Biography

Yogi Babu (born 22 July 1985)^[2] is an Indian actor and comedian, who appears in Tamil films. A three time Ananda Vikatan Cinema Award winner, he rose to fame following his performances in Aandavan Kattalai (2016), Kolamavu Kokila (2018) and Pariyerum Perumal (2018).^[3][4][5]

Career[edit]

Babu was first spotted by director Ram Bala, when he accompanied a friend to the shoot of the comedy television series, Lollu Sabha. Intrigued by Babu's peculiar looks and physique, Ram Bala enquired if Babu wanted to become an actor and subsequently took him on board as a junior artiste. Babu also worked as an assistant director in the series, and helping write scenes for two years.^[8][9] He made his feature film debut in the Ameer-starring Yogi (2009) as an aspiring actor and subsequently adapted the name of the film as a prefix for his stage name. He appeared as a goon in Paiyaa. He later appeared in an uncredited role as a pimp in Sundar C.'s Kalakalappu (2012). In 2013, he appeared in his first extended comedy role with Pattathu Yaanai (2013), while he also featured in the Hindi film, Chennai Express alongside Shah Rukh Khan.^[10]

He then rose to fame following his performances as a comedy rival to Sivakarthikeyan in Maan Karate (2014) and as eerie comedian in Yaamirukka Bayamey (2014). In 2015, he appeared in over a dozen films and won positive reviews for his work in Kaaka Muttai (2015) and Kirumi (2015).^[11] Yogi Babu had a breakthrough year in 2016, featuring in 20 films, and winning critical acclaim for his role alongside Vijay Sethupathi in Aandavan Kattalai (2016).^[12] This was followed by his role in Kolamavu Kokila (2018) where his one-sided lover portrayal opposite Nayanthara was critically acclaimed^[13] while the Kalyana Vayasu song^[14] and his antics in it went viral. He appears as supporting character in film Pariyerum Perumal (2018), the film released to positive reviews from critics, with critics praising the comedy and performance of Yogi Babu.^[15] He acted for the first time as lead role in Dharmaprabhu (2019) which he play of role of Yamantaka.^[16] He played a key role in Gurkha (2019). Babu is a security guard in this hostage drama written and directed by Sam Anton.^[17] He has acted with the Superstar Rajinikanth in Darbar (2020).^[18]

In Mandela (2021), Yogi Babu played a lead role for the 2nd time in his career. The movie, which inarguably has the best performance of Yogi Babu till date.^[19]

Filmography[edit]

Films[edit]

Upcoming projects[edit]

Television[edit]