Sai Dheena

Sai Dheena worked as a signboard artist, then moved to a job in the railways, before moving on to appear as a henchman in films, followed by playing supporting roles.^[5] He made his debut in Kamal Haasan's Virumaandi (2004) as a jail warden, after being spotted by the actor where he went to work as an extra henchman in the film. He has since starred in films including Shankar's Enthiran (2010), Atlee's Theri (2016), and Vetrimaaran's Vada Chennai (2018).^[2][6] He portrayed the antagonist in Thimiru Pudichavan (2018).^[7] In a review of the film Sagaa (2019) by the New Indian Express, the critic noted that he "plays the role with meticulous intensity".^[8]

In 2017, Dheena received attention from the media for financially helping out actor Viruchagakanth (aka Pallu Babu) of Kaadhal (2004) fame. Viruchagakanth had been begging at temples in Chennai. Dheena, along with actor Abi Saravanan and director Mohan, was able to help the actor.^[9] During the coronavirus outbreak, Dheena assisted 250 families with food, including rice, wheat, and sambar.^[10]