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Sowcar Janaki

Sowcar Janaki

Actor · Died August 21, 2026, aged 94 · Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, India

Sankaramanchi Janaki (December 12, 1931 – August 21, 2026), popularly known as Shavukar Janaki, was a south-Indian actress who acted in more than 385 Tamil,Telugu, Kannada, Hindi and Malayalam films. She also performed on stage in more than 300 shows, and performed for TANA all over the United States in 2 Telugu plays created by actor Murali Mohan. At the age of 11, she worked as a radio artist in Telugu programs. She started her acting career when she had a three-month-old baby and went on to become a popular actress with hits such as Sowcar (Telugu), Pudhiya Paravai (Tamil), Iru Kodugal (Tamil). She also played leading roles under renowned directors such as Dada Mirasee, K Balachandar. She was the elder daughter of T. Venkoji Rao, a paper technologist (England), and Sachi Devi. She completed her matriculation at Gauhati University in Assam and received an honorary doctorate from University of Arizona.

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Biography from TMDB.

Born
December 12, 1931
Died
August 21, 2026 (aged 94)
From
Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, India
Works as
Actor
Titles
16 on MovieCove · 133 credits in all
Links
IMDb (opens in a new tab)TMDB (opens in a new tab)Wikidata (opens in a new tab)

Known for

TMDB popularity, last 38 days to Oct 27Up 7% in 30 days

What are Sowcar Janaki's films like?

Across their 14 MovieCove titles with a thematic analysis, their films lean Bonds and Morality.

Genres

Drama8 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 66th percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Drama movies
Action3 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 80th percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Action movies
Comedy2 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 49th percentile
: browse their Comedy movies

Their MovieCove films by primary genre. The badge is the typical Midcredits score of the genre's films, the median percentile; an up arrow marks a genre at or above their average across these genres.

Themes

share of theme weight
Bonds
50%
Morality
28%
Survival
10%
Self
6%
Power
4%
Ideas
2%
Family bonds8 titles, browse their movies with this themeRomantic love4 titles, browse their movies with this themeSacrifice4 titles, browse their movies with this themeMarriage2 titles, browse their movies with this themeGrief2 titles, browse their movies with this themeRedemption2 titles, browse their movies with this themeDuty2 titles, browse their movies with this themeFreedom2 titles, browse their movies with this theme

What they feel like to watch

their average across 14 films
ToneFeelDemandtheir average · filled zone: the category
Grounded: How far its world departs from everyday reality. Browse their grounded movies.
Tone · Style
naturalisticheightened

Grounded 8 · Stylized 5 · Heightened 1

Charged: How hard the emotional peaks hit while you watch. Browse their charged movies.
Feel · Intensity
gentleintense

Gentle 3 · Charged 9 · Intense 2

Shifting: How much it swings between very different feelings. Browse their shifting movies.
Feel · Swings
steadyswings

Steady 4 · Shifting 10 · Whiplash 0

Some laughs: How much of the runtime is played for laughs. Browse their some laughs movies.
Feel · Humor
noneconstant

A split, not a type: Straight-faced 9 · Some laughs 3 · Funny 2

Even-paced: How fast it moves from scene to scene. Browse their even-paced movies.
Demand · Pace
slowrelentless

Slow burn 5 · Even-paced 9 · Relentless 0

Casual: How much focus it asks of you — look away and lose the thread? Browse their casual movies.
Demand · Attention
casualfull focus

Casual 8 · Engaged 4 · Full focus 2

Resolved: How much is left for you to interpret. Browse their resolved movies.
Demand · Resolution
resolvedambiguous

Resolved 11 · Open-ended 3 · Ambiguous 0

Roles they play

5 analyzed roles

Usually the Ally: 2 of 5 analyzed roles.

