Aari Arujunan

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.^[1] In 2021, he emerged as the winner of the reality television show Bigg Boss 4.^[2]

Aari, before entering films, had background in theatre featuring in productions by Magic Lantern, Theatre Nisha and Inland Theatres.^[3][4] He appeared in a minor role in Alaiyadikkuthu (2005) and was later cast in the role of Muthu in Aadum Koothu (2006).^[5] He worked for T. V. Chandran's Aadum Koothu (2005).^[6]

Aari made his lead debut in Rettaisuzhi (2010), produced by director Shankar.^[7] 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.^[8] 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.^[9]The film opened to positive reviews.^[10][11] His following venture, the comedy Kadai Enn 6, remains unreleased.^[12][13] Another venture Dharani directed by newcomer Guhan Sambandham, released in 2015, which did not perform well.^[14] In the same year, he played a pivotal role in Maya, a supernatural thriller alongside Nayanthara.^[15][16] It was a huge success at the box office and was critically acclaimed.^[17] In 2016, he was seen in Unnodu Ka, which performed average reviews.^[18] Later, he was cast in horror comedy Nagesh Thiraiyarangam in lead role opposite Ashna Zaveri.^[19]

In January 2021, he emerged as the title winner in the reality show Bigg Boss Tamil 4.^[20]

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.^[21] His next venture was the science fiction film Ellaam Mela Irukuravan Paathuppan (2023).^[22]

Aari Arjunan seen as the host in the reality show Vaa Thamizha Vaa.^[23] He has played in the legal drama series Good Wife.^[24] Aari Arjunan plays the protagonist in the psychological thriller, Fourth Floor (2026).^[25]

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 (b. 2016) and a son, Ranatheeran (b. 2023).

He was a fitness coach before becoming actor.^[26]

As a social activist, he has supported Tamil culture, language and agriculture. In 2018, he started a 'தமிழ் கையொப்பம்' (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.

• Aari Arujunan at IMDb