Biography
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.
Acting credits 132 titles
The Paradise
Film
2026
4.4
Kiku Chiranjeevi
Film
2026
Raakaasa
Film
2026
6.5
Bāhubali: The Epic
as Swami
Film
2025
6.3
Kishkindhapuri
as Bhushan Verma
Film
2025
5.6
Thug Life
as Sivaguru
Film
2025
5.1
Sarangapani Jathakam
as Ahobila Rao
Film
2025
5.7
Katha Sudha
Series
2025–
Kalinga
Film
2024
3.8
Bench Life
Series
2024–
8.0
Mr Bachchan
Film
2024
3.0
Shivam Bhaje
Film
2024
7.0
Honeymoon Express
as Bala
Film
2024
4.0
Manamey
as Mahendra
Film
2024
Bhaje Vaayu Vegam
Film
2024
6.2
Prathinidhi 2
Film
2024
6.0
Sriranga Neethulu
Film
2024
7.0
Karataka Damanaka
Film
2024
2.0
Sarkaaru Noukari
as Sarpanch
Film
2024
7.0
Dhootha
as Raghavayya
Series
2023–
7.2
Aadikeshava
Film
2023
6.2
Mystery
Film
2023
Peddha Kapu - 1
Film
2023
7.2
BRO
as Singinadham
Film
2023
6.4
Spy
as Subhash and Jai's father
Film
2023
5.3
Raa Raa... Penimiti
as (Voice Only)
Film
2023
5.0
Mr. King
Film
2023
7.0
Vaathi
as Thanigachalam
Film
2023
6.8
Premadesam
Film
2023
7.0
Dhamaka
as Vasudeva Rao
Film
2022
4.2
Cheppalani Undhi
Film
2022
7.0
HIT: The 2nd Case
as Ramu, Sanjana's Father
Film
2022
6.9
Andaru Bagundali Andulo Nenundali
Film
2022
6.0
Alluri
Film
2022
4.5
First Day First Show
as Sreenu's Father
Film
2022
4.3
Wanted PanduGod
Film
2022
7.0
Bimbisara
as The Priest
Film
2022
5.6
Ramarao On Duty
Film
2022
5.5
Godse
Film
2022
4.6
Sarkaru Vaari Paata
as Master
Film
2022
5.1
Acharya
as Priest
Film
2022
3.9
Ghani
Film
2022
5.6
Bheemla Nayak
as MLA
Film
2022
5.8
Son of India
Film
2022
4.0
Super Machi
Film
2022
9.0
Skylab
as Sadasivam, Anand's Grandfather
Film
2021
8.2
Drushyam 2
as Vinay Chandra
Film
2021
7.3
Raja Vikramarka
Film
2021
7.2
Eakam
as Appayya Panthulu / Outdated Priest
Film
2021
7.2
Pelli SandaD
as Vashishta's Uncle
Film
2021
4.5
Raja Raja Chora
as Ganapthi
Film
2021
7.3
SR Kalyanamandapam
Film
2021
6.5
Gaali Sampath
Film
2021
4.7
Jathi Ratnalu
as Govindu
Film
2021
7.0
April 28th Em Jarigindi
as Producer of Movie
Film
2021
6.0
Bangaru Bullodu
Film
2021
6.0
Bombhaat
as Varaha Murthy
Film
2020
6.0
Maa Vintha Gaadha Vinuma
Film
2020
5.8
V
as IG Y. V. Narendra
Film
2020
6.6
Pressure Cooker
Film
2020
5.6
Entha Manchivaadavuraa
as Rama Sharma
Film
2020
5.7
Sarileru Neekevvaru
as Venkateshwar Anandaraju
Film
2020
5.9
Krishna Rao Supermarket
Film
2019
3.0
Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy
as Govindayya Sharma
Film
2019
6.3
2 Hours Love
Film
2019
5.0
1st Rank Raju
Film
2019
3.0
Sita
Film
2019
5.8
Maharshi
as Ravi's father
Film
2019
6.6
Vijetha
Film
2018
6.0
Pantham
as Trust chairman Tilak
Film
2018
6.2
Jamba Lakidi Pamba
Film
2018
7.0
Sammohanam
as Shyam Prasad
Film
2018
6.9
Naa Nuvve
Film
2018
5.0
Nela Ticket
as C.M.