Ally
2 of 5
Shapeshifter
1 of 5
Hero
1 of 5
Mentor
1 of 5

Moods and endings

endings are an aggregate; no title is named

Dominant moods · mentions across their titles

Melancholic
9
Warm
4
Hopeful
5
Tense
4
Joyful
4
Other
10

How their films linger

Bittersweet7 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteHopeful8 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteFeel-good5 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteCathartic3 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteFun2 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteWistful2 titles, browse their movies with this aftertaste

How their films end · 5 with a twist

  • Happy7
  • Bittersweet5
  • Tragic2

AI-generated from each title's plot synopsis and cast list, with extra plot summaries, reviews and Parents Guide notes for titles the model may not know, and the model's own knowledge of the ones it recognizes. Only analyzed titles count, so this covers part of the filmography; the feel axes count films only for now.

Where can I watch Sowcar Janaki's films?

As of October 24, 2026, 12 of their 16 MovieCove titles stream on a subscription or free service.

Also on these channels

Subscription and free streaming for Sowcar Janaki's titles on MovieCove; rent and buy are not counted. Titles are listed by Midcredits score, highest first, at most 12 per service; a dashed chip is a producer credit or a minor one, such as a thanks. A service opens the browse page, which counts movies only, so its number can differ.

Filmography

133 credits, 16 with a MovieCove page.

  • Anni Manchi Sakunamule(2023)

    as Janaki

    Midcredits score: 58th percentile of all films

  • Biskoth(2020)

    as Janaki Patti

    Midcredits score: 15th percentile of all films

  • Thambi(2019)

    as Grandmother

    Midcredits score: 67th percentile of all films

  • Babu Bangaram (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2016)

    as Sailaja's Grandmother

  • Kanche (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2015)

    as Mahalakshmamma

  • Yavade Subramanyam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2015)

    as Susheela

  • Vaanavarayan Vallavarayan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2014)

    Actor

  • Abhi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2003)

    as Janki, Abhi's mother

  • Ela Cheppanu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2003)

    Actor

  • Hey Ram(2000)

    as Mythili's Grandmother

    Midcredits score: 98th percentile of all films

  • Shabdavedhi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2000)

    Actor

  • Chinna Raja (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1999)

    Actor

  • Thodarum (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1999)

    Actor

  • Kondattam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1998)

    as Janaki

  • Subhakankshalu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1997)

    as Sitaramaiah's wife

  • Madam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1994)

    Actor

  • Manavarali Pelli (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1993)

    Actor

  • Azhagan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1991)

    as Doctor

  • Penn (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1991)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal(1989)

    as Baby Fernandez

    Midcredits score: 82nd percentile of all films

  • Vetri Vizha (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1989)

    as Shirley's Aunt

  • Gopala Rao Gari Abbayi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1989)

    as Santha

  • Swara Kalpana (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1989)

    Actor

  • Geethanjali(1989)

    as Chancellor

    Midcredits score: 98th percentile of all films

  • Siva (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1989)

    Actor

  • Murali Krishnudu(2008)

    Actor

    Midcredits score: 92nd percentile of all films

  • Aadade Adharam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1988)

    Actor

  • Majnu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    Actor

  • Samsaram Oka Chadarangam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    as Chilakamma

  • Dosti Dhushmani (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    as Sandeep's Mother

  • Akrandana (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

    Actor

  • Pachani Kapuram (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    as Malini

  • Kongumudi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    Actor

  • Kai Kodukkum Kai (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    Actor

  • Chiranjeevi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

    Actor

  • Rajakumar (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1983)

    Actor

  • Tingu Rangadu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    Actor

  • Edi Dharmam Edi Nyayam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    Actor

  • Kodeeswaran Magal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    Actor

  • Thillu Mullu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    as Meenakshi Doraiswamy

  • Thee (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    as Seetha

  • Geetha (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    as Mukta

  • Kula Kozhundhu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    Actor

  • Gopala Rao Gari Ammayi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    Actor

  • Ellam Un Kairasi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    as Meenakshi

  • Samajaniki Sawal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    Actor

  • Pattaakathi Bairavan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    Actor

  • Iddaru Asadhyule (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    as Janaki

  • Tayaramma Bangarayya(1979)

    as Tayaramma

    Midcredits score: 56th percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Thaayige Thakka Maga (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    as Annapoorna

