Rangayana Raghu

Kotturu 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 Kotturu, 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

 * Bhoomi Thayiya Chochchala Maga (1998)...Patil
 * Megha Banthu Megha (1998)
 * Aryabhata (1999)
 * Kothigalu Saar Kothigalu (2001)
 * Dhumm (2002)
 * Sri Ram (2003)...Chakratheertha
 * Mani (2003)
 * Hrudayavantha (2003)
 * Ranga SSLC (2004)...Kunta Naga
 * Dharma (2004)
 * Sahukara (2004)...Benkiyappa
 * Bhagawan (2004)...Sharath Simha
 * Sarvabhouma (2004)...Jayaraj
 * Omkara (2004)...Divya's father
 * Rakshasa (2005)...Cheluvaraju
 * Valmiki (2005)...Ballanna
 * Gunna (2005)...Sharma
 * Swamy (2005)
 * Boyfriend (2005)
 * Jootata (2005)
 * Cyanide (2006)...Ranganath
 * Thangigagi (2006)...Shadeshwara
 * Tenali Rama (2006)
 * Shishya (2006)
 * Honeymoon Express (2006)...Ranganath
 * Suntaragaali (2006)...D. Rajahuli
 * Tirupathi (2006)
 * 7 O' Clock (2006)
 * Odahuttidavalu (2006)
 * Poojari (2007)
 * Duniya (2007)
 * Maathaad Maathaadu Mallige (2007)
 * Gunavantha (2007)
 * Parodi (2007)
 * Snehana Preethina (2007)
 * Sixer (2007)
 * Geleya (2007)
 * Ganesha (2007)
 * Hani Hani (2008)
 * Beladingalaagi Baa (2008)
 * Gaalipata (2008)
 * Payana (2008)
 * Inthi Ninna Preethiya (2008)
 * Taj Mahal (2008)
 * Vasanthakala (2008)
 * Avva (2008)
 * Dheemaku (2008)
 * Mast Maja Maadi (2008)
 * Kodagana Koli Nungitha (2008)
 * Yuga Yugagale Saagali (2008)
 * Minchina Ota (2008)
 * Sangama (2008)
 * Athmeeya (2008)
 * Bidda (2008)
 * Rajakumari (2009)
 * Prem Kahani (2009)
 * Maleyali Jotheyali (2009)...Rangappa
 * Raam (2009)
 * Olave Jeevana Lekkachaara (2009)...Ratna
 * Junglee (2009)
 * Mr Painter (2009)
 * Nanda (2009)
 * Kallara Santhe (2009)
 * Rajani (2009)
 * Kannadada Kiran Bedi (2009)
 * Gubbachchigalu (2009)
 * Muniya (2009)
 * Jokali (2010)
 * Appu and Pappu (2010)
 * Ullasa Utsaha (2010)
 * Mylari (2010)
 * Shankar IPS (2010)
 * Gubbi (2010)
 * Hendtheer Darbar (2010)
 * Sanchari (2010)
 * Huli (2010)
 * Rame Gowda vs Krishna Reddy (2010)
 * Kari Chirathe (2010)
 * Gang Leader (2010)
 * Antharathma (2010)
 * Dildar (2010)
 * Hoo (2010)
 * Tsunami (2010)
 * Modalasala (2010)
 * Jackie (2010)..."Meese" Bheemanna
 * Kiccha Huccha (2010)
 * Eradane Maduve (2010)
 * Gandedhe (2010)
 * Aithalakkadi (2010)
 * Huduga Hudugi (2010)
 * Swayamvara (2010)
 * Chiru (2010)
 * Olave Mandara (2011)
 * Happy Husband (2011)
 * Rama Rama Raghurama (2011)
 * Kaanchaana (2011)
 * Idonthara Love Story (2011)
 * Kaalgejje (2011)
 * Rajani (2011)
 * Ee Sanje (2011)
 * Kool...Sakkath Hot Maga (2011)
 * Veerabahu (2011)
 * Saarathi (2011)
 * Kannadi (2011)
 * Lakshmi (2011)
 * Alemari (2011)
 * Devadas (2011)
 * Tyagu (2011)
 * Swayam Krushi (2011)
 * Auto Manja (2011)
 * Johny Mera Naam Preethi Mera Kaam (2011)
 * Swamiji (2011)
 * Sanju Weds Geetha (2011)...Saasa
 * O Manase (2011)
 * Gun (2011)
 * Hudugaru (2011)
 * Manase Mandaram (2011)
 * Thathaasthu (2011)
 * Belgaum (2011)
 * Tirugubothu (2011)
 * Prince (2011)
 * Boss (2011)
 * Tumba Ishta Swalpa Kashta (2011)
 * 90 (2011)
 * Paramathma (2011)
 * Jarasandha (2011)
 * Shyloo (2011)
 * Ko Ko (2012)
 * Tsunami (2012)
 * Chingari (2012)
 * Alemari (2012)
 * Anna Bond (2012)
 * Breaking News (2012)
 * Villain (2012)
 * Jaanu (2012)
 * Dandupalya (2012)
 * Shiva (2012)
 * Romeo (2012)
 * Rambo (2012)...Mangalore Annappa
 * Kalaya Tasmai Namaha (2012)
 * Mr. 420 (2012)
 * Super Shastri (2012)
 * Lakshmi (2013)
 * Topiwala (2013)
