
Tanikella Bharani
- Known for
- Acting
- Born
- July 14, 1954 (age 72)
- Birthplace
- Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Biography
Tanikella Bharani (born 14 July 1954) is an Indian actor, screenwriter, poet, playwright, and director who primarily works in Telugu cinema, with appearances in Tamil and Hindi films. He began his career as a stage actor and playwright in the mid-1970s before entering the film industry. Bharani made his film debut as a dialogue writer for *Kanchu Kavacham* (1984). He wrote dialogues for films including *Ladies Tailor* (1985), *Sri Kanaka Mahalakshmi Recording Dance Troupe* (1987), and Ram Gopal Varma's gangster drama *Shiva* (1989), in which he also played Nanaji. He later appeared in villainous, comedic, and supporting roles. He won the Nandi Award for Best Villain for *Samudram* (1999) and the Nandi Award for Best Character Actor for *Nuvvu Nenu* (2001). Bharani has acted in more than 750 films and has written books, plays, and devotional songs dedicated to Lord Shiva. He made his directorial debut with the Telugu drama *Mithunam* (2012), starring S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and Lakshmi, and received the CineMAA Special Jury Award for Best Direction. He played the priest Swamyji in S. S. Rajamouli's *Baahubali: The Beginning* (2015) and *Baahubali 2: The Conclusion* (2017). His Tamil film roles include appearances in *Ghilli* (2004) and *Vaathi* (2023). His 2024 releases include the political thriller *Prathinidhi 2*, the action film *Bhaje Vaayu Vegam*, Harish Shankar's *Mr. Bachchan*, the thriller *Kalinga*, and *Nindha*. His 2025 credits include Krish Jagarlamudi's period film *Hari Hara Veera Mallu*, Mohan Krishna Indraganti's comedy *Sarangapani Jathakam*, *Kishkindhapuri*, and Mani Ratnam's Tamil action-drama *Thug Life*. He has received three Nandi Awards and the Sahitya Puraskar for his literary work.
Known For
Photos
Filmography

Sira
Movie

Patta Pagalu
Movie
BharataVarsha - Saga of Shula
Movie

Paataku Praanam
Movie

Hide & Silk
Movie

Raakaasa
Movie · as Chari

The Paradise
Movie

Kiku Chiranjeevi
Movie

Sarangapani Jathakam
Movie · as Ahobila Rao

Thug Life
Movie · as Sivaguru

Neeli Megha Shyama
Movie

Madhushala
Movie

Bāhubali: The Epic
Movie · as Swami

Kishkindhapuri
Movie · as Bhushan Verma

Meghalu Cheppina Prema Katha
Movie

Andhela Ravamidhi
Movie

Katha Sudha
TV · 75 eps

Bhaje Vaayu Vegam
Movie

Sarkaaru Noukari
Movie · as Sarpanch

Inti Number – 13
Movie

Karataka Damanaka
Movie

Prathinidhi 2
Movie

Sriranga Neethulu
Movie

Vidya Vasula Aham
Movie · as Spiritual Preacher

Nindha
Movie · as Satyanand

Shivam Bhaje
Movie

Drill
Movie

Honeymoon Express
Movie · as Bala

Kalinga
Movie

Mr Bachchan
Movie · as Ramgarh Thakur

Manamey
Movie · as Mahendra

Bench Life
TV · 5 eps

BRO
Movie · as Singinadham

Mr. King
Movie

Raa Raa... Penimiti
Movie · as (Voice Only)