  • Kannan Oru Kai Kuzhandhai (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

    Actor

  • Manasaakshi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1977)

    Actor

  • Idaya Malar (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1976)

    Actor

  • Athirshtam Azhaikkirathu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1976)

    Actor

  • Dasavatharam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1976)

    as Leelavathi

  • Perum Pugazhum (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1976)

    as Nirmala's mother

  • Uravukku Kayi Koduppam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1975)

    Actor

  • Cinema Paithiyam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1975)

    Actor

  • Manidhanum Dheivamagalam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1975)

    as Valli

  • Kaliyuga Kannan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1974)

    as Gayathri

  • School Master (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1973)

    Actor

  • Engal Thanga Raja (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1973)

    Actor

  • Needhi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1972)

    Actor

  • Deivam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1972)

    Actor

  • Kanmalar (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1972)

    Actor

  • Thiruneelakandar (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1972)

    as Neelavathy

  • Appa Tata (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1972)

    Actor

  • Badi Panthulu(1972)

    Actor

    Midcredits score: 67th percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Babu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1971)

    Actor

  • Nangu Suvargal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1971)

    Actor

  • Kaviya Thalaivi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1970)

    Producer · as Devi and Krishna

  • Maanavan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1970)

    Actor

  • Dharma Daata (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1970)

    as Suseela

  • Nadu Iravil (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1970)

    as Ragini

  • Akka Chellelu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1970)

    as Janaki

  • Iru Kodugal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1969)

    as Janaki

  • Thunaivan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1969)

    Actor

  • Kaval Daivam(1969)

    Actor

    Midcredits score: 22nd percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Akka Thangai (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1969)

    Actor

  • Kuzhandai Ullam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1969)

    Actor

  • Chakkaram (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1968)

    Actor

  • Uyarndha Manidhan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1968)

    Actor

  • Lakshmi Kalyanam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1968)

    Actor

  • Enga Oor Raja (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1968)

    as Sivakami

  • Oli Vilakku (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1968)

    Actor

  • Teen Bahuraniyan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1968)

    Actor

  • Ethir Neechal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1968)

    as Pattu

  • Manchi Kutumbam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1968)

    as Shantha

  • Thirumaal Perumai (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1968)

    as Thief's Wife

  • Pesum Deivam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1967)

    Actor

  • Bama Vijayam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1967)

    as Parvathi

  • Thaaiku Thalaimagan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1967)

    Actor

  • Mahakavi Kalidas (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1966)

    as Princess Sangeetha Vani / Vilasavathi

  • Motor Sundaram Pillai (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1966)

    as Meenakshi

  • Naanal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1965)

    as Savitri

  • Neerkumizhi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1965)

    as Dr. Indra

  • Panam Padaithavan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1965)

    Actor

  • Pudhiya Paravai(1964)

    as Chitra/Saroja

    Midcredits score: 94th percentile of all films

  • Doctor Chakravarthy (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1964)

    as Nirmala

  • Desa Drohulu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1964)

    as Karuna

  • Pachai Vilakku (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1964)

    Actor

  • Navakoti Narayana (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1964)

    as Saraswathi, Wife of Purandaradasa

  • Paar Magale Paar (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1963)

    Actor

  • Sathi Shakthi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1963)

    Actor

  • Aasai Alaigal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1963)

    as Thangam

  • Kanyarathna (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1963)

    as Shantha

  • Ninaipadharku Neramillai (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1963)

    as Lakshmi

  • Annai(1962)

    Actor

    Midcredits score: 48th percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Manchi Manasulu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1962)

    as Radha

  • Parthal Pasi Theerum(1962)

    Actor

    Midcredits score: 80th percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Bhagya Lakshmi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1961)

    as Kamala

  • Palum Pazhamum(1961)

    as Nalini

    Midcredits score: 82nd percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Kumudham (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1961)

