
Besant Ravi
Besant Ravi is an Indian actor, best known for Tamil cinema. Besant Ravi began their career in 2002 and has been a prominent figure in the industry for over 24 years. With 30 credits to their name, Besant Ravi remains one of the most prolific and celebrated talents in the industry. Spanning 20+ years, Besant Ravi's career remains one of the longest and most celebrated in Tamil cinema.
- Born
Biography
Besant Ravi Indian film actor known for playing action, character roles in Kollywood, Bollywood and several other Indian language films.
Personal Info
Career Milestones
Film debut
View film →Highest rated: Eli (7.2)
View film →Iconic Roles
Eli
Played a key supporting role as the brother of the main antagonist in this action thriller.
Tenaliraman
Portrayed the menacing leader of a gang of thieves in this historical comedy film.
Defining Moments
Film Debut
Made his acting debut in the Tamil film 'Charlie Chaplin', directed by his brother, which launched his career in Kollywood.
Critical Notice in 'Eli'
Gained significant recognition and positive reviews for his performance in the action thriller 'Eli', expanding his popularity.
Filmography
See all 30 credits →











Career Analytics
Genre Breakdown
Language Distribution
Films by Decade
Top Co-Actors
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Did You Know?
Besant Ravi is known for his distinct physique and often plays intimidating villainous or henchman roles in Tamil and Telugu cinema.
He is the brother of actor and director Kuruvi Manda Kumaru, with whom he has collaborated on films.
He made his acting debut in the Tamil film 'Charlie Chaplin' (2002), directed by his brother.
Despite his tough on-screen persona, he is known to be a gentle and friendly person off-screen according to industry colleagues.
He has acted in over 50 films across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi film industries.
Legacy & Influence
Besant Ravi carved a distinct niche in Indian cinema as a dependable and physically imposing character actor, primarily known for his work in Kollywood (Tamil cinema) and Bollywood. His career trajectory is emblematic of actors who build a sustained presence through supporting and antagonistic roles, often playing henchmen, gang leaders, or formidable adversaries. While not a leading man, his contribution lies in his ability to elevate action sequences and provide a credible physical threat, thereby enhancing the protagonist's journey in numerous commercial films. His filmography, spanning multiple Indian languages, showcases the pan-Indian demand for such specialized character artists. Films like 'Tenaliraman' (2014), where he played the leader of the thief gang, and 'Eli' (2015) are testaments to his typecast yet effective roles. His presence added a layer of gritty realism and raw energy to the ensembles he was part of. Ravi's work represents an important strand of Indian filmmaking—the skilled performer who specializes in action-oriented character roles, ensuring the narrative's conflict is visually and dramatically compelling. His longevity, appearing in films from the early 2000s through the 2010s, indicates a consistent demand for his particular skill set within the industry's ecosystem.