Kavin (actor)
Kavin | |
|---|---|
.jpg?lang=en) Kavin in 2024 | |
| Born | Kavin Raj 22 June 1990 Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Alma mater | Loyola College, Chennai |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 2006–2016 (television) 2012–present (films) |
| Spouse |
Monica David (m. 2023) |
| Awards | Full list |
Kavirajan (born 22 June 1990), known professionally as Kavin, is an Indian actor who predominantly works in Tamil cinema. In a career spanning over a decade, Kavin has appeared in several films and television shows, and is regarded as one of the promising actors of his generation. He has won awards for his work on television and achieved commercial success with multiple films.
Born in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, Kavin completed his education at Loyola College, Chennai. He made his television debut in the college edition of the series Kana Kaanum Kaalangal Kalloori Saalai (2006–2007), where he portrayed Siva, one of the lead characters. He continued working in television, appearing in supporting roles in Thayumanavan and the first season of Saravanan Meenatchi. In the second season of Saravanan Meenatchi, he played Vettaiyan, initially introduced as an antagonist but later becoming the protagonist. His performance earned him widespread acclaim and the Vijay Television Award for Favourite Actor Male in 2015. After the success of the show, Kavin decided to transition to Tamil cinema.
Kavin made minor appearances in films such as Pizza (2012) and Indru Netru Naalai (2015) before playing a supporting role in Sathriyan (2017). In 2019, he made his debut as a lead actor in the comedy film Natpuna Ennanu Theriyuma. The same year, he participated in the third season of Bigg Boss, where he gained immense popularity among audiences.[1][2][3] Following the show, he starred in the horror thriller Lift (2021), which was released on Disney+ Hotstar to positive reviews,[4] and worked as an assistant director in the film Doctor (2021). He also appeared in the romantic web series Akash Vaani (2022).
In 2023, Kavin starred in the coming-of-age romantic comedy drama Dada (2023), which opened to critical acclaim and commercial success, establishing him as a leading actor in Tamil cinema.[5] In 2024, he appeared in the coming-of-age romantic drama Star and the black comedy drama Bloody Beggar. Although these films received a more mixed response, his performances were praised by critics.[6][7] Star emerged as the highest-grossing film of his career, while Bloody Beggar became a box-office bomb.[8][9] His upcoming films, including the romantic comedies Hi and Kiss and the thriller Mask, are all scheduled for release in 2025.
Early life and family
[edit]Kavin pursued his education at Loyola College, Chennai. During his early college years, he started attending auditions conducted by Star Vijay. His first notable appearance on television was through the college edition of Kana Kaanum Kaalangal, where he portrayed Siva, one of the lead characters. He continued working with Star Vijay, appearing in supporting roles in the serials Thayumanavan and the first season of Saravanan Meenatchi.[10][11]
In the second season of Saravanan Meenatchi, Kavin initially played an antagonist. However, the character of his, Vettaiyan, underwent a transformation during the course of the series and became the main lead. His performance earned him widespread acclaim and he won the Vijay Television Award for Favourite Actor Male in 2015.[10][11]
After the end of Saravanan Meenatchi Season 2, Kavin chose to focus on building a career in the Tamil film industry, opting not to appear in further television serials.[12]
Film career
[edit]2012–2017: Early years
[edit]Prior to gaining recognition, Kavin had appeared in small roles in Karthik Subbaraj’s Pizza (2012) and R. Ravikumar’s Indru Netru Naalai (2015).[13][14]
In 2017, he played a supporting role as a doctor opposite Aishwarya Dutta in S. R. Prabhakaran’s Sathriyan (2017), featuring Vikram Prabhu and Manjima Mohan. Although Sathriyan received mixed reviews, it helped Kavin gain visibility.[15][16]
2019–2021: Breakthrough
[edit]Kavin's first lead role came with Natpuna Ennanu Theriyuma (2019), directed by Shiva Aravind, a friend he met during his Star Vijay days.[17][18] The film, where he starred opposite Remya Nambessan, faced several release delays due to distribution issues but eventually released to mixed reviews. Nevertheless, the film helped establish Kavin as a leading actor.[19][20][21]
In 2019, Kavin rose to wider fame by participating in the third season of Bigg Boss. His stint on the show significantly boosted his popularity among the Tamil audience.[22]
