Cast & creator
Tanikella Bharani
Best known for The Paradise, Katha Sudha, Bāhubali: The Epic
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.
Also known as: Thanikella Bharani, Thanikirla Bharani
433
film credits
3
television credits
417
1986–2026 · acting roles
6.0
average across scored titles
Signature credits
Known for
Across film & television
Filmography (436)
Showing 436 of 436 credits
The Paradise
2026
Katha Sudha
2025
Bāhubali: The Epic
Swami
2025
Bāhubali: The Beginning
Swamiji
2015
Bāhubali 2: The Conclusion
Swami (voice) (uncredited)
2017
Raakaasa
Chari
2026
Sye
Prudhvi's Father
2004
Gopi – Goda Meeda Pilli
Gopi's father
2006
Paape Naa Pranam
1998
Political Rowdy
Vithal's uncle
2005
Thug Life
Sivaguru
2025
Dhootha
Raghavayya
2023
Sukumarudu
2013
Oka Raju Oka Rani
2003
Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo
Anjaneya Prasad
2020
Oka Radha Iddaru Krishnula Pelli
2003
Big Boss
1995
Allari
2002
Juniors
2003
Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy
Govindayya Sharma
2019
Kiku Chiranjeevi
2026
Maavidakulu
1998
Ela Cheppanu
2003
Athadu
Naidu
2005
Bruce Lee: The Fighter
Ravi's Father and Rama Chandra Rao's Big Brother
2015
HIT: The 2nd Case
Ramu, Sanjana's Father
2022
Adhurs
Chari's Adoptive Father
2010
Maharshi
Ravi's father
2019
Kishkindhapuri
Bhushan Verma
2025
Bench Life
2024
Dhana 51
2005
Mystery
2023
Paataku Praanam
Priyaraagalu
1997
Bhimavaram Bullodu
2014
Family
1996Shabash Ramu
1993
Happy
Subba Rao
2006
Raja the Great
Mailaramgadda
2017
Temper
Venkata Rao
2015
Badrinath
Badri's Father
2011
Vaathi
Thanigachalam
2023
Azhagiya Tamil Magan
Guru's Father
2007
Kick 2
Venkatratnam
2015
Sarileru Neekevvaru
Venkateshwar Anandaraju
2020
Race Gurram
Dasaradh Prasad
2014
DJ: Duvvada Jagannadham
Duvvada Subrahmanya Sastry
2017Allarodu
1994
Rabhasa
Lawyer
2014
Swara Kalpana
1989Swara Kalpana
Writer
1989
Khaleja
Durga Prasad
2010
A Aa E Ee
2009
Ninnu Kori
Murthy
2017
Aagadu
Adi Keshava
2014
Nene Raju Nene Mantri
Chief Minister
2017
Baadshah
Pilli Gopi Krishna Simha
2013
Nava Vasantham
Raja's Father
2007
NTR Nagar
2000
Ragada
2010
Nuvvu Naaku Nachav
Ashok
2001
V
IG Y. V. Narendra
2020
1st Rank Raju
2019
Julayi
Narayana Murthy
2012
Acharya
Priest
2022
Pelli SandaD
Vashishta's Uncle
2021
Malliswari
Murthy
2004
Radha
Radhakrishnan's Father
2017
Student No. 1
Jailor
2001
Dookudu
Ramachandra
2011
Naayak
judge
2013
Iddarammayilatho
Shankarabharanam
2013
Sogasu Chuda Taramaa
1995
Janda Pai Kapiraju
2015
Nuvvu Vasthavani
2000
Bheemla Nayak
MLA
2022
Mounamelanoye
2002
Sita
2019
Wanted PanduGod
2022
Kisi Ka Bhai... Kisi Ki Jaan
Rameshwar Kodathi
2023
Oopiri
Kaalidasu
2016
Annamayya
1997
Munna
2007
Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu
Kondala Rao
2013Kalavaram
Adi Moolam
2014
Neeku Naaku Dash Dash
2012
Raja Vikramarka
2021
Ghilli
Muthupandi's Father
2004
Sarkaru Vaari Paata
Master
2022Veedevadandi Babu
1997
Gaayam
Lawyer Saab
1993Gaayam
Dialogue
1993Love Today
2004
Mister
Gundappa Naidu
2017
Manmadhudu
Prasad
2002
Oosaravelli
Rakesh's Father
2011
Jathi Ratnalu
Govindu
2021
Chirutha
2007
Balarama Krishnulu
Dialogue
1992
Shiva
Nanaji
1990BharataVarsha - Saga of Shula
Dhamaka
Vasudeva Rao
2022
Brahmotsavam
2016Brahmotsavam
Sathyaraj's Friend
2016
Vamsi
2000
Gabbar Singh
Mavayya
2012
Golconda High School
Viswanath
2011
Ready
Raghava /"Dallas" Nageswara Rao
2008
Bommana Brothers Chandana Sisters
