View source for Karthi

{{Short description|Indian actor (born 1977)}}
{{Indian name|Karthik|Sivakumar}}
{{good article}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2022}}
{{Infobox person
| name               = Karthi
| image              = Karthi Sivakumar at Nenjil Thunivirunthal Audio Launch (cropped).jpg
| caption            = Karthi in 2017
| birth_name         = Karthik Sivakumar
| birth_date         = {{birth date and age|1977|05|25|df=yes}}
| birth_place        = [[Madras]], [[Tamil Nadu]], India
| education          = {{unbulleted list
  | [[Crescent Engineering College]] ([[B.Tech]] [[Mechanical Engineering]])
  | [[Binghamton University]] ([[Master of Science|MS]])
  }}
| occupation         = {{hlist|[[Actor]]|
[[Playback singer]]}}
| spouse             = {{marriage|Ranjani Chinnasamy|2011}}
| children           = 2
| father             = [[Sivakumar]]
| relatives          = {{unbulleted list
  | [[Suriya]] (brother)
  | [[Brindha Sivakumar|Brindha]] (sister)
  | [[Jyothika]] (sister-in-law)
  <!-- do not include "older/elder" or "younger" -->
  }}
| yearsactive        = 2004–present
}}

'''Karthik Sivakumar''' (born 25 May 1977), credited as '''Karthi''', is an Indian actor who works in [[Tamil Cinema]]. He is son of veteran actor [[Sivakumar]] who began his career as an assistant director in his elder brother [[Suriya]]'s 
film ''[[Aayutha Ezhuthu]]'' (2004). Latter debuted with ''[[Paruthiveeran]]'' (2007) and recorded a golden debut in Tamil Cinema with six consecutive success. Karthi is an recipient of three [[Filmfare Awards South]] and a [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award]].

After a three-year hiatus from acting, he then return to star in films such as ''[[Aayirathil Oruvan (2010 film)|Aayirathil Orvuan]]'', ''[[Paiyaa]]'' and ''[[Naan Mahaan Alla (2010 film)|Naan Mahaan Alla]]'', all three of which were released in 2010. He then continued to star in films such as ''[[Siruthai]]'' (2011), ''[[Saguni]]'' (2012), ''[[Alex Pandian]]'' (2013), ''[[All in All Azhagu Raja|All In All Azhagu Raja]]'' (2013) and ''[[Biriyani (film)|Biriyani]]'' (2013).

Karthi has starred in several well-known Indian films, portraying an impulsive and short-tempered working-class man in ''[[Madras (film)|Madras]]'' (2014), a paroled convict-turned-caretaker in Tamil-Telugu bilingual comedy-drama film ''[[Oopiri|Oopiri / Thozha]]'', and in dual roles as the titular protagonist and the antagonist Raj Nayak in ''[[Kaashmora]]'' (both in 2016). He also starred as Theeran Thumiran in ''[[Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru]]'' (2017), for which he was earned for a [[Filmfare Awards South|Filmfare Award South]] award, as [[Lokesh Cinematic Universe|Dilli]] in ''[[Kaithi (2019 film)|Kaithi]]'' (2019), as [[Vallavaraiyan Vandiyadevan]] in ''[[Ponniyin Selvan: I]]'' (2022) and its [[Ponniyin Selvan: II|sequel]] (2023), and in the spy-thriller film ''[[Sardar (2022 film)|Sardar]]'' (2022).

== Acting career ==

=== 2004–2007 ; Debut success ===
When Karthi returned to Chennai, he met director [[Mani Ratnam]] and got a chance to work as an assistant director in ''[[Aayutha Ezhuthu]]'', because he wanted to become a film director and preferred directing to acting,<ref name="toiinterview">{{cite news | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/I-want-to-look-nice-shirtless-Karthi/articleshow/3264584.cms?referral=PM | title=I want to look nice shirtless: Karthi | work=The Times of India | date=23 July 2008 | access-date=1 June 2010 | last=Daithota | first=Madhu | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150130225615/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/I-want-to-look-nice-shirtless-Karthi/articleshow/3264584.cms?referral=PM | archive-date=30 January 2015}}</ref> though he did appear as an extra in ''Aayutha Ezhuthu''.{{cn|date=November 2024}} He continued to receive acting offers and his father convinced him to take up acting, telling him "&nbsp;...&nbsp;one can always direct films, but one will not get a chance to act once you grow older".<ref name="rediff1">{{cite web |author=Warrior, Shobha |date=24 January 2007 |title=Surya's brother debuts |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/jan/24karthi.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101025045650/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/jan/24karthi.htm |archive-date=25 October 2010 |access-date=22 August 2010 |work=[[Rediff]] |publisher=Rediff.com}}</ref> He accepted his first acting assignment with [[Priyamani]] as female lead in April 2005.{{cn|date=November 2024}} When director [[Ameer (director)|Ameer]] approached him to play the titular character in the film ''[[Paruthiveeran]]'', he accepted the offer because the film was "&nbsp;...&nbsp;so compelling".<ref name="toiinterview" /> The filming started in July 2005 and experienced financial difficulties,{{cn|date=November 2024}} and was almost abandoned by mid–2006.{{cn|date=November 2024}} It was released in January 2007, to critical acclaim and became commercially successful.<ref>{{cite web|last=Warrier|first=Shobha|title=2007's Top Tamil hits so far|url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2007/jul/02sd3.htm|work=[[Rediff]]|publisher=Rediff.com|access-date=28 August 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910200902/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2007/jul/02sd3.htm|archive-date=10 September 2012}}</ref>

