Aari Arujunan is an Indian actor who has appeared in Tamil language films. He made his lead debut in Rettaisuzhi (2010) produced by director Shankar, before having a breakthrough performance in Nedunchaalai (2014) and starring in the supernatural thriller Maya (2015). In 2021, he emerged as the winner of the reality television show Bigg Boss 4.
Career
Aari, before entering films, had background in theatre featuring in productions by Magic Lantern, Theatre Nisha and Inland Theatres. He appeared in a minor role in Alaiyadikkuthu (2005) and was later cast in the role in T. V. Chandran's Aadum Koothu (2006).
Aari made his lead debut in Rettaisuzhi (2010), produced by director Shankar. In October 2011, it was announced that Aari would feature in Maalai Pozhudhin Mayakathilaey and would star alongside winner of Miss South India 2010, Shubha Phutela. Aari mentioned that it was "really challenging to play an ordinary guy", as he had to consciously keep his emotions to a minimum at all times. Aari portrayed the lead role in N. Krishna's third venture, a romantic road trip film titled Nedunchaalai (2014), a period film set in the 1980, which took two years to complete. The film opened to positive reviews. His following venture, the comedy Kadai Enn 6, remains unreleased. Another venture Dharani directed by newcomer Guhan Sambandham, released in 2015, which did not perform well. In the same year, he played a pivotal role in Maya, a supernatural thriller alongside Nayanthara. It was a huge success at the box office and was critically acclaimed. In 2016, he was seen in Unnodu Ka, which performed average reviews. Later, he was cast in horror comedy Nagesh Thiraiyarangam in lead role opposite Ashna Zaveri.
In January 2021, he emerged as the title winner in the reality show Bigg Boss Tamil 4.
He has played a significant role in Nenjuku Needhi (2022), alongside Udhayanidhi Stalin directed by Arunraja Kamaraj, the official remake of critically acclaimed Hindi film Article 15. His next venture was the science fiction film Ellaam Mela Irukuravan Paathuppan (2023).
Aari Arjunan seen as the host in the reality show Vaa Thamizha Vaa. He has played in the legal drama series Good Wife. Aari Arjunan plays the protagonist in the psychological thriller, Fourth Floor (2026).
Personal life Aari was born in Palani, Tamil Nadu. He married Nathiya, a UK-based HR professional of Sri Lankan origin, on 18 November 2015 and the couple has two children; a girl named Riya (born 2016) and a son, Ranatheeran (born 2023).
He was a fitness coach before becoming actor.
As a social activist, he has supported Tamil culture, language and agriculture. In 2018, he started a '' (Tamil Signature) movement where he wanted all the Tamil people to sign documents in Tamil script. He holds the Guinness Book of World Records for most signatures on a whiteboard. He also holds the Guinness World Record for planting approximately 30,000 seedlings with 20,000 participants, in a 15-acre land, in collaboration with Sathyabama University. In 2017, he actively participated in Jallikattu protests held in Marina beach, Chennai.
Filmography Film + Film performances Year Title Role Notes 2005 Alaiyadikkuthu Brindha's husband credited as Akhil Kumar 2006 Aadum Koothu Muthu 2010 Rettaisuzhi Murthy 2012 Maalai Pozhudhin Mayakathilaey Ajay 2014 Nedunchaalai Murugan 2015 Dharani Shekar Maya Vasanth / Arjun 2016 Unnodu Ka Siva 2017 Mupparimanam Himself Special appearance in the song "Let's Go Party" 2018 Nagesh Thiraiyarangam Nagesh 2022 Nenjuku Needhi Kumaran 2023 Ellaam Mela Irukuravan Paathuppan Ragu Direct Television premiere on Colors Tamil2024 Thiru.Manickam Himself Cameo appearance2026 Fourth Floor Dheeran
Television + Television performances Year Title Role Channel Notes2017Manadhaal Inaivom Maatrathai Varaverppom - Zee Tamil Brand Film Aari As HimselfZee TamilCo-starring Jyothika, directed By Sudha Kongara Brand Shorts For Zee TamilJyotika is Zee Tamil brand ambassador. Times of India (16 October 2017). Retrieved on 14 August 2018.Actor Jyothika to endorse Zee Tamil, Marketing & Advertising News, ET BrandEquity. Brandequity.economictimes.indiatimes.com (16 October 2017). Retrieved on 14 August 2018.2019Vanakkam TamizhaGuestSun TV 2020–2021 Bigg Boss Tamil Season 4 Contestant STAR Vijay Winner2021Bigg Boss Season 4 KondattamGuestCelebration of Bigg Boss Season 4Bharathi Kannamma & Raja Rani Season 2 Maha SangamamHimselfSpecial AppearanceBB JodigalGuest Grand Launch2022Namma Vettu KalyanamSTAR Vijay MusicCouple Show; Along With Nathiya 2024Cheran’s Journey S. PranavSonyLIV streaming web series2024–presentVaa Thamizha Vaa season 3 HostKalaignar TVReality debate show2025Good WifeHari Deepak JioHotstarStreaming web series2026Bigg Boss – The Common ManJudge JioHotstarStar VijayReality show
Awards Year Cateogary Awards Notes2021 Bigg Boss Tamil 4Title Winner He became the Title winner of the Reality Show 2018 FETNA Guinness World Record His Signature Campaign along with FETNA in America2017 Transplanting Seedlings Guinness World Record Transplanting Seedlings with 3000 students from Sathyabhama University 2017 Youth Icon Award Trikona Awards For exemplary work for the betterment of society and motivating Youth 2016 Youth Icon Award Take Care India Association with DR.APJ - Abdul Kalam International Foundation 2015 Best Actor V4 Award Film Nedunchaalai2014 Best Actor Films Fans Association 62nd Annual Award Film - Nedunchaalai
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