Bommana brothers' father
2008
Alias Janaki
2013
Ekkadiki Pothavu Chinnavada
Amala's Father
2016
Manamey
Mahendra
2024
Once Upon a Warrior
Kaksheera
2011
Kurradu
Varun's Father
2009
Shambo Shiva Shambo
2010
Rakht Charitra
Ram Murthy
2010
Meghalu Cheppina Prema Katha
2025
Enakku 20 Unakku 18
Preeti's Father (Telugu version)
2003
Gowri
2004Aunty Uncle Nanda Gopal
2010
Panjaa
Guruvayya
2011
Indra
Valmiki
2002
Shatamanam Bhavati
Chalaram (Cameo)
2017
Ami Thumi
Janardhan
2017
Aadikeshava
2023Madhanam
2019
Sardaar Gabbar Singh
Gabbar Singh's Guardian
2016
Bimbisara
The Priest
2022
BRO
Singinadham
2023
Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana
Kantepudi Srinivasa Rao
2005
Nenu Meeku Telusa...?
2008
Rakhi
Criminal Lawyer Sachidanandam
2006
Agnyaathavaasi
Abhi's uncle
2018
Raju Bhai
Anjali's father
2007
Jai Chiranjeeva
2005
Deyyam
Psychologist
1996
Dhee
Corporator Krishna
2007
Mr Bachchan
Ramgarh Thakur
2024
Wanted
Voice Over
2011
Spy
Subhash and Jai's father
2023
Rakht Charitra 2
Ram Murthy
2010
Gaayam 2
Lawyer Saab
2010
Vijetha
2018
Ramayya Vasthavayya
Ammullu's Father
2013
Kamli
2006
Venky
Venky's Father
2004
Lawyer Suhasini
1987Lawyer Suhasini
Dialogue
1987
Kishkinda Kaanda
1994
Pelli Peetalu
Tatabbai
1998
Bengal Tiger
RMP Doctor
2015
Bommarillu
Aravind's Friend
2006
Inji Iduppazhagi
Doctor
2015
Chakram
2005
Aditya 369
Raja Varma's Henchman
1991
Maharshi
Writer
1987
Jamba Lakidi Pamba
2018
Takkari Donga
Doobey
2002
Dhammu
2012
Ramarao On Duty
2022
Pantham
Trust chairman Tilak
2018
Oy!
Telugu Teacher
2009
Gangotri
Anjaneya Shastri
2003
F3: Fun and Frustration
Police Officer
2022
Autonagar Surya
Jailor
2014
Om Namo Venkatesaya
Rama's Father
2017
Jagadam
2007
The Rite, a Passion
2002
Bommalata
2006
Collector Gari Bharya
2010
Kalinga
2024
Shirdi Sai
Bhooti
2012
Oh My Friend
Chandu's Father
2011
Matru Devo Bhava
1993
Appula Appa Rao
1992
Dhanalakshmi I Love You
2002
Thulasi
2007
Andaru Bagundali Andulo Nenundali
2022
Vidya Vasula Aham
Spiritual Preacher
2024
Mithunam
Director
2012Mithunam
Lyricist
2012Mithunam
Screenplay
2012
Drushyam 2
Vinay Chandra
2021
Ghatotkachudu
Thota Ramudu
1995
Manasantha Nuvve
2001
Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari
Dasu
1990
Godavari
Captain Chintamani
2006
Siva
Nanaji
1989Siva
Dialogue
1989
Egire Paavurama
Simhachalam
1997
Subhalagnam
Doctor
1994
Chettu Kinda Pleader
Paata Samanlavaadu
1989Chettu Kinda Pleader
Dialogue
1989
Katha Screenplay Darsakatvam Appalaraju
Y. Venkat
2011
Alludu Seenu
Narasimha's friend
2014
Mister Pellam
Bank Manager
1993
Pournami
Mallika's father
2006
Cameraman Ganga Tho Rambabu
2012
Tata Birla Madhyalo Laila
Gajapati
2006
Basanti
2014
O Panaipothundi Babu
1998
Oka Pellam Muddu Rendo Pellam Vaddu
2004Vishnu
2003
Neti Gandhi
1999
Krishna
2008
Gaali Sampath
2021
Sontham
Shyam Prasad
2002
Jalsa
Bulli reddy
2008
Guru
2017
Super Machi
2022
Son of India
2022
Sammohanam
Shyam Prasad
2018
April 28th Em Jarigindi
Producer of Movie
2021
Krishnarjuna
2008
Grahanam
Narayana Swamy
2004
Pokiri Raja
Inspector Prem Chand
1995
Goppinti Alludu
2000
Current Theega
2014
Kabaddi Kabaddi
2003
Kathalo Rajakumari
2017
Anandam
2001
Mr. King
2023
Chandralekha
1998
Narasimha Naidu
Papanashanam
2001
Raja
1999
Gayatri
2018
Ek Niranjan
Veeraiah
2009
Mr. Medhavi
2008
Baava
2010
Gautamiputra Satakarni
Deva Dattudu
2017
Jyo Achyutananda
Sudoku Murthy
2016
Leader
Sharma C.S.
