Tanikella Bharani
Acting
Born: July 14, 1954 (age 72) · Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Highest Rated
Biography
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.
Known for
Bāhubali: The Beginning
2015
Bāhubali 2: The Conclusion
2017
V
2020
Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo
2020
Athadu
2005
Ghilli
2004
DJ: Duvvada Jagannadham
2017
Sarileru Neekevvaru
2020
Khaleja
2010
Race Gurram
2014
Oopiri
2016
Dookudu
2011
Photos (2)
Movies (383)
Bāhubali: The Beginning
Swamiji
Bāhubali 2: The Conclusion
Swami (voice) (uncredited)
The Paradise
2026
Shambo Shiva Shambo
2010
Bāhubali: The Epic
Swami
Bommana Brothers Chandana Sisters
Bommana brothers' father
Dhanalakshmi I Love You
2002
Thug Life
Sivaguru
Allari
2002
Raakaasa
Chari
Gopi – Goda Meeda Pilli
Gopi's father
Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo
Anjaneya Prasad
Aame
Pattabhi
Juniors
2003
Dhamaka
Vasudeva Rao
Kisi Ka Bhai... Kisi Ki Jaan
Rameshwar Kodathi
Vaathi
Thanigachalam
Nuvvu Naaku Nachav
Ashok
Rakht Charitra 2
Ram Murthy
Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy
Govindayya Sharma
Kiku Chiranjeevi
2026
Athadu
Naidu
Subash Chandra Bose
2005
Shiva
Nanaji
HIT: The 2nd Case
Ramu, Sanjana's Father
Temper
Venkata Rao
F3: Fun and Frustration
Police Officer
Mystery
2023
Pelli SandaD
Vashishta's Uncle
Gabbar Singh
Mavayya
Janda Pai Kapiraju
2015
Khaleja
Durga Prasad
Rakht Charitra
Ram Murthy
Race Gurram
Dasaradh Prasad
Manamey
Mahendra
Maharshi
Ravi's father
Baadshah
Pilli Gopi Krishna Simha
Bruce Lee: The Fighter
Ravi's Father and Rama Chandra Rao's Big Brother
Oka Radha Iddaru Krishnula Pelli
2003
Oopiri
Kaalidasu
Ready
Raghava /"Dallas" Nageswara Rao
Acharya
Priest
Aagadu
Adi Keshava
Dookudu
Ramachandra
Sita
2019
Nuvve... Nuvve...
Abu, Vishwanath's friend
Paape Naa Pranam
1998
Alias Janaki
2013
Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu
Kondala Rao
Sukumarudu
2013
Mrugaraju
2001
Sarileru Neekevvaru
Venkateshwar Anandaraju
Bommarillu
Aravind's Friend
Chirutha
2007
Political Rowdy
Vithal's uncle
Student No. 1
Jailor
Julayi
Narayana Murthy
Rabhasa
Lawyer
Ela Cheppanu
2003
Iddarammayilatho
Shankarabharanam
Inji Iduppazhagi
Doctor
Nenunnanu
2004
Brindavanam
Ajay's Father
Pressure Cooker
2020
Mr Bachchan
Ramgarh Thakur
The Rite, a Passion
2002
Shirdi Sai
Bhooti
Drushyam 2
Vinay Chandra
Egire Paavurama
Simhachalam
Big Boss
1995
V
IG Y. V. Narendra
DJ: Duvvada Jagannadham
Duvvada Subrahmanya Sastry
Brahmotsavam
2016
Brahmotsavam
Sathyaraj's Friend
BRO
Singinadham
Pelli Peetalu
Tatabbai
Dhammu
2012
Oosaravelli
Rakesh's Father
Rakhi
Criminal Lawyer Sachidanandam
Nuvvu Vasthavani
2000
Once Upon a Warrior
Kaksheera
Happy
Subba Rao
Kishkindhapuri
Bhushan Verma
Ekkadiki Pothavu Chinnavada
Amala's Father
Exploring ''Shiva'' Movie After 25 Years
2014
Jalsa
Bulli reddy
Sye
Prudhvi's Father
NTR Nagar
2000
Bheema
2008
Family
1996
Azhagiya Tamil Magan
Guru's Father
Enakku 20 Unakku 18
Preeti's Father (Telugu version)
Raja the Great
Mailaramgadda
1st Rank Raju
2019
Siva
Nanaji
Kamli
2006
Wanted PanduGod
2022
Dhana 51
2005
Prathinidhi 2
2024
Spy
Subhash and Jai's father
Nenu Meeku Telusa...?
