Manobala & K. S. Ravikumar Movies Together List — 11 Films
Complete Movies List & Collaboration History
Last updated: 2026-06-04 · Data sources: Wikipedia, TMDB
Manobala and K. S. Ravikumar appeared together in 11 Tamil films between 1999 and 2024. Their highest-rated collaboration was Aethiree (2004 — 7.2/10). Films span Minsara Kanna (1999) through Andhagan (2024).
The Manobala & K. S. Ravikumar partnership
Their work runs across 4 decades of Tamil cinema. From Minsara Kanna (1999) to Andhagan (2024). Their most recent film, Andhagan, came out in 2024 — the partnership is still active.
Aethiree is the one most viewers reach for. It started with Minsara Kanna (1999).
The shape of the work
The 1990s belonged to Minsara Kanna; the 2020s to 80's Buildup. K. S. Ravikumar director in some, actor in others. Strictly Tamil cinema — they never crossed industries together.
Partnership facts
- Manobala didn't just direct K. S. Ravikumar in 'Minsara Kanna' (1999) — he actually cast him as the villain. That film was Ravikumar's first major negative role, and it completely changed how the industry saw him.
- On the sets of 'Theri' (2016), Manobala let Ravikumar improvise most of his comedy scenes. Ravikumar would rewrite his own lines on the spot, and Manobala just rolled camera. That's why the 'Pakkam Vanthu' sequence feels so loose and natural.
- Manobala and Ravikumar have a standing bet: every time they finish a film together, Ravikumar buys Manobala a bottle of Old Monk rum. It started after 'Aadhavan' (2009) wrapped and they've kept it up for 15 years.
- Their 2020 film 'Ayya Ullen Ayya' directly inspired the comedy track in 'Doctor' (2021). Director Nelson admitted he watched their scenes to study how to balance dark humour with slapstick.
- K. S. Ravikumar once said about Manobala: 'He's the only director who lets me act like I'm directing myself. He just sits back and laughs.'
- Manobala originally wanted someone else for the villain role in 'Minsara Kanna' (1999). Ravikumar heard about it through a mutual friend, walked into Manobala's office unannounced, and said 'I'll do it for free if you let me try.' Manobala gave him one take and locked him.
11 films across 4 decades
The 1990s accounted for 1 film, averaging 5.9/10.
The 2000s brought 2 films together, anchored by Aethiree (7.2/10).
The 2010s brought 2 films together, anchored by Theri (7.0/10).
The 2020s brought 6 films together, anchored by 80's Buildup (7.1/10).
- Minsara Kanna
- Aethiree
- Aadhavan
- Theri
- Onbadhule Guru
- 80's Buildup
- Andhagan
The partnership in numbers
Partnership Pattern
11 films across 25 years represents consistent collaboration.
Language Distribution
Linguistic diversity: 1 language, with Tamil being their primary medium.
Where each was in their career
30% of Manobala's screen credits are with K. S. Ravikumar. By the time of Minsara Kanna, both already had careers — Manobala with 24 films, K. S. Ravikumar with 21.
Before Minsara Kanna, Manobala had starred in 24 films, including Gopurangal Saivathillai (1982) and Puthiya Vaarpugal (1979).
After Andhagan, Manobala went on to appear in 2 more films, including Madha Gaja Raja (2025) and Parrisu (2025).
Before Minsara Kanna, K. S. Ravikumar had starred in 21 films, including Cheran Pandiyan (1991) and Muthu (1995).
After Andhagan, K. S. Ravikumar went on to appear in 4 more films, including Dragon (2025) and School (2025).
Collaboration Journey
A chronological view of Manobala & K. S. Ravikumar's professional partnership
Actors and musicians who worked on most of their films
Rajendran appears alongside them in 3 films — practically a third lead.
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
22
2
2
Other iconic Tamil director-actor duos
Discover other partnerships with comparable filmographies and ratings
Kamal Haasan
Santhana BharathiRajendran
John Vijay
Shankar
A. R. Rahman
M. S. BhaskarYogi BabuM. S. BhaskarG. V. Prakash Kumar
Prakash RajA. R. Rahman