Vaathi
Movie · as Thanigachalam

Kisi Ka Bhai... Kisi Ki Jaan
Movie · as Rameshwar Kodathi

Spy
Movie · as Subhash and Jai's father

Peddha Kapu - 1
Movie

Dochevaarevarura
Movie

Premadesam
Movie

Mind Game
Movie · as Appa Rao

Aadikeshava
Movie

Mystery
Movie

Dhootha
TV · as Raghavayya · 8 eps

Acharya
Movie · as Priest

Ghani
Movie

Shekar
Movie

Godse
Movie

HIT: The 2nd Case
Movie · as Ramu, Sanjana's Father

Bheemla Nayak
Movie · as MLA

Ramarao On Duty
Movie

Super Machi
Movie

Geetha
Movie

Sarkaru Vaari Paata
Movie · as Master

F3: Fun and Frustration
Movie · as Police Officer

Alluri
Movie

Bimbisara
Movie · as The Priest

Wanted PanduGod
Movie

First Day First Show
Movie · as Sreenu's Father

Dhamaka
Movie · as Vasudeva Rao

Andaru Bagundali Andulo Nenundali
Movie

Cheppalani Undhi
Movie

Son of India
Movie

Raja Vikramarka
Movie

Pelli SandaD
Movie · as Vashishta's Uncle

Skylab
Movie · as Sadasivam, Anand's Grandfather

Drushyam 2
Movie · as Vinay Chandra

Ippudu Kaaka Inkeppudu
Movie

Eakam
Movie · as Appayya Panthulu / Outdated Priest

Bangaru Bullodu
Movie

V
Movie · as IG Y. V. Narendra

Jathi Ratnalu
Movie · as Govindu

Gaali Sampath
Movie

Raja Raja Chora
Movie · as Ganapthi

April 28th Em Jarigindi
Movie · as Producer of Movie

SR Kalyanamandapam
Movie

Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo
Movie · as Anjaneya Prasad

Entha Manchivaadavuraa
Movie · as Rama Sharma

Sarileru Neekevvaru
Movie · as Venkateshwar Anandaraju

Pressure Cooker
Movie

Maa Vintha Gaadha Vinuma
Movie

Bombhaat
Movie · as Varaha Murthy

Maharshi
Movie · as Ravi's father

1st Rank Raju
Movie

2 Hours Love
Movie

Krishna Rao Supermarket
Movie
Madhanam
Movie

Raghupathi Venkaiah Naidu
Movie

Sita
Movie

Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy
Movie · as Govindayya Sharma

Gayatri
Movie

Agnyaathavaasi
Movie · as Abhi's uncle

Nela Ticket
Movie · as C.M.

Naa Nuvve
Movie

Sammohanam
Movie · as Shyam Prasad

Jamba Lakidi Pamba
Movie

Vijetha
Movie

Pantham
Movie · as Trust chairman Tilak
Chandrullo Unde Kundelu
Movie

Prema Entha Madhuram Priyuraalu Antha Katinam
Movie · as Jai's Dad

Gautamiputra Satakarni
Movie · as Deva Dattudu

Om Namo Venkatesaya
Movie · as Rama's Father

DJ: Duvvada Jagannadham
Movie · as Duvvada Subrahmanya Sastry

Guru
Movie

Ninnu Kori
Movie · as Murthy

Nene Raju Nene Mantri
Movie · as Chief Minister

Goutham Nanda
Movie · as Waiter

Shamantakamani
Movie · as A.K.Ganapathi Sastry

Shatamanam Bhavati
Movie · as Chalaram (Cameo)

Gulf
Movie

Raja the Great
Movie · as Mailaramgadda

Radha
Movie · as Radhakrishnan's Father

Kathalo Rajakumari
Movie

Mister
Movie · as Gundappa Naidu

Ami Thumi
Movie · as Janardhan

Bāhubali 2: The Conclusion
Movie · as Swami (voice) (uncredited)

Oopiri
Movie · as Kaalidasu

Brahmotsavam
Movie · as Sathyaraj's Friend

Sardaar Gabbar Singh
Movie · as Gabbar Singh's Guardian

Srirastu Subhamastu
Movie · as Anu's would-be father in law

Jyo Achyutananda
Movie · as Sudoku Murthy

Ism
Movie · as Sathya's father

Ekkadiki Pothavu Chinnavada
Movie · as Amala's Father

Okka Ammayi Thappa
Movie

Gentleman
Movie · as Mohan

Garam
Movie

Naruda Donoruda
Movie · as Dr. Anjeneyulu

Janda Pai Kapiraju
Movie

Temper
Movie · as Venkata Rao

Surya Vs Surya
Movie · as Ersam

Bāhubali: The Beginning
Movie · as Swamiji

Bruce Lee: The Fighter
Movie · as Ravi's Father and Rama Chandra Rao's Big Brother