Film
2018
4.6
Gayatri
Film
2018
3.0
Agnyaathavaasi
as Abhi's uncle
Film
2018
3.8
Raja the Great
as Mailaramgadda
Film
2017
5.9
Kathalo Rajakumari
Film
2017
10.0
Nene Raju Nene Mantri
as Chief Minister
Film
2017
6.3
Goutham Nanda
as Waiter
Film
2017
6.4
Shamantakamani
as A.K.Ganapathi Sastry
Film
2017
5.3
Ninnu Kori
as Murthy
Film
2017
6.3
DJ: Duvvada Jagannadham
as Duvvada Subrahmanya Sastry
Film
2017
5.7
Ami Thumi
as Janardhan
Film
2017
4.0
Radha
as Radhakrishnan's Father
Film
2017
5.4
Bāhubali 2: The Conclusion
as Swami (voice) (uncredited)
Film
2017
7.5
Mister
as Gundappa Naidu
Film
2017
4.6
Guru
Film
2017
7.4
Om Namo Venkatesaya
as Rama's Father
Film
2017
4.3
Shatamanam Bhavati
as Chalaram (Cameo)
Film
2017
6.3
Gautamiputra Satakarni
as Deva Dattudu
Film
2017
5.3
Ekkadiki Pothavu Chinnavada
as Amala's Father
Film
2016
6.2
Ism
as Sathya's father
Film
2016
6.0
Jyo Achyutananda
as Sudoku Murthy
Film
2016
7.1
Srirastu Subhamastu
as Anu's would-be father in law
Film
2016
4.7
Gentleman
as Mohan
Film
2016
6.9
Okka Ammayi Thappa
Film
2016
3.0
Brahmotsavam
as Sathyaraj's Friend
Film
2016
4.7
Sardaar Gabbar Singh
as Gabbar Singh's Guardian
Film
2016
4.4
Oopiri
as Kaalidasu
Film
2016
7.1
Garam
Film
2016
4.0
Bāhubali: The Beginning
as Swamiji
Film
2015
7.6
Bandipotu
as Makrandam
Film
2015
6.0
Naayak
as judge
Film
2013
4.9
Oosaravelli
as Rakesh's Father
Film
2011
5.4
Badrinath
as Badri's Father
Film
2011
3.9
Ragada
Film
2010
5.2
Collector Gari Bharya
Film
2010
Shambo Shiva Shambo
Film
2010
7.0
Bommana Brothers Chandana Sisters
as Bommana brothers' father
Film
2008
5.0
Azhagiya Tamil Magan
as Guru's Father
Film
2007
5.4
Bommalata
Film
2006
Jai Chiranjeeva
Film
2005
6.2
Political Rowdy
Film
2005
2.0
Dhana 51
Film
2005
Sravana Masam
Film
2005
Sye
as Prudhvi's Father
Film
2004
6.6
Gambeeram
as Minister Rajendran
Film
2004
5.0
Ela Cheppanu
Film
2003
4.7
Manmadhudu
as Prasad
Film
2002
7.4
NTR Nagar
Film
2000
Nuvvu Vasthavani
Film
2000
6.2
Raja
Film
1999
7.6
Mama Bagunnava
Film
1997
Family
Film
1996
Sogasu Chuda Taramaa
Film
1995
10.0
Ghatotkachudu
as Thota Ramudu
Film
1995
7.0
Aame
as Pattabhi
Film
1994
8.0
Subhalagnam
as Doctor
Film
1994
8.5
Allarodu
Film
1994
Lucky Chance
Film
1994
9.0
Gaayam
as Lawyer Saab
Film
1993
7.3
Nessun credito corrisponde a questo filtro.
