EN
Login
β€” Watching
Login Subscription
Tanikella Bharani
Actor

Tanikella Bharani

3 Movies
3 Credits
Personal Info
Known For Acting
Known Credits 3
Birthday July 14, 1954 (72 years old)
Place of Birth Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Also Known As Thanikella Bharani, Thanikirla Bharani
Home Movies TV Series
Anime Blogs
β€” Watching

Biography

Tanikella Bharani (born July 14, 1954) is a highly respected Indian actor, screenwriter, poet, playwright, and director who primarily works in Telugu cinema, alongside notable appearances in Tamil and Hindi films. Born in Secunderabad, Telangana, into a family with a rich literary lineage, he completed his graduation in Commerce from Railway Degree College. Passionate about the stage, he subsequently earned a post-graduate diploma in Theatre Arts from Osmania University. He began his career in the mid-1970s as a prolific stage actor and playwright before relocating to Chennai on the advice of veteran actor Rallapalli to pursue a career in the film industry.

Bharani made his cinematic debut as a dialogue writer for *Kanchu Kavacham* (1984). He quickly established himself as a highly sought-after writer, penning memorable dialogues for critically acclaimed hit films like *Ladies Tailor* (1985), *Sri Kanaka Mahalakshmi Recording Dance Troupe* (1987), and Ram Gopal Varma's path-breaking gangster drama *Shiva* (1989). Simultaneously, he transitioned into acting, making a striking on-screen impression in *Shiva* as the cunning antagonist Nanaji. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, he evolved into one of Tollywood's most versatile character actors, effortlessly shifting between menacing villains, comedic roles, and poignant supporting characters. He won the Nandi Award for Best Villain for his powerful performance in *Samudram* (1999) and the Nandi Award for Best Character Actor for *Nuvvu Nenu* (2001).

In addition to his prolific acting career, which spans over 750 films, Bharani is a celebrated literary figure. He has authored multiple books, plays, and devotional songs dedicated to Lord Shiva. In 2012, he made his directorial debut with the critically acclaimed Telugu drama *Mithunam*, starring S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and Lakshmi, which earned him the CineMAA Special Jury Award for Best Direction. His massive pan-Indian acting footprint expanded further when he portrayed the priest Swamyji in S. S. Rajamouli's global blockbusters *Baahubali: The Beginning* (2015) and *Baahubali 2: The Conclusion* (2017). He has also made a successful mark in Tamil cinema with notable roles in films ranging from *Ghilli* (2004) to *Vaathi* (2023).

Continuing his legacy as an indispensable pillar in contemporary cinema, Bharani remains highly active. His 2024 theatrical releases include prominent roles in the political thriller *Prathinidhi 2*, the actioner *Bhaje Vaayu Vegam*, Harish Shankar's *Mr. Bachchan*, the thriller *Kalinga*, and *Nindha*. His robust upcoming slate extending through 2025 and 2026 features a diverse array of major projects. In 2025, he is set to appear in Krish Jagarlamudi's period epic *Hari Hara Veera Mallu*, Mohan Krishna Indraganti's comedy *Sarangapani Jathakam*, *Kishkindhapuri*, and Mani Ratnam's highly anticipated Tamil action-drama *Thug Life* starring Kamal Haasan. Slated for 2026, he features in the Telugu films *Raakaasaa*, *BharataVarsha*, and *The Paradise*. A recipient of three Nandi Awards and the Sahitya Puraskar for his lifetime literary achievements, Bharani remains a towering cultural icon in Telugu cinema.

