
Karunakaran
ActingAbout Karunakaran
Karunakaran is a Tamilfilm actor, who has appeared in character roles. He made his breakthrough in Soodhu Kavvum (2013) portraying the role of Arumai Pragasam, before playing roles in Jigarthanda and Yaamirukka Bayamey. He initially made a career as chemical engineer, graduating from SASTRA University, and then as an IT professional at Accenture, before director Nalan Kumarasamy (his friend) approached him to feature in a short film he was making for the reality television show, Naalaya Iyakkunar. Karunakaran had featured in such short film ventures at school and Nalan had cast him in Nenjuku Neethi, which went on to win the first place award that season. Sundar C gave him brief roles in two of his ventures, while he made his first breakthrough portraying Vijay Sethupathi's friend in Karthik Subbaraj's Pizza (2012), after which he left work and concentrated on a career in films. Nalan subsequently cast him in his feature film debut Soodhu Kavvum, for which Karunakaran won rave reviews. His appearance in the "Kasu Panam Thuttu" song also was well received and prompted several further offers for the actor. His performance in Yaamirukka Bayamey was appreciated by critics.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Karunakaran reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Comedy
The majority of Karunakaran's filmography leans towards the Comedy genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 42% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Karunakaran remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Adhagappattathu Magajanangalay, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Karunakaran Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Karunakaran's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Karunakaran.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Oho Enthan Baby | Murali | Average | Similar → |
| 2025 | DNA | - | Average | Similar → |
| 2025 | Retro | Anthony | Hit | Similar → |
| 2025 | Perusu | Ice Box Owner | Average | Similar → |
| 2025 | Thandel | - | Average | Similar → |
| 2024 | Miss You | Bobby | Average | Similar → |
| 2024 | Meiyazhagan | Jagadeesh | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2024 | Ayalaan | Sugirtharaja | Average | Similar → |
| 2023 | Rajni | Selvam Arumugam | Average | Similar → |
| 2023 | Yaanai Mugathaan | Michael | Hit | Similar → |
| 2023 | Soppana Sundari | Durai | Average | Similar → |
| 2022 | Jiivi 2 | Mani | Average | Similar → |
| 2022 | Maha | - | Average | Similar → |
| 2022 | Payanigal Gavanikkavum | Antony | Average | Similar → |
| 2021 | Sivaranjiniyum Innum Sila Pengalum | Chandran | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2021 | Maanaadu | Syed Baasha | Hit | Similar → |
| 2021 | Enemy | Babu | Average | Similar → |
| 2021 | Tughlaq Durbar | Vasu | Average | Similar → |
| 2021 | Teddy | Karthik | Hit | Similar → |
| 2021 | Kutty Story | (voice) | Average | Similar → |
| 2019 | Ninu Veedani Needanu Nene | Tamil Version | Average | Similar → |
| 2019 | Jiivi | Mani | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2019 | Monster | - | Average | Similar → |
| 2018 | Seethakathi | Advocate | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2018 | Ratsasan | Himself (Guest Appearance) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2018 | Nota | - | Average | Similar → |
| 2018 | Lakshmi | Azhagu, Krishna's Cafe Worker | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2018 | Kadikara Manithargal | Shiva | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2018 | Ghajinikanth | Karuna | Average | Similar → |
| 2018 | Nimir | Vigadakavi | Average | Similar → |
| 2017 | Hara Hara Mahadevaki | Kumar | Flop | Similar → |
| 2017 | Adhagappattathu Magajanangalay | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2017 | Enakku Vaaitha Adimaigal | Ramesh | Hit | Similar → |
| 2016 | Iru Mugan | Peter | Flop | Similar → |
| 2016 | Oru Naal Koothu | Raghavendran | Hit | Similar → |
| 2016 | Iraivi | Ramesh | Hit | Similar → |
| 2016 | Ko 2 | Kumaran | Flop | Similar → |
| 2016 | Kanithan | Balaji | Average | Similar → |
| 2015 | Uppu Karuvadu | Chandran | Average | Similar → |
| 2015 | Orange Mittai | Kailasam's Son | Average | Similar → |
| 2015 | Indru Netru Naalai | Pulivetti Arumugam | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2014 | Lingaa | Kothandam | Flop | Similar → |
| 2014 | Yaan | Shaji | Flop | Similar → |
| 2014 | Jigarthanda | Oorni | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2014 | Yaamirukka Bayamey | Sharath | Hit | Similar → |
| 2013 | Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru | Special Appearance | Flop | Similar → |
| 2013 | Soodhu Kavvum | Arumai Pragasam | Hit | Similar → |
| 2012 | Pizza | Raghavan | Hit | Similar → |
| 2012 | Maalai Pozhudhin Mayakathilaey | Sampath | Hit | Similar → |
| 2012 | Kalakalappu | Kumar | Average | Similar → |
Karunakaran - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Karunakaran?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Karunakaran is "Adhagappattathu Magajanangalay" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Karunakaran acted in?
Karunakaran has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Karunakaran?
Other notable films include "Sivaranjiniyum Innum Sila Pengalum", "Kadikara Manithargal", and "Meiyazhagan".




