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K.A. Thangavelu

K.A. Thangavelu

Actor · Died September 28, 1994, aged 77 · Tirumalarayanpattinam, Karaikal, Puducherry, India

K. A. Thangavelu (Tamil:டணால் கே.எ தங்கவேலு) popularly known as "Danaal Thangavelu" was a Tamil film comedian popular in the 1950s to 1985 and above. Not known for physical, acrobatic comedy like his contemporaries J.P.Chandrababu and Nagesh, Thangavelu's humor is recognized for his impeccable timing in verbal agility and the characteristic twang of his delivery. He was a successful comedian and his role as a phony writer Bhairavan in the movie Kalyana Parisu [Wedding Present] was much appreciated by Tamil movie fans. Thangavelu's humor enriched movies such as Thillana Mohanambal in his role as a nattuvangam master (dance choreographer) to the heroine. He died on September 28, 1994.

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Biography from TMDB.

Born
January 15, 1917
Died
September 28, 1994 (aged 77)
From
Tirumalarayanpattinam, Karaikal, Puducherry, India
Works as
Actor
Titles
9 on Motif · 109 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 39 days to Oct 28Up 50% in 30 days

What are K.A. Thangavelu's films like?

Across their 8 Motif titles with a thematic analysis, their films lean Morality and Bonds.

Themes

share of theme weight
Morality
42%
Bonds
34%
Power
9%
Self
7%
Ideas
5%
Survival
3%
Family bonds4 titles, browse their movies with this themeSacrifice3 titles, browse their movies with this themeJustice2 titles, browse their movies with this themeClass2 titles, browse their movies with this theme

What they feel like to watch

their average across 8 films
ToneFeelDemandtheir average · filled zone: the category
Stylized: How far its world departs from everyday reality. Browse their stylized movies.
Tone · Style
naturalisticheightened

A split, not a type: Grounded 4 · Stylized 3 · Heightened 1

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

Gentle 0 · Charged 4 · Intense 4

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

Steady 3 · Shifting 5 · Whiplash 0

Straight-faced: How much of the runtime is played for laughs. Browse their straight-faced movies.
Feel · Humor
noneconstant

Straight-faced 7 · Some laughs 1 · Funny 0

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

Slow burn 3 · Even-paced 5 · Relentless 0

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

Casual 3 · Engaged 3 · Full focus 2

Affecting: How much it costs you emotionally; whether you need recovery time. Browse their affecting movies.
Demand · Emotional cost
easyheavy

A split, not a type: Easy watch 1 · Affecting 3 · Heavy 4

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

Resolved 6 · Open-ended 2 · Ambiguous 0

Roles they play

1 analyzed role

Moods and endings

endings are an aggregate; no title is named

Dominant moods · mentions across their titles

Tense
7
Melancholic
4
Thrilling
2
Bittersweet
2
Warm
2
Other
2

How their films linger

Bittersweet5 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteFeel-good3 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteCathartic2 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteDevastating2 titles, browse their movies with this aftertaste

How their films end · 2 with a twist

  • Happy3
  • Bittersweet2
  • Tragic3

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 K.A. Thangavelu's films?

As of October 24, 2026, 4 of their 9 Motif titles stream on a subscription or free service.

Also on these channels

Subscription and free streaming for K.A. Thangavelu's titles on Motif; 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

109 credits, 9 with a Motif page.

  • Periya Marudhu (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1994)

    Actor

  • Manaivi Ready (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1987)

    as Thangappan

  • Muthu Engal Sothu (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1983)

    Actor

  • Thoongadhey Thambi Thoongadhey (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1983)

    as Chandrasekar

  • Uruvavugal Maralam (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1983)

    as Punnaaku Punniyakotti

  • Oppandham (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1983)

    Actor

  • Krodham (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1982)

    as Kavitha's Father

  • Ellam Inbamayyam (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1981)

    Actor

  • Karaiyellam Shenbagappoo (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1981)

    Actor

  • Kadal Meengal (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1981)

    Actor

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

    Actor

  • Bhama Rukmani (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1980)

    Actor

  • Gnana Kuzhandhai (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1979)

    as Ponni's Father

  • Mudhal Iravu (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1979)

    Actor

  • Manitharil Ithanai Nirangalah! (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1978)

    Actor

  • Sakka Podu Podu Raja (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1978)

    Actor

  • Achchani (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1978)

    Actor

  • Thunai Iruppal Meenakshi (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1977)

    Actor

  • Avan Oru Sarithiram (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1977)

    Actor

  • Lalitha(1976)

    Actor

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

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

    Actor

  • Uzhaikkum Karangal (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1976)

    Actor

  • Karotti Kannan (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1975)

    as Dubash Murugesa Mudaliyar

  • Then Sindhudhe Vaanam (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1975)

    as Singaram Pillai

  • Anbu Thangai (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1974)

    Actor

  • Vani Rani(1974)

    as Sabapathy

    Midcredits score: 29th percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Ponnukku Thanga Manasu(1973)

    Actor

  • Arutperunjothi (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1971)

    Actor

  • Sumathi En Sundari (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1971)

    as Rathnasamy

  • Vietnam Veedu (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1970)

    Actor

  • Nam Naadu (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1969)

    Actor

  • Thalattu (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1969)

    Actor

  • Anjal Petti 520 (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1969)

    as Kanakkappar

  • Gurudhatchanai (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1969)

    Actor

  • Harishchandra(1968)

    Actor

    Midcredits score: 62nd percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Thillana Mohanambal (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1968)

    as Nattuvanar Muthukumara Swamy

  • Kuzhanthaikkaga (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1968)

    as Nachi Muthu

  • Galatta Kalyanam (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1968)

    as Dharmalingam

  • Puthisaligal (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1968)

