Tanikella Bharani
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.
Fotos
Filme (421)
The Paradise
2026
Kiku Chiranjeevi
2026
Raakaasa
2026 · Chari
Baahubali: The Epic
2025 · Swami
Andhela Ravamidhi
2025
Kishkindhapuri
2025 · Bhushan Verma
Meghalu Cheppina Prema Katha
2025
Thug Life
2025 · Sivaguru
Sarangapani Jathakam
2025 · Ahobila Rao
Madhushala
2025
Neeli Megha Shyama
2025
Kalinga
2024
Mr Bachchan
2024 · Ramgarh Thakur
Shivam Bhaje
2024
Nindha
2024 · Satyanand
Honeymoon Express
2024 · Bala
Manamey
2024 · Mahendra
Bhaje Vaayu Vegam
2024
Vidya Vasula Aham
2024 · Spiritual Preacher
Prathinidhi 2
2024
Sriranga Neethulu
2024
Karataka Damanaka
2024
Inti Number – 13
2024
Drill
2024
Sarkaaru Noukari
2024 · Sarpanch
Aadikeshava
2023
Mystery
2023
Mind Game
2023 · Appa Rao
Peddha Kapu - 1
2023
BRO
2023 · Singinadham
Spy
2023 · Subhash and Jai's father
Raa Raa... Penimiti
2023 · (Voice Only)
Kisi Ka Bhai... Kisi Ki Jaan
2023 · Rameshwar Kodathi
Dochevaarevarura
2023
Mr. King
2023
Vaathi
2023 · Thanigachalam
Premadesam
2023
Dhamaka
2022 · Vasudeva Rao
Cheppalani Undhi
2022
HIT: The 2nd Case
2022 · Ramu, Sanjana's Father
Andaru Bagundali Andulo Nenundali
2022
Geetha
2022
Alluri
2022
First Day First Show
2022 · Sreenu's Father
Wanted PanduGod
2022
Bimbisara
2022 · The Priest
Ramarao On Duty
2022
Godse
2022
F3: Fun and Frustration
2022 · Police Officer
Shekar
2022
Sarkaru Vaari Paata
2022 · Master
Acharya
2022 · Priest
Ghani
2022
Bheemla Nayak
2022 · MLA
Son of India
2022
Super Machi
2022
Skylab
2021 · Sadasivam, Anand's Grandfather
Drushyam 2
2021 · Vinay Chandra
Raja Vikramarka
2021
Eakam
2021 · Appayya Panthulu / Outdated Priest
Pelli SandaD
2021 · Vashishta's Uncle
Raja Raja Chora
2021 · Ganapthi
Ippudu Kaaka Inkeppudu
2021
SR Kalyanamandapam
2021
Jathi Ratnalu
2021 · Govindu
Gaali Sampath
2021
April 28th Em Jarigindi
2021 · Producer of Movie
Bangaru Bullodu
2021
V
2021 · IG Y. V. Narendra
Bombhaat
2020 · Varaha Murthy
Maa Vintha Gaadha Vinuma
2020
Pressure Cooker
2020
Entha Manchivaadavuraa
2020 · Rama Sharma
Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo
2020 · Anjaneya Prasad
Sarileru Neekevvaru
2020 · Venkateshwar Anandaraju
Madhanam
2019
Raghupathi Venkaiah Naidu
2019
Krishna Rao Supermarket
2019
Sye Raa – Kämpfer für Freiheit
2019 · Govindayya Sharma
2 Hours Love
2019
1st Rank Raju
2019
Sita
2019
Maharshi
2019 · Ravi's father
Vijetha
2018
Pantham
2018 · Trust chairman Tilak
Jamba Lakidi Pamba
2018
Sammohanam
2018 · Shyam Prasad
Naa Nuvve
2018
Nela Ticket
2018 · C.M.