Critics unanimously praised Karthi's portrayal of a careless village ruffian. ''[[Sify]]'' said: "It's hard to believe that it is Karthi's debut film as he is just spectacular. His expressions, anger, laughter and anguish are all so realistic that you can feel the fire in him."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/paruthiveeran-review-tamil-14396781.html |title=Movie Review:Paruthiveeran |website=[[Sify]] |access-date=23 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131218100553/http://www.sify.com/movies/paruthiveeran-review-tamil-14396781.html |archive-date=18 December 2013}}</ref> [[Rediff.com|Rediff]] called his performance "excellent",<ref>{{cite web|last=Iyer|first=Sriram|title=Paruthiveeran: A remarkable effort|url=http://in.rediff.com/movies/2007/feb/26sspar.htm|work=[[Rediff]]|publisher=Rediff.com|access-date=28 August 2011|date=26 February 2007|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120928063141/http://in.rediff.com/movies/2007/feb/26sspar.htm|archive-date=28 September 2012}}</ref> and "&nbsp;...&nbsp;one of the top performances of 2007".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2007/dec/18sl5.htm | title=The top Tamil heroes of 2007 | work=[[Rediff.com]] | access-date=23 July 2011 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910201926/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2007/dec/18sl5.htm | archive-date=10 September 2012}}</ref> Karthi received several accolades for his performance, including the [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor&nbsp;– Tamil|Filmfare Award for Best Actor in Tamil]].<ref name="thehindu1">{{cite web |last=Gupta |first=Rinku |date=12 October 2007 |title=a la Karthi |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/life/2007/10/12/stories/2007101250090300.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105204817/http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/life/2007/10/12/stories/2007101250090300.htm |archive-date=5 November 2013 |access-date=1 June 2010 |work=The Hindu}}</ref>

=== 2008–2011: Break after ''Paruthiveeran'' ===
In October 2006, Karthi signed his second project under [[Selvaraghavan]]'s direction,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/selvas-new-film-with-karthi-news-tamil-kkfvhPifhjf.html |title=Selva's new film with Karthi! |website=[[Sify]] |date=17 October 2006 |access-date=23 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021211129/http://www.sify.com/movies/selvas-new-film-with-karthi-news-tamil-kkfvhPifhjf.html |archive-date=21 October 2012}}</ref> ''[[Maalai Naerathu Mayakkam|Idhu Maalai Nerathu Mayakkam]]'', which was supposed to be a romance film,<ref>{{cite web|author=Moviebuzz|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/tamil/profile.php?id=14418003&cid=2409|title=Karthi- A Star is born|website=[[Sify]]|access-date=23 July 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021211223/http://www.sify.com/movies/tamil/profile.php?id=14418003&cid=2409|archive-date=21 October 2012}}</ref> featuring [[Sandhya (actress)|Sandhya]] as the female lead.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2006/10/28/stories/2006102801060300.htm |title=Metro Plus Visakhapatnam / Cinema : In a lead role |date=28 October 2006 |access-date=23 July 2011 |location=Chennai, India |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080906133221/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2006/10/28/stories/2006102801060300.htm |work=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=6 September 2008}}</ref> Karthi's character was a "&nbsp;...&nbsp;sophisticated upmarket stylish guy&nbsp;...&nbsp;".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/the-next-pin-up-boy-news-tamil-kkfvaegejjd.html |title=The next pin-up boy! |website=[[Sify]] |date=16 April 2007 |access-date=23 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021211326/http://www.sify.com/movies/the-next-pin-up-boy-news-tamil-kkfvaegejjd.html |archive-date=21 October 2012}}</ref> Selvaraghavan abandoned that project and in July 2007, he announced the production of an action-adventure film titled ''[[Aayirathil Oruvan (2010 film)|Aayirathil Oruvan]]'', with Karthi in the lead role.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/karthi-is-aayirathil-oruvan-news-tamil-kkfuLSchicb.html |title=Karthi is 'Aayirathil Oruvan' |website=[[Sify]] |date=17 July 2007 |access-date=23 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021211406/http://www.sify.com/movies/karthi-is-aayirathil-oruvan-news-tamil-kkfuLSchicb.html |archive-date=21 October 2012}}</ref> Filming began later that year and was expected to be completed by February 2008. The producers planned to release it in mid-2008,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/selva-on-aayirathil-oruvan-news-tamil-kkfunfhcbdf.html |title=Selva on Aayirathil Oruvan |website=[[Sify]] |date=15 December 2007 |access-date=23 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021211448/http://www.sify.com/movies/selva-on-aayirathil-oruvan-news-tamil-kkfunfhcbdf.html |archive-date=21 October 2012}}</ref> but production was delayed and filming continued until early 2009.<ref name="secondr">{{cite web|author=Warrior, Shobha|year=2009|title=Waiting for Karthi's Aayirathil Oruvan|work=[[Rediff]]|publisher=Rediff.com|access-date=6 November 2009|url=http://movies.rediff.com/slide-show/2009/nov/06/slide-show-1-south-interview-with-karthi.htm#contentTop|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091109071107/http://movies.rediff.com/slide-show/2009/nov/06/slide-show-1-south-interview-with-karthi.htm#contentTop|archive-date=9 November 2009}}</ref> He had agreed to play the lead character in [[N. Linguswamy|Linguswamy]]'s next film ''[[Paiyaa]]'', in September 2007.{{cn|date=November 2024}} Because of the slow progress of ''Aayirathil Oruvan'', ''Paiyaa'' was postponed several times.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/karthi-goes-to-bangkok-news-tamil-kkfsIfcahgj.html |title=Karthi goes to Bangkok! |website=[[Sify]] |date=28 October 2008 |access-date=23 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021211516/http://www.sify.com/movies/karthi-goes-to-bangkok-news-tamil-kkfsIfcahgj.html |archive-date=21 October 2012}}</ref> He later said that he became anxious because he received several film offers, but could not work on them because he needed to maintain the continuity of his looks.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://movies.rediff.com/slide-show/2009/nov/06/slide-show-1-south-interview-with-karthi.htm#contentTop |title=Waiting for Karthi's Aayirathil Oruvan&nbsp;– Rediff.com Movies |work=[[Rediff]] |publisher=Rediff.com |date=6 November 2009 |access-date=23 July 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091109071107/http://movies.rediff.com/slide-show/2009/nov/06/slide-show-1-south-interview-with-karthi.htm#contentTop |archive-date=9 November 2009}}</ref> During the filming of ''Aayirathil Oruvan'', producer R.Ravindran complained that Karthi was trying to change his look and move on to ''Paiyaa'' before finishing his commitments.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/karthi-not-to-take-off-his-beard-news-tamil-kkfsApdfdig.html |title=Karthi not to take off his beard! |website=[[Sify]] |date=4 December 2008 |access-date=23 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021211605/http://www.sify.com/movies/karthi-not-to-take-off-his-beard-news-tamil-kkfsApdfdig.html |archive-date=21 October 2012}}</ref>