2008
Ami Thumi
Janardhan
Kathalo Rajakumari
2017
Dhada
Preethi's Father
Maavidakulu
1998
Adhurs
Chari's Adoptive Father
Naayak
judge
Munna
2007
Wanted
Voice Over
Cheppalani Undhi
2022
Rowdy
Vedam
Swara Kalpana
1989
Money
Manikyam
Sogasu Chuda Taramaa
1995
Radha
Radhakrishnan's Father
Basanti
2014
Ramayya Vasthavayya
Ammullu's Father
Panjaa
Guruvayya
Oka Raju Oka Rani
2003
Bheemla Nayak
MLA
Sarkaru Vaari Paata
Master
Godse
2022
Gowri
2004
Bengal Tiger
RMP Doctor
Kuselan
School Teacher
Nene Raju Nene Mantri
Chief Minister
April 28th Em Jarigindi
Producer of Movie
Ramarao On Duty
2022
Kurradu
Varun's Father
Kishkinda Kaanda
1994
Badrinath
Badri's Father
180
Narayanan
Ghilli
Muthupandi's Father
Bommalata
2006
Annavaram
Lallu
Annamayya
1997
Neeku Naaku Dash Dash
2012
Matru Devo Bhava
1993
Sreeram
2002
Om Namo Venkatesaya
Rama's Father
Oh My Friend
Chandu's Father
Meghalu Cheppina Prema Katha
2025
Okkadunnadu
RBI Official
Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana
Kantepudi Srinivasa Rao
Raja Vikramarka
2021
Kick 2
Venkatratnam
Sammohanam
Shyam Prasad
Agnyaathavaasi
Abhi's uncle
O Panaipothundi Babu
1998
Godavari
Captain Chintamani
Mister Pellam
Bank Manager
Tata Birla Madhyalo Laila
Gajapati
Okato Number Kurradu
Swapna's Father
Santosham
Narayana Murthy
Malliswari
Murthy
Gautamiputra Satakarni
Deva Dattudu
Sardaar Gabbar Singh
Gabbar Singh's Guardian
Mounamelanoye
2002
Indra
Valmiki
Ragada
2010
Sri Ramadasu
2006
Drohi
Nanaji
Ninnu Kori
Murthy
Krishnarjuna
2008
Mister
Gundappa Naidu
Raja Raja Chora
Ganapthi
Jathi Ratnalu
Govindu
Manmadhudu
Prasad
Arjun
Roopa's father
Current Theega
2014
Amma Donga!
Sattipandu
Priyaraagalu
1997
Okariki Okaru
Kamesh's Father
Sarangapani Jathakam
Ahobila Rao
Kalidasu
Principal of College
Gayatri
2018
Anandam
2001
Bimbisara
The Priest
Ninne Ishtapaddanu
2003
Balu
2005
Alludu Seenu
Narasimha's friend
Souryam
2008
Krishna Rao Supermarket
2019
Appula Appa Rao
1992
Kalinga
2024
Seetharamaiah Gari Manavaralu
1991
Manasantha Nuvve
2001
Gaayam
Lawyer Saab
Devullu
TV Anchor
Venky
Venky's Father
Yamaleela
Thota Ramudu
Bhimavaram Bullodu
2014
Surya Vs Surya
Ersam
Aditya 369
Raja Varma's Henchman
Chitram
Ramana's father
Srirastu Subhamastu
Anu's would-be father in law
Goppinti Alludu
2000
Tiger
Orphanage Principal
Subhalagnam
Doctor
Shatamanam Bhavati
Chalaram (Cameo)
Bandipotu
Makrandam
Premadesam
2023
Chakram
2005
Raja
1999
Son of India
2022
Kshetram
2011
Karthikeya
Valli's Father
Varasudu
1993
Thulasi
2007
Boni
2009
Naa Manasistha Raa
2001
Dhee
Corporator Krishna
Ism
Sathya's father
Lovely
2012
Okka Ammayi Thappa
2016
Ladies Tailor
Police
Vastadu Naa Raju
2011
Thammudu
1999
Pantham
Trust chairman Tilak
Samba
Father of Nandu
Samba
Nandu's father
Grahanam
Narayana Swamy
Naruda Donoruda
Dr. Anjeneyulu
Mama Bagunnava
1997
Oka Pellam Muddu Rendo Pellam Vaddu
2004
SR Kalyanamandapam
2021
Mr. Medhavi
2008
Gaayam 2
Lawyer Saab
Leader
Sharma C.S.
Krishna
2008
Nava Vasantham
Raja's Father
Madhushala
2025
Chandralekha
1998
Shivam Bhaje
2024
Jamba Lakidi Pamba
2018
Raju Bhai
Anjali's father
Sada Mee Sevalo
Suryakantam's Father
Nela Ticket
C.M.
Naaga
Subramanyam
Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari
Dasu
Snehamante Idera
2001
Jai Chiranjeeva
2005
Ammo Bomma
2001
Mr & Mrs Sailaja Krishnamurthy
2004
Chettu Kinda Pleader
Paata Samanlavaadu
Autonagar Surya
Jailor
Cameraman Ganga Tho Rambabu
2012
Sisindri
1995
Andaru Bagundali Andulo Nenundali
2022
Avunu Valliddaru Ishtapaddaru!