Mantra 2
Movie · as Ramarao

Kick 2
Movie · as Venkatratnam

Bengal Tiger
Movie · as RMP Doctor

Inji Iduppazhagi
Movie · as Doctor

Rey
Movie

Tiger
Movie · as Orphanage Principal

Bandipotu
Movie · as Makrandam

Virattu
Movie

Rabhasa
Movie · as Lawyer

Aagadu
Movie · as Adi Keshava

Rowdy
Movie · as Vedam
Kalavaram
Movie · as Adi Moolam

Karthikeya
Movie · as Valli's Father

Current Theega
Movie

Ra Ra Krishnayya
Movie

Exploring ''Shiva'' Movie After 25 Years
Movie

Alludu Seenu
Movie · as Narasimha's friend

Basanti
Movie

Autonagar Surya
Movie · as Jailor

Race Gurram
Movie · as Dasaradh Prasad

Bhimavaram Bullodu
Movie

Baadshah
Movie · as Pilli Gopi Krishna Simha

Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu
Movie · as Kondala Rao

Iddarammayilatho
Movie · as Shankarabharanam
D for Dopidi
Movie

Pavithra
Movie

Adda
Movie

Alias Janaki
Movie

Naayak
Movie · as judge

Ramayya Vasthavayya
Movie · as Ammullu's Father

Sukumarudu
Movie

Julayi
Movie · as Narayana Murthy

Gabbar Singh
Movie · as Mavayya

Dhammu
Movie

Shirdi Sai
Movie · as Bhooti

Dhoni
Movie

Cameraman Ganga Tho Rambabu
Movie

Neeku Naaku Dash Dash
Movie

Lovely
Movie

Panjaa
Movie · as Guruvayya

Once Upon a Warrior
Movie · as Kaksheera
Aakasame Haddu
Movie

Vastadu Naa Raju
Movie

Kshetram
Movie

180
Movie · as Narayanan

Oosaravelli
Movie · as Rakesh's Father

Katha Screenplay Darsakatvam Appalaraju
Movie · as Y. Venkat

Badrinath
Movie · as Badri's Father

Golconda High School
Movie · as Viswanath

Oh My Friend
Movie · as Chandu's Father

Kudirithe Kappu Coffee
Movie

Dhada
Movie · as Preethi's Father

Dookudu
Movie · as Ramachandra

Wanted
Movie · as Voice Over

Adhurs
Movie · as Chari's Adoptive Father

Drohi
Movie · as Nanaji

Gaayam 2
Movie · as Lawyer Saab

Sadhyam
Movie

Brindavanam
Movie · as Ajay's Father

Ragada
Movie

Leader
Movie · as Sharma C.S.