Nessun titolo annunciato per ora.
Conosciuto per
6.5
Film
Raakaasa
2026
4.4
Film
The Paradise
2026
7.6
Film
Bāhubali: The Beginning
Swamiji
2015
6.3
Film
Bāhubali: The Epic
Swami
2025
7.5
Film
Bāhubali 2: The Conclusion
Swami (voice) (uncredited)
2017
0.0
Series
Katha Sudha
2025–
8.0
Film
Aame
Pattabhi
1994
7.0
Film
Shambo Shiva Shambo
2010
6.2
Film
Nuvvu Vasthavani
2000
2.0
Film
Political Rowdy
2005
5.0
Film
Bommana Brothers Chandana Sisters
Bommana brothers' father
2008
0.0
Film
Mystery
2023
0.0
Film
Bommalata
2006
0.0
Film
Collector Gari Bharya
2010
0.0
Film
NTR Nagar
2000
0.0
Film
Sravana Masam
2005
0.0
Film
Allarodu
1994
5.6
Film
Pressure Cooker
2020
0.0
Film
Dhana 51
2005
0.0
Film
Family
1996
4.7
Film
Ela Cheppanu
2003
9.0
Film
Lucky Chance
1994
7.2
Series
Dhootha
Raghavayya
2023–
3.9
Film
Badrinath
Badri's Father
2011
7.3
Film
Gaayam
Lawyer Saab
1993
7.0
Film
Ghatotkachudu
Thota Ramudu
1995
0.0
Film
Mama Bagunnava
1997
6.6
Film
Sye
Prudhvi's Father
2004
8.5
Film
Subhalagnam
Doctor
1994
10.0
Film
Sogasu Chuda Taramaa
1995
6.0
Film
Bandipotu
Makrandam
2015
6.2
Film
Jai Chiranjeeva
2005
5.4
Film
Oosaravelli
Rakesh's Father
2011
7.4
Film
Manmadhudu
Prasad
2002
4.9
Film
Naayak
judge
2013
5.2
Film
Ragada
2010
5.0
Film
Gambeeram
Minister Rajendran
2004
0.0
Film
Manamey
Mahendra
2024
6.6
Film
V
IG Y. V. Narendra
2020
7.6
Film
Raja
1999
5.6
Film
Kishkindhapuri
Bhushan Verma
2025
0.0
Film
Kiku Chiranjeevi
2026
6.3
Film
Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy
Govindayya Sharma
2019
8.0
Series
Bench Life
2024–
3.9
Film
Acharya
Priest
2022
5.4
Film
Azhagiya Tamil Magan
Guru's Father
2007
5.9
Film
Sarileru Neekevvaru
Venkateshwar Anandaraju
2020
6.2
Film
Ekkadiki Pothavu Chinnavada
Amala's Father
2016
5.1
Film
Thug Life
Sivaguru
2025
6.9
Film
HIT: The 2nd Case
Ramu, Sanjana's Father
2022
6.8
Film
Vaathi
Thanigachalam
2023
5.7
Film
DJ: Duvvada Jagannadham
Duvvada Subrahmanya Sastry
2017
5.0
Film
Naa Nuvve
2018
3.8
Film
Agnyaathavaasi
Abhi's uncle
2018
5.1
Film
Sarkaru Vaari Paata
Master
2022
4.7
Film
Srirastu Subhamastu
Anu's would-be father in law
2016
6.6
Film
Maharshi
Ravi's father
2019
3.8
Film
Kalinga
2024
6.3
Film
Nene Raju Nene Mantri
Chief Minister
2017
7.0
Film
Shivam Bhaje
2024
6.2
Film
Aadikeshava
2023
7.1
Film
Oopiri
Kaalidasu
2016
6.9
Film
Gentleman
Mohan
2016
4.4
Film
Sardaar Gabbar Singh
Gabbar Singh's Guardian
2016
6.4
Film
