Acting
Avinash
**Avinash Yelandur** (born 22 December 1959), widely known simply as **Avinash**, is a highly acclaimed Indian actor who works predominantly in Kannada and Tamil cinema. Renowned for his authentic portrayals of complex characters, commanding screen presence, and incredible versatility, he is one of the most sought-after and respected supporting actors in South India. Born in the town of Yelandur in the Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka, Avinash initially pursued a career in academia. After earning a Master's degree in English Literature from the University of Mysore, he taught English as a lecturer at the National Institute of Engineering in Mysore and MES College in Bangalore. However, his deep passion for the performing arts led him to train in acting at the Mermaid Theatre in London. Upon returning to India, he became a prominent figure in Kannada theatre, working closely with B. Jayashree's troupe "Spandana" and Shankar Nag's renowned "Sanketh". Avinash transitioned to the silver screen in the mid-1980s and gradually built a monumental filmography of over 400 films across a career spanning nearly four decades. While he appeared in several films early on, he garnered immense critical acclaim for his nuanced performances in parallel and character-driven cinema. His exceptional performance in T. N. Seetharam's *Mathadana* (2001) won him the prestigious Karnataka State Film Award for Best Supporting Actor. He also earned widespread praise for his work in critically acclaimed classics like *Dweepa* (2002), *Singaaravva* (2003), and *Chigurida Kanasu* (2003). In the mainstream space, Avinash achieved massive commercial success and broader popularity for his pivotal roles in P. Vasu's blockbuster horror franchise, playing the role of Acharya Ramachandra Shastri in the Kannada hit *Apthamitra* (2004) and its sequel *Aptharakshaka* (2010), as well as featuring in the Tamil phenomenon *Chandramukhi* (2005). His performance in *Aptharakshaka* earned him a Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor. He has consistently adapted to the changing eras of Sandalwood, delivering standout performances in modern hits like *Ugramm* (2014), *K.G.F: Chapter 1* (2018), and the emotional drama *Sapta Sagaradaache Ello* (2023). Beyond cinema, he is a familiar face on television, most notably starring in the iconic Kannada soap opera *Mayamruga*. It was on the sets of this series that he met his future wife, popular actress and television personality Malavika Avinash, whom he married in 2001. In recognition of his immense contributions to cinema and culture, he was honored with the Rajyotsava Award by the Government of Karnataka.
Filmography
Ustaad Bhagat Singh
Film · 2026
Balaramana Dinagalu
Film · 2026
Detective Teekshanaa
Film · 2026
Achyuta Avataaram
Film · 2026
Father
Film · 2026
Sardar 2
Film · 2026
Mookuthi Amman 2
Film · 2026
Brindavihari
Film · 2026
Raakshasa
Series · 2026
Vaamana
Film · 2025
Forest
Film · 2025
Rudra Garuda Purana
Film · 2025
Kothalavadi
Film · 2025
Aaryan
Film · 2025
Flirt
Film · 2025
I Am God
Film · 2025
Rehna Nahi Bin Tere
Film · 2025
Juni
Film · 2024
Samarthya
Film · 2024
Bhairathi Ranagal
Film · 2024
Bagheera
Film · 2024
Suvarna Sundari
Film · 2023
19.20.21
Film · 2023
Love Birds
Film · 2023
Sapta Sagaradaache Ello – Side A
Film · 2023
Sheela
Film · 2023
Tantiram
Film · 2023
Theedhum Soodhum Endhan Mugavari
Film · 2023
Yadha Yadha Hi
Film · 2023
Kabzaa
Film · 2023
Champion
Film · 2022
Connect
Film · 2022
James
Film · 2022
Sardar
Film · 2022
Akhanda
Film · 2021
Border
Film · 2021
Premam Poojyam
Film · 2021
Yuvarathnaa
Film · 2021
Shivaji Surathkal: The Case of Ranagiri Rahasya
Film · 2020
Mathe Udbhava
Film · 2020
Mounam
Film · 2020
ACT-1978
Film · 2020
LAW
Film · 2020
Arishadvarga
Film · 2019
Pailwaan
Film · 2019
Neeya 2
Film · 2019
Kurukshetra
Film · 2019
Dasharatha
Film · 2019
Katha Sangama
Film · 2019
Prema Antha Easy Kadu
Film · 2019
Natasaarvabhowma
Film · 2019
Ellidde Illi Tanaka
Film · 2019
