Manikandan

Biography:

Manikandan, born in 1983, is an Indian actor renowned for his appearances in Tamil language films. His notable roles include performances in films like “Boys” (2003) and “Kicha Vayasu 16” (2005). A graduate in visual communications, Manikandan, initially part of Kala’s dance troupe, caught the attention of director Shankar during auditions.

This led to his selection for the coming-of-age film “Boys,” where he shared the screen with debutants Siddharth, Genelia D’Souza, Bharath, Nakul, and Thaman. Filming spanned throughout 2002, and the narrative focused on six youngsters, emphasizing the significance of education and career choices over distractions like romance and sex.

Departing from Shankar’s typical vigilante film style, “Boys” generated considerable pre-release buzz, receiving mixed reviews but achieving box office success. The ensemble cast, including Manikandan, was particularly lauded. Despite the success of his debut film, Manikandan faced challenges in the subsequent years. While his co-stars from “Boys” flourished in the industry, he struggled to garner acclaim and secure roles in high-profile films.

Director Shankar disclosed that Bharath had been chosen over Manikandan for the lead role in Balaji Sakthivel’s “Kaadhal” (2004), a decision that proved fruitful for Bharath’s career. Manikandan later received opportunities to play the lead in “Kadhal FM” (2005) and starred alongside Simran in “Kicha Vayasu 16.” Unfortunately, both films experienced low-key releases and failed to make an impact at the box office.

Subsequently, Manikandan found himself cast in a series of low-budget films, including “Gurusamy” and “Kaadhal 2014.” Despite the challenges, he continued to pursue his passion for acting in the Tamil film industry.