Koththuru Chikkarangappa Raghunath (born 17 April 1965), known by his screen name Rangayana Raghu, is an Indian film and stage actor, known for his work in Kannada cinema. He is a recipient of multiple Filmfare Awards South, SIIMA Awards, and two Karnataka State Film Awards.
Born in Koththuru, a village in the Tumkur district of the erstwhile Mysore State (now Karnataka), to a Bayalaata artist, Raghu was inspired to act as a teenager. He began his career in theatre and worked as a stage actor with B. V. Karanth's theatre group Rangayana, from 1988 to 1999. His first feature film, Suggi, got shelved, and Bhoomi Thayiya Chochchala Maga (1998) was his first release. During the initial phase of his career, Raghu usually portrayed comedic or negative-shaded characters and played supporting roles. His first major break came when he appeared as an antagonist in Dhumm (2002). He is best noted for his performance in the 2007 film Duniya which won him his second Karnataka State Film Award for Best Supporting Actor. His other notable roles during this period came in Ranga SSLC (2004), Suntaragaali (2006), Cyanide (2006), Raam (2009), Olave Mandara (2011) and Jayammana Maga (2013).
Later, Raghu progressed to play more character and lead roles, while also appearing frequently in comedic roles. He became noted for his versatility, and earned praise for his performances in films such as Badava Rascal (2021), Family Pack (2022), Rangasamudra (2024) and Shakhahaari (2024). He has appeared in more than 400 films.
Early life Raghu was born as Kotturu Chikkarangappa Raghunath on 17 April 1965 as the ninth child of Chikkarangaiah and Veeramma, in a village Kotturu, in Pavagada taluk of the Tumkur district of the erstwhile Mysore State (now Karnataka). His father Chikkarangaiah was an agriculturist and folk artist who played Bayalaata. Raghu completed his schooling and college education in National College, Bangalore, where he developed an interest in acting. He was encouraged to act in plays by Rajashekhar, the son of noted playwright, Chandrashekhara Kambara. He also referred Raghu to the theatre institute, Rangayana in Mysore in 1988.
Career Raghu trained as an actor in Rangayana before joining films in the mid-1990s. He last performed on stage in 2001. In 2004, he started the theatre group, Sanchari, with his wife, Mangala.
Raghu made his film debut in the 1995 Kannada-language film Suggi directed by Hamsalekha that eventually got shelved. His first release was Bhoomi Thayiya Chochchala Maga (1998), that saw him appear in a supporting role. He then appeared in the 2002 film Dhumm, which followed minor roles in Megha Banthu Megha (1998) and Aryabhata (1999). His major breakthrough was Yogaraj Bhat's debut directorial venture Mani (2003). Raghu then received praise for his performances in films like Ranga SSLC (2004), Duniya (2007), Modalasala (2010), Alemari (2012), and Director's Special (2013). Raghu made his debut in Tulu films in 2018 with My Name is Annappa.
Raghu played a respected folk artist humiliated by a wealthy man in Rangasamudra (2024), a film set in the North Karnataka region. His only grandson intends to restore his grandfather's lost self-respect by buying him a car. A. Sharadhaa of The New Indian Express wrote, "Rangayana Raghu shines every time he graces the screen, as a folk artist, he exemplifies a life of dignity." In the thriller, Shakhahaari (2024), he played an innocent Subbanna Bhat, who runs a small hotel, and has to shield a man on the run who is accused of murdering his wife. The film and Raghu's performance received praise from critics. The reviewer for Deccan Herald wrote: "Veteran Rangayana Raghu is brilliant in a nuanced role demanding wholesome acting. He seamlessly traverses through varied emotions."
