M. N. Nambiar

Born: 1919-03-05

M. N. Nambiar (born Manjeri Narayanan Nambiar) was a film actor in Tamil cinema who dominated the industry in the role of villain for around 50 years. Also known as Nambiar Swami or Maha Guruswami, he was a spiritual leader who pioneered the movement of taking pilgrims to Sabarimala. Nambiar started as a hero, Nambiar Guruswami soon started donning the role of a villain — so much so that today his name is synonymous with villainy in Kollywood. Nambiar swami has worked with seven generations of actors. His first pay was Rs.3 with Boys Company. He would retain Rs.1 and send Rs.2 to his mother. He made quite a statement in the early 50s with his portrayal of 11 roles in Digambara Samiyar, one of his films as the Lead. His arresting performance in films such as Manthiri Kumari, Velaikaari, Ayirathil Oruvan, Thillana Mohanambal, Missiyamma and Nenjam Marappadillai paved way for a very successful career that spanned over five decades. A majority of the more than 1000 films that he has done is in Tamil, though he has acted in Telugu, Malayalam and Hindi, besides an English film `Jungle' (with Rod Cameron, the film's hero, directed by William Burke) in which he appears in a few brief scenes. The film was released in 1952. The Hindi film he acted in was a remake of the Tamil Kanavane Kankanda Deivam. After becoming popular in Tamil films he started his own drama troupe called Nambiar Nataka Mandram. They staged two plays — `Kaviyin Kanavu' and a comedy play `Kalyana Supermarket.' Nambiar swami was that rare contradictory personality - a cruel, charming villain on the silver screen while being a very pious man in real life. He was also a pure vegetarian and teetotaler. He was also an ardent devotee of Sabarimala Sri Ayyappan. He has had a long association with the temple, and visited the shrine more than 65 times over the last half a century; this has led to him being called Maha Guruswamy. His colleagues noted that he died during the famous Sabarimala season and it may be due to the blessing of his Lord.


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Gentleman

as Ramesh's Father
Released: 1993-07-30

Kicha is a modern-day Robin Hood, who along with his friend, Mani, steals from the rich to aid...

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Vinnukkum Mannukkum

as Cameo
Released: 2001-03-30

Sakthivel (R. Sarath Kumar) is the leader of his village and is adored by the people. His only...

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Poove Unakkaga

as Sadhasivam
Released: 1996-02-15

Raja learns that the girl he loves is in love with another man. When he comes to know about the...

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En Annan

as Nayagam
Released: 1970-05-22

Rangan (M.G.R) the very loving brother of Thangam, though only a cart puller, dreams of...

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Harichandra

as uncredited
Released: 1968-11-02

Harichandra (Tamil: ஹரிச்சந்திரா) is a 1968 Indian Tamil film, directed by K. S. Prakash Rao and...

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Endrendrum Kadhal

as Sethupathi, Vijay's father
Released: 1999-03-05

Endrendrum Kaadhal starring by vijay and rambha. Vijay is the managing director of a large...

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Kadhal Sadugudu

as Kausalya`s Grandfather
Released: 2003-04-13

Kadhal Sadugudu is a love-comedy movie directed by the director Durai of Mugavari fame. It stars...

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Baba

as Baba's Maternal Uncle
Released: 2002-08-15

Baba is an atheist who always questions the existence of a higher power. But when a turn of...

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Thai Veedu

as uncredited
Released: 1983-04-14

A father and son are separated when their enemy tries to steal a pair of swords that hold a map...

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Adimai Changili

as uncredited
Released: 1997-09-05

Adimai Changili is a 1997 Tamil language film directed by R. K. Selvamani. The film features...

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Naan Mahaan Alla

as GMK
Released: 1984-01-14

Viswanath (Rajnikanth), a famous lawyer, stays with his widowed mother (Vijayakumari) and...

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The Jungle

as Mahaji
Released: 1952-08-01

An Indian princess (Marie Windsor), her adviser (Cesar Romero) and a white hunter (Rod Cameron)...