Filmography (411)

Raakaasa 2026
The Paradise 2026
Kiku Chiranjeevi 2026
Sarangapani Jathakam 2025
Thug Life 2025
Neeli Megha Shyama 2025
Madhushala 2025
Bāhubali: The Epic 2025
Kishkindhapuri 2025
Meghalu Cheppina Prema Katha 2025
Andhela Ravamidhi 2025
Katha Sudha 2025
Bhaje Vaayu Vegam 2024
Sarkaaru Noukari 2024
Inti Number – 13 2024
Karataka Damanaka 2024
Prathinidhi 2 2024
Sriranga Neethulu 2024
Vidya Vasula Aham 2024
Nindha 2024
Shivam Bhaje 2024
Drill 2024
Honeymoon Express 2024
Kalinga 2024
Mr Bachchan 2024
Manamey 2024
Bench Life 2024
BRO 2023
Mr. King 2023
Raa Raa... Penimiti 2023
Vaathi 2023
Kisi Ka Bhai... Kisi Ki Jaan 2023
Spy 2023
Peddha Kapu - 1 2023
Dochevaarevarura 2023
Premadesam 2023
Mind Game 2023
Aadikeshava 2023
Mystery 2023
Dhootha 2023
Acharya 2022
Ghani 2022
Shekar 2022
Godse 2022
HIT: The 2nd Case 2022
Bheemla Nayak 2022
Ramarao On Duty 2022
Super Machi 2022
Geetha 2022
Sarkaru Vaari Paata 2022
F3: Fun and Frustration 2022
Alluri 2022
Bimbisara 2022
Wanted PanduGod 2022
First Day First Show 2022
Dhamaka 2022
Andaru Bagundali Andulo Nenundali 2022
Cheppalani Undhi 2022
Son of India 2022
Raja Vikramarka 2021
Pelli SandaD 2021
Skylab 2021
Drushyam 2 2021
Ippudu Kaaka Inkeppudu 2021
Eakam 2021
Bangaru Bullodu 2021
Jathi Ratnalu 2021
Gaali Sampath 2021
Raja Raja Chora 2021
April 28th Em Jarigindi 2021
SR Kalyanamandapam 2021
Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo 2020
Entha Manchivaadavuraa 2020
Sarileru Neekevvaru 2020
Pressure Cooker 2020
Maa Vintha Gaadha Vinuma 2020
Bombhaat 2020
V 2020
Maharshi 2019
1st Rank Raju 2019
2 Hours Love 2019
Krishna Rao Supermarket 2019
Madhanam 2019
Raghupathi Venkaiah Naidu 2019
Sita 2019
Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy 2019
Gayatri 2018
Agnyaathavaasi 2018
Nela Ticket 2018
Naa Nuvve 2018
Sammohanam 2018
Jamba Lakidi Pamba 2018
Vijetha 2018
Pantham 2018
Chandrullo Unde Kundelu 2017
Prema Entha Madhuram Priyuraalu Antha Katinam 2017
Gautamiputra Satakarni 2017
DJ: Duvvada Jagannadham 2017
Om Namo Venkatesaya 2017
Guru 2017
Ninnu Kori 2017
Nene Raju Nene Mantri 2017
Goutham Nanda 2017
Shamantakamani 2017
Shatamanam Bhavati 2017
Gulf 2017
Raja the Great 2017
Radha 2017
Kathalo Rajakumari 2017
Mister 2017
Ami Thumi 2017
Bāhubali 2: The Conclusion 2017
Oopiri 2016
Brahmotsavam 2016
Sardaar Gabbar Singh 2016
Srirastu Subhamastu 2016
Jyo Achyutananda 2016
Ism 2016
Ekkadiki Pothavu Chinnavada 2016
Okka Ammayi Thappa 2016
Gentleman 2016
Garam 2016
Naruda Donoruda 2016
Janda Pai Kapiraju 2015
Temper 2015
Surya Vs Surya 2015
Bāhubali: The Beginning 2015