Rakht Charitra
Movie · as Ram Murthy

Rakht Charitra 2
Movie · as Ram Murthy

Jhummandi Naadam
Movie

Shambo Shiva Shambo
Movie

Om Shanti
Movie

Khaleja
Movie · as Durga Prasad

Baava
Movie

Kedi
Movie
Aunty Uncle Nanda Gopal
Movie

Collector Gari Bharya
Movie

A Aa E Ee
Movie

Kurradu
Movie · as Varun's Father

Sontha ooru
Movie · as Devudu Babu

Saleem
Movie

Ek Niranjan
Movie · as Veeraiah

Oy!
Movie · as Telugu Teacher

Rechipo
Movie

Snehituda
Movie

Kalavaramaye Madilo
Movie

Boni
Movie
Current
Movie

Ready
Movie · as Raghava /"Dallas" Nageswara Rao
Kasipatnam Choodarababu
Movie

Kathanayakudu
Movie · as School Teacher

Bheema
Movie

Victory
Movie

Krishnarjuna
Movie

Souryam
Movie

Jalsa
Movie · as Bulli reddy

Kuselan
Movie · as School Teacher

Bommana Brothers Chandana Sisters
Movie · as Bommana brothers' father

Ashta Chamma
Movie · as Sarva Sarma

Krishna
Movie

Mr. Medhavi
Movie
Appu Chesi Pappu Koodu
Movie

Kalidasu
Movie · as Principal of College

Satyam
Movie · as Deiva's Father

Nenu Meeku Telusa...?
Movie

Okkadunnadu
Movie · as RBI Official

Anumanaspadam
Movie · as Forest officer

Dhee
Movie · as Corporator Krishna
Sri Mahalakshmi
Movie

Mee Sreyobhilashi
Movie

Chirutha
Movie

Munna
Movie

Jagadam
Movie
Classmates
Movie

Azhagiya Tamil Magan
Movie · as Guru's Father

Raju Bhai
Movie · as Anjali's father

Thulasi
Movie

Nava Vasantham
Movie · as Raja's Father

Rakhi
Movie · as Criminal Lawyer Sachidanandam

Godavari
Movie · as Captain Chintamani

Pournami
Movie · as Mallika's father

Oka V Chitram
Movie

Annavaram
Movie · as Lallu

Sri Ramadasu
Movie

Bommalata
Movie

Kamli
Movie

Amma Cheppindi
Movie · as Paparao

Boss
Movie

Tata Birla Madhyalo Laila
Movie · as Gajapati

Happy
Movie · as Subba Rao

Bommarillu
Movie · as Aravind's Friend

Game
Movie

Bhagyalakshmi Bumper Draw
Movie · as Paala Pullayya

Maayajaalam
Movie

Gopi – Goda Meeda Pilli
Movie · as Gopi's father

Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana
Movie · as Kantepudi Srinivasa Rao

Subash Chandra Bose
Movie

Allari Pidugu
Movie

Dhairyam
Movie

Chakram
Movie

Allari Bullodu
Movie · as Raju's father

Jai Chiranjeeva
Movie

Athadu
Movie · as Naidu

Sada Mee Sevalo
Movie · as Suryakantam's Father

Balu
Movie

Hungama
Movie

Dhana 51
Movie

Political Rowdy
Movie · as Vithal's uncle
Youth
Movie

Nenunnanu
Movie

Malliswari
Movie · as Murthy

Gambeeram
Movie · as Minister Rajendran

Oka Pellam Muddu Rendo Pellam Vaddu
Movie

Gowri
Movie

Jai
Movie · as Farah's father

Mr & Mrs Sailaja Krishnamurthy
Movie

Sye
Movie · as Prudhvi's Father

Ghilli
Movie · as Muthupandi's Father

Venky
Movie · as Venky's Father

Grahanam
Movie · as Narayana Swamy

Samba
Movie · as Father of Nandu, Nandu's father

Arjun
Movie · as Roopa's father
Love Today
Movie

Naaga
Movie · as Subramanyam

Ela Cheppanu
Movie

Enakku 20 Unakku 18
Movie · as Preeti's Father (Telugu version)