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Adi Parasakthi

as uncredited
Released: 1971-10-17

A man saved from death by God and told how God help others.

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Yejaman

as Vaanavarayan's grandfather
Released: 1993-02-18

A chieftain is loved by everyone in the village. His arch rival poisons his wife, making her...

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Villu Pattukaran

as uncredited
Released: 1992-11-27

Kalimuthu is the lead singer of a group performing Villu Paatu. The village head decides to...

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Dowry Kalyanam

as Rowther
Released: 1983-05-31

Friends Ganeshan and Ethiraj have a falling out due to a misunderstanding. However, when...

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Rojavanam

as uncredited
Released: 1999-07-30

Muthu, an orphan, works at an old age home and loves Roja, the daughter of the owner. But she is...

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Padagotti

as uncredited
Released: 1964-11-03

Two fishing communities in a village are pitted against each other by an evil landlord. Problems...

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Sakthi

as Vikraman
Released: 1980-08-22

The story opens with two men travelling in an ambassador's car to a bungalow, not knowing how to...

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Varushamellam Vasantham

as uncredited
Released: 2002-05-03

An unemployed young man sacrifices his love for a girl who is engaged to marry his brother, but...

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Sakkarai Devan

as uncredited
Released: 1993-07-10

Sakkarai Devan (Tamil: சக்கரை தேவன்) is a 1993 Indian Tamil film, directed by J. Panneer and...

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Enga Veettu Pillai

as Gajendran
Released: 1965-01-14

Ramu is an innocent son of a rich landlord who is afraid of his brother-in-law Narendran and his...

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Winner

as Velayutham
Released: 2003-09-27

A young man moves to his hometown; here he falls in love with the village head's daughter. The...

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Paasamalargal

as uncredited
Released: 1994-02-05

In order to earn goodwill, a businessman adopts 6 orphan girls. After the initial friction, he...

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Periya Marudhu

as uncredited
Released: 1994-11-02

Periya Marudhu remains a loyal henchman to Sivasankaran attracting the villagers' ire. However,...

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Captain Prabhakaran

as Special Task Force Officer
Released: 1991-04-14

Prabhakaran, an Indian Forest Services officer, is sent to Sathyamangalam to nab the notorious...

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Sethupathi I.P.S

as uncredited
Released: 1994-10-24

A very efficient cop, whose entire family has served India at some time, must coax a terrorist...

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Amara Deepam

as uncredited
Released: 1956-06-20

Amara Deepam is a Tamil film is directed by T. Prakash Rao released in 1956. A educated...

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Sharjah to Sharjah

as Kappithan
Released: 2001-12-25

Unni is wrongly accused for murder of Kannan in Dubai. Sheikh Al Mubharak Rasim Khalid tells...

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Anbe Anbe

as uncredited
Released: 2003-05-01

Anbe Anbe is a Tamil Family Drama Film. Nambiar and his wife Manorama head a large family with...

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Thillana Mohanambal

as Maharaja of Madhanpur
Released: 1968-07-27

A classical bharathanatyam dancer and a nathaswaram player fall in love against the wishes of...

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Raja Rishi

as Sage Vashishta
Released: 1985-09-20

Raja Rishi is a 1985 Indian Tamil film directed by K. Shankar and produced by N. Sakunthala. The...

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Then Nilavu

as Raj
Released: 1961-09-30

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Maanagara Kaaval

as IG Jayaprakash
Released: 1991-06-28

Assistant Commissioner of Police Subhash must overcome all odds and incorporate his strengths to...

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Ram Lakshman

as uncredited
Released: 1981-02-28

Lakshman, an elephant, and Ram are inseparable friends. Ram even refuses to marry Meena when her...

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Krishnan Vandhaan

as uncredited
Released: 1987-08-28

Sivaraman helps Rangan out of the goodness of his heart. When the latter's con gets him in...