Following this, he played the lead in Lift (2021), directed by Vineeth Varaprasad. Released on Disney+ Hotstar, the film opened to positive response from critics and viewers alike.[23][4]
He also worked as an assistant director on the film Doctor (2021).[citation needed]
2022–present: Recent works
[edit]In 2022, Kavin starred in the romantic web series Akash Vaani, which premiered on February 11.[24] He achieved critical and commercial success with the film Dada (2023), earning praise for his performance.[25]
Having high expectations, Kavin's next, Star, was released in 2024 to mixed reviews.[26][27][28][29] Despite this, it emerged as the highest-grossing film of his career, continuing his growth as a bankable leading actor.[8] The same year, his fifth film as lead actor, Bloody Beggar, was released to mixed-to-negative reviews and became a box-office bomb.[9] However, after its theatrical run was completed and was released on its streaming platform, the film received a more positive response from viewers.[30]
Some of Kavin's upcoming films, Kiss, Mask and Hi, are all scheduled for release in 2025.[31][32][33] After completing these films, S. Lakshman Kumar, founder of Prince Pictures, revealed in October 2024 that Kavin would begin production for a project directed by Obeli N. Krishna and produced by him.[34]
Personal life
[edit]Kavin entered into a relationship with Monica David, a private school teacher, and the couple married on 20 August 2023.[35][36]
Filmography
[edit]Films
[edit]| † | Denotes film or TV productions that have not yet been released |
| Year | Films | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Pizza | Ghost researcher | Uncredited roles | |
| 2015 | Indru Netru Naalai | Anu's imaginary husband | ||
| 2017 | Sathriyan | Chandran | Supporting role | |
| 2019 | Natpuna Ennanu Theriyuma | Shiva | Debut as lead actor | |
| 2021 | Lift | Guruprasad | ||
| 2023 | Dada | Manikandan | ||
| 2024 | Star | Kalaiarasan | [37] | |
| Bloody Beggar | Beggar | [38] | ||
| 2025 | Kiss † | TBA | Post-production | [39] |
| Mask † | TBA | Filming | [40] | |
| Hi † | TBA | Filming | [41] |
Web series
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Akash Vaani | Akaash | [42] |
Television
[edit]| Year | Serial / show | Role | Channel | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011–2012 | Kana Kaanum Kaalangal Kalloori Salai Season 2 | Siva | Star Vijay | |
| 2013–2014 | Thayumanavan | Vicky | ||
| 2012–2013 | Saravanan Meenatchi | Murugan | ||
| 2013–2016 | Saravanan Meenatchi Season 2 | Saravana Perumal "Saravanan" (Vettaiyan) | Lead role | |
| 2019 | Bigg Boss Tamil – Season 3 | Contestant | Walked out with 5 lakhs | |
| 2021 | Bigg Boss Tamil – Season 4 | Guest | ||
| 2021 | Bigg Boss Tamil – Season 5 | Guest | ||
| 2023 | Bigg Boss Tamil – Season 6 | Guest | ||
| 2024 | Bigg Boss Tamil – Season 8 | Guest |
Host
[edit]- Vettaiyadu Vilaiyadu for Star Vijay
- Filmfare Awards South 2018 Tamil version for Star Vijay
- Vijay Television Awards 2015 & 2017 for Star Vijay
- Kings of Dance (season 1) for Star Vijay
- Jailer Audio Launch (2023) for Sun TV
Music video
[edit]- "Asku Maaro" for Sony Music South
Awards
[edit]- Awards
| Year | Award | Show / film | Role | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Vijay Television Awards for Favourite Actor Male | Saravanan Meenatchi | Saravana Perumal alias Vettaiyan | |
| 2019 | Game Changer Award | Bigg Boss Tamil 3 | ||
| 2019 | Behindwoods Gold Medal Awards for Most Popular Person on Television | Bigg Boss Tamil 3 | ||
| 2019 | Chennai Times Most Desirable Man on Television | |||
| 2019 | Chennai Times Most Desirable Man on 6th position | |||
| 2020 | Viral Song of the Year 2019 | Bigg Boss Tamil 3 | "We are the boyz" | |
| 2021 | Chennai Times Most Desirable Man (16th Position) | |||
| 2022 | Best Actor Male OTT – Blacksheep Digital Awards | Lift | ||
| 2023 | People's Favourite Actor of the Year – Behindwoods Gold Icons 2023 | Dada | ||
| 2024 | Most Promising Actor of the Year – South Indian International Movie Awards 2024 | Dada |
References
[edit]- ^ "Bigg Boss Tamil 8: Former contestant Kavin to enter BB house for film promotion?". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 26 April 2025.
- ^ "Watch Actor Kavin on 'DaDa' and the road to success". thehindu.com. 21 February 2023.
- ^ "Bigg Boss Tamil 3 fame Kavin still enjoys video games; watch". timesofindia.com. 11 September 2020.
- ^ a b "Lift Review Kavin Starrer is a refreshing horror movie on the corporate trap". indianexpress.com. 2 October 2021.
- ^ "As 'Dada' makes its digital premiere, Kavin says his 12 years dream has come true". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 26 April 2025.
- ^ B, Jayabhuvaneshwari (11 October 2024). "Kavin: I've learned a lot from Star's mixed reviews". Cinema Express. Retrieved 26 April 2025.