BRO
Singinadham
2023
4.5
Film
Pelli SandaD
Vashishta's Uncle
2021
6.3
Film
Ninnu Kori
Murthy
2017
7.0
Film
Jathi Ratnalu
Govindu
2021
5.9
Film
Raja the Great
Mailaramgadda
2017
3.0
Film
1st Rank Raju
2019
5.8
Film
Sita
2019
7.0
Film
Wanted PanduGod
2022
7.0
Film
Mr. King
2023
5.5
Film
Ramarao On Duty
2022
5.8
Film
Bheemla Nayak
MLA
2022
5.4
Film
Radha
Radhakrishnan's Father
2017
4.2
Film
Dhamaka
Vasudeva Rao
2022
4.7
Film
Brahmotsavam
Sathyaraj's Friend
2016
6.4
Film
Goutham Nanda
Waiter
2017
6.0
Film
Vijetha
2018
4.0
Film
Son of India
2022
3.0
Film
Mr Bachchan
2024
4.5
Film
Alluri
2022
6.3
Film
Shatamanam Bhavati
Chalaram (Cameo)
2017
5.3
Film
Spy
Subhash and Jai's father
2023
5.3
Film
Gautamiputra Satakarni
Deva Dattudu
2017
3.0
Film
Okka Ammayi Thappa
2016
4.3
Film
Om Namo Venkatesaya
Rama's Father
2017
6.2
Film
Bhaje Vaayu Vegam
2024
7.0
Film
Cheppalani Undhi
2022
4.6
Film
Godse
2022
7.2
Film
Peddha Kapu - 1
2023
6.0
Film
Andaru Bagundali Andulo Nenundali
2022
5.6
Film
Bimbisara
The Priest
2022
7.0
Film
Jamba Lakidi Pamba
2018
5.7
Film
Sarangapani Jathakam
Ahobila Rao
2025
4.7
Film
Gaali Sampath
2021
4.6
Film
Mister
Gundappa Naidu
2017
7.0
Film
Premadesam
2023
3.0
Film
Gayatri
2018
9.0
Film
Super Machi
2022
4.0
Film
Garam
2016
6.2
Film
Pantham
Trust chairman Tilak
2018
6.0
Film
Prathinidhi 2
2024
7.2
Film
Eakam
Appayya Panthulu / Outdated Priest
2021
6.9
Film
Sammohanam
Shyam Prasad
2018
4.6
Film
Nela Ticket
C.M.
2018
10.0
Film
Kathalo Rajakumari
2017
5.3
Film
Shamantakamani
A.K.Ganapathi Sastry
2017
7.2
Film
Raja Vikramarka
2021
5.6
Film
Ghani
2022
7.3
Film
Drushyam 2
Vinay Chandra
2021
7.3
Film
Raja Raja Chora
Ganapthi
2021
6.0
Film
Ism
Sathya's father
2016
4.0
Film
Honeymoon Express
Bala
2024
5.7
Film
Entha Manchivaadavuraa
Rama Sharma
2020
4.3
Film
First Day First Show
Sreenu's Father
2022
6.5
Film
SR Kalyanamandapam
2021
6.0
Film
Bombhaat
Varaha Murthy
2020
7.4
Film
Guru
2017
2.0
Film
Karataka Damanaka
2024
8.2
Film
Skylab
Sadasivam, Anand's Grandfather
2021
7.1
Film
Jyo Achyutananda
Sudoku Murthy
2016
7.0
Film
Sarkaaru Noukari
Sarpanch
2024
6.0
Film
April 28th Em Jarigindi
Producer of Movie
2021
6.0
Film
Bangaru Bullodu
2021
4.0
Film
Ami Thumi
Janardhan
2017
5.0
Film
Raa Raa... Penimiti
(Voice Only)
2023
5.8
Film
Maa Vintha Gaadha Vinuma
2020
5.0
Film
2 Hours Love
2019
3.0
Film
Krishna Rao Supermarket
2019
7.0
Film
Sriranga Neethulu
2024