TG Ravi at 50 years in films: The villain who never left his village roots

Thrissur, Kerala: For the people of Moorkkanikkara, a quiet agrarian village in Thrissur district, T.G. Ravi has always been their “Raviyettan” — the actor who never turned his back on his roots. Now, as he celebrates 50 years in cinema, the veteran reflects a life that began with humble dreams and went on to carve a remarkable place in Malayalam film history.

Born as T.G. Ravindranath, his first taste of acting came quite by chance. As a second-standard pupil at the Government Lower Primary School in Moorkkanikkara, his teacher once asked what he wished to become. “A shopkeeper,” the young Ravi replied — a realistic dream for a boy from a village where tiny shops were a common sight. It was 1950. When the school staged a play that year, the teacher gave little Ravindranathan the role of a businessman, marking his very first appearance on stage.

Years later, he graduated in Mechanical Engineering from the Government Engineering College, Thrissur, with flying colours. At his farewell function, the principal asked what he planned to do next. His answer remained unchanged: “Start a business in my hometown.” Many advised him to seek a secure, well-paying job instead of taking the risks of entrepreneurship.

Yet destiny had other plans. The aspiring businessman would soon find himself drawn into an entirely different world — cinema. Starting with small roles and eventually producing films, he went on to play fearsome villains and powerful character roles that earned him wide acclaim.

Now 81, Ravi’s acting career spans five decades. His journey began with a minor role in Aravindan’s ‘Uttarayanam’ (1975), a film that went on to win three State Awards. From stage plays and stints as a casual artist with All India Radio, his friendship with the late Thikkodiyan eventually led him to the silver screen.

Realising that mere supporting roles would never get him noticed, Ravi decided to produce his own film, ‘Paadasaram’, and cast himself as the lead. Though the film failed commercially, his next productions found greater success. ‘Chora Chuvanna Chora’ earned modest acclaim, while ‘Chaakara’, directed by P.G. Viswambharan and starring Jayan, became a massive hit. Ravi himself played the villain — a role he personally requested — and it proved to be a turning point in his career.

From then on, he became Malayalam cinema’s most sought-after antagonist, his screen presence commanding both fear and respect. But it was his portrayal of Variyan Kunnathu Kunjahammed Haji in I.V. Sasi’s ‘1921’ that transformed him from a villain into a celebrated character actor.

Over 300 films later, Ravi continues to reinvent himself. His performances have earned him multiple accolades, including the Kerala State Film Award (Special Jury Award) in 2007 and the State Television Award for Best Actor in 2006. He has acted alongside stars from Prem Nazir to Tovino Thomas, and is currently appearing in ‘Pallichattambi’, with Tovino in the lead.

Outside cinema, Ravi fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming a businessman by setting up a rubber products factory in his native village, providing employment to many locals. He also served as President of the Cochin Devaswom Board, and took a break from films to tend to his farmland.

Having married his teenage sweetheart, Ravi continues to lead a life deeply connected to his community. To his fellow villagers, he remains the same warm and grounded man they fondly call “Raviyettan” — the actor who, despite fame and success, never truly left home.