''Aayirathil Oruvan'' was released in early 2010. Karthi's portrayal of a chief coolie was often compared to that in his debut film.<ref name="rediffreview">{{cite web|last=Srinivasan|first=Pavithra|date=19 April 2010|title=Aayirathil Oruvan is not for the faint hearted|work=[[Rediff]]|publisher=Rediff.com|access-date=14 January 2010|url=http://movies.rediff.com/report/2010/jan/14/south-tamil-movie-review-aayirathil-oruvan.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100116214613/http://movies.rediff.com/report/2010/jan/14/south-tamil-movie-review-aayirathil-oruvan.htm|archive-date=16 January 2010}}</ref> ''Sify'' called Karthi's performance "&nbsp;...&nbsp;a scream.", and said, "Right from his introduction scene till the end, he is lovable and provides humour.", and that he had "&nbsp;...&nbsp;made a sensational comeback&nbsp;...&nbsp;".<ref>{{cite web|title=Aayirathil Oruvan-Review|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/aayirathil-oruvan-review-review-tamil-14927396.html|website=[[Sify]]|access-date=28 August 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130422221537/http://www.sify.com/movies/aayirathil-oruvan-review-review-tamil-14927396.html|archive-date=22 April 2013}}</ref>

In April 2010, Linguswamy's ''Paiyaa'' released. A romantic road-trip film, featuring an [[Paiyaa (soundtrack)|album]] by [[Yuvan Shankar Raja]],<ref>{{cite web | url=http://movies.rediff.com/slide-show/2010/jun/23/slide-show-1-south-half-year-report-of-tamil-cinema.htm#contentTop | title=Half-yearly BO report: Suriya rules Tamil | work=Rediff | date=23 June 2010 | access-date=22 August 2010 | last=Srinivasan | first=Pavithra | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100831000627/http://movies.rediff.com/slide-show/2010/jun/23/slide-show-1-south-half-year-report-of-tamil-cinema.htm#contentTop | archive-date=31 August 2010}}</ref> it was very successful.<ref>{{cite web|author=Moviebuzz|date=13 May 2010|title=Summer Box-office is lukewarm!|website=[[Sify]]|access-date=22 August 2010|url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14941659|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100516013839/http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14941659|archive-date=16 May 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Moviebuzz|date=19 April 2010|title=Lingusamy's Paiyaa is a super hit!|website=[[Sify]]|access-date=1 June 2010|url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14938897&cid=2363|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100426112546/http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14938897&cid=2363|archive-date=26 April 2010}}</ref> For the first time, he enacted a character that lives in an urban area.<ref name="toi">{{cite news | url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-04-07/news-interviews/28136029_1_film-aayirathil-oruvan-tamannaah | first1=Sreedhar | last1=Pillai | title=Karthi: On road to superstardom | date=7 April 2010 | access-date=29 June 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140110091539/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-04-07/news-interviews/28136029_1_film-aayirathil-oruvan-tamannaah | archive-date=10 January 2014 | work=[[The Times of India]] | url-status=dead }}</ref> He said that he accepted the film because he desperately wanted to play a cool dude on screen.<ref name="toi" /> Karthi's performances in ''Aayirathil Oruvan'' and ''Paiyaa'' earned him further nominations at the [[58th Filmfare Awards South]] in the [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor&nbsp;– Tamil|Best Actor]] category.{{cn|date=November 2024}} Both films were dubbed into [[Telugu language|Telugu]] as [[Aayirathil Oruvan (2010 film)|''Yuganiki Okkadu'']] and ''Aawara'', respectively, and were successful.{{cn|date=November 2024}}

