T.G. Ravi

Biography

T. G. Ravindranathan (born 16 May 1944), popularly known as T. G. Ravi, is an Indian actor predominantly known for his iconic villain roles in Malayalam cinema. During the 1970s and 1980s, he—along with Balan K. Nair—portrayed many of the most memorable antagonists in the industry. Renowned for his distinctive body language and powerful dialogue delivery, Ravi became one of the defining screen villains of his era.

Early Life and Education

T. G. Ravi was born in Moorkanikkara village, Thrissur, Kerala. He completed his pre-degree at St. Thomas College, Thrissur, and later earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Government Engineering College, Thrissur, under the University of Kerala in 1969.

Apart from his academic pursuits, he was active in sports and represented the University of Kerala in football and hockey. He was also associated with All India Radio, where he met playwright Thikkodiyan, who introduced him to filmmaker G. Aravindan, leading to his debut in Uttarayanam.

Acting Career

Ravi began acting in local village plays and later moved to professional theatre and radio dramas. After his film debut, opportunities were limited, prompting him to produce the film Paadasaram, in which he played the lead role. Although it did not succeed commercially, his later productions—Chora Chuvanna Chora and Chakara—performed better. His role as Shaji in Chakara, opposite Jayan, established him as a formidable villain.

Director Bharathan cast him as Kunjippalu in Parankimala, a breakthrough performance that cemented his reputation. He went on to appear in several successful films, including:

Ee Nadu

Iniyenkilum

Pathamudayam

1921

NH 47

Pavam Krooran

At the peak of his career in the late 1980s, he stepped away from acting. He later returned to cinema with Amrutham, directed by Sibi Malayil, and went on to deliver notable performances in:

Pakal

Cycle

Romans

Jacobinte Swargarajyam

Georgettan's Pooram

Red Wine

The Priest

Personal Life

T. G. Ravi is also a noted industrialist and played a significant role in developing Thrissur as a hub for the rubber industry. He serves as the Managing Director of Suntec Tyres Limited and previously served as the president of the Cochin Devaswom Board, which administers over 400 temples across the Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Palakkad districts.

He was married to the late Dr. V. K. Subhadra. He has two sons, including actor Sreejith Ravi, and is a grandfather to several grandchildren.

He has also served as the president of the All Kerala Ezhuthachan Samajam.