Gayatri
2018
Agnyaathavaasi
2018 · Abhi's uncle
Prema Entha Madhuram Priyuraalu Antha Katinam
2017 · Jai's Dad
Raja the Great
2017 · Mailaramgadda
Gulf
2017
Kathalo Rajakumari
2017
Nene Raju Nene Mantri
2017 · Chief Minister
Goutham Nanda
2017 · Waiter
Shamantakamani
2017 · A.K.Ganapathi Sastry
Ninnu Kori
2017 · Murthy
DJ: Duvvada Jagannadham
2017 · Duvvada Subrahmanya Sastry
Ami Thumi
2017 · Janardhan
Radha
2017 · Radhakrishnan's Father
Baahubali 2: Die Schlussfolgerung
2017 · Swami (voice) (uncredited)
Mister
2017 · Gundappa Naidu
Guru
2017
Om Namo Venkatesaya
2017 · Rama's Father
Chandrullo Unde Kundelu
2017
Shatamanam Bhavati
2017 · Chalaram (Cameo)
Gautamiputra Satakarni
2017 · Deva Dattudu
Ekkadiki Pothavu Chinnavada
2016 · Amala's Father
Naruda Donoruda
2016 · Dr. Anjeneyulu
Ism
2016 · Sathya's father
Jyo Achyutananda
2016 · Sudoku Murthy
Srirastu Subhamastu
2016 · Anu's would-be father in law
Gentleman
2016 · Mohan
Okka Ammayi Thappa
2016
Brahmotsavam
2016 · Sathyaraj's Friend
Sardaar Gabbar Singh
2016 · Gabbar Singh's Guardian
Oopiri
2016 · Kaalidasu
Garam
2016
Bengal Tiger
2015 · RMP Doctor
Inji Iduppazhagi
2015 · Doctor
Bruce Lee: The Fighter
2015 · Ravi's Father and Rama Chandra Rao's Big Brother
Kick 2
2015 · Venkatratnam
Mantra 2
2015 · Ramarao
Bahubali - The Beginning
2015 · Swamiji
Tiger
2015 · Orphanage Principal
Rey
2015
Janda Pai Kapiraju
2015
Surya Vs Surya
2015 · Ersam
Bandipotu
2015 · Makrandam
Temper
2015 · Venkata Rao
Current Theega
2014
Karthikeya
2014 · Valli's Father
Exploring ''Shiva'' Movie After 25 Years
2014
Aagadu
2014 · Adi Keshava
Rabhasa
2014 · Lawyer
Alludu Seenu
2014 · Narasimha's friend
Ra Ra Krishnayya
2014
Race Gurram
2014 · Dasaradh Prasad
Rowdy
2014 · Vedam
Virattu
2014
Basanti
2014
Bhimavaram Bullodu
2014
Autonagar Surya
2014 · Jailor
Kalavaram
2014 · Adi Moolam
D for Dopidi
2013
Ramayya Vasthavayya
2013 · Ammullu's Father
Adda
2013
Alias Janaki
2013
Pavithra
2013
Iddarammayilatho
2013 · Shankarabharanam
Sukumarudu
2013
Baadshah
2013 · Pilli Gopi Krishna Simha
Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu
2013 · Kondala Rao
Naayak
2013 · judge
Mithunam
2012 · Director, Screenplay, Lyricist
Cameraman Ganga Tho Rambabu
2012
Shirdi Sai
2012 · Bhooti
Julayi
2012 · Narayana Murthy
Gabbar Singh
2012 · Mavayya
Dhammu
2012
Neeku Naaku Dash Dash
2012
Lovely
2012
Dhoni
2012
Kshetram
2011
Panjaa
2011 · Guruvayya
Oh My Friend
2011 · Chandu's Father
Oosaravelli
2011 · Rakesh's Father
Dookudu
2011 · Ramachandra
Aakasame Haddu
2011
Dhada
2011 · Preethi's Father
180
2011 · Narayanan
Badrinath
2011 · Badri's Father
Kudirithe Kappu Coffee
2011
Katha Screenplay Darsakatvam Appalaraju
2011 · Y. Venkat
Vastadu Naa Raju
2011
Wanted
2011 · Voice Over
Once Upon a Warrior
2011 · Kaksheera
Golconda High School
2011 · Viswanath
Ragada
2010
Rakht Charitra 2
2010 · Ram Murthy
Collector Gari Bharya
2010
Baava
2010
Rakht Charitra
2010 · Ram Murthy
Brindavanam
2010 · Ajay's Father
Khaleja
2010 · Durga Prasad
Drohi
2010 · Nanaji
Gaayam 2
2010 · Lawyer Saab
Aunty Uncle Nanda Gopal
2010
Jhummandi Naadam
2010
Sadhyam
2010
Leader
2010 · Sharma C.S.
Kedi
2010
Shambo Shiva Shambo
2010
Adhurs
2010 · Chari's Adoptive Father
Om Shanti
2010
Saleem
2009
Kurradu
2009 · Varun's Father
A Aa E Ee
2009
Ek Niranjan
2009 · Veeraiah
Rechipo
2009
Snehituda
2009
Kalavaramaye Madilo
2009
Oy!