Karthi's third film in 2010 was [[Suseenthiran]]'s action thriller ''[[Naan Mahaan Alla (2010 film)|Naan Mahaan Alla]]'', in which he played a middle class youth from Chennai whose life is disrupted when his father is targeted by a gang of killers. It received good reviews, was very popular,{{cn|date=November 2024}} and Karthi's performances was praised by critics.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.timeslive.co.za/sundaytimes/article697589.ece/Karthi-superb-in-tale-of-love-and-murder |title=Karthi superb in tale of love and murder |publisher=Times LIVE |date=10 October 2010 |access-date=12 July 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101020194132/http://www.timeslive.co.za/sundaytimes/article697589.ece/Karthi-superb-in-tale-of-love-and-murder |archive-date=20 October 2010}}</ref> Sreedhar Pillai wrote for Sify: "[Karthi] nails the character to perfection"&nbsp; ... &nbsp;He is one good reason to see the film."<ref>{{cite web|author=Moviebuzz|date=20 August 2010|title=Movie review:Naan Mahaan Alla|website=[[Sify]]|access-date=22 August 2010|url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/review.php?id=14954041&ctid=5&cid=2429|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100823033434/http://sify.com/movies/tamil/review.php?id=14954041&ctid=5&cid=2429|archive-date=23 August 2010}}</ref> Bhama Devi Ravi of ''[[Times of India]]'' wrote: "&nbsp; ... &nbsp;what a pleasure to see Karthi deliver his best performance to date&nbsp; ... &nbsp;".<ref>{{cite news|author=Bhama Devi Ravi|date=20 August 2010|title=Naan Mahaan Alla movie review|work=The Times of India|access-date=22 August 2010|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/tamil/movie-reviews/Naan-Mahaan-Alla/movie-review/6388035.cms|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103113838/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/tamil/movie-reviews/Naan-Mahaan-Alla/movie-review/6388035.cms|archive-date=3 November 2012}}</ref> ''Rediff'' wrote that "Karthi has simply had a ball&nbsp;...&nbsp;" and "It's been a long time since you saw an actor who can be as convincing in sadness and rage, as in happiness."<ref>{{cite web|last=Srinivasan|first=Pavithra|title=Naan Mahaan Alla is almost perfect|url=http://movies.rediff.com/report/2010/aug/20/south-tamil-review-naan-mahaan-alla.htm|work=[[Rediff]]|publisher=Rediff.com|access-date=28 August 2011|date=20 August 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110823225843/http://movies.rediff.com/report/2010/aug/20/south-tamil-review-naan-mahaan-alla.htm|archive-date=23 August 2011}}</ref> ''Naan Mahaan Alla'' was dubbed into Telugu and released as ''[[Naa Peru Shiva]]'' in 2011; it was very successful and earned Karthi some Telugu film offers.<ref name="rediff2">{{cite web|date=12 August 2011|title=Karthi conquers Andhra|work=[[Rediff]]|publisher=Rediff.com|access-date=16 August 2011|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/south-karthi-conquers-andhra/20110812.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111026153259/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/south-karthi-conquers-andhra/20110812.htm|archive-date=26 October 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Raghavan|first=Nikhil|title=Itsy Bitsy|url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article2375841.ece|work=The Hindu|access-date=28 August 2011|date=20 August 2011|location=Chennai, India|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110908162911/http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article2375841.ece|archive-date=8 September 2011}}</ref>

Karthi's next film was the action–[[Masala film|masala]] ''[[Siruthai]]'' (2011), a remake of the 2006 Telugu film ''[[Vikramarkudu]]''. He played two roles; a thief and a police officer.{{cn|date=November 2024}} Karthi's performances received favourable reviews. Malathi Rangarajan of ''[[The Hindu]]'' wrote: "Karthi looks and performs better with every film. ''Siruthai'' exemplifies the observation".<ref>{{cite news|last=Rangarajan|first=Malathi|title=Cops, crooks and a comedy|url=http://www.hindu.com/cp/2011/01/23/stories/2011012350030200.htm|access-date=28 August 2011|date=23 January 2011|location=Chennai, India|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110102451/http://www.hindu.com/cp/2011/01/23/stories/2011012350030200.htm|work=[[The Hindu]]|archive-date=10 November 2012}}</ref> Pavithra Srinivasan of ''Rediff'' wrote: "But the film belongs to Rocket Raja (Karthi), the sort of adorable ruffian Tamil cinema has been missing for a while. He picks pockets, slices off handbags, charms women and even bashes (!) them up without a single jolt to his conscience."<ref>{{cite web|last=Srinivasan|first=Pavithra|title=Siruthai is Karthi's show all the way|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/south-review-siruthai/20110114.htm|work=[[Rediff]]|publisher=Rediff.com|access-date=28 August 2011|date=14 January 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110228085613/http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/south-review-siruthai/20110114.htm|archive-date=28 February 2011}}</ref> Despite gaining mixed critical response, the film achieved financial success, becoming one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of 2011.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kollywood -Progress Report, Jan 1 to June 30, 2011|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/kollywood-progress-report-jan-1-to-june-30-2011-news-tamil-lhwnuQgifbg.html|website=[[Sify]]|access-date=28 August 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022103904/http://www.sify.com/movies/kollywood-progress-report-jan-1-to-june-30-2011-news-tamil-lhwnuQgifbg.html|archive-date=22 October 2012}}</ref><ref name="sify1">{{cite web|title=Karthi- Waiting for the right choice|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/karthi-waiting-for-the-right-choice-news-tamil-ldtkAxefbaa.html|website=[[Sify]]|access-date=28 August 2011|date=20 March 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110825180001/http://www.sify.com/movies/karthi-waiting-for-the-right-choice-news-tamil-ldtkAxefbaa.html|archive-date=25 August 2011}}</ref> In 2011, ''Siruthai'' became Karthi's biggest commercial success,<ref name="sify1" /> cementing his position in the Tamil film industry. ''Sify'' said that Karthi had become "&nbsp;...&nbsp;one of the hottest stars in [[Tamil cinema|Kollywood]]".<ref name="sify1" /> He made a special appearance in a song in [[K. V. Anand]]'s ''[[Ko (film)|Ko]]'' (2011), alongside other prominent actors from Tamil cinema (Incl. his brother [[Suriya]]).<ref>{{cite news|title=Karthi gets going with Saguni|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/Its-cameo-craze-for-Kollywood-actors/articleshow/7595016.cms|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120707082739/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-03-01/news-interviews/28643250_1_special-appearances-kuselan-indian-films|url-status=live|archive-date=7 July 2012| last=Thollai | first=Sreedhar |access-date=13 August 2011 |work=[[The Times of India]]|date=1 March 2011}}</ref>