Adhyaksha In America
Film · 2019
Gultoo
Film · 2018
Orange
Film · 2018
Brihaspathi
Film · 2018
Vaasu Naan Pakka Commercial
Film · 2018
Amma I Love You
Film · 2018
Upendra Matte Baa
Film · 2017
Raaga
Film · 2017
Hebbuli
Film · 2017
Raju Gari Gadhi 2
Film · 2017
Bharjari
Film · 2017
Athiratha
Film · 2017
Raajakumara
Film · 2017
Eradane Sala
Film · 2017
Kotigobba 2
Film · 2016
Bullet Rani
Film · 2016
Gethu
Film · 2016
Moondraam Ullaga Por
Film · 2016
Jaguar
Film · 2016
Jessie
Film · 2016
Lakshmana
Film · 2016
Akira
Film · 2016
Shivalinga
Film · 2016
Santheyalli Nintha Kabira
Film · 2016
Yennai Arindhaal
Film · 2015
Sandamarutham
Film · 2015
Killadi
Film · 2015
Mrugashira
Film · 2015
Vajrakaya
Film · 2015
Ranna
Film · 2015
Ouija
Film · 2015
Mr. Airavata
Film · 2015
Rana Vikrama
Film · 2015
Namo Bhootatma
Film · 2014
Veeram
Film · 2014
Meaghamann
Film · 2014
Ragini IPS
Film · 2014
Ugramm
Film · 2014
Ninnindale
Film · 2014
Power
Film · 2014
Maanikya
Film · 2014
Udhayam NH4
Film · 2013
Madarangi
Film · 2013
CID Eesha
Film · 2013
Sagar
Film · 2012
Anna Bond
Film · 2012
Dashamukha
Film · 2012
Siruthai
Film · 2011
Paramathma
Film · 2011
Doubles
Film · 2011
Rajapattai
Film · 2011
Sanju Weds Geetha
Film · 2011
Hudugaru
Film · 2011
Prince
Film · 2011
Nagavalli
Film · 2010
Aptharakshaka
Film · 2010
Mr. Theertha
Film · 2010
Modalasala
Film · 2010
Porki
Film · 2010
Premisum
Film · 2010
Prithvi
Film · 2010
Shourya
Film · 2010
School Master
Film · 2010
Nannavanu
Film · 2010
Circus
Film · 2009
Kempa
Film · 2009
Aa Okkadu
Film · 2009
Devaru Kotta Tangi
Film · 2009
Nanda
Film · 2009
Kabaddi
Film · 2009
Yodha
Film · 2009
Moggina Manasu
Film · 2008
Indra
Film · 2008
krishna
Film · 2007
Hudugaata
Film · 2007
Madurai Veeran
Film · 2007
Soundarya
Film · 2007
Thayiya Madilu
Film · 2007
Lakshmi Kalyanam
Film · 2007
Chellata
Film · 2006
Poi
Film · 2006
Paramasivan
Film · 2006
Vattaram
Film · 2006
Tananam Tananam
Film · 2006
Cyanide
Film · 2006
Dattha
Film · 2006
Thangigagi
Film · 2006
Jothe Jotheyali
Film · 2006
Sirivantha
Film · 2006
Kadhale En Kadhale
Film · 2006
Pandu Ranga Vittala
Film · 2005
Aadi
Film · 2005
Sye
Film · 2005
Amrithadhare
Film · 2005
Chandramukhi
Film · 2005
Aakash
Film · 2005
Namma Basava
Film · 2005
Valmiki
Film · 2005
Ayya
Film · 2005
Rakshasa
Film · 2005
Swamy
Film · 2005
Deadly Soma
Film · 2005
Rishi
Film · 2005
Auto Shankar
Film · 2005
Durgi
Film · 2004
Kalasipalya
Film · 2004
Jyeshta
Film · 2004
Veera Kannadiga
Film · 2004
Kanti
Film · 2004
Avale Nanna Gelathi
Film · 2004
Kiccha
Film · 2003
Chigurida Kanasu
Film · 2003
Mani
Film · 2003
Khushi
Film · 2003
Daasa
Film · 2003
Preethisle Beku
Film · 2003
Vikram
Film · 2003
Sri Ram
Film · 2003
Kushalave Kshemave
Film · 2003
Raja Narasimha
Film · 2003
Thayi Illada Thabbali
Film · 2003
Thirumalai
Film · 2003
Appu
Film · 2002
The Island
Film · 2002
Dhruva
Film · 2002
Ninagagi
Film · 2002
Kotigobba
Film · 2001
Huccha
Film · 2001
Mathadana
Film · 2001
Vande Matharam
Film · 2001
Yajamana
Film · 2000
Chamundi
Film · 2000
Preethsu Thappenilla
Film · 2000
Hrudaya Hrudaya
Film · 1999
Patela
Film · 1999
Jungle Boy
Film · 1998
Gadibidi Krishna
Film · 1998
Jackie Chan
Film · 1997
Huliya
Film · 1996
Kidnap
Film · 1995
Beladingala Baale
Film · 1995
Alexander
Film · 1994
Kiladigalu
Film · 1994
Swathi
Film · 1994
Lockup Death
Film · 1994
Nishkarsha
Film · 1993
Chinnari Mutha
Film · 1993
Bombaat Huduga
Film · 1993
Sangharsha
Film · 1993
Akasmika
Film · 1993
Gopi Krishna
Film · 1992
Belli Modagalu
Film · 1992
Belli Kalungura
Film · 1992
Chithralekha
Film · 1992
Ranachandi
Film · 1991
C.B.I Shiva
Film · 1991
Garuda Dhwaja
Film · 1991
Poli Kitty
Film · 1990
Uthkarsha
Film · 1990
Swarna Samsara
Film · 1990
S. P. Sangliyana Part 2
Film · 1990
Mathsara
Film · 1990
Deva
Film · 1989
Inspector Vikram
Film · 1989
Tarka
Film · 1989
C.B.I Shankar
Film · 1989
Yuddha Kaanda
Film · 1989
Samyuktha
Film · 1988
Daada
Film · 1988
Aapadbandhava
Film · 1987
27 Mavalli Circle
Film · 1986
Kurka
Film
Laila's Sweet Dream
Film
Inspector Siva
Film
Daiji
Film