanithooval'' |Balagopal | | |- | ''Kanmashi'' |Vishnu | | |- | rowspan="2" |2003 | ''Melvilasom Seriyanu'' |Nandu | | |- | ''Mazhanoolkkanavu'' | | | |- | rowspan="3" |2004 | ''Aparichithan'' |Chacko | | |- | ''Sethurama Iyer CBI'' |Ganesh | |<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0393724/fullcredits |title=Sethurama Iyer CBI (2004) - IMDb |access-date=2024-11-27 |via=www.imdb.com}}</ref> |- | ''Kottaaram Vaidyan'' | | | |- |2005 | ''The Tiger'' |Kishore | | |- | rowspan="2" |2006 | ''Pulijanmam'' | | | |- | ''Baba Kalyani'' |Santhosh | | |- |2007 | ''Flash'' |Arunkumar | | |- | rowspan="1" |2008 | ''Thirakkatha'' | | | |- |2010 | ''Sufi Paranja Katha'' |Writer | | |- | rowspan="2" |2011 | ''Sevenes'' |Aravindan | | |- | ''Ithu Nammude Katha'' |Mahesh | | |- | rowspan="2" |2012 | ''Chapters'' |Arun | | |- | ''Face2Face'' |Anwar | | |- |2013 | ''Oru Yathrayil'' | | |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Oru Yathrayil (2013) - Movie {{!}} Reviews, Cast & Release Date in kochi |url=https://in.bookmyshow.com/kochi/movies/oru-yathrayil-/ET00013066 |access-date=2024-11-27 |website=BookMyShow |language=en-IN}}</ref> |- |2014 | ''Vegam'' |Sidharth | |<ref>{{Cite news |date=2013-12-11 |title=Vineeth Kumar in a youth film |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/vineeth-kumar-in-a-youth-film/articleshow/27180023.cms |access-date=2024-11-27 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> |- |2015 | ''Oru Vadakkan Selfie'' |himself |Cameo | |- |2016 | ''Sahapadi 1975'' | | | |- |2017 | ''Careful'' |Bijoy | |<ref>{{Cite news |date=2017-01-27 |title=Jomol, Vineeth Kumar to team up after 27 years |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/jomol-vineeth-kumar-to-team-up-after-27-years/articleshow/56184088.cms |access-date=2024-11-27 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> |- |2018 | ''Oru Kuttanadan Blog'' | |Cameo | |- |2019 | ''Krishnam'' | | | |- |2022 | ''Simon Daniel'' |Simon Daniel | |<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-08-18 |title='Simon Daniel' teaser: Vineeth Kumar and Divya Pillai are on a treasure hunt |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/simon-daniel-teaser-vineeth-kumar-and-divya-pillai-are-on-a-treasure-hunt/articleshow/93639850.cms |access-date=2024-11-27 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> |- |2023 |''Higuita'' |Goon | |<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-25 |title=Dhyan Sreenivasan-Suraj Venjaramoodu's Higuita Gets An OTT Release Date! |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/malayalam/dhyan-sreenivasan-and-suraj-venjaramoodu-film-higuita-gets-an-ott-release-date-article-111263334 |access-date=2024-11-27 |website=Times Now |language=en}}</ref> |- | rowspan=2 | 2024 || ''Pavi Caretaker'' || Abhishek Krishna || Also Director ||<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pavi Caretaker - Official Trailer |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/entertainment/regional/malayalam/pavi-caretaker-official-trailer/videoshow/109410326.cms |access-date=2024-11-27 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref> |- | ''Rifle Club'' | Shahjahan | |<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-11 |title=Vineeth Kumar Is Playing Shajahan In Aashiq Abu's Rifle Club, Character Poster Released |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/malayalam/vineeth-kumar-is-playing-shajahan-in-aashiq-abus-rifle-club-character-poster-released-article-115187605 |access-date=2024-11-27 |website=Times Now |language=en}}</ref> |- | 2026 || ''Sambhavam Adhyayam Onnu'' || || ||<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-15 |title=Askar Ali-Vineeth Kumar starrer Sambhavam Adhyayam Onnu gets a release date |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/malayalam/news/2026/Feb/15/askar-ali-vineeth-kumar-starrer-sambhavam-adhyayam-onnu-gets-a-release-date |access-date=2026-02-15 |website=Cinema Express |language=en}}</ref> |- |} {| class="wikitable" |+Short Films !Year !Title |- |2012 |''The Spark'' |- |2020 |''Oru Nurungu Samsayam (The Little Riddle)'' |}
{| class="wikitable sortable" |+ Film credits as director ! scope="col" | Year ! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Notes ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{refh}} |- | 2015 || ''Ayal Njanalla'' || ||<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=V.P |first=Nicy |date=2014-09-13 |title=Fahadh Faasil to Act in Vineeth Kumar Directorial, Scripted by Ranjith |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/fahadh-act-vineeth-kumar-directorial-scripted-by-ranjith-609035 |access-date=2024-11-27 |website=www.ibtimes.co.in |language=en}}</ref> |- | 2022 || ''Dear Friend'' || ||<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=M |first=Athira |date=2022-06-07 |title='Dear Friend' has a different take on friendship, says director Vineeth Kumar |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/actor-and-filmmaker-vineeth-kumar-on-his-second-film-dear-friend/article65502876.ece |access-date=2024-11-27 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> |- | 2024 || ''Pavi Caretaker'' || ||<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-15 |title=Dileep-starrer Pavi Care Taker to release on this date |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/malayalam/news/2024/Mar/15/dileep-starrer-pavi-care-taker-to-release-on-this-date |access-date=2024-03-16 |website=Cinema Express |language=en}}</ref> |- |}
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== * {{IMDb name|0474910}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Kumar, Vineeth}} Category:Male actors from Kannur Category:Male actors in Malayalam cinema Category:Indian male film actors Category:Living people Category:20th-century Indian male actors Category:21st-century Indian male actors Category:Malayalam film directors Category:Film directors from Kannur district Category:University of Calicut alumni Category:Year of birth missing (living people)