    Actor

  • Batasari (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1961)

    as Shanthi

  • Naan Kanda Swargam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1960)

    as Meenakshi

  • Padikkatha Methai(1960)

    as Rangan's Wife

    Midcredits score: 64th percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Paavai Vilakku (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1960)

    Actor

  • Mahishasura Mardini (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1959)

    as Gunavathi

  • Ulagam Sirikirathu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1959)

    Actor

  • Thamarai Kulam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1959)

    Actor

  • Panduranga Mahatyam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1957)

    as Rama's sister

  • Bhagyarekha (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1957)

    as Kathyayini

  • Charana Daasi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1956)

    as Saroja

  • Edi Nijam? (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1956)

    as Raami

  • Jayam Manade(1956)

    Actor

  • Kanyasulkam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1955)

    as Buchamma

  • Cherapakura Chedevu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1955)

    as Lalitha

  • Rojulu Maraayi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1955)

    as Radha

  • Vaddante Dabbu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1954)

    as Saroja

  • Pichi Pullaiah (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1953)

    as Vasantha

  • Thirumbi Paar (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1953)

    Actor

  • Valayapathi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1952)

    as Sathyavathi

  • Shavukaru (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1950)

    as Subbulu

Career shape

Star power in the 49th percentile of 239,109 people with a billed film role, over a full career of 130 titles from 1950 to 2023; peak year 2019.

Biggest box office

Thambi (2019)

$176K worldwide

Highest rated

Geethanjali (1989)

Midcredits 98th

Most popular right now

Badi Panthulu (1972)

Film career

19502023

Peak 2019 · steadily prominent in film for years. Film roles by billing, audience size and rating; 25+ votes. A show carries a single first-air date, so shows are not on the curve.

By role

only this rolewith another role
Acting130 of 130: 129 only acting, 1 with another role · typical Midcredits score80thProducing1 of 130: 0 only producing, 1 with another role

By decade

1950s15 · acting1960s42 · acting1970s28 · 28 acting · 1 crew1980s26 · acting1990s8 · acting2000s4 · acting2010s5 · acting2020s2 · acting

Counts from TMDB across their full career, self appearances out; a title counts in every role they held on it. The ring is the typical Midcredits score (the median percentile) of the role's titles that are on MovieCove, shown from 5 scored.

How do Sowcar Janaki's films land?

Their typical MovieCove film has a Midcredits score in the 67th percentile, the median of the 15 of 16 with a score; across their 14 films with reception data, the typical film sits in the 68th percentile for acclaim.

Acclaim · how much people like their films

68thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 14

Approval · how many liked their films

74thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 14

Reach · how many have seen their films

13thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 14

Midcredits score across 15 titles, by percentile

  • 75th and up7
  • 50th to 74th5
  • 25th to 49th1
  • Below 25th2

Shape of the crowd

7 of their 15 titles are Mixed.

  • Universally Loved2
  • Divisive1
  • Cult Classic2
  • Crowd Pleaser3
  • Mixed7

Most divisive · actor

Annai (1962)

96th percentile spread · 29% rated it 4 or lower

Most loved · actor

Hey Ram (2000)

Midcredits 98th · 88% liked

Reviewers score the acting 76/100 in their films, across 5 reviewed titles; fans 83, detractors 39. The element that speaks to their work as an actor.

Percentiles are each film's standing among all films on MovieCove; the typical film is the median, so one outlier cannot drag it. Percentiles and reviewer scores count the films IMDb credits them on, for now; the Midcredits score bands, the shape of the crowd and the two cards count their MovieCove titles, shows included (a show ranked among shows), appearances as themselves left out. A descriptor is the shape of a title's IMDb rating distribution against the catalog; "most divisive" needs a spread wider than half of all titles, and a card names only a principal credit: a craft role, and on a show a crew role or a run of episodes, never a courtesy credit or a one-off guest spot.

Who does Sowcar Janaki work with?

People who share at least 2 of Sowcar Janaki's MovieCove titles, grouped by what they did on them; Sivaji Ganesan shares the most, 4.

Directors

Writers

Actors

Composers

Producers