2009 · Telugu Teacher
Current
2009
Boni
2009
Sontha ooru
2009 · Devudu Babu
Nenu Meeku Telusa...?
2008
Kasipatnam Choodarababu
2008
Ashta Chamma
2008 · Sarva Sarma
Satyam
2008 · Deiva's Father
Kathanayakudu
2008 · School Teacher
Kuselan
2008 · School Teacher
Appu Chesi Pappu Koodu
2008
Victory
2008
Ready
2008 · Raghava /"Dallas" Nageswara Rao
Souryam
2008
Bommana Brothers Chandana Sisters
2008 · Bommana brothers' father
Kalidasu
2008 · Principal of College
Jalsa
2008 · Bulli reddy
Krishnarjuna
2008
Mr. Medhavi
2008
Bheema
2008
Krishna
2008
Mee Sreyobhilashi
2007
Nava Vasantham
2007 · Raja's Father
Azhagiya Tamil Magan
2007 · Guru's Father
Thulasi
2007
Chirutha
2007
Raju Bhai
2007 · Anjali's father
Sri Mahalakshmi
2007
Munna
2007
Classmates
2007
Dhee
2007 · Corporator Krishna
Jagadam
2007
Okkadunnadu
2007 · RBI Official
Anumanaspadam
2007 · Forest officer
Annavaram
2006 · Lallu
Rakhi
2006 · Criminal Lawyer Sachidanandam
Maayajaalam
2006
Bhagyalakshmi Bumper Draw
2006 · Paala Pullayya
Gopi – Goda Meeda Pilli
2006 · Gopi's father
Tata Birla Madhyalo Laila
2006 · Gajapati
Boss
2006
Bommarillu
2006 · Aravind's Friend
Game
2006
Amma Cheppindi
2006 · Paparao
Bommalata
2006
Godavari
2006 · Captain Chintamani
Oka V Chitram
2006
Pournami
2006 · Mallika's father
Sri Ramadasu
2006
Kamli
2006
Happy
2006 · Subba Rao
Bajrang - The Killer
2005
Allari Pidugu
2005
Political Rowdy
2005 · Vithal's uncle
Allari Bullodu
2005 · Raju's father
Dhana 51
2005
Athadu
2005 · Naidu
Hungama
2005
Subash Chandra Bose
2005
Chakram
2005
Sada Mee Sevalo
2005 · Suryakantam's Father
Youth
2005
Dhairyam
2005
Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana
2005 · Kantepudi Srinivasa Rao
Balu
2005
Mr & Mrs Sailaja Krishnamurthy
2004
Grahanam
2004 · Narayana Swamy
Sye
2004 · Prudhvi's Father
Gowri
2004
Arjun
2004 · Roopa's father
Samba
2004 · Father of Nandu, Nandu's father
Oka Pellam Muddu Rendo Pellam Vaddu
2004
Ghilli
2004 · Muthupandi's Father
Nenunnanu
2004
Gambeeram
2004 · Minister Rajendran
Venky
2004 · Venky's Father
Jai
2004 · Farah's father
Malliswari
2004 · Murthy
Love Today
2004
Enakku 20 Unakku 18
2003 · Preeti's Father (Telugu version)
Satyam
2003 · Chakradhar
Okariki Okaru
2003 · Kamesh's Father
Vishnu
2003
Oka Radha Iddaru Krishnula Pelli
2003
Dongodu
2003 · Naidu
Vasantham
2003
Donga Ramadu and Party
2003
Oka Raju Oka Rani
2003
Ninne Ishtapaddanu
2003
Missamma
2003 · Nanda Gopal's neighbor
Gangotri
2003 · Anjaneya Shastri
Kabaddi Kabaddi
2003
Ela Cheppanu
2003
Juniors
2003
Naaga
2003 · Subramanyam
Manmadhudu
2002 · Prasad
Dhanalakshmi I Love You
2002
Nuvve... Nuvve...
2002 · Abu, Vishwanath's friend
Okato Number Kurradu
2002 · Swapna's Father
Sontham
2002 · Shyam Prasad
Avunu Valliddaru Ishtapaddaru!