=== 2012–present: Career slump and resurgence ===
In May 2011, Karthi began working in the political comedy film ''[[Saguni]]'', directed by Shankar Dayal and featuring him amongst an ensemble cast of supporting actors.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.sify.com/movies/karthi-gets-going-with-saguni-news-tamil-lfck0fjegja.html | title=Karthi gets going with Saguni | website=[[Sify]] | access-date=13 August 2011 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110824063533/http://www.sify.com/movies/karthi-gets-going-with-saguni-news-tamil-lfck0fjegja.html | archive-date=24 August 2011}}</ref> He played Kamalakannan in the film, a villager who comes to the city to save his palatial house in [[Karaikudi]] from being destroyed for a politician's personal gain and unknowingly transforms to become a [[kingmaker]] in Tamil Nadu politics. The film opened to mixed reviews from critics, and became a box office failure.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Karthi-takes-blame-for-Saguni/articleshow/15276360.cms? | title=Karthi takes blame for Saguni | work=The Times of India | date=30 July 2012 | access-date=19 March 2013 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731093140/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Karthi-takes-blame-for-Saguni/articleshow/15276360.cms | archive-date=31 July 2017}}</ref> Karthi dubbed for himself for the Telugu version of ''Saguni'' (2012) and has since dubbed for the Telugu dubbed versions of all of his films and for one character in ''Brothers'', the dubbed version of his brother [[Suriya]]'s ''[[Maattrraan]]'' (2012).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/brothers-dubbing.html|title=Brothers dubs for Brothers|date=12 October 2012|work=Idlebrain|access-date=18 November 2021|archive-date=18 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118025520/http://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/brothers-dubbing.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/karthi-it-takes-me-double-the-time-to-dub-in-telugu/article20379496.ece|title=Karthi: It takes me double the time to dub in Telugu|date=13 November 2017|work=The Hindu|last=Devi Dundoo|first=Sangeetha|access-date=18 November 2021|archive-date=18 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118025517/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/karthi-it-takes-me-double-the-time-to-dub-in-telugu/article20379496.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> He later appeared in the 2013 [[Pongal (festival)|Pongal]] release ''[[Alex Pandian]]'', opposite [[Anushka Shetty]], which also opened to negative critical response upon release.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/article1417893.ece | title=Alex Pandian draws Rajini fans to theatres | work=The New Indian Express | date=12 January 2013 | access-date=19 March 2013 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130119123739/http://newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/article1417893.ece | archive-date=19 January 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/alex-pandian/alex-pandian-review.html | title=ALEX PANDIAN MOVIE REVIEW | work=Behindwoods | access-date=19 March 2013 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130306082231/http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/alex-pandian/alex-pandian-review.html | archive-date=6 March 2013}}</ref>
[[File:Suriya and Karthi Sivakumar at Knack Studio Launch.jpg|thumb|250px| Karthi  and [[Suriya]] at the launch of Knack Studio]]
Karthi's next release was [[Rajesh M]]'s ''[[All in All Azhagu Raja]]'', which featured him opposite [[Kajal Aggarwal]] and [[Santhanam (actor)|Santhanam]]. The film was released on [[Diwali]] 2013, and received mostly negative reviews from critics.{{cn|date=November 2024}} He also sang the song "Mississippi" under [[Yuvan Shankar Raja]]'s direction.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-09-28/news-interviews/42481056_1_telugu-biriyani-premgi-amaren | title=Karthi croons in Telugu | date=28 September 2013 | access-date=18 October 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019051616/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-09-28/news-interviews/42481056_1_telugu-biriyani-premgi-amaren | archive-date=19 October 2013 | work=[[The Times of India]] | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/malayalam/news-and-interviews/The-support-I-get-from-my-fans-in-Kerala-is-overwhelming-Karthi/articleshow/24294216.cms | title=The support I get from my fans in Kerala is overwhelming : Karthi | work=The Times of India| date=18 October 2013 | access-date=18 October 2013 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810133412/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/malayalam/news-and-interviews/The-support-I-get-from-my-fans-in-Kerala-is-overwhelming-Karthi/articleshow/24294216.cms | archive-date=10 August 2017}}</ref> In 2014, Karthi appeared in [[Pa. Ranjith]]'s ''[[Madras (film)|Madras]]'', a critical and commercial success.{{cn|date=November 2024}} His next release was the 2015 action drama ''[[Komban]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news-interviews/Karthi-Lakshmi-Menon-team-up-for-Komban/articleshow/35842843.cms | title=Karthi, Lakshmi Menon team up for Komban | work=The Times of India| date=1 June 2014 | access-date=12 June 2014 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140603234933/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news-interviews/Karthi-Lakshmi-Menon-team-up-for-Komban/articleshow/35842843.cms | archive-date=3 June 2014}}</ref> His first release in 2016 was the Telugu-Tamil bilingual film ''[[Oopiri]]'' / ''Thozha''. The film received positive reviews.{{cn|date=November 2024}} Karthi's performance was praised, with [[Baradwaj Rangan]] of ''[[The Hindu]]'' stating (in his review of the Tamil version ''Thozha''), "At a time every leading man (including Karthi) seems to be participating in a game-show titled ''Who Wants To Be The Next Rajinikanth?'', here's a simple 'buddy movie' (in the Hollywoodian sense), with no punch dialogues, no action sequences, with just one duet (with Tamannaah, who plays Vikram's secretary; her romance with Seenu is strangely unresolved). We see, all the time, character actors striving to become larger-than-life heroes. For a change, here's a hero scaling himself down to play a life-sized character."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/thozha-film-review-friends-forever/article8399160.ece | title=Thozha: Friends forever | work=The Hindu | date=26 March 2016 | access-date=27 March 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805154136/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/thozha-film-review-friends-forever/article8399160.ece | archive-date=5 August 2016}}</ref> Later that year, Karthi appeared in director [[Gokul (director)|Gokul]]'s ''[[Kaashmora]]''. Though the film received mixed reviews, his performance was praised.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.firstpost.com/bollywood/kaashmora-review-round-up-karthis-performance-notable-in-this-forgettable-film-3077852.html | title=Kaashmora review round-up: Karthi's performance notable in this forgettable film | publisher=[[Firstpost]] | date=28 October 2016 | access-date=1 November 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161031202659/http://www.firstpost.com/bollywood/kaashmora-review-round-up-karthis-performance-notable-in-this-forgettable-film-3077852.html | archive-date=31 October 2016}}</ref>

