Prakash Raj birthday special: From ‘Iruvar’ to ‘Singham’, 6 landmark films that showcase his versatility across genres

Prakash Raj, who turns 61 this year, remains one of Indian cinema’s most dynamic performers, with an impressive body of work across multiple languages including Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Hindi. Starting from theatre and television, he built a reputation for playing everything from intense antagonists to deeply emotional characters. Over the years, films like ‘Iruvar’, ‘Kanchivaram’ and ‘Singham’ have showcased not just his range but also his ability to stand out alongside some of the biggest stars.

A political drama directed by Mani Ratnam, ‘Iruvar’ explored the intersection of cinema and politics. The film featured an ensemble cast including Mohanlal, Aishwarya Rai, Tabu, Revathi, and Gautami. Prakash Raj played Tamil Selvam, a flamboyant politician inspired by M. Karunanidhi. His layered portrayal of ambition, ideology, and power struggles earned him the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor.

‘Khadgam’ is a Telugu social drama directed by Krishna Vamsi, focusing on themes of communal harmony and patriotism. Starring Ravi Teja, Srikanth, Sonali Bendre, and Sangeetha, the film saw Prakash Raj as Amjad Khan, a rickshaw puller caught in religious conflict. His emotional performance added weight to the film’s message. The movie was a box office success and received multiple awards, along with a Filmfare nomination for him.

A period drama helmed by Priyadarshan, ‘Kanchivaram’ revolved around the struggles of silk weavers in Tamil Nadu. Prakash Raj played the lead role of a poor weaver, bringing out the pain of poverty and unfulfilled dreams. The film, known for its realistic storytelling, earned critical acclaim, and his powerful performance won him the National Film Award for Best Actor, along with several other honours.

‘Singham’ is a high-octane Hindi action film directed by Rohit Shetty, starring Ajay Devgn and Kajal Aggarwal. In this commercial entertainer, Prakash Raj played the ruthless villain Jaikant Shikre, whose clash with the upright cop forms the crux of the story. His intimidating presence and sharp dialogue delivery made him one of the most memorable antagonists in mainstream Bollywood, earning him several Best Villain awards.

A Telugu family drama directed by Satish Vegesna, ‘Sathamanam Bhavati’ dealt with relationships, generational gaps, and changing family values. The film starred Sharwanand, Anupama Parameswaran, and Jayasudha alongside Prakash Raj. He played a father torn between tradition and modernity, delivering a subtle yet impactful performance. The film won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film and received widespread appreciation.