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Thambi Thanga Kambi

as uncredited
Released: 1988-07-15

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Rajaraja Cholan

as Bala Thevar
Released: 1973-05-01

Rajaraja Cholan is a 1973 Tamil film about the life of the Chola king Rajaraja Chola.

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Saranam Ayyappa

as uncredited
Released: 1980-11-28

Adaikalam, an accused, who has been imprisoned for many years helps two other men to escape from...

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Neeya?

as Appu Kuttan
Released: 1979-01-13

After Kamal's friends accidentally kill a female serpent, another female serpent follows them...

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Ulagam Sutrum Valiban

as uncredited
Released: 1973-05-11

Scientist Murugan has a formula that can harness energy from lightening. A rival wants it for...

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Mella Thirandhadhu Kadhavu

as Hindi Teacher and Noorjahan's Father
Released: 1986-09-12

A village girl loves her distant cousin, but he loves someone else and rejects her marriage...

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Naan Sigappu Manithan

as Senior Police Officer
Released: 1985-04-12

A young man turns into a vigilante to fight injustice after his loved ones are killed.

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Paattukku Oru Thalaivan

as uncredited
Released: 1989-03-17

Arivu and Shanthi are in love, but when Arivu's father goes to Shanthi's father with a marriage...

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Jallikkattu

as uncredited
Released: 1987-08-28

The story begins with Arjun being arrest for multiples crimes. In the past, Arjun was an...

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Deiva Thirumanangal

as uncredited
Released: 1981-01-01

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Pasamalar

as Rathnam
Released: 1961-05-27

Two siblings, Rajasekharan and Radha, become orphans when they lose their mother at a young age....

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Sathyam

as uncredited
Released: 1976-05-06

Sathyam is a 1976 Tamil film directed by S. A. Kannan starring Sivaji Ganesan, Jayachitra and...

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Thaai Naadu

as Saleem Bhai
Released: 1989-02-16

A military Grand Officer is accused, inequitably, of intelligence with the enemy, during an...

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Ninaithadhai Mudippavan

as Mohan
Released: 1975-05-09

Sundaram, a member of a musical band, goes to chennai to earn money for his sister's marriage...

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Madhuraiyai Meetta Sundharapandiyan

as The Prince Raja Rajan
Released: 1978-01-14

Set during the time of the Chola invasion, the film tells the story of a courageous Pandiyan...

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Enga Ooru Kaavakkaaran

as uncredited
Released: 1988-08-27

The main lead of the film is a bodyguard for his village and falls in love with simple girl who...

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Netru Indru Naalai

as Rathnam (the false)
Released: 1974-07-12

Manickam, who was raised by a farmer, finds out that Thangappapuram, a rich businessman, is his...

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Sivandha Mann

as Diwan, the main antagonist
Released: 1969-11-09

Sivandha Mann, also spelt as Sivantha Mann, is a 1969 Indian Tamil language film written,...

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Urimai Kural

as Doreswamy
Released: 1974-11-07

Together, Gopi and his brother are a power to reckon with. But Dorai, a jealous man, tries to...

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Kuttrapathirikai

as uncredited
Released: 2007-03-23

Ramakrishnan and Arun both are ACP’s and colleagues, Ramakrishnan fall in love with Divya, and...

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En Kelvikku Enna Bathil

as uncredited
Released: 1978-12-09

Two brothers get separated in their childhood after their uncle dupes their father. Years later,...

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Sudesi

as uncredited
Released: 2006-05-08

An idealist named Hindustani comes across evidence against the State's Chief Minister R.C....

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Aayirathil Oruvan

as Pirate Leader
Released: 1965-07-09

Enslaved convicts for treason plan escape but get caught by pirates and work for them before...

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Jagathalaprathapan

as John Frederick
Released: 1990-03-17

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Guru

as Head of anti-social group
Released: 1980-07-18

A young man Raghu sets up an explosive in a railway track to blow up a train. Raghu is a freedom...