- ^ "Here's how much Kavin charged for his versatile role in 'Bloody Beggar'". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 26 April 2025.
- ^ a b "Kavin's 'Star' is now the highest-grossing film of the actor; reaches Rs 25 crore at the box office". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 26 April 2025.
- ^ a b "Nelson Dilipkumar's kind gesture for 'Blood Beggar' steals millions of hearts". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 26 April 2025.
- ^ a b "Kavin shares his experience of being an ardent Ajith fan". Behindwoods.com. 20 June 2017.
- ^ a b "Vettaiyan gave me the break: Kavin". The Times of India.
- ^ "New season of Saravanan Meenakshi to begin". The Times of India.
- ^ "Did you know, Kavin appeared in Vijay Sethupathi's super hit film Pizza?". The Times of India.
- ^ "Kavin, the accidental hero". Cinema Express.
- ^ "Vikram Prabhu's Sathriyan is based on a True incident happened in Trichy". IndiaGlitz.com. 31 January 2017.
- ^ "Sathriyan (aka) Mudisooda Mannan review". Behindwoods.com. 10 June 2017.
- ^ "Natpuna Ennanu Theriyuma will be entertaining and worth the ticket price: Kavin". The New Indian Express.
- ^ "Three friends and Remya Nambeesan!". The Times of India.
- ^ "Release Of Natpuna Ennanu Theriyuma Postponed Due To Unavailability Of Screens". Silverscreen.com. 11 October 2018. Archived from the original on 17 May 2019.
- ^ "Natpuna Ennanu Theriyuma Movie Review {2.5/5}: Critic Review of Natpuna Ennanu Theriyuma". The Times of India.
- ^ "Natpuna Ennanu Theriyuma Review: Confused execution salvaged by efficient gags". Cinema Express.
- ^ "Bigg Boss Tamil 3: Meet the contestants". The Indian Express. 24 June 2019.
- ^ Sunder, Gautam (30 September 2021). "Actor Kavin on making his comeback with 'Lift,' and why director Nelson is his rockstar". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 2 October 2021. Retrieved 2 October 2021.
- ^ "Akash Vaani Trailer starring Kavin, Reba John".
- ^ "dada-movie-review-kavin-aparna-das-impress-in-this-emotional-". www.thehindu.com. 10 February 2023.
- ^ "'Star' Twitter review: Kavin's film is a blockbuster, rate netizens". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 26 April 2025.
- ^ Srinivasan, Sudhir (10 May 2024). "Star Movie Review: Some momentary joys in this not-so-deep take on pursuit of passion". Cinema Express. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
- ^ "'Star' Review: Kavin, Elan's coming-of-age film falls short of excellence". India Today. 10 May 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
- ^ "'Star' box office collection day 1: A record start for Kavin at the box office". The Times of India. 11 May 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
- ^ "Weeks after release, Kavin's Bloody Beggar begins to get positive word of mouth only now". www.ottplay.com. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
- ^ "விக்ரம்மின் வீர தீர சூரன் படத்தோடு மோதுகிறதா கவினின் 'கிஸ்' திரைப்படம்?". Webdunia (in Tamil). Retrieved 26 April 2025.
- ^ "கவின், ஆண்ட்ரியா நடிக்கும் 'மாஸ்க்'.. ஃபர்ஸ்ட் லுக் போஸ்டர்கள் ரிலீஸ்..!". Webdunia (in Tamil). Retrieved 26 April 2025.
- ^ "நயன்தாரா - கவின் இணையும் 'ஹாய்'". இந்து தமிழ் திசை (in Tamil). 27 October 2024. Retrieved 26 April 2025.
- ^ "Kavin set to join hands with Pathu Thala director Obeli N Krishna". The Indian Express. 29 October 2024. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
- ^ "Actor Kavin gets married to beau Monicka David; pics inside". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 26 April 2025.
- ^ "Kavin to marry his longtime girlfriend Monica on August 20. Details inside". India Today. 2 August 2023. Retrieved 26 April 2025.
- ^ "Star: Kavin, Elan movie sets eyes on Valentine's day release". www.moviecrow.com. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
- ^ "Kavin's 'Bloody Beggar' to release for Diwali". www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com. 3 September 2024.
- ^ "'Kiss' teaser: Kavin stars as a youth against love, romance and Valentine's Day". www.thehindu.com. Retrieved 25 February 2025.
- ^ "Kavin – Andrea Jeremiah team up for 'Mask'; Vetrimaaran to produce the film". www.thehindu.com. Retrieved 18 May 2024.
- ^ "Kavin and Nayanthara's film with Vishnu Edavan goes on floors with a muhurat puja". www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com. 12 July 2024.
- ^ "Kavin, Reba Monica John-starrer Akash Vaani goes on floors". Cinema Express. Retrieved 2 August 2021.