Vasantham
Movie
Vishnu
Movie

Satyam
Movie · as Chakradhar

Donga Ramadu and Party
Movie

Oka Raju Oka Rani
Movie

Oka Radha Iddaru Krishnula Pelli
Movie

Dongodu
Movie · as Naidu

Ninne Ishtapaddanu
Movie

Kabaddi Kabaddi
Movie

Okariki Okaru
Movie · as Kamesh's Father

Juniors
Movie

Gangotri
Movie · as Anjaneya Shastri

Missamma
Movie · as Nanda Gopal's neighbor

Indra
Movie · as Valmiki

Nuvve... Nuvve...
Movie · as Abu, Vishwanath's friend

Okato Number Kurradu
Movie · as Swapna's Father

Manmadhudu
Movie · as Prasad

Takkari Donga
Movie · as Doobey

Avunu Valliddaru Ishtapaddaru!
Movie · as Anil's Maternal Uncle

Allari
Movie

Dhanalakshmi I Love You
Movie

O Chinadaana
Movie

The Rite, a Passion
Movie

Sontham
Movie · as Shyam Prasad

Mounamelanoye
Movie

Sreeram
Movie

Santosham
Movie · as Narayana Murthy

Anandam
Movie

Student No. 1
Movie · as Jailor

Mrugaraju
Movie

Narasimha Naidu
Movie · as Papanashanam

Ammo Bomma
Movie

Budget Padmanabham
Movie

Sri Manjunatha
Movie · as Bhrungi

Chiranjeevulu
Movie
Time Pass
Movie

Family Circus
Movie · as Fishing Inspector

Nuvvu Nenu
Movie

Nuvvu Naaku Nachav
Movie · as Ashok

Manasantha Nuvve
Movie

Priyamaina Neeku
Movie · as Ganesh's father

Snehamante Idera
Movie

Itlu Sravani Subramanyam
Movie

Naa Manasistha Raa
Movie

Goppinti Alludu
Movie

Devullu
Movie · as TV Anchor

Vamsi
Movie
Moodu Mukkalaata
Movie

Tirumala Tirupati Venkatesa
Movie

Ninne Premistha
Movie

Chitram
Movie · as Ramana's father

Azad
Movie · as Kanaka Raju

Nuvvu Vasthavani
Movie

NTR Nagar
Movie

Jayam Manadera
Movie

Chala Bagundi
Movie

Neti Gandhi
Movie

Raja
Movie
Aavide Shyamala
Movie

Thammudu
Movie

Postman
Movie

Samudram
Movie · as Chepala Krishna

Pilla Nachindi
Movie

Abhishekam
Movie · as G. K. Naidu

Chandralekha
Movie

Pandaga
Movie · as Sai Babu

O Panaipothundi Babu
Movie

Pelli Peetalu
Movie · as Tatabbai

Maavidakulu
Movie

Paape Naa Pranam
Movie
Aayanagaru
Movie

Annamayya
Movie

Pelli Chesukundaam
Movie

Priyaraagalu
Movie
Veedevadandi Babu
Movie
Pattukondi Chuddam
Movie · as Sub Inspector Gottam Gopala Krishna

Ugadi
Movie

Egire Paavurama
Movie · as Simhachalam

Mama Bagunnava
Movie
Akka! Bagunnava?
Movie
Gunshot
Movie

Bombay Priyudu
Movie

Vinodham
Movie

Deyyam
Movie · as Psychologist

Family
Movie
Mummy Mee Aayanochadu
Movie · as Inspector Extra Venkat Rao
Desa Drohulu
Movie

Lingababu Love Story
Movie · as Pakir Dada
Gharana Bullodu
Movie

Amma Donga!
Movie · as Sattipandu

Big Boss
Movie

Pokiri Raja
Movie · as Inspector Prem Chand

Money Money
Movie · as Manikyam

Aunty
Movie · as Khan

Sogasu Chuda Taramaa
Movie

Sisindri
Movie

Ghatotkachudu
Movie · as Thota Ramudu

Kishkinda Kaanda
Movie

Subhalagnam
Movie · as Doctor

Lucky Chance
Movie

Aame
Movie · as Pattabhi

Yamaleela
Movie · as Thota Ramudu
Allarodu
Movie
Veetla Visheshanga
Movie · as Inspector Sennimalai

Money
Movie · as Manikyam

Matru Devo Bhava
Movie

Varasudu
Movie

Pekata Paparao
Movie · as Harichandra

Gaayam
Movie · as Lawyer Saab

Mister Pellam
Movie · as Bank Manager
Rendilla Poojari
Movie
Shabash Ramu
Movie

Appula Appa Rao
Movie

Aditya 369
Movie · as Raja Varma's Henchman

Seetharamaiah Gari Manavaralu
Movie

Jaitra Yatra
Movie

Shiva
Movie · as Nanaji

Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari
Movie · as Dasu

Swara Kalpana
Movie

Siva
Movie · as Nanaji

Chettu Kinda Pleader
Movie · as Paata Samanlavaadu

Kallu
Movie

Sri Kanaka Mahalakshmi Recording Dance Troupe
Movie · as Dorababu

Lawyer Suhasini
Movie

Ladies Tailor
Movie · as Police

