
Dhaamu
Dhaamu is an Indian actor, best known for Tamil cinema. Dhaamu began their career in 1992 and has been a prominent figure in the industry for over 34 years. With 30 credits to their name, Dhaamu remains one of the most prolific and celebrated talents in the industry. Spanning 30+ years, Dhaamu's career remains one of the longest and most celebrated in Tamil cinema.
- Born
- Age
- 60
Biography
Dhaamu (real name Tamarai Bharani, also known as A.V. Dhamodaran) is a Tamil comedian, mimicry artist, and actor who worked in Tamil cinema from 1991 to 2014, primarily in supporting and comic roles. He is recognized for his appearances in major commercial hits including Baashha (1995) alongside Rajinikanth, Ghilli (2004) where he played the character 'Otteri Nari' opposite Vijay, and Villu (2009). Before films, he was part of the Gaana Galata Group comedy troupe, and his background in mimicry and stage comedy shaped his screen persona. After stepping back from mainstream cinema, he founded the Tamarai Bharani Comedy Agency and served as an anchor on Sun TV's Comedy Kalakkal.
Career Milestones
Film debut in Tamil cinema
View film →Breakthrough role in Rajinikanth blockbuster
View film →Iconic comic role as Otteri Nari in Vijay blockbuster
View film →Iconic Roles
Ghilli
A street-smart comedic character that elevated Dhamu from supporting performer to a recognizable comedic presence in Tamil cinema; widely cited as his most memorable role.
Baashha
An early supporting role in the Rajinikanth blockbuster that helped establish Dhamu's presence in mainstream Tamil films.
Villu
A comedic supporting character in the Vijay-starrer, continuing Dhamu's pattern of comic relief roles in major Tamil productions.
Defining Moments
Playing Dhamu, Vijay's loyal and bumbling friend, providing comic relief in a revenge-drama setting
One of his earliest film appearances alongside a then-newcomer Vijay, establishing his screen chemistry with the star that would continue across multiple films
View film →Supporting comic role in Rajinikanth's action blockbuster Baashha as Dhamu
Appearing in one of Tamil cinema's most iconic Rajinikanth films gave Dhamu wide audience exposure and cemented his status as a reliable comedic supporting actor
View film →Otteri Nari — comic sidekick antics alongside Vijay's Velu, delivering exaggerated street-smart humor and catchphrases throughout the film
The role that elevated Dhamu from a supporting mimicry performer to a widely recognized comedic face in Tamil cinema; 'Otteri Nari' became his most-cited character and is closely associated with his legacy
View film →Comic role as VJ in the Vijay-starrer Villu, contributing to the film's humor sequences
Continued his recurring association with Vijay films, demonstrating his longevity as a trusted comic presence across nearly two decades of Tamil cinema
View film →Dhaamu by the Numbers
If you watched every Dhaamu film back-to-back, you'd be at it for roughly 21 hours. Most-paired with Vijay — 3 films together.
Filmography
See all 30 credits →Collaboration Network
The Constellation
Top 10 most-paired collaborators. Bubble size and line thickness reflect how many films they share with Dhaamu.
Career Analytics
Language Distribution
Films by Decade
Top Co-Actors
See all →Dhaamu has worked most frequently with Vijay (3 films), Pandu (3 films), Anandaraj (3 films), Janagaraj (3 films), and Nayantara (2 films).










Did You Know?
Dhaamu is a Tamil film actor known for playing supporting roles, often as a friend or sidekick to the protagonist.
He is particularly recognized for his role as Dhamu in the blockbuster film 'Baashha' starring Rajinikanth.
In the film 'Ghilli', he played the character Otteri Nari, a member of the antagonist's gang.
He has frequently collaborated with actor Vijay, appearing in films like 'Jodi' and 'Ghilli'.
His role in 'Baashha' is one of his most memorable performances, contributing to the film's cult status.
Legacy & Influence
Dhaamu is a character actor in Tamil cinema, recognized for his distinctive presence and contributions primarily in supporting and antagonistic roles during the late 1990s and 2000s. His career trajectory is defined by collaborations with major stars and directors, often portraying memorable henchmen or comedic villains that added texture to the narratives. His most iconic role remains Dhamu in the blockbuster 'Baashha' (1995), where his portrayal of a loyal but fierce gang member alongside Rajinikanth became etched in popular memory, contributing to the film's enduring cult status. This role established his screen persona of raw intensity. He later appeared in key commercial successes like 'Ghilli' (2004) as Otteri Nari, a henchman in the antagonist's circle, which further cemented his niche in playing formidable opponents to the protagonist. While not a lead actor, Dhaamu's filmography includes notable projects such as 'Jodi' (1999), 'Piriyadha Varam Vendum' (2001), and 'Ullam Kollai Poguthae' (2001), where he often provided robust support to the ensemble cast. His contribution lies in embodying a specific archetype of the Tamil cinema villain—physically imposing, straightforward, and often with a touch of crude humor—that was prevalent in the mass entertainment films of his era. By consistently delivering in these roles, he helped reinforce the dramatic conflict and enhance the hero's stature, a crucial component of the commercial film formula. His work, though not extensively documented, represents the essential layer of character actors who complete the cinematic world, making the stories more vibrant and credible for audiences.







