Meet the Cast of Vaathi: The Action Drama Starring Dhanush
Vaathi is a highly anticipated action drama film that is set to release on February 17, 2023. The film is written and directed by Venky Atluri and produced by Sithara Entertainments and Fortune Four Cinemas. The film features Dhanush, who is making his Telugu debut, as a teacher who fights against the privatization of education. The film also stars Samyuktha Menon, Sai Kumar, Tanikella Bharani, Samuthirakani and many others in pivotal roles. The film was shot simultaneously in Tamil and Telugu, with the latter titled as Sir.
If you are curious to know more about the cast of Vaathi, here is a brief introduction to the main actors and their characters in the film.
Dhanush as Balamurugan/Bala Gangadhar Tilak
Dhanush is one of the most popular and versatile actors in Indian cinema. He has won several awards, including four National Film Awards and a Filmfare Award. He is also a singer, producer, director and writer. He has worked in Tamil, Hindi, English and French films. Some of his notable films include Aadukalam, Raanjhanaa, Asuran, Karnan and The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir.
In Vaathi, Dhanush plays the role of Balamurugan (Tamil) or Bala Gangadhar Tilak (Telugu), a young man who becomes a teacher in a village government college and struggles against the privatization of education. He is also a former student of the college and has a past that connects him to the present. Dhanush’s performance in the film is expected to be intense and impactful.
Samyuktha Menon as Meenakshi
Samyuktha Menon is an actress who works predominantly in Malayalam cinema. She made her debut in 2016 with Popcorn and rose to fame with her roles in films like Theevandi, Kalki and Edakkad Battalion 06. She has also acted in Tamil and Telugu films.
In Vaathi, Samyuktha Menon plays the role of Meenakshi, a student of Balamurugan/Bala Gangadhar Tilak who falls in love with him. She is also a bright and ambitious girl who wants to pursue higher education. Samyuktha Menon’s chemistry with Dhanush is one of the highlights of the film.
Sai Kumar as President Patthi Papa Rao
Sai Kumar is an actor and dubbing artist who works in Telugu, Kannada and Tamil cinema. He is known for his powerful voice and dialogue delivery. He has acted in over 200 films and has won several awards, including three Nandi Awards and two Filmfare Awards South. Some of his notable films include Police Story, Prasthanam, Yevadu and Srimanthudu.
In Vaathi, Sai Kumar plays the role of President Patthi Papa Rao, a corrupt politician who runs a private educational institute that exploits students and parents for money. He is also the main antagonist of the film who opposes Balamurugan/Bala Gangadhar Tilak’s mission to provide quality education to everyone.
Tanikella Bharani as Thanigachalam
Tanikella Bharani is an actor, writer and director who works mainly in Telugu cinema. He has acted in over 750 films and has won several awards, including four Nandi Awards and two CineMAA Awards. He is also a renowned playwright and poet. Some of his notable films include Shiva, Baahubali: The Beginning, Nuvvu Nenu and Midhunam.
In Vaathi, Tanikella Bharani plays the role of Thanigachalam, a senior lecturer at the village government college where Balamurugan/Bala Gangadhar Tilak works. He is also a mentor and friend to him who supports his cause.
Samuthirakani as Srinivas Tripathi
Samuthirakani is an actor, director and writer who works in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam cinema. He has won several awards, including two National Film Awards and four Filmfare Awards South. He is known for his roles in films like Subramaniapuram, Naadodigal, Visaranai and Kaala.
In Vaathi, Samuthirakani plays the role of Srinivas Tripathi, the owner of Tripathi Educational Institutes, a chain of private colleges that offer professional courses. He is also a former student of the village government college and a friend of Balamurugan/Bala Gangadhar Tilak. He has a different perspective on education and business.
Other Cast Members
The film also features many other talented actors in supporting roles, such as:
- Ken Karunas as Muthu, a friend of Balamurugan/Bala Gangadhar Tilak
- Hyper Aadi as Karthik, a friend of Balamurugan/Bala Gangadhar Tilak
- Ilavarasu as Education Minister, a politician who is in cahoots with President Patthi Papa Rao
- Chandu Kanuri as Student, a student of Balamurugan/Bala Gangadhar Tilak who helps him in his mission
- Ramesh Konambhotla as Tailor, a tailor who makes clothes for Balamurugan/Bala Gangadhar Tilak
- Thotapalli Madhu as Naga Mahesh, a henchman of President Patthi Papa Rao
- Aadukalam Naren as Bala’s Father, the father of Balamurugan/Bala Gangadhar Tilak who is proud of his son
- Hareesh Peradi as Ansari, a friend and colleague of Balamurugan/Bala Gangadhar Tilak
- Praveena as Bala’s Mother, the mother of Balamurugan/Bala Gangadhar Tilak who loves him dearly
- Sha Ra as Sha Ra, a friend and colleague of Balamurugan/Bala Gangadhar Tilak
- Rajendran as Bittu Bhupathi, a goon who works for President Patthi Papa Rao
- Pammi Sai as Pammi Sai, a friend and colleague of Balamurugan/Bala Gangadhar Tilak
- Narra Srinivas as Narra Srinivas, a friend and colleague of Balamurugan/Bala Gangadhar Tilak
Conclusion
Vaathi is a film that promises to be an engaging and inspiring story of a teacher who fights for the right to education. The film boasts of a stellar cast that includes Dhanush, Samyuktha Menon, Sai Kumar and many others. The film is slated to release on February 17, 2023 in Tamil and Telugu languages. If you are a fan of action drama films with a social message, you should not miss Vaathi.