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Kalyana Parisu

as uncredited
Released: 1959-04-09

Baskar and Vasanthi are college-mates. A naughty girl creates misunderstanding between them, and...

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Lakshmi Kalyanam

as uncredited
Released: 1968-11-15

After killing an officer, Raghunathan leads an isolated life. Just before his daughter's...

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Nenjam Marappathillai

as Zamindar
Released: 1963-08-02

A college sophomore, on a visit to his friend's village, explores a dilapidated and haunted...

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Annaiyin Aanai

as uncredited
Released: 1958-07-04

Ganesh's father is falsely accused of a crime and murdered in prison. Years later, his mother...

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Sirithu Vazha Vendum

as uncredited
Released: 1974-11-29

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Thangamalai Ragasiyam

as uncredited
Released: 1957-06-29

Sivaji Ganesan plays the role of a prince who is separated from his parents by his father's foe...

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Indru Pol Endrum Vaazhga

as Guruviah
Released: 1977-05-05

Because it was humbled that by his betrothed, Murugan a nice provincial, puts itself to find in...

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Anjal Petti 520

as Nagarajan
Released: 1969-06-27

A salaried manager tried to save his job and his company.

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Velundu Vinaiyillai

as uncredited
Released: 1987-03-13

Velundu Vinaiyillai (Tamil: வேலுண்டு வினையில்லை) is a 1987 Indian Tamil film, directed by K....

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Enga Ooru Pattukaran

as Kallampattiyan
Released: 1987-04-14

Seethan, a poor milkman, and Shenbagam, the daughter of a landlord, love each other despite...

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Kudiyirundha Koyil

as uncredited
Released: 1968-03-14

Sekhar is separated from his twin, Anand, after getting abducted and grows up to be a criminal....

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Rajapart Rangadurai

as Somasundaram
Released: 1973-12-21

Rangadurai borrows money from Somasundaram to sustain his theatre group during a financial...

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Errakota Veerudu

as uncredited
Released: 1973-12-16

Errakota Veerudu is a Telugu film released in 1973. Produced by T Gopalakrishna under the banner...

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Marmayogi

as uncredited
Released: 1951-02-01

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Tharaasu

as uncredited
Released: 1984-03-15

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Kaavalkaaran

as Marudachalam
Released: 1967-09-07

Mani is employed as a driver with Marudachalam. Mani and his employer's daughter Susheela fall...

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Vaazhkai

as uncredited
Released: 1984-04-13

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Nadodi Mannan

as uncredited
Released: 1958-08-22

Amidst a troubled kingdom that currently has no ruler, a revolutionary finds himself to be a...

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Deiva Magan

as Ananth
Released: 1969-09-05

A lawyer leads a happy life until his wife delivers twins and one of them has a scarred face...

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Thigambara Samiar

as Chokkalingam Pillai
Released: 1950-09-29

When Sattanathan, a corrupt lawyer, forces Vadivambal to marry his brother, a Chokkalingam...

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Savale Samali

as Rajavelu
Released: 1971-07-03

Manickam, whose father works for the landlord, is always at loggerheads with the landlord's son...

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Aavesham

as Shekaran
Released: 1979-11-19

A heroic man effortlessly fights against many wild animals to protect his sister, who falls into...

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Nil Gavani Kadhali

as Gang Leader
Released: 1969-01-01

A gang of diamond smugglers led by a wily chief is assets by Babu, his niece Malathy meets the...

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Kalai Arasi

as uncredited
Released: 1963-04-19

Vani is kidnapped by aliens who need her to teach music and dance to their inhabitants. Mohan,...

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Raja Kumari

as uncredited
Released: 1947-04-11

A humble villager should win the love of a princess.

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Nambinar Keduvadhillai

as uncredited
Released: 1986-05-23

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Rani Samyuktha

as Mohammad Ghori
Released: 1962-01-14

Prithvirajan falls in love with princess Samyuktha, but her father Jayachandran insults him by...

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