Radhakrishnan Parthiban is an Indian actor and filmmaker who works primarily in Tamil cinema. He has directed 15 films, produced 13 films and acted in more than 70 films. Parthiban commenced his career as an assistant director for K. Bhagyaraj in 1984 and the duo worked in over 20 films from 1984 to 1991. Noteworthy for his directorial work in acclaimed films like Pudhiya Paadhai (1989) and Housefull (1999), he has been honored with the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil and the National Film Award – Special Jury Award for Oththa Seruppu Size 7 (2019).
As an actor, Parthiban has delivered remarkable performances in successful films such as Bharathi Kannamma (1997), Nee Varuvai Ena (1999), Vetri Kodi Kattu (2000), Azhagi (2002), Aayirathil Oruvan (2010), Melvilasom (2011), Otha Seruppu Size 7 (2019), and Iravin Nizhal (2022).
On 25 December 2018, he was appointed as the new Vice President of the Tamil Film Producers Council succeeding Gautham Vasudev Menon and Prakash Raj who were jointly holding the position until 24 December 2018.
Born into a Telugu-speaking family on 14 April 1958 in Madras (now Chennai), Tamil Nadu, India, Parthiban initially worked as an assistant director in Vedikkai Manidhargal. His journey in the industry began with small roles, eventually leading to his directorial debut with Pudhiya Paadhai in 1989, a film that garnered critical acclaim and commercial success. He was even given an opportunity to assist in dialogue He was also given a chance to participate in conversations under the name of R. Moorthy. Following this, he began working as an assistant to K. Bhagyaraj. During that period, he earned approximately Rs 6000 per month by providing dubbing services for various artists. His debut on the big screen was in Ranuva Veeran (1981). Subsequently, he portrayed the character of a postman in his mentor's Dhavani Kanavugal (1984).
In 1989, he initiated his directorial career with Pudhiya Paadhai, where he portrayed an inhuman ruffian who undergoes a transformation prompted by his rape victim. The film garnered critical acclaim, achieved success at the box office, and received various accolades, including the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil, Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Film, and Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Story Writer. Subsequently, in early 1990, he directed and starred in Pondatti Thevai, which did not fare well commercially. Towards the end of 1990, he featured in R. Sundarrajan's Thalattu Padava and the devotional film Engal Swamy Ayyappan. The year 1991 saw him in S. P. Muthuraman's Thaiyalkaran. In 1992, he appeared in Unnai Vaazhthi Paadugiren alongside Suman Ranganathan and Mohini. Following this, he directed and starred in Sugamana Sumaigal, a family-oriented drama that did not perform satisfactorily at the box office. To recover from financial setbacks in 1993, he directed and starred in the commercial film Ulle Veliye. Despite being criticized by Ayyappa Prasad of The New Indian Express as "flesh and bore," the film achieved significant success at the box office. Subsequently, he directed and starred in Sarigamapadani in 1994 and Pullakuttikaran the following year. In 1996, he appeared in the comedy film Tata Birla.
He was honored with the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor for his role in Bharathi Kannamma (1997). His portrayal of a man from a lower caste who captures the heart of a zamindari showcased his versatility. Parthipan, a multifaceted individual in the industry, is known for challenging the norms of commercial cinema. He has embraced unconventional roles and directed films that have been deemed artistic by critics. Despite facing challenges in the past, he has remained steadfast in his principles. Following the success of acclaimed films like Housefull (1999) and Azhagi (2002), both critically and commercially, his talents have been widely recognized by audiences and the industry. His 1999 Tamil film Housefull also received the same accolade.
In 2001, he embarked on an ambitious directorial venture titled Yelelo, with A. R. Rahman composing four songs for the project. Despite a high-profile launch and completion of initial filming schedules, the project was eventually shelved. Similarly, after the disappointment of Kudaikul Mazhai (2004), he simultaneously announced three films titled Kartha, Rowdy, and Adi, all of which were eventually abandoned.
"The movie Aayirathil Oruvan (2010), in which he portrayed a Chola King, earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Tamil. His previous release Kathai Thiraikathai Vasanam Iyakkam marks Parthiban's directorial debut without him in the lead role. The film, tagged as "a film without a story?", commenced production in late 2013, premiered on 15 August 2014, garnered positive reviews from all quarters, and emerged as a massive box office hit. In 2015, he took on the role of a cop in Massu Engira Masilamani and portrayed a comedic villain in Naanum Rowdy Dhaan. He played supporting roles in Maaveeran Kittu (2016) and Koditta Idangalai Nirappuga (2017). He starred in the Kannada film Dada Is Back (2017), portraying the lead role as the undisputed king of the underworld in Bengaluru. This was followed by the comedy film Podhuvaga Emmanasu Thangam (2017). In 2018, he appeared in the drama film Keni.
In 2019, Parthiban wrote, directed, and starred in Oththa Seruppu Size 7, portraying the sole character. He expressed that making this film was an 18-year aspiration. Alongside the exceptional performance and striking visuals, the film is enhanced by the remarkable sound design that breathes life into the eerie yet intricate confession of Masilamani. At the 67th National Film Awards, Parthiban was honored with the Special Jury Award. He also clinched three awards at the Toronto Tamil Film Festival, including the Jury Award for Best Feature Film, Jury Award for Best Feature Film Director, and Best Solo Act Award. Parthiban has also been part of ensemble casts in films like Ponmagal Vandhal (2020), Tughlaq Durbar (2021), Yutha Satham (2022), and Ponniyin Selvan (2022).