| Ramachandra Raju | |
|---|---|
| Born | Ramchandra Raju 7 July 1980 (1980-07-07) (age 44) Bangalore, Karnataka, India |
| Other names | Garuda Ram |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 2018–present |
Ramachandra Raju (born 7 July 1980), better known as Garuda Ram, is an Indian actor who primarily appears in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam films. He rose to fame for his role as the antagonist Garuda in KGF: Chapter 1 and for his dominant screen presence.
Career
Prior to acting, Raju worked as Yash's bodyguard. Raju made his film debut K.G.F: Chapter 1 (2018), acting alongside Yash. He played the antagonist Garuda in the film and garnered acclaim for the role. This enabled him to get offers to play negative roles in several other films across the four South Indian languages.
Raju made his Tamil debut playing the antagonist in Sulthan (2021) and has acted in villain roles in Kodiyil Oruvan (2021) and Yaanai (2022).
Raju made his Telugu debut with Maha Samudram (2021) and his Malayalam debut with Aaraattu (2022).
Filmography
| † | Denotes films that have not yet been released |
| Year | Title | Role(s) | Language(s) | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | KGF: Chapter 1 | Garuda | Kannada | ||
| 2021 | Sulthan | Jayaseelan | Tamil | ||
| Kodiyil Oruvan | Pedha Perumal | ||||
| Maha Samudram | Dhananjay | Telugu | |||
| Madhagaja | Tandava | Kannada | |||
| Rider | JD | ||||
| 2022 | Aaraattu | Badai Raju | Malayalam | ||
| Bheemla Nayak | Prisoner | Telugu | Cameo in title song | ||
| KGF: Chapter 2 | Garuda | Kannada | archival footage | ||
| Bhala Thandanana | Anand Bali | Telugu | |||
| Yaanai | Lingam, Pandi | Tamil | Dual role | ||
| 2023 | Red Sandalwood | Harimaran | |||
| Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire | Rudra Raja Manaar | Telugu | |||
| 2024 | Aranmanai 4 | Swami | Tamil | ||
| Hit List | Kaali | ||||
| Bagheera | Rana | Kannada |
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Film | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Zee Kannada | Best Villain | K.G.F: Chapter 1 | Won | |
| 2019 | 8th SIIMA Awards | Best Actor in a Negative Role | K.G.F: Chapter 1 | Nominated | |
| 2022 | 10th SIIMA Awards | Best Actor in a Negative Role | Madhagaja | Nominated |
References
- "Garuda Ram's got a finger in every pie of the Southern film industry". The Times of India. 10 January 2022.
- Sebastian, Shilpa (28 July 2020). "Meet Ramachandra Raju, the 'KGF' villain". The Hindu.
- ^ "How KGF changed the life of Yash's bodyguard to make him a busy bee in films". International Business Times. 23 January 2020.
- "'KGF' villain Ramachandra Raju ready to rock Kollywood? – Times of India". The Times of India.
- ^ "KGF-fame Ram to play villain in Karthi-Rashmika starrer". The New Indian Express.
- "'Jiivi' actor Vetri's next to star KGF villain". The New Indian Express.
- "KGF villain in Ravi-Taapsee's next? – Times of India". The Times of India.
- "KGF's antagonist Garuda, Ramchandra Raju, now 'Bumper' villain". The New Indian Express.
- "Maha Samudram Movie Review: A joyless, indulgent drama". Cinema Express.
- "KGF fame Ramachandra Raju to play antagonist in Mohanlal's Aaraattu". India Today.
- "Yaanai review. Yaanai Tamil movie review, story, rating". IndiaGlitz.com.
- "Aranmanai 4 to take Thangalaan's Republic Day 2024 release date?". www.moviecrow.com. Retrieved 23 March 2024.
- "Hit List Review: A Crime Thriller That Works in Parts". Times Now. 30 May 2024.
- "Emmeya Kannadiga Awards 2019 winners list a big win for Rachitha Ram, Yash and Chikkana". Zee Kannada.
- "SIIMA Awards 2019: Vijay, Yash, Keerthi, KGF win big, here's full winners list". Deccan Chronicle.
- "SIIMA Awards 2022 Voting, Nominations, Date and More Details". Total Reporter. 27 September 2023.