Bruce Lee: The Fighter 2015
Mantra 2 2015
Kick 2 2015
Bengal Tiger 2015
Inji Iduppazhagi 2015
Rey 2015
Tiger 2015
Bandipotu 2015
Virattu 2014
Rabhasa 2014
Aagadu 2014
Rowdy 2014
Kalavaram 2014
Karthikeya 2014
Current Theega 2014
Ra Ra Krishnayya 2014
Exploring ''Shiva'' Movie After 25 Years 2014
Alludu Seenu 2014
Basanti 2014
Autonagar Surya 2014
Race Gurram 2014
Bhimavaram Bullodu 2014
Baadshah 2013
Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu 2013
Iddarammayilatho 2013
D for Dopidi 2013
Pavithra 2013
Adda 2013
Alias Janaki 2013
Naayak 2013
Ramayya Vasthavayya 2013
Sukumarudu 2013
Julayi 2012
Gabbar Singh 2012
Dhammu 2012
Shirdi Sai 2012
Dhoni 2012
Cameraman Ganga Tho Rambabu 2012
Neeku Naaku Dash Dash 2012
Lovely 2012
Panjaa 2011
Once Upon a Warrior 2011
Aakasame Haddu 2011
Vastadu Naa Raju 2011
Kshetram 2011
180 2011
Oosaravelli 2011
Katha Screenplay Darsakatvam Appalaraju 2011
Badrinath 2011
Golconda High School 2011
Oh My Friend 2011
Kudirithe Kappu Coffee 2011
Dhada 2011
Dookudu 2011
Wanted 2011
Adhurs 2010
Drohi 2010
Gaayam 2 2010
Sadhyam 2010
Brindavanam 2010
Ragada 2010
Leader 2010
Rakht Charitra 2010
Rakht Charitra 2 2010
Jhummandi Naadam 2010
Shambo Shiva Shambo 2010
Om Shanti 2010
Khaleja 2010
Baava 2010
Kedi 2010
Aunty Uncle Nanda Gopal 2010
Collector Gari Bharya 2010
A Aa E Ee 2009
Kurradu 2009
Sontha ooru 2009
Saleem 2009
Ek Niranjan 2009
Oy! 2009
Rechipo 2009
Snehituda 2009
Kalavaramaye Madilo 2009
Boni 2009
Current 2009
Ready 2008
Kasipatnam Choodarababu 2008
Kathanayakudu 2008
Bheema 2008
Victory 2008
Krishnarjuna 2008
Souryam 2008
Jalsa 2008
Kuselan 2008
Bommana Brothers Chandana Sisters 2008
Ashta Chamma 2008
Krishna 2008
Mr. Medhavi 2008
Appu Chesi Pappu Koodu 2008
Kalidasu 2008
Nenu Meeku Telusa...? 2008
Okkadunnadu 2007
Anumanaspadam 2007
Dhee 2007
Sri Mahalakshmi 2007
Mee Sreyobhilashi 2007
Chirutha 2007
Munna 2007
Jagadam 2007
Classmates 2007
Azhagiya Tamil Magan 2007
Raju Bhai 2007
Thulasi 2007
Nava Vasantham 2007
Rakhi 2006
Godavari 2006
Pournami 2006
Oka V Chitram 2006
Annavaram 2006
Sri Ramadasu 2006
Kamli 2006
Bommalata 2006
Amma Cheppindi 2006
Boss 2006
Tata Birla Madhyalo Laila 2006
Happy 2006
Bommarillu 2006
Game 2006
Bhagyalakshmi Bumper Draw 2006
Maayajaalam 2006
Gopi Goda Meeda Pilli 2006
Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana 2005
Subash Chandra Bose 2005
Allari Pidugu 2005
Dhairyam 2005
Chakram 2005
Allari Bullodu 2005
Jai Chiranjeeva 2005
Athadu 2005
Sada Mee Sevalo 2005
Balu 2005
Hungama 2005
Dhana 51 2005
Nenunnanu 2004
Malliswari 2004
Gambeeram 2004
Oka Pellam Muddu Rendo Pellam Vaddu 2004