2010
Srirastu Subhamastu
Anu's would-be father in law
2016
Karthikeya
Valli's Father
2014
Shivam Bhaje
2024
Brindavanam
Ajay's Father
2010
Goutham Nanda
Waiter
2017
Dhoni
2012
Arjun
Roopa's father
2004
Aunty
Khan
1995
Ammo Bomma
2001
Santosham
Narayana Murthy
2002
Shamantakamani
A.K.Ganapathi Sastry
2017
Annavaram
Lallu
2006
Balu
2005
Postman
1999
Ism
Sathya's father
2016
Nuvve... Nuvve...
Abu, Vishwanath's friend
2002
Souryam
2008
Mr & Mrs Sailaja Krishnamurthy
2004
Pandaga
Sai Babu
1998
Bheema
2008
Naaga
Subramanyam
2003
Gentleman
Mohan
2016Aavide Shyamala
1999
Okkadunnadu
RBI Official
2007
Bhaje Vaayu Vegam
2024
Oka V Chitram
2006
Satyam
Deiva's Father
2008
Nuvvu Nenu
2001
Virattu
2014
Naa Nuvve
2018
Avunu Valliddaru Ishtapaddaru!
Anil's Maternal Uncle
2002Aakasame Haddu
2011
Ghani
2022
Mrugaraju
2001
Nela Ticket
C.M.
2018
Bhagyalakshmi Bumper Draw
Paala Pullayya
2006
Subash Chandra Bose
2005
Devullu
TV Anchor
2000
Exploring ''Shiva'' Movie After 25 Years
2014
Lucky Chance
1994
Varasudu
1993
Eakam
Appayya Panthulu / Outdated Priest
2021
Pressure Cooker
2020
Okka Ammayi Thappa
2016
Ninne Premistha
2000
Kathanayakudu
School Teacher
2008
Ladies Tailor
Police
1986Ladies Tailor
Screenplay
1986Ladies Tailor
Dialogue
1986
Saleem
2009
Kalavaramaye Madilo
2009
Kuselan
School Teacher
2008
Itlu Sravani Subramanyam
2001
Karataka Damanaka
2024
Pelli Chesukundaam
1997
Mee Sreyobhilashi
2007
Rechipo
2009
Ashta Chamma
Sarva Sarma
2008
180
Narayanan
2011
Money
Manikyam
1993
Ra Ra Krishnayya
2014
Vastadu Naa Raju
2011
Surya Vs Surya
Ersam
2015
Sri Manjunatha
Bhrungi
2001
Amma Cheppindi
Paparao
2006
Sri Kanaka Mahalakshmi Recording Dance Troupe
Dorababu
1987Sri Kanaka Mahalakshmi Recording Dance Troupe
Writer
1987
Nindha
Satyanand
2024Moodu Mukkalaata
2000
Premadesam
2023
Bandipotu
Makrandam
2015
Ninne Ishtapaddanu
2003
Ippudu Kaaka Inkeppudu
2021
Boss
2006
SR Kalyanamandapam
2021
Nenunnanu
2004
Om Shanti
2010
Rowdy
Vedam
2014
Patta Pagalu
Sri Ramadasu
2006
Naa Manasistha Raa
2001
Drohi
Nanaji
2010
Skylab
Sadasivam, Anand's Grandfather
2021
Godse
2022
Jayam Manadera
2000
Lingababu Love Story
Pakir Dada
1995
Aame
Pattabhi
1994
Kalidasu
Principal of College
2008
Azad
Kanaka Raju
2000
Game
2006
Money Money
Manikyam
1995
Family Circus
Fishing Inspector
2001
Dhada
Preethi's Father
2011
Lovely
2012
Priyamaina Neeku
Ganesh's father
2001
Chitram
Ramana's father
2000
Sisindri
1995
Thammudu
1999