Filmography Films Year Title Role 1998 Bhoomi Thayiya Chochchala Maga Patil Megha Banthu Megha 1999 Aryabhata Chandrodaya Employee fired by Sunil Kumar; uncredited role 2001 Kothigalu Saar Kothigalu Police officer 2002 Dhumm Legislator 2003 Sri Ram Chakratheertha Mani Chami Hrudayavantha 2004 Ranga SSLC Kunta Naga Dharma Sahukara Benkiyappa Bhagawan Sharath Simha Sarvabhouma Jayaraj Omkara Divya's father 2005 Rakshasa Cheluvaraju Valmiki Ballanna Gunna Sharma Swamy Constable Boyfriend Jootata Mallangowda 2006 7 O' Clock Suntaragaali D. Rajahuli Shishya Chellata Jagadish Honeymoon Express Ranganath Tirupathi Ekanath Bhavade Cyanide Ranganath Odahuttidavalu Thangigagi Shadeshwara Tenali Rama 2007 Poojari Duniya Satyanna Maathaad Maathaadu Mallige Kurupayya Gunavantha Gold Reddy Parodi Moneylender Snehana Preethina Raghunath Rao Sixer Malpe Nayaka Geleya Ganesha 2008 Hani Hani Beladingalaagi Baa Gaalipata Byregowda Payana Inthi Ninna Preethiya "Naayi" Seenappa Taj Mahal Shankar Vasanthakala Avva Baramanna Dheemaku Mast Maja Maadi Somanath Tantri Kodagana Koli Nungitha Yuga Yugagale Saagali Minchina Ota Sangama Gajaraj Athmeeya Bidda 2009 Rajakumari Prem Kahani Maleyali Jotheyali Rangappa Raam Krishna Murthy Olave Jeevana Lekkachaara Ratna Junglee Gudde Narasimha Mr. Painter Nanda Kallara Santhe Chief Minister of Karnataka Rajani Bobby Kannadada Kiran Bedi Gubbachchigalu Muniya 2010 Jokali Appu and Pappu Jogi Chan Ullasa Utsaha Raghupati Mylari Shankar IPS Gubbi Gowda Hendtheer Darbar Sanchari Huli Rame Gowda vs Krishna Reddy Krishna Reddy Kari Chirathe Gang Leader Antharathma Ghost Dildar Hoo Tsunami Modalasala Deepu's father Jackie Meese Bheemanna Kiccha Huccha Eradane Maduve Gandedhe "SMS" Aithalakkadi Raghu Huduga Hudugi Swayamvara Col. Kenchappa Chirru Rajasekhar 2011 Olave Mandara Ratna Happy Husband Rama Rama Raghurama Raghurama Kaanchaana Idonthara Love Story Kaalgejje Rajani Ee Sanje Kool: Sakkath Hot Maga Veerabahu "Amavasye" Saarathi Raja's adoptive father Kannadi Lakshmi Alemari Devu's father Devadas Tyagu Swayam Krushi Auto Manja Johny Mera Naam Preethi Mera Kaam "Maamu" Swamiji Sanju Weds Geetha Saasa O Manase Gun Wasim Khan Hudugaru Kodanda Manase Mandaram Thathaasthu Belgaum Tirugubothu Prince Raghunath Boss Nandu Tumba Ishta Swalpa Kashta 90 Paramathma Raghava Jarasandha Bull Naidu Shyloo 2012 Ko Ko Tsunami Chingari Alemari Anna Bond Chapathi Babu Breaking News Managing director of Do Company Villain Jaanu Dandupalya Shiva Panduranga Shetty Romeo Kashinath Rambo Mangalore Annappa Kalaya Tasmai Namaha Mr. 420 Ranganath Super Shastri 2013 Lakshmi "Deal" Raja Topiwala Ramanayana Raghu CID Eesha Narasimha Aane Pataaki Govindanna Director's Special Panche Shastry / Ramachandra Kaddipudi Jinke Mahanadi Mangana Kaiyalli Manikya Prabhu Case No. 18/9 Revanna Jayammana Maga Bhagavanta Shathru Adisesha Chaddi Dosth Ranganna 2014 Brahma "Lucky Man" Crazy Star Dil Rangeela Tony D'Costa Manada Mareyalli Agraja Gajakesari Agni Preethi Geethi Ityaadi 24 Carat Power *** P. V. Bhushan 2015 Jackson Krishna-Leela Chandrashekar Nagaari Rana Vikrama Daksha Goolihatti Mylari Bullet Basya Dove Ganga Ramleela Mekedatu Papanna Sharpshooter 2016 Parapancha Mountbatten Tippi U the End A Kala Bhairava The Great Story of Sodabuddi Chakravyuha ACP Raghu Akira Gun Guddappa Ishtakamya Style King Naga Mr. Mommaga Ravi's grandfather Brahma Vishnu Maheshwara Crazy Boy Arjun's adopted father Lifeu Super