Vinodhini Vaidyanathan

Biography:

Vinodhini Vaidyanathan is an accomplished Indian actress and writer with a significant presence in Tamil cinema and theater. Her entry into the film world began with A. R. Murugadoss’s “Engaeyum Eppothum,” where she portrayed Ananya’s sister. Her notable performances are recognized in films like “OK Kanmani” (2015), “Appa” (2016), “Aandavan Kattalai” (2016), “Ratsasan” (2018), “Comali” (2019), “Game Over” (2019), “Ponmagal Vandhal” (2020), “Soorarai Pottru” (2020), “Ponniyin Selvan: I” (2022), and “Ponniyin Selvan: II” (2023).

Vinodhini’s journey began with her appearance in Priyadarshan’s “Kanchivaram” (2009), a film she was selected for after catching the director’s attention during her performance with the Tamil theater group, Koothu-P-Pattarai. Her role in the critically acclaimed film garnered attention at the National Film Awards. Director Saravanan noticed her solo act titled “Saami Aattam” and cast her in his movie “Engeyum Eppodhum” (2011). Her portrayal of Ananya’s sister in the film was well-received.

Over the years, Vinodhini appeared in various films including the comedy “Varuthapadatha Valibar Sangam” (2013), the horror film “Pisaasu” (2014), and collaborations with Mani Ratnam in “Kadal” (2013) and “O Kadhal Kanmani” (2015). She played notable supporting roles, such as a gangster’s wife in Karthik Subbaraj’s “Jigarthanda” (2014) and the leading role of Balu Mahendra’s “Thalaimuraigal” (2013), where she portrayed his daughter.

Her performances gained recognition, leading her to win the Best Performance in a Comedy Role (Female) at the Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards for her role in “Aandavan Kattalai” (2016). Beyond films, Vinodhini is also known for her involvement in theater. She is a playwright and theater director, and her theater group “Theatre Zero” has presented various plays, including “Petti Kathaigal,” “Aayirathoru Iravugal,” and “Nagercoil Expressum Nadaga Companyum.”

Apart from her involvement in the arts, Vinodhini is also an accomplished writer. She has published short stories and articles in platforms like Silverscreen.in, The Madras Mag, The News Minute, and The Hindu (Tamil). Vinodhini’s educational background includes a B.Sc. from Ethiraj College for Women, a master’s degree in Human Resources Management from XIME, Bangalore, a second master’s degree in Psychology from the University of Madras, and a PG Diploma in Yoga Therapy from Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram.