| Aari Arujunan | |
| Birth Place: | Palani,Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Nationality: | Indian |
| Occupation: | Actor |
| Years Active: | 2004–present |
| Children: | 2 |
Aari Arujunan is an Indian actor who has appeared in Tamil language films. He made his lead debut in Rettaisuzhi (2010) produced by director Shankar, before having a breakthrough performance as Murugan in Nedunchaalai (2014) and starring in the supernatural thriller Maya. In 2021, he emerged as the title winner of the Tamil reality television show Bigg Boss Tamil Season 4.
Aari, before entering films, had background in theatre featuring in productions by Magic Lantern, Theatre Nisha and Inland Theatres.[1] [2] He appeared in a minor role in Alaiyadikkuthu (2005) and was later cast in the role of Muthu in Aadum Koothu (2006).[3] Aari made his lead debut in Rettaisuzhi, produced by director Shankar. He appeared as Murthy, an army man, returning to his village.He is the only actor to act with two legendary directors Balachandar and Bharathiraja in the same film in Rettaisuzhi movie.
In October 2011 it was announced that Aari would feature in Maalai Pozhudhin Mayakathilaey and would star alongside winner of Miss South India 2010, Shubha Phutela. Aari mentioned that it was "really challenging to play an ordinary guy", as he had to consciously keep his emotions to a minimum at all times.[4]
Aari portrayed the lead role in N. Krishna's third venture, a romantic road trip film titled Nedunchaalai (2014), a period film set in the 1980, which took two years to complete.[5] Post-release, a critic noted "Aari immerses himself in the central character of Murugan with such conviction and controlled flair that it becomes impossible to separate the actor from the part".[6] The film opened to positive reviews.[7] His following venture, the comedy Kadai Enn 6, remains unreleased.[8] Another venture Dharani directed by newcomer Guhan Sambandham, released in 2015, which did not perform well. In the same year he played a pivotal role in Maya, supernatural thriller alongside Nayanthara. Maya was a huge success at the box office and was critically acclaimed. He was again cast in a lead role in N.Krishna's next venture, Maane Thene Paeye, a romantic comedy opposite Subhashree Ganguly, which was dropped halfway. In 2016, he was seen in Unnodu Ka, a commercial entertainer opposite to Maya, which performed average in the box office. Later, he was cast in horror comedy Nagesh Thirayarangam in lead role opposite Ashna Zaveri. His next ventures to be released include Ellam Mele Irukkuruvan Pathuppan, a sci fi movie with alien backdrop, then Aleka, a romantic thriller, Bagavan mythological drama and an action thriller titled TN-43.[9] He has also been roped in to play a significant role in Nenjuku Needhi, alongside Udhayanidhi Stalin directed by Arunraja Kamaraj, the official remake of critically acclaimed Hindi film Article 15.[10]
In January 2021, he emerged as the title winner in the reality show Bigg Boss Tamil 4.[11]
After Big boss Tamil he acted a movie name called Nenjukukku Needhi (Article 15 Tamil Version″).[12] [13]
Aari was born in Palani, Tamil Nadu.He married Nathiya (Sri Lankan) - UK citizen and HR Manager Chennai on 18 November 2015 and the reception was held on 19 November 2015 in Taj Connemara.The couple has one child named Riya.In 2023,he became a father of a boy Ranatheeran.
He is also a body sculptor and fitness coach, who has mentored actors Cheran, Ameer, Sasikumar, Parthiban, Jiiva, Aadhi Pinisetty, etc.
As a social activist, he has supported Tamil culture, language and agriculture. In 2018, he started a '' (Tamil Signature) movement where he wanted all the Tamil people to sign documents in Tamil script. He holds the Guinness Book of World Records for most signatures on a whiteboard. He also holds the Guinness World Record for planting approximately 30,000 seedlings with 20,000 participants, in a 15-acre land, in collaboration with Sathyabama University. In 2017 he actively participated in Jallikattu protests held in Marina beach, Chennai. Aari Arjunan also broke record by garnering over 2.1 crore votes and emerging as the winner of Bigg Boss Tamil Season 4, the highest number of votes any winner has received in the series.[14]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Alaiyadikkuthu | Brindha's husband | Credited as Akhil Kumar |
| 2008 | Aadum Koothu | Muthu | |
| 2010 | Rettaisuzhi | Murthy | |
| 2012 | Maalai Pozhudhin Mayakathilaey | Ajay | |
| 2014 | Nedunchaalai | Murugan | |
| 2015 | Dharani | Shekar | |
| Maya | Vasanth / Arjun | ||
| 2016 | Unnodu Ka | Siva | |
| 2017 | Mupparimanam | Himself | Special appearance in a Song "Let's Go Party" |
| 2018 | Nagesh Thiraiyarangam | Nagesh | |
| 2022 | Nenjuku Needhi | Kumaran | |
| 2023 | Ellaam Mela Irukuravan Paathuppan | Ragu | Direct Television premier on Colors Tamil |
| Aleka | Joseph Vijay | delayed[15] | |
| Bagavan | delayed[16] | ||
| TN 43 | Filming | ||
| Man | Filming |
| Year | Title | Role | Channel | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Manadhaal Inaivom Maatrathai Varaverppom - Zee Tamil Brand Film | Aari As Himself | Zee Tamil | Co-starring Jyothika, directed By Sudha Kongara Brand Shorts For Zee Tamil[17] [18] |
| 2019 | Vanakkam Tamizha | Guest | Sun TV | |
| 2020–2021 | Bigg Boss Tamil Season 4 | Contestant | Winner | |
| 2021 | Bigg Boss Season 4 Kondattam | Guest | Celebration of Bigg Boss Season 4 | |
| Bharathi Kannamma & Raja Rani Season 2 Maha Sangamam | Himself | Special Appearance | ||
| BB Jodigal | Guest | Grand Launch | ||
| 2022 | Namma Vettu Kalyanam | STAR Vijay Music | Couple Show;Along With Nathiya | |
| 2024 | Cheran’s Journey | S. Pranav | streaming television series | |
| 2024-present | Vaa Thamizha Vaa season 3 | Host | Kalaignar TV | Reality debate show |
| Year | Cateogary | Awards | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Bigg Boss Tamil 4 | Title Winner | He became the Title winner of the Reality Show [19] |
| 2018 | FETNA | Guinness World Record | His Signature Campaign along with FETNA in America |
| 2017 | Transplanting Seedlings | Guinness World Record | Transplanting Seedlings with 3000 students from Sathyabhama University |
| 2017 | Youth Icon Award | Trikona Awards | For exemplary work for the betterment of society and motivating Youth |
| 2016 | Youth Icon Award | Take Care India | Association with DR.APJ - Abdul Kalam International Foundation |
| 2015 | Best Actor | V4 Award | Film Nedunchaalai |
| 2014 | Best Actor | Films Fans Association 62nd Annual Award | Film - Nedunchaalai |