Gowri 2004
Jai 2004
Mr & Mrs Sailaja Krishnamurthy 2004
Sye 2004
Ghilli 2004
Venky 2004
Grahanam 2004
Samba 2004
Arjun 2004
Love Today 2004
Naaga 2003
Ela Cheppanu 2003
Enakku 20 Unakku 18 2003
Vasantham 2003
Vishnu 2003
Satyam 2003
Donga Ramadu and Party 2003
Oka Raju Oka Rani 2003
Oka Radha Iddaru Krishnula Pelli 2003
Dongodu 2003
Ninne Ishtapaddanu 2003
Kabaddi Kabaddi 2003
Okariki Okaru 2003
Juniors 2003
Gangotri 2003
Missamma 2003
Indra 2002
Nuvve... Nuvve... 2002
Okato Number Kurradu 2002
Manmadhudu 2002
Takkari Donga 2002
Avunu Valliddaru Ishtapaddaru! 2002
Allari 2002
Dhanalakshmi I Love You 2002
O Chinadaana 2002
The Rite, a Passion 2002
Sontham 2002
Mounamelanoye 2002
Sreeram 2002
Santosham 2002
Anandam 2001
Student No. 1 2001
Mrugaraju 2001
Narasimha Naidu 2001
Ammo Bomma 2001
Budget Padmanabham 2001
Sri Manjunatha 2001
Chiranjeevulu 2001
Time Pass 2001
Family Circus 2001
Nuvvu Nenu 2001
Nuvvu Naaku Nachav 2001
Manasantha Nuvve 2001
Priyamaina Neeku 2001
Snehamante Idera 2001
Itlu Sravani Subramanyam 2001
Naa Manasistha Raa 2001
Goppinti Alludu 2000
Devullu 2000
Vamsi 2000
Moodu Mukkalaata 2000
Tirumala Tirupati Venkatesa 2000
Ninne Premistha 2000
Chitram 2000
Azad 2000
Nuvvu Vasthavani 2000
NTR Nagar 2000
Jayam Manadera 2000
Chala Bagundi 2000
Neti Gandhi 1999
Raja 1999
Aavide Shyamala 1999
Thammudu 1999
Postman 1999
Samudram 1999
Pilla Nachindi 1999
Abhishekam 1998
Chandralekha 1998
Pandaga 1998
O Panaipothundi Babu 1998
Pelli Peetalu 1998
Maavidakulu 1998
Annamayya 1997
Pelli Chesukundaam 1997
Priyaraagalu 1997
Veedevadandi Babu 1997
Pattukondi Chuddam 1997
Ugadi 1997
Egire Paavurama 1997
Mama Bagunnava 1997
Akka! Bagunnava? 1996
Gunshot 1996
Bombay Priyudu 1996
Vinodham 1996
Deyyam 1996
Family 1996
Desa Drohulu 1995
Lingababu Love Story 1995
Amma Donga! 1995
Gharana Bullodu 1995
Big Boss 1995
Pokiri Raja 1995
Money Money 1995
Aunty 1995
Sogasu Chuda Taramaa 1995
Sisindri 1995
Ghatotkachudu 1995
Kishkinda Kaanda 1994
Subhalagnam 1994
Lucky Chance 1994
Aame 1994
Yamaleela 1994
Allarodu 1994
Veetla Visheshanga 1994
Money 1993
Matru Devo Bhava 1993
Varasudu 1993
Pekata Paparao 1993
Gaayam 1993
Mister Pellam 1993
Rendilla Poojari 1993
Shabash Ramu 1993
Appula Appa Rao 1992
Aditya 369 1991
Seetharamaiah Gari Manavaralu 1991
Jaitra Yatra 1991
Shiva 1990
Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari 1990
Swara Kalpana 1989
Siva 1989
Chettu Kinda Pleader 1989
Kallu 1988
Sri Kanaka Mahalakshmi Recording Dance Troupe 1987
Lawyer Suhasini 1987
Ladies Tailor 1986
Sira
Patta Pagalu
BharataVarsha - Saga of Shula
Paataku Praanam
EN
Login