Karthi's ''[[Kaatru Veliyidai]]'', was directed and produced by [[Mani Ratnam]]. The film met with mixed reviews and became a failure.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=428065 | title=Mani Ratnam shoots in Belgrade for 'Kaatru Veliyidai'  | date=17 December 2016 | access-date=22 December 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222222813/http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=428065 | archive-date=22 December 2016}}</ref> Karthi's ''[[Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru]]'' was directed by [[H. Vinoth]] and produced by [[Dream Warrior Pictures]]. It received critical acclaim and Karthi received a ''Filmfare Award South'' for the ''Best Actor – Critics'' for his performance. The film became a huge success at the box office.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/kollywood/221216/karthis-next-titled-dheeran-adhigaram-ondru.html | title=Karthi's next titled Dheeran Adhigaram Ondru | work=Deccan Chronicle | date=22 December 2016 | access-date=22 December 2016 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222045304/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/kollywood/221216/karthis-next-titled-dheeran-adhigaram-ondru.html | archive-date=22 December 2016}}</ref> Right after ''Theeran'' Karthi acted in ''[[Kadaikutty Singam]]'' portrayed the role of a farmer directed by [[Pandiraj]] which has been produced by this brother [[Suriya]] which has gained the highest footfalls in the year 2018 in Tamil Nadu.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/kadai-kutty-singam-emerges-biggest-grosser-karthi-s-career-85592|title='Kadai Kutty Singam' emerges as the biggest grosser in Karthi's career|website=The News Minute|date=28 July 2018|access-date=11 April 2020|archive-date=12 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191012135827/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/kadai-kutty-singam-emerges-biggest-grosser-karthi-s-career-85592|url-status=live}}</ref> His next film was ''[[Dev (2019 film)|Dev]]'', produced by Lakshman Kumar, under Prince Pictures, directed by debutante director, Rajath Ravishankar, music composed by [[Harris Jayaraj]], and cinematography by [[R. Velraj]]. Upon release, it received negative reviews from both the critics and audience, alike. It was a huge commercial failure.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Dev Movie Review {1.5/5}: If you want to describe Dev, you could very well go ahead and call it a misadventure|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/dev/movie-review/67986433.cms|work=The Times of India|access-date=11 April 2020}}</ref>

His next release in the same year, ''[[Kaithi (2019 film)|Kaithi]]'', was a blockbuster hit and collected more than {{INR}}100 crores at the box office. It became the highest-grossing film of his career.{{cn|date=November 2024}} He was next seen in ''[[Sulthan (2021 film)|Sulthan]]'', directed by [[Bakkiyaraj Kannan]], of ''[[Remo (film)|Remo]]'' fame. It starred [[Rashmika Mandanna]] alongside him. It opened to mixed reviews from both the critics and audience, alike. It became a decent box-office success.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2 February 2021|title=Sulthan teaser: Karthi battles a handful of villains|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/sulthan-teaser-karthi-battles-a-handful-of-villains-7170196/|access-date=2 February 2021|website=The Indian Express|language=en|archive-date=1 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201132515/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/sulthan-teaser-karthi-battles-a-handful-of-villains-7170196/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Next, he was seen in the rural family drama, ''[[Viruman]]'', directed by [[M. Muthaiah]], his second collaboration with him after ''Komban''. It too turned out to became commercially successful. Post ''Viruman'', he was seen in the magnum opuses, ''[[Ponniyin Selvan: I]]'' (2022) and ''[[Ponniyin Selvan: II]]'' (2023), directed by [[Mani Ratnam]]. He essayed [[Vallavaraiyan Vandiyadevan]] in the films, in which his performances received several accolades. In between the two films, he also played a dual role, as a father and son in ''[[Sardar (2022 film)|Sardar]]'', which released in 2022. It opened to generally positive reviews from both the critics and audience, alike. It was a huge commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing film of his career (solo).