    Actor

  • Penne Nee Vaazhga (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1967)

    Actor

  • Uyir Mel Aasai (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1967)

    Actor

  • Petralthan Pillaya (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1966)

    Actor

  • Parakkum Pavai(1966)

    as Director of the National Circus

    Midcredits score: 54th percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Kaadhal Paduthum Paadu (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1966)

    as Acchu

  • Kanni Thaai (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1965)

    Actor

  • Vallavanukku Vallavan(1965)

    as Babu

    Midcredits score: 69th percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Enga Veettu Pillai (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1965)

    as Malaiyappa

  • Arivaali (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1963)

    as Muthuvel

  • Vikramaadhithan (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1962)

    as Vairavan

  • Senthamarai (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1962)

    Actor

  • Parthal Pasi Theerum(1962)

    Actor

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

  • Rani Samyuktha (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1962)

    Actor

  • Panithirai (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1961)

    as Santhanam

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

    as Venugopal

  • Then Nilavu (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1961)

    as Sokkalingam

  • Pasamalar(1961)

    Actor

    Midcredits score: 85th percentile of all films

  • Punar Janmam (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1961)

    as Jagannathan

  • Thirudadhe (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1961)

    Actor

  • Manapanthal (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1961)

    as Dr. Navadeenal

  • Arasilangumari (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1960)

    Actor

  • Kaithi Kannayiram (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1960)

    as Singaram

  • Thangarathinam (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1960)

    Actor

  • Pudhiya Pathai (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1960)

    Actor

  • Kairasi (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1960)

    Actor

  • Raja Desingu (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1960)

    Actor

  • Irumbu Thirai (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1960)

    as Kottamuthu

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

    as Sundar

  • Meenda Sorgam (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1960)

    as Sachithanandham Pillai

  • Deiva Piravi (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1960)

    Actor

  • Adutha Veettu Penn (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1960)

    as Singer

  • Thaai Magalukku Kattiya Thaali (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1959)

    as Duraiyappan

  • Kalyana Parisu (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1959)

    as Sampath

  • Manjal Mahimai (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1959)

    Actor

  • Athisaya Thirudan (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1958)

    as King

  • Manamulla Maruthaaram (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1958)

    Actor

  • Kadan Vaangi Kalyanam (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1958)

    Actor

  • Vazha Vaitha Daivam (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1958)

    Actor

  • Thirumanam (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1958)

    Actor

  • Vanjikottai Valiban (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1958)

    as Velan

  • Kathavarayan (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1958)

    Actor

  • Uthama Puthiran (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1958)

    as Ponnan

  • Bhooloka Rambai (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1958)

    Actor

  • Ambikapathy (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1957)

    as Prince Kulesekharan

  • Soubhagyavathi (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1957)

    as Vairavan

  • Rani Lalithangi (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1957)

    Actor

  • Neelamalai Thirudan (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1957)

    Actor

  • Karpukarasi (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1957)

    Actor

  • Vanangaamudi (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1957)

    Actor

  • Puthu Vazhvu (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1957)

    Actor

  • Chakravarthi Thirumagal (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1957)

    Actor

  • Bhaktha Markandeya (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1957)

    Actor

  • Matharkula Manikkam (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1956)

    Actor

  • Rambayin Kadhal (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1956)

    as Muthazhagu

  • Marma Veeran (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1956)

    Actor

  • Amara Deepam (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1956)

    Actor

  • Alibabhavum Narpathu Thirudargalum(1956)

    Actor

    Midcredits score: 79th percentile of all films

  • Nalla Veedu (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1956)

    Actor

  • Koteeswaran (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1955)

    as Rao Bahadur Ramasami

  • Maheswari (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1955)

    as Dharmalingam

  • Gomathiyin Kaadhalan (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1955)

    as Mani

  • Mangayar Thilakam (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1955)

    as Kalamani

  • Gulebagavali (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1955)

    Actor

  •  The Light of the House (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1954)

    as Nettilingam

  • Ponvayal (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1954)

    Actor

  • Panakkaari (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1953)

    Actor

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

    Actor

  • Poongothai (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1953)

    Actor

  • Panam (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1952)

    as Adiyapatham

  • Amarakavi (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1952)

    Actor

Career shape

A full career of 109 titles from 1952 to 1994.

Most popular right now

Parakkum Pavai (1966)

By role

only this rolewith another role
Acting109 of 109: 109 only acting, 0 with another role · typical Midcredits score68th

By decade

1950s39 · acting1960s40 · acting1970s18 · acting1980s11 · acting1990s1 · 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 Motif, shown from 5 scored.

How do K.A. Thangavelu's films land?

Their typical Motif film has a Midcredits score in the 68th percentile, the median of the 8 of 9 with a score; across their 8 films with reception data, the typical film sits in the 71st percentile for acclaim.

Acclaim · how much people like their films

71stpercentile
Typical film, the median of 8

Approval · how many liked their films

74thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 8

Reach · how many have seen their films

14thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 8

Midcredits score across 8 titles, by percentile

  • 75th and up3
  • 50th to 74th4
  • 25th to 49th1

Shape of the crowd

4 of their 8 titles are Divisive.

  • Divisive4
  • Cult Classic1
  • Mixed3

Most divisive · actor

Lalitha (1976)

96th percentile spread · 33% rated it 4 or lower

Most loved · actor

Pasamalar (1961)

Midcredits 85th · 79% liked

Percentiles are each film's standing among all films on Motif; 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 Motif 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 K.A. Thangavelu work with?

People who share at least 2 of K.A. Thangavelu's Motif titles, grouped by what they did on them; Gemini Ganesan shares the most, 4.

Directors

Writers

Actors

Composers and editors