2002 · Anil's Maternal Uncle
Indra
2002 · Valmiki
Sreeram
2002
Allari
2002
Santosham
2002 · Narayana Murthy
Mounamelanoye
2002
O Chinadaana
2002
Takkari Donga
2002 · Doobey
The Rite, a Passion
2002
Snehamante Idera
2001
Manasantha Nuvve
2001
Anandam
2001
Student No. 1
2001 · Jailor
Itlu Sravani Subramanyam
2001
Nuvvu Naaku Nachav
2001 · Ashok
Nuvvu Nenu
2001
Naa Manasistha Raa
2001
Sri Manjunatha
2001 · Bhrungi
Family Circus
2001 · Fishing Inspector
Ammo Bomma
2001
Time Pass
2001
Budget Padmanabham
2001
Priyamaina Neeku
2001 · Ganesh's father
Mrugaraju
2001
Narasimha Naidu
2001 · Papanashanam
Chiranjeevulu
2001
Tirumala Tirupati Venkatesa
2000
Devullu
2000 · TV Anchor
NTR Nagar
2000
Jayam Manadera
2000
Vamsi
2000
Mission Azaad
2000 · Kanaka Raju
Ninne Premistha
2000
Moodu Mukkalaata
2000
Goppinti Alludu
2000
Chitram
2000 · Ramana's father
Nuvvu Vasthavani
2000
Chala Bagundi
2000
Postman
1999
Samudram
1999 · Chepala Krishna
Pilla Nachindi
1999
Thammudu
1999
Raja
1999
Neti Gandhi
1999
Aavide Shyamala
1999
Aayanagaru
1998
Abhishekam
1998 · G. K. Naidu
Paape Naa Pranam
1998
O Panaipothundi Babu
1998
Chandralekha
1998
Pelli Peetalu
1998 · Tatabbai
Pandaga
1998 · Sai Babu
Maavidakulu
1998
Priyaraagalu
1997
Ugadi
1997
Pelli Chesukundaam
1997
Annamayya
1997
Mama Bagunnava
1997
Egire Paavurama
1997 · Simhachalam
Veedevadandi Babu
1997
Pattukondi Chuddam
1997 · Sub Inspector Gottam Gopala Krishna
Gunshot
1996
Family
1996
Bombay Priyudu
1996
Vinodham
1996
Deyyam
1996 · Psychologist
Akka! Bagunnava?
1996
Mummy Mee Aayanochadu
1996 · Inspector Extra Venkat Rao
Amma Donga!
1995 · Sattipandu
Sisindri
1995
Aunty
1995 · Khan
Big Boss
1995
Sogasu Chuda Taramaa
1995
Money Money
1995 · Manikyam
Gharana Bullodu
1995
Ghatotkachudu
1995 · Thota Ramudu
Pokiri Raja
1995 · Inspector Prem Chand
Desa Drohulu
1995
Lingababu Love Story
1995 · Pakir Dada
Aame
1994 · Pattabhi
Subhalagnam
1994 · Doctor
Allarodu
1994
Kishkinda Kaanda
1994
Yamaleela
1994 · Thota Ramudu
Veetla Visheshanga
1994 · Inspector Sennimalai
Lucky Chance
1994
Pekata Paparao
1993 · Harichandra
Mister Pellam
1993 · Bank Manager
Shabash Ramu
1993
One by Two
1993 · Writer
Matru Devo Bhava
1993
Money
1993 · Manikyam
Varasudu
1993
Gaayam
1993 · Lawyer Saab, Dialogue
Rendilla Poojari
1993
Balarama Krishnulu
1992 · Dialogue
Appula Appa Rao
1992
Jaitra Yatra
1991 · Dialogue
Aditya 369
1991 · Raja Varma's Henchman
Seetharamaiah Gari Manavaralu
1991
Shiva
1990 · Nanaji
Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari
1990 · Dasu
Chevilo Puvvu
1990 · Writer
Siva
1989 · Nanaji, Dialogue
Swara Kalpana
1989 · Writer
Chettu Kinda Pleader
1989 · Paata Samanlavaadu, Dialogue
Kallu
1988
Maharshi
1987 · Writer
Lawyer Suhasini
1987 · Dialogue
Sankeertana
1987 · Dialogue
Sri Kanaka Mahalakshmi Recording Dance Troupe
1987 · Dorababu, Writer
Ladies Tailor
1986 · Police, Dialogue, Screenplay
Sira
· Director, Writer
Patta Pagalu
BharataVarsha - Saga of Shula
Paataku Praanam
Hide & Silk
