Arulnithi Tamilarasu, popularly known as Arulnithi, is a well-known Tamil actor who has gained recognition for his selective choice of roles and unique film projects. Arulnithi made his mark in Tamil cinema with his ability to portray intense, diverse characters, especially in mystery, thriller, and family drama genres. With a deep commitment to bringing depth and authenticity to his roles, Arulnithi has established himself as one of the more versatile actors in contemporary Tamil cinema. His choice of unconventional scripts sets him apart, making him a favorite among audiences who appreciate strong storytelling and solid performances.
Personal Details of Arulnithi
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Arulnithi Tamilarasu |
| Stage Name | Arulnithi |
| Date of Birth | July 21, 1987 |
| Age | 37 years (as of 2024) |
| Birthplace | Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Actor |
| Height | 6 feet 0 inches (183 cm) |
| Spouse | Keerthana (m. 2015) |
| Children | 1 |
| Active Years | 2010–Present |
Arulnithi’s Early Life
Arulnithi was born on July 21, 1987, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, into a prominent political family. He is the grandson of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi and the son of Tamilarasu, a businessman. Despite his political lineage, Arulnithi chose to pursue a career in films, driven by his passion for acting. He completed his schooling in Chennai and later earned a degree in Business Administration from Loyola College, Chennai.
Though he didn’t initially have plans to enter the film industry, Arulnithi’s interest in cinema grew over time. He took acting lessons and began preparing for a career in films, focusing on selecting scripts that resonated with his interests in storytelling and character-driven roles.
Arulnithi’s Career in Cinema
Film Debut with “Vamsam” (2010)
Arulnithi made his acting debut in 2010 with the Tamil film “Vamsam,” directed by Pandiraj. In this rural drama, Arulnithi portrayed the role of a young man caught between tradition and family conflicts. His performance as the lead character, who rises against all odds to protect his family’s honor, was well-received by audiences and critics. “Vamsam” marked a solid debut for Arulnithi, and his portrayal of an emotionally charged role was noted for its depth and sincerity.
The film’s success introduced Arulnithi as a promising talent in Tamil cinema, and it paved the way for more challenging roles in his future projects.
Notable Roles and Breakthrough Films
Following his debut, Arulnithi took his time to carefully choose scripts that allowed him to explore a wide range of characters. In 2011, he appeared in the crime thriller “Mouna Guru,” directed by Santha Kumar. The film became a turning point in Arulnithi’s career, earning him critical acclaim for his portrayal of Karunakaran, a college student who inadvertently gets caught up in a crime. “Mouna Guru” was praised for its gripping narrative and suspenseful plot, and Arulnithi’s performance was widely regarded as one of the best of his career.
The success of “Mouna Guru” established Arulnithi as an actor capable of delivering strong performances in offbeat, unconventional films. He continued to build on this reputation with his role in “Aarathu Sinam” (2016), a remake of the Malayalam film “Memories.” In this crime thriller, Arulnithi played a grieving police officer who must solve a series of murders. His intense portrayal of a troubled man dealing with personal loss while navigating a dangerous investigation was highly appreciated.
Exploring Diverse Genres
Throughout his career, Arulnithi has consistently chosen scripts that challenge the norm, opting for roles that showcase his versatility as an actor. In 2017, he starred in “Demonte Colony,” a horror thriller directed by Ajay Gnanamuthu. The film, based on the infamous haunted area in Chennai, was a critical and commercial success, and Arulnithi’s performance as a man caught in a terrifying situation added to the film’s chilling atmosphere.
In 2019, he appeared in the mystery thriller “K-13,” directed by Barath Neelakantan. Arulnithi played a man who wakes up to find himself in the middle of a crime scene with no recollection of how he got there. The film’s suspenseful plot kept audiences on edge, and Arulnithi’s portrayal of a man struggling to prove his innocence was widely praised.
His exploration of genres continued with films like “Iravukku Aayiram Kangal” (2018), where he played a cab driver involved in a complex web of crimes, and “Diary” (2022), where he delivered another intense performance in a gripping crime drama.
Recent Work and Upcoming Projects
Arulnithi’s most recent projects have continued to showcase his commitment to choosing scripts that prioritize storytelling and character development. He remains one of the few actors in Tamil cinema who consistently opts for films that push the boundaries of mainstream entertainment, focusing on narratives that engage and challenge audiences.
Arulnithi has several upcoming projects in the pipeline, where he is expected to take on more unique and challenging roles. Fans eagerly await his future films, as he continues to explore new genres and contribute to the Tamil film industry with meaningful performances.
Personal Life
Arulnithi married Keerthana in 2015, and the couple has a son. Despite coming from a prominent political family, Arulnithi maintains a relatively low profile when it comes to his personal life. He is known for his humility and grounded nature, often avoiding the limelight and focusing on his work in films.
Arulnithi has spoken in interviews about the importance of balancing his professional and personal life, emphasizing that he enjoys spending time with his family when he’s not working on film projects.
