V. S. Raghavan & P. Madhavan Movies Together List — 4 Films
Complete Movies List & Collaboration History
Last updated: 2026-06-05 · Data sources: Wikipedia, TMDB
V. S. Raghavan and P. Madhavan appeared together in 4 Tamil films between 1970 and 1982. Their highest-rated collaboration was Vietnam Veedu (1970 — 7.5/10). Films span Vietnam Veedu (1970) through Hitler Umanath (1982).
The V. S. Raghavan & P. Madhavan partnership
After 8 years apart, they came back together for Shankar Salim Simon (1978). They didn't share a set between 1970 and 1978. From Vietnam Veedu (1970) to Hitler Umanath (1982).
Vietnam Veedu is the one most viewers reach for. The unfolded closed with Hitler Umanath in 1982.
The shape of the work
The 1970s account for 75% of everything they made together. The 1970s belonged to Vietnam Veedu; the 1980s to Hitler Umanath. V. S. Raghavan acted in every film; P. Madhavan directed all of them. Strictly Tamil cinema — they never crossed industries together.
Partnership facts
- V. S. Raghavan was a veteran character actor when he was cast opposite newcomer P. Madhavan in 'Vietnam Veedu' (1970). Madhavan was so nervous acting alongside a legend that Raghavan deliberately flubbed his lines on the first take to make Madhavan relax — then nailed the scene on the second take.
- In 'Shankar Salim Simon' (1978), Raghavan played a stern father while Madhavan played his rebellious son. Raghavan insisted they rehearse every confrontation scene in reverse order — starting with the climax and working backwards — so the emotional build-up felt natural. Madhavan later said this method taught him how to pace a scene.
- After 'En Kelvikku Enna Bathil' (1978) wrapped, Raghavan gifted Madhavan a silver pocket watch. Madhavan wore it to every single film set for the next 15 years, including his breakthrough hit 'Mouna Ragam' (1986). The watch is still in Madhavan's family.
- Their final film together, 'Hitler Umanath' (1982), was a dark comedy about a village tyrant. The film flopped, but its poster — showing Raghavan and Madhavan in a single frame with a broken chair between them — directly inspired the iconic poster of Kamal Haasan's 'Nayakan' (1987). The designer admitted the reference in a 1990 interview.
- P. Madhavan once said in a 1995 TV interview: 'Raghavan sir never let me act like a junior. He would say, "You are the hero. I am here to make you look good. If you look good, the film looks good." That is the only acting lesson I ever needed.'
4 films across 2 decades
The 1970s brought 3 films together, anchored by Vietnam Veedu (7.5/10).
The 1980s accounted for 1 film.
- Vietnam Veedu
- En Kelvikku Enna Bathil
- Hitler Umanath0
The partnership in numbers
Partnership Pattern
4 films across 12 years represents consistent collaboration.
Language Distribution
Linguistic diversity: 1 language, with Tamil being their primary medium.
Where each was in their career
Before Vietnam Veedu, V. S. Raghavan had starred in 10 films, including Iru Kodugal (1969) and Pattanathil Bhootham (1967).
After Hitler Umanath, V. S. Raghavan went on to appear in 14 more films, including Padikkaatha Pannaiyar (1985) and Naam (1985).
Before Vietnam Veedu, P. Madhavan had directed 9 films, including Dheiva Thaai (1964) and Kanne Pappa (1969).
After Hitler Umanath, P. Madhavan went on to direct 4 more films, including Ram Tere Kitne Nam (1985) and Sathyam Neeye (1984).
Collaboration Journey
A chronological view of V. S. Raghavan & P. Madhavan's professional partnership
Actors and musicians who worked on most of their films
Suruli rajan is the through-line — cast on 3 of their 4 films. Suruli rajan appears alongside them in 3 films — practically a third lead. M. S. Viswanathan scored 3 of them.
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