Ravi Mohan (born 10 September 1980), better known by his former stage name Jayam Ravi, is an Indian actor who works in Tamil cinema. The son of veteran film editor A. Mohan, Ravi made his lead acting debut in Jayam (2003), the success of which prompted the title to become a prefix to his stage name until 2025.[1] He has won one Tamil Nadu State Film Award and one Filmfare Award South and three SIIMA Awards respectively.
Ravi acted as a child actor in three films including two Telugu films: Oru Thottil Sabadham (1989), Bava Bavamaridi (1993) and Palnati Pourusham (1993), which were all produced by his father.[2][7]
His next release, Daas (2005), a romantic action,[12][13] featured him as a football player.[14] The film took an even bigger opening than his previous ones.[15] Sify's reviewer described his performance as "impressive", calling Ravi a "hundred percent convincing as an action hero".[16]Mazhai, a remake of the Telugu film Varsham, was his other release that year, which was "lukewarm" at the box office.[17]
In 2006, he starred in Saran'sIdhaya Thirudan, which performed poorly at the box office,[18] following which, he acted in Unakkum Enakkum (initially released and promoted as Something Something Unakkum Enakkum), again under his brother's direction in another remake of a Telugu film Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana. Ravi portrayed a rich, happy-go-lucky NRI from London, who has to live and fight for his love in dire conditions in a rural milieu.[19] The film, which featured Trisha Krishnan alongside Ravi, became a high critical as well as financial success,[20] emerging one of the highest-grossing and most-profitable films of the year.[21][22] The N. Linguswamy-produced Deepavali under Ezhil's direction was released on 2007.[23]
In 2008, Ravi appeared in three films. Following a cameo appearance in Velli Thirai, he acted in the family drama Santhosh Subramaniam, once again under his brother's direction in a remake. In the Tamil version of the 2006 Telugu film Bommarillu, starring opposite Genelia D'Souza, he played a young man, whose choices and wishes are continually subdued by his father.[24] Ravi received a nomination for the Best Tamil Actor Award at the 56th Filmfare Awards South. Next, he starred in the action thriller Dhaam Dhoom, directed by cinematographer-director Jeeva, who died in the midst of the film's shooting in Russia.[25] Completed by Jeeva's assistant Manikandan, his wife Aneez Tanveer and his guru P. C. Sreeram, Dhaam Dhoom released in mid-2008 in which he portrayed Gautham Subramaniyam, a man accused in a murder he did not commit.[26] Sify's reviewer wrote that he was "simply amazing in his role", label the film as an "out and out Jayam Ravi movie".[26]
2009–2019: Action and comedy roles
In 2009, Ravi starred in the action-adventure film Peranmai. In 2010, he starred in the action-comedy Thillalangadi, a remake of the 2009 Telugu-language film Kick. In 2011, he starred in the romantic drama Engeyum Kaadhal. In 2013, he starred in the action film Ameerin Aadhi-Bhagavan. In 2014, he starred in the action film Nimirndhu Nil, which was also shot simultaneously in Telugu as Janda Pai Kapiraju with Nani in the lead.[27]
In 2015, Ravi appeared in four films: the romantic comedy Romeo Juliet, the action-comedy Sakalakala Vallavan, the action-thriller Thani Oruvan (directed by his brother Mohan Raja) and the sports action film Bhooloham. In 2016, he starred in the action-horror film Miruthan revolving around a zombie apocalypse. In 2017, he appeared in the action-thriller Bogan (reuniting with actor Arvind Swami after Thani Oruvan) and the action-adventure film Vanamagan.[28]
In 2018, he starred in the sci-fi action film Tik Tik Tik (considered as India's first space film)[29] and the action-thriller Adanga Maru. In 2019, he made a cameo in the adventure film Thumbaa and starred as the lead in the comedy film Comali.[30]
2021–present: Professional expansion
After a two-year absence from the big screen, Ravi made his debut on OTT platforms with his 25th film, Bhoomi, in 2021. The film was initially supposed to release in theatres but was instead released on OTT due to the COVID-19 pandemic in India.[31] In 2022, he was seen in Mani Ratnam'sPonniyin Selvan as Arulmozhivarman who later became the Chola Emperor Raja Raja Chola.[32] The second part was Ponniyin Selvan: II released in 2023.[33] He appeared in the revenge film Siren,[34] followed by the comedy drama film Brother,[35] which was released in theatres on October 31, 2024, and digitally on ZEE5 on November 29, 2024.[36]
Personal life
Ravi Mohan married Aarthi, daughter of film producer Sujatha Vijayakumar, in 2009.[37] They have two sons, Aarav and Ayaan. Aarav appeared in the film Tik Tik Tik (2018).[38][39] Ravi and Aarthi separated in 2024, with Ravi filing for divorce and on the same year he changed his name to his real name Ravi Mohan.[40][41]