Tanikella Bharani
Tanikella Bharani (born 14 July 1954) is an Indian actor, screenwriter, poet, playwright, and director who primarily works in Telugu cinema, with appearances in Tamil and Hindi films. He began his career as a stage actor and playwright in the mid-1970s before entering the film industry. Bharani made his film debut as a dialogue writer for *Kanchu Kavacham* (1984). He wrote dialogues for films including *Ladies Tailor* (1985), *Sri Kanaka Mahalakshmi Recording Dance Troupe* (1987), and Ram Gopal Varma's gangster drama *Shiva* (1989), in which he also played Nanaji. He later appeared in villainous, comedic, and supporting roles. He won the Nandi Award for Best Villain for *Samudram* (1999) and the Nandi Award for Best Character Actor for *Nuvvu Nenu* (2001). Bharani has acted in more than 750 films and has written books, plays, and devotional songs dedicated to Lord Shiva. He made his directorial debut with the Telugu drama *Mithunam* (2012), starring S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and Lakshmi, and received the CineMAA Special Jury Award for Best Direction. He played the priest Swamyji in S. S. Rajamouli's *Baahubali: The Beginning* (2015) and *Baahubali 2: The Conclusion* (2017). His Tamil film roles include appearances in *Ghilli* (2004) and *Vaathi* (2023). His 2024 releases include the political thriller *Prathinidhi 2*, the action film *Bhaje Vaayu Vegam*, Harish Shankar's *Mr. Bachchan*, the thriller *Kalinga*, and *Nindha*. His 2025 credits include Krish Jagarlamudi's period film *Hari Hara Veera Mallu*, Mohan Krishna Indraganti's comedy *Sarangapani Jathakam*, *Kishkindhapuri*, and Mani Ratnam's Tamil action-drama *Thug Life*. He has received three Nandi Awards and the Sahitya Puraskar for his literary work.
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Bāhubali: The Epic
Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo
Bruce Lee: The Fighter
Race Gurram
Naayak
Badrinath
Once Upon a Warrior
Boss
Youth
Love Today
Full Filmography
All Credits (381)
Sira
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Patta Pagalu
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Paataku Praanam
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The Paradise
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Kiku Chiranjeevi
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Raakaasa
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Andhela Ravamidhi
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Kishkindhapuri
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Meghalu Cheppina Prema Katha
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Thug Life
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Sarangapani Jathakam
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Katha Sudha
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Madhushala
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Neeli Megha Shyama
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Kalinga
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Bench Life
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Mr Bachchan
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Shivam Bhaje
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Nindha
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Honeymoon Express
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Manamey
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Bhaje Vaayu Vegam
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Vidya Vasula Aham
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Prathinidhi 2
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Sriranga Neethulu
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Karataka Damanaka
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Inti Number – 13
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Drill
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Dhootha
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Aadikeshava
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Mystery
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Mind Game
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Peddha Kapu - 1
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BRO
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Spy
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Raa Raa... Penimiti
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Kisi Ka Bhai... Kisi Ki Jaan
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Dochevaarevarura
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Mr. King
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Vaathi
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Premadesam
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HIT: The 2nd Case
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Andaru Bagundali Andulo Nenundali
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Geetha
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Alluri
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First Day First Show
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Wanted PanduGod
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Bimbisara
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Ramarao On Duty
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Godse
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F3: Fun and Frustration
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Shekar
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Sarkaru Vaari Paata
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Acharya
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Ghani
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Son of India
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Super Machi
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Skylab
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Raja Vikramarka
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SR Kalyanamandapam
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Krishna Rao Supermarket
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2 Hours Love
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DJ: Duvvada Jagannadham
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Ami Thumi
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Radha
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Bāhubali 2: The Conclusion
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Mister
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Guru
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Om Namo Venkatesaya
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Tiger
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Oh My Friend
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180
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Kudirithe Kappu Coffee
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Katha Screenplay Darsakatvam Appalaraju
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Collector Gari Bharya
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Oy!
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Boni
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Sontha ooru
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Nenu Meeku Telusa...?
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Satyam
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Victory
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Ready
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Souryam
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Game
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Bommalata
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Dhana 51
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Hungama
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Enakku 20 Unakku 18
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Okariki Okaru
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Kabaddi Kabaddi
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Juniors
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Manmadhudu
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Dhanalakshmi I Love You
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Nuvve... Nuvve...
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Okato Number Kurradu
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Sontham
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Avunu Valliddaru Ishtapaddaru!
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Indra
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Sreeram
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Allari
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O Chinadaana
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Takkari Donga
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The Rite, a Passion
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Student No. 1
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Family Circus
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Ammo Bomma
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NTR Nagar
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Amma Donga!
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Big Boss
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Money Money
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Lingababu Love Story
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Aame
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Kishkinda Kaanda
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Lucky Chance
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Swara Kalpana
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Chettu Kinda Pleader
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Lawyer Suhasini
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Sri Kanaka Mahalakshmi Recording Dance Troupe
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Ladies Tailor
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