Anil's Maternal Uncle
Aunty
Khan
Aadikeshava
2023
Goutham Nanda
Waiter
Collector Gari Bharya
2010
Itlu Sravani Subramanyam
2001
O Chinadaana
2002
Vijetha
2018
Nindha
Satyanand
Bhagyalakshmi Bumper Draw
Paala Pullayya
Takkari Donga
Doobey
Amma Cheppindi
Paparao
Money Money
Manikyam
Ek Niranjan
Veeraiah
Family Circus
Fishing Inspector
Golconda High School
Viswanath
Bhaje Vaayu Vegam
2024
Kabaddi Kabaddi
2003
Postman
1999
Guru
2017
Pournami
Mallika's father
Mee Sreyobhilashi
2007
Bombay Priyudu
1996
Virattu
2014
Prema Entha Madhuram Priyuraalu Antha Katinam
Jai's Dad
Vidya Vasula Aham
Spiritual Preacher
Deyyam
Psychologist
Narasimha Naidu
Papanashanam
Sontham
Shyam Prasad
Oka V Chitram
2006
Ra Ra Krishnayya
2014
Bombhaat
Varaha Murthy
Adda
2013
Sri Manjunatha
Bhrungi
Ghani
2022
Entha Manchivaadavuraa
Rama Sharma
Priyamaina Neeku
Ganesh's father
Rey
2015
Lucky Chance
1994
Vamsi
2000
Jagadam
2007
Gangotri
Anjaneya Shastri
Anumanaspadam
Forest officer
Ghatotkachudu
Thota Ramudu
Bangaru Bullodu
2021
Dongodu
Naidu
Pilla Nachindi
1999
Katha Screenplay Darsakatvam Appalaraju
Y. Venkat
Boss
2006
Naa Nuvve
2018
Oy!
Telugu Teacher
Ippudu Kaaka Inkeppudu
2021
Lawyer Suhasini
1987
Kathanayakudu
School Teacher
Maa Vintha Gaadha Vinuma
2020
Andhela Ravamidhi
2025
Vasantham
2003
Mantra 2
Ramarao
Tirumala Tirupati Venkatesa
2000
Gentleman
Mohan
Ninne Premistha
2000
Victory
2008
Jai
Farah's father
Dhoni
2012
Mind Game
Appa Rao
Pelli Chesukundaam
1997
Jhummandi Naadam
2010
Donga Ramadu and Party
2003
Eakam
Appayya Panthulu / Outdated Priest
Karataka Damanaka
2024
Dhairyam
2005
Ashta Chamma
Sarva Sarma
Azad
Kanaka Raju
Skylab
Sadasivam, Anand's Grandfather
Saleem
2009
Jayam Manadera
2000
Pandaga
Sai Babu
Shekar
2022
Satyam
Deiva's Father
Chala Bagundi
2000
First Day First Show
Sreenu's Father
Gaali Sampath
2021
Hungama
2005
Kedi
2010
A Aa E Ee
2009
Sri Kanaka Mahalakshmi Recording Dance Troupe
Dorababu
Sadhyam
2010
Allari Bullodu
Raju's father
Super Machi
2022
Peddha Kapu - 1
2023
Dochevaarevarura
2023
Missamma
Nanda Gopal's neighbor
Satyam
Chakradhar
Honeymoon Express
Bala
Baava
2010
Geetha
2022
Pekata Paparao
Harichandra
Pavithra
2013
Nuvvu Nenu
2001
Gambeeram
Minister Rajendran
Kalavaramaye Madilo
2009
Game
2006
Allari Pidugu
2005
Shamantakamani
A.K.Ganapathi Sastry
Drill
2024
Neti Gandhi
1999
Garam
2016
Pokiri Raja
Inspector Prem Chand
Mr. King
2023
Rechipo
2009
Abhishekam
G. K. Naidu
Snehituda
2009
Sriranga Neethulu
2024
Lingababu Love Story
Pakir Dada
Raghupathi Venkaiah Naidu
2019
Jaitra Yatra
1991
Gulf
2017
Neeli Megha Shyama
2025
Vinodham
1996
Alluri
2022
Budget Padmanabham
2001
Inti Number – 13
2024
Samudram
Chepala Krishna
Maayajaalam
2006
Raa Raa... Penimiti
(Voice Only)
Om Shanti
2010
Jyo Achyutananda
Sudoku Murthy
Ugadi
1997
Sontha ooru
Devudu Babu
Chiranjeevulu
2001
Sarkaaru Noukari
Sarpanch
Kudirithe Kappu Coffee
2011
2 Hours Love
2019
Kallu
1988
TV Shows (3)
Upcoming (6)
Directing (1)
Writing (16)
Siva
Dialogue
Balarama Krishnulu
Dialogue
Swara Kalpana
Writer
Mithunam
Lyricist
Mithunam
Screenplay
Gaayam
Dialogue
Ladies Tailor
Screenplay
Ladies Tailor
Dialogue
Chettu Kinda Pleader
Dialogue
Maharshi
Writer
Lawyer Suhasini
Dialogue
Chevilo Puvvu
Writer
Sri Kanaka Mahalakshmi Recording Dance Troupe
Writer
One by Two
Writer
Jaitra Yatra
Dialogue
Sankeertana
Dialogue