A Laugh Riot

Rediff has an interesting article on Rajpal Yadav's favorite comedies. The article speaks about the actor's favorite comedy films. I have always felt that when it comes to producing humour, tamil cinema is the best , and other streams rarely come closer to it. But the fun is strictly restricted to the tamil audience since dubbing does not match the same fun and quality, and it is the actor, through his rendering of dialogues, who makes the sequence such a delight to watch.

It is always said that the most difficult aspect for any actor is to make the audience laugh. Hundreds have tried their luck on this and there have been just a handful who have had the success. And these few actors have just not restricted their ability to make the audience laugh in a few films, as they have carried on in many movies.

Watching these actors perform is a sheer delight. The cinema hall rolls itself into a package of laughter as they , through their facial expressions and body language , carry us on a laughter coaster. And watching them perform in the movie repeatedly never sends a frown on our faces, as we just love watching those movies again and again. Such is the performance of them in the movie, a huge success in terms of achievement by them.

Here are my five favorite comedy roles , in no specific order, witnessed in tamil cinema. They have been some of the most memorable characterizations which were strengthened by the actors who portrayed the role. Though there are many others in the race, these are my top five.

Koundamani in Karakatakaran

Probably the most popular comedian in tamil cinema, Koundamani ruled the industry during his era. He shared an excellent rapport with Senthil, as the two created many memorable roles, their best being Karakatakaran. As the person who plays the thavil, his sequences with Senthil were very enjoyable. The banana sequence , though watched countless times , remains one of the best comedy sequences in tamil cinema.

Balaiya in Thillana Moganambal

In one of the best supporting roles in tamil cinema, Balaiya gave an excellent performance in this film. Playing the role of Sivaji's troupe member who fears the presence of Sivaji, Balaiya stole the show. The train sequence where he repeatedly keeps falling on the shoulders of Padmini's mother in his sleep and shows a glimpse of innocence , adding to her irritation , remains one of the best picturised comical sequences.

Thengai Srinivasan in Kaasedhan Kadavulada

In probably his finest roles, Thengai Srinivasan as the tea stall owner , who disguises himself as a false saint , to help his friends steal the money in their house locker, gave a great performance. The Jambulingame song was another funny piece in the movie made hilarious by Thengai Srinivasan. His wrong pronounciation of the lyrics only added to the fun.

Vadivelu in Winner

If there is an actor who can instantly make the audience laugh, not just by his appearance, but by the sheer announcement of his name, it is definitely Vadivelu. Though this was not the movie which revolutionised his career, it must definitely rate as the movie which increased his popularity. Appearing as Kai Pula, one of the most famous characters in tamil cinema , Vadivelu was just brilliant as he gave an amazing performance. His chemistry with Prasanth was a major plus for the success of this character.

Vivek in Run

Vivek is one actor who induces comedy in a character through which he spreads social awareness among the audience. He was just brilliant in Run as he taught many a lesson to the movie watcher. As a person who runs away from home with the aim of making it big in Madras, only to be cheated, he was very funny. His mimicry of Kamal's monkey role from Moondraam Pirai was a great piece of direction made humorous through Vivek's actions.