Golisoda Doddmane Hudga Nanjunda Dana Kayonu "Subsidy" Idolle Ramayana Inspector Ramdas Nagarahavu Madha Mathu Manasi Naanu Mattu Varalakshmi Munna's father Sundaranga Jaana Anjaneya 2017 Lee Mumbai Melkote Manja Smile Please Sadananda Raajakumara Venky Jani Mugulu Nage Raghu 2018 Garuda Kanaka O Premave Gultoo Anantharamaiah Johnny Johnny Yes Papa Pappa Saaguva Daariyalli Hyper Kannadakkagi Ondannu Otthi Aa Karaala Ratri Muthanna Atharva Loudspeaker Ayogya My Name is Annappa Aadi Purana Jagath Kiladi Orange Giddappa Paradesi C/o London Kenche Gowda 2019 Girgitle Missing Boy Lavakumar Panchatantra Ranganna Yaana Dasharatha Ayushman Bhava Raghu Bharaate Patela Sarvajanikarige Suvarnavakasha Shiva 2020 Drona Raghu French Biriyani Mahadev 2021 Ramarjuna Peter Inspector Vikram ACP Prathap Mishra Yuvarathnaa Staff member in college Puksatte Lifu Mugilpete Sakath Chalapathi Badava Rascal Rangegowda 2022 James Rakesh Kumar Pirangi Gaalipata 2 Bhairegowda Family Pack Manjunath/Manjanna Wheelchair Romeo Jack Mama 2023 Love Birds Gowli Kakka Melody Drama Kousalya Supraja Rama Siddegowda Tagaru Palya Pandappa aka Pandu 2024 Rangasamudra Rangasamudra Case of Kondana ASI Tyagaraj Just Pass Dalavayi Shakhahaari Mastikatte Subramanya "Subbanna" Bhat Karataka Damanaka Mugellappa Dilkush Night Curfew Police Inspector Moorane Krishnappa Veeranna Kotee Ramanna The Judgement Krishnam Pranaya Sakhi Bhoomdevru Bhairadevi Veeraiah 2025 Sanju Weds Geetha 2 Forest Makalpatti Gopalaswamy Royal Manada Kadalu Vidyapati Agnyathavasi Inspector Govindu S/O MuthannaMuthanna Full Meals Pulakeshi Flirt Marutha 2026 Cult Sarala Subbarao Narasimha Shastry
Web series +YearTitleRoleRef2025MaarigalluMari Gowda
Awards and nominations Karnataka State Film Awards 2003–04: Karnataka State Film Award for Best Supporting Actor: Mani 2006–07: Karnataka State Film Award for Best Supporting Actor: Duniya
Filmfare Awards South Won; 2006: Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Kannada: Cyanide Won; 2024: Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Kannada: Tagaru Palya Nominated; 2009: Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Kannada: Raam Nominated; 2010:Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Kannada: Modalasala Nominated; 2011:Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Kannada: Olave Mandara Nominated; 2013:Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Kannada: Jayammana Maga Nominated; 2024: Filmfare Award for Best Actor - Kannada: Shakhahaari
South Indian International Movie Awards 2011: Best Actor in a Negative Role (Kannada): Sanju Weds Geetha 2012: Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Kannada): Romeo 2021: Best Actor in a Negative Role (Kannada): Drona 2021: Best Comedian (Kannada): French Biriyani 2012: Best Comedian (Kannada): Shiva 2013: Best Comedian (Kannada): Jayammana Maga 2015: Best Comedian (Kannada): Power*** 2016: Best Comedian (Kannada): Rana Vikrama 2022: Best Comedian (Kannada): Badava Rascal Nominated; 2025: Best Actor (Kannada): Shakhahaari
Udaya Film Awards 2010: Best Supporting Actor 2012: Best Comedian: Mr. 420
Suvarna Film Awards 2007: Best Supporting Actor: Duniya 2009: Best Supporting Actor: Modalasala
IIFA Utsavam 2015Best Performance In A Supporting Role – Male (Kannada): Krishna Leela 2015:Best Performance In A Comic Role (Kannada): Rana Vikrama
Innovative Film Awards 2010: Best Supporting Actor
References
External links