Thennavan (actor)

After graduating from Sarvajana High School, Coimbatore in 1984, Thennavan moved to Chennai to pursue a career in films. Thennavan made his acting debut in Bharathiraja's 1990 film En Uyir Thozhan, portraying a secondary lead role.^[2] He won critical acclaim for his performance as Kai in Saran's Gemini (2002), and has since been credited in films as Kai Thennavan. Playing a sidekick to Vikram's titular character, The Hindu gave him a positive review writing "he does a convincing job" and "his penetrating stare takes care of the expressions."^[3] The success of the film, saw Kamal Haasan pick him to play a role in Virumaandi, for which he also received positive reviews.^[4]

Thennavan then played the lead role in an experimental film, Ayul Regai (2005), winning critical acclaim for his portrayal of a man on the verge of depression. A critic praised his contribution to the film, noting with "a wiry frame, unkempt hair and large eyes, he fits the role perfectly."^[5] He has since been seen in supporting roles in films including Sundarapandian (2012) and Naan Than Bala (2014).