Allari Bullodu
Raju's father
2005
Dhairyam
2005
First Day First Show
Sreenu's Father
2022
Yamaleela
Thota Ramudu
1994
Snehituda
2009
Rey
2015Classmates
2007
Dongodu
Naidu
2003
Raa Raa... Penimiti
(Voice Only)
2023Current
2009
Tirumala Tirupati Venkatesa
2000
Krishna Rao Supermarket
2019
Peddha Kapu - 1
2023
Kedi
2010
Samba
Father of Nandu
2004Samba
Nandu's father
2004
Gambeeram
Minister Rajendran
2004
Seetharamaiah Gari Manavaralu
1991
One by Two
Writer
1993
Hungama
2005
Okariki Okaru
Kamesh's Father
2003
Prathinidhi 2
2024
Entha Manchivaadavuraa
Rama Sharma
2020
Mind Game
Appa Rao
2023
Jai
Farah's father
2004
Samudram
Chepala Krishna
1999
Geetha
2022
Jhummandi Naadam
2010
Gulf
2017
Pekata Paparao
Harichandra
1993
Snehamante Idera
2001
Sreeram
2002Mummy Mee Aayanochadu
Inspector Extra Venkat Rao
1996
Missamma
Nanda Gopal's neighbor
2003
Andhela Ravamidhi
2025
Allari Pidugu
2005
Alluri
2022
Pilla Nachindi
1999
Amma Donga!
Sattipandu
1995
Pavithra
2013
Honeymoon Express
Bala
2024
Vasantham
2003Rendilla Poojari
1993
Kallu
1988
Satyam
Chakradhar
2003
Abhishekam
G. K. Naidu
1998
Sankeertana
Dialogue
1987
Sarangapani Jathakam
Ahobila Rao
2025
Cheppalani Undhi
2022
Mama Bagunnava
1997
Victory
2008
Shekar
2022Time Pass
2001
Bombay Priyudu
1996Gharana Bullodu
1995Akka! Bagunnava?
1996
Donga Ramadu and Party
2003
Sriranga Neethulu
2024
Drill
2024
Vinodham
1996
Tiger
Orphanage Principal
2015
Sada Mee Sevalo
Suryakantam's Father
2005
Boni
2009Desa Drohulu
1995Appu Chesi Pappu Koodu
2008
Mantra 2
Ramarao
2015
Prema Entha Madhuram Priyuraalu Antha Katinam
Jai's Dad
2017
Chala Bagundi
2000
Kshetram
2011
Raja Raja Chora
Ganapthi
2021Gunshot
1996
Garam
2016
Okato Number Kurradu
Swapna's Father
2002
Neeli Megha Shyama
2025
Inti Number – 13
2024Veetla Visheshanga
Inspector Sennimalai
1994
O Chinadaana
2002
Sadhyam
2010
Chiranjeevulu
2001
Maa Vintha Gaadha Vinuma
2020
Maayajaalam
2006
Madhushala
2025
Bangaru Bullodu
2021
Naruda Donoruda
Dr. Anjeneyulu
2016
Sira
Sira
Writer
Sira
Director
Anumanaspadam
Forest officer
2007D for Dopidi
2013
Bombhaat
Varaha Murthy
2020
Sarkaaru Noukari
Sarpanch
2024
Ugadi
1997
Dochevaarevarura
2023
2 Hours Love
2019
Jaitra Yatra
1991Jaitra Yatra
Dialogue
1991
Sontha ooru
Devudu Babu
2009
Budget Padmanabham
2001
Adda
2013Pattukondi Chuddam
Sub Inspector Gottam Gopala Krishna
1997
Kudirithe Kappu Coffee
2011
Raghupathi Venkaiah Naidu
2019
Chevilo Puvvu
Writer
1990