 * CID Eesha (2013)...Narasimha
 * Aane Pataaki (2013)
 * Director's Special (2013)
 * Kaddipudi (2013)...Jinke
 * Mahanadi (2013)
 * Mangana Kaiyalli Manikya (2013)
 * Case No. 18/9 (2013)
 * Jayammana Maga (2013)...Bhagavanta
 * Shathru (2013 film) (2013)
 * Chaddi Dosth (2013)
 * Brahma (2014)
 * Crazy Star (2014)
 * Dil Rangeela (2014)
 * Manada Mareyalli (2014)
 * Agraja (2014)
 * Gajakesari (2014)...Agni
 * Preethi Geethi Ityaadi (2014)
 * 24 Carat (2014)
 * Power *** (2014)...P. V. Bhushan
 * Jackson (2015)
 * Krishna-Leela (2015)...Chandrashekar
 * Nagaari (2015)
 * Rana Vikrama (2015)
 * Daksha (2015)
 * Bullet Basya (2015)
 * Dove (2015)
 * Ganga (2015)
 * Ramleela (2015)...Mekedatu Papanna
 * Sharpshooter (2015)
 * Parapancha (2016)
 * U The End A (2016)
 * Kala Bhairava (2016)
 * The Great Story of Sodabuddi (2016)
 * Chakravyuha (2016)...ACP Raghu
 * Akira (2016)...Gun Guddappa
 * Ishtakamya (2016)
 * Style King (2016)...Naga
 * Mr. Mommaga (2016)
 * Brahma Vishnu Maheshwara (2016)
 * Crazy Boy (2016)
 * Lifeu Super (2016)
 * Golisoda (2016)
 * Doddmane Hudga (2016)...Nanjunda
 * Dana Kayonu (2016)
 * Idolle Ramayana (2016)...Inspector Ramdas
 * Nagarahavu (2016)
 * Madha Mathu Manasi (2016)
 * Naanu Mattu Varalakshmi (2016)
 * Sundaranga Jaana (2016)...Anjaneya
 * Lee (2017)
 * Mumbai (2017)
 * Melkote Manja (2017)
 * Smile Please (2017)...Sadananda
 * Raajakumara (2017)...Venky
 * Jani (2017)
 * Garuda (2018)
 * Mugulu Nage (2017)...Raghu
 * Kanaka (2018)
 * O Premave (2018)
 * Gultoo (2018)...Anantharamaiah
 * Johnny Johnny Yes Papa (2018)...Pappa
 * Saaguva Daariyalli (2018)
 * Hyper (2018)
 * Kannadakkagi Ondannu Otthi (2018)
 * Aa Karaala Ratri (2018)...Muthanna
 * Atharva (2018)
 * Loud Speaker (2018)
 * Ayogya (2018)
 * My Name is Annappa (2018)
 * Aadi Purana (2018)
 * Jagath Kiladi (2018)
 * Orange (2018)...Giddappa
 * Girgitle (2019)
 * Missing Boy (2019)
 * Panchatantra (2019)...Ranganna
 * Yaana (2019)
 * Dasharatha (2019)
 * Ayushman Bhava (2019)...Raghu
 * Bharaate (2019)...Patela
 * Sarvajanikarige Suvarnavakasha (2019)...Shiva
 * Drona (2020)...Raghu
 * French Biriyani (2020)...Mahadev
 * Ramarjuna (2021)...Peter
 * Inspector Vikram (2021)
 * Yuvarathnaa (2021)
 * Puksatte Lifu (2021)
 * Tom and Jerry (2021)
 * Mugilpete (2021)
 * Sakath (2021)...Chalapathi
 * Badava Rascal (2021)...Rangegowda
 * James (2022)...Rakesh Kumar Pirangi
 * Gaalipata 2 (2022)...Bhairegowda
 * Family Pack (2022)...Manjunath/Manjanna
 * Wheelchair Romeo (2022)...Jack mama
 * Love Birds (2023)
 * Gowli (2023)...Kakka
 * Melody Drama (2023)
 * Kousalya Supraja Rama (2023)...Siddegowda
 * Tagaru Palya (2023)...Pandappa aka Pandu
 * Rangasamudra (2024)
 * Case of Kondana (2024)
 * Just Pass (2024)
 * Shakhahaari (2024)
 * Karataka Damanaka (2024)
 * Dilkush (2024)
 * Night Curfew (2024)
 * "Moorane Krishnappa'' (2024)
 * Kotee (2024)
 * The Judgement (2024)

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
 * 2006: Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Kannada: Cyanide
 * 2009: Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Kannada: Raam
 * 2010:Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Kannada: Modalasala
 * 2011:Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Kannada: Olave Mandara
 * 2013:Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Kannada: Jayammana Maga


 * 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


 * 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