Later in 2023, Karthi have his second release of the year with ''[[Japan (2023 film)|Japan]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sistu |first=Suhas |date=2023-10-17 |title=Karthi's 'Japan' to entertain this Diwali |url=https://www.thehansindia.com/cinema/kollywood/karthis-japan-to-entertain-this-diwali-830534 |access-date=2023-10-18 |website=www.thehansindia.com |language=English}}</ref>

== Personal life ==
Karthi was born as Karthik Sivakumar on 25 May 1977 in [[Madras]] (now [[Chennai]]), [[Tamil Nadu]], India to actor [[Sivakumar]] and his wife Lakshmi. He has two siblings; an elder brother, [[Suriya]], who was already an established actor at the time of Karthi's film debut, and a younger sister, [[Brindha Sivakumar|Brindha]], who is a singer in [[Tamil cinema]]. Tamil film actress [[Jyothika]] is Karthi's sister-in-law.<ref name="Family12">{{cite web |date=30 April 2011 |title=Karthi gets engaged quietly |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/karthi-gets-engaged-quietly-news-tamil-le4kJQhabfb.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110824043538/http://www.sify.com/movies/karthi-gets-engaged-quietly-news-tamil-le4kJQhabfb.html |archive-date=24 August 2011 |access-date=12 July 2011 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref>

He completed his elementary and secondary school education at [[Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan]] and [[St. Bede's Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School]], Chennai.<ref name="dtoearth">{{cite news |date=23 September 2007 |title=Karthi Sivakumar, casual and down to earth |url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/09/23/stories/2007092358270200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111107000853/http://www.hindu.com/2007/09/23/stories/2007092358270200.htm |archive-date=7 November 2011 |access-date=4 September 2011 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |location=Chennai, India}}</ref> He gained a bachelor's degree in [[mechanical engineering]] from [[Crescent Engineering College]], Chennai.<ref name=":2">{{cite news |date=15 September 2021 |title=Karthi to Sivakarthikeyan: Five Tamil stars who are engineering graduates |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/karthi-to-sivakarthikeyan-five-tamil-stars-who-are-engineering-graduates/photostory/86200152.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220608182401/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/karthi-to-sivakarthikeyan-five-tamil-stars-who-are-engineering-graduates/photostory/86200152.cms |archive-date=8 June 2022 |access-date=8 June 2022 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> After graduation, he worked as an Engineering consultant in Chennai and considered higher studies abroad. "I was earning about {{INR}} 5000 per month and found the work monotonous. That was when I thought, I should do something more", he recalled in an interview.<ref name="dtoearth">{{cite news |date=23 September 2007 |title=Karthi Sivakumar, casual and down to earth |url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/09/23/stories/2007092358270200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111107000853/http://www.hindu.com/2007/09/23/stories/2007092358270200.htm |archive-date=7 November 2011 |access-date=4 September 2011 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |location=Chennai, India}}</ref> Karthi got a scholarship for his higher studies in the United States,<ref name="rediff12">{{cite web |author=Warrior, Shobha |date=24 January 2007 |title=Surya's brother debuts |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/jan/24karthi.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101025045650/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/jan/24karthi.htm |archive-date=25 October 2010 |access-date=22 August 2010 |work=[[Rediff]] |publisher=Rediff.com}}</ref> and enrolled at [[Binghamton University]], [[New York City|New York]], where he earned his [[Master of Science]] in [[industrial engineering]].<ref name="thehindu12">{{cite web |last=Gupta |first=Rinku |date=12 October 2007 |title=a la Karthi |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/life/2007/10/12/stories/2007101250090300.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105204817/http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/life/2007/10/12/stories/2007101250090300.htm |archive-date=5 November 2013 |access-date=1 June 2010 |work=The Hindu}}</ref> While pursuing his master's degree, he also took elective courses on filmmaking.<ref name="dtoearth">{{cite news |date=23 September 2007 |title=Karthi Sivakumar, casual and down to earth |url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/09/23/stories/2007092358270200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111107000853/http://www.hindu.com/2007/09/23/stories/2007092358270200.htm |archive-date=7 November 2011 |access-date=4 September 2011 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |location=Chennai, India}}</ref>

During his stay in New York, Karthi worked as a part-time [[graphic designer]]. He then decided to pursue a career in filmmaking;<ref name="thehindu12">{{cite web |last=Gupta |first=Rinku |date=12 October 2007 |title=a la Karthi |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/life/2007/10/12/stories/2007101250090300.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105204817/http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/life/2007/10/12/stories/2007101250090300.htm |archive-date=5 November 2013 |access-date=1 June 2010 |work=The Hindu}}</ref> he attended two courses in basic filmmaking at [[State University of New York]].<ref name="rediff12">{{cite web |author=Warrior, Shobha |date=24 January 2007 |title=Surya's brother debuts |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/jan/24karthi.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101025045650/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/jan/24karthi.htm |archive-date=25 October 2010 |access-date=22 August 2010 |work=[[Rediff]] |publisher=Rediff.com}}</ref><ref name="thehindu12">{{cite web |last=Gupta |first=Rinku |date=12 October 2007 |title=a la Karthi |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/life/2007/10/12/stories/2007101250090300.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105204817/http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/life/2007/10/12/stories/2007101250090300.htm |archive-date=5 November 2013 |access-date=1 June 2010 |work=The Hindu}}</ref> He stated: "I always knew I wanted to be in films, but I did not know exactly what I wanted to do. I loved movies and watched a lot of them. But my father insisted that I get a good education before I joined the film industry".<ref name="rediff12">{{cite web |author=Warrior, Shobha |date=24 January 2007 |title=Surya's brother debuts |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/jan/24karthi.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101025045650/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/jan/24karthi.htm |archive-date=25 October 2010 |access-date=22 August 2010 |work=[[Rediff]] |publisher=Rediff.com}}</ref>

On 3 July 2011, Karthi married Ranjani Chinnasamy,<ref name=":0" />{{Efn|Some sources reported her name as Ranjini and the [[patronymic name]] as Chinnaswamy.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 October 2020 |title='Life changing experience': Actor Karthi, wife Ranjini welcome baby boy |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/life-changing-experience-actor-karthi-wife-ranjini-welcome-baby-boy-135807 |access-date=9 May 2020 |website=[[The News Minute]] |language=en |archive-date=1 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101021603/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/life-changing-experience-actor-karthi-wife-ranjini-welcome-baby-boy-135807 |url-status=live }}</ref>}} who graduated with a master's degree in English literature from [[Stella Maris College, Chennai]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Actor Karthi to marry Ranjani|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/Actor-Karthi-to-marry-Ranjani/articleshow/8100181.cms|access-date=31 July 2011|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=28 April 2011|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120709070230/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-04-28/news-interviews/29478938_1_actor-karthi-paruthiveeran-chennai-college|archive-date=9 July 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> They were engaged on 29 April 2011 at Ranjani's native village, [[Goundampalayam, Erode|Goundampalayam]] in [[Erode district]],<ref name=":0">{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article1980873.ece | location=Chennai, India | work=The Hindu | title=Karthi to tie the knot | date=30 April 2011 | first=S. | last=Ramesh | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110503060913/http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article1980873.ece | archive-date=3 May 2011}}</ref> and the wedding was held in a traditional Kongu culture at the CODISSIA Trade Fair Complex in [[Coimbatore]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rao |first=Subha J. |date=3 July 2011 |title=A wedding to remember |language=en-IN |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore//article60502339.ece |access-date=9 May 2022 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=9 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220509114556/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore//article60502339.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> The wedding was [[Arranged marriage|arranged]] by the elders of the family.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/tamil-actor-karthi-set-to-get-married/20110428.htm |title=Actor Karthi set for marriage |work=Rediff Movies |publisher=Rediff |date=28 April 2011 |access-date=12 July 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110702170207/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/tamil-actor-karthi-set-to-get-married/20110428.htm |archive-date=2 July 2011}}</ref> They have two children, a daughter and a son.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/karthi-reveals-baby-name-shares-his-first-photo-let-our-surroundings-be-sweeter-with-your-arrival-7232895/|title = Karthi reveals baby boy's name, shares first photo: 'Let our surroundings be sweeter with your arrival'|date = 18 March 2021|access-date = 18 March 2021|archive-date = 17 March 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210317162203/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/karthi-reveals-baby-name-shares-his-first-photo-let-our-surroundings-be-sweeter-with-your-arrival-7232895/|url-status = live}}</ref>

== Other work ==
Karthi has been involved in several charities and social service activities. On his 31st birthday, he inaugurated the ''Makkal Nala Mandram'',<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/rp/2008/06/08/stories/2008060850070200.htm |title=Retail Plus Chennai : First take |work=The Hindu |date=8 June 2008 |access-date=23 July 2011 |location=Chennai, India |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110055836/http://www.hindu.com/rp/2008/06/08/stories/2008060850070200.htm |archive-date=10 November 2012}}</ref> in order to encourage his fans to become involved in welfare activities.<ref name="indiatimes1">{{cite news |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-05-28/news-interviews/27754875_1_karthi-fan-club-tn-districts |title=For Karthi, charity begins at home|date=28 May 2008 |access-date=23 July 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103144521/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-05-28/news-interviews/27754875_1_karthi-fan-club-tn-districts |archive-date=3 January 2013 |work=[[The Times of India]] |url-status=dead }}</ref> During the event, Karthi donated blood, donated bicycles to handicapped people, sewing machines to women and schoolbags to children. He presented a cheque of {{INR}} 50,000 to [[YR Gaitonde Centre for AIDS Research and Education]], which helps [[HIV/AIDS|AIDS]] affected children.<ref name="indiatimes1" /> In 2011, Karthi became a cause ambassador for promoting awareness of [[lysosomal storage disease]].{{cn|date=November 2024}} He had also adopted a [[white tiger]] cub at [[Vandalur Zoo]] and contributed {{Indian Rupee}} 72,000 to protect and preserve the animal.{{cn|date=November 2024}} On his birthdays, Karthi visits orphanages and donates funds to them.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-05-27/news-interviews/28301380_1_karthi-b-day-bash-naan-mahan-alla |title=Karthi's b'day bash!|date=27 May 2010 |access-date=23 July 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120709082950/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-05-27/news-interviews/28301380_1_karthi-b-day-bash-naan-mahan-alla |archive-date=9 July 2012 |work=[[The Times of India]] |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In September 2010, Karthi signed a contract with [[Bharti Airtel]] to become its brand ambassador in South India and appear in its "Indraikku enna plan" advertising campaign.<ref>{{cite news|title=Karthi campaign|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/karthi-campaign/article793802.ece|access-date=4 September 2011|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=25 September 2011|location=Chennai, India|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011154359/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/Karthi-campaign/article16046136.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> He has also appeared in advertisements for Bru Instant Coffee along with [[Kajal Aggarwal]], who had earlier acted opposite him in ''Naan Mahaan Alla'' and ''All in All Azhagu Raja''.{{cn|date=November 2024}}

In 2015, Karthi joined fellow actors [[Vishal (actor)|Vishal]], [[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]], [[Karunas]] and [[Ponvannan]] to campaign against the concurrent office bearers of the [[Nadigar Sangam]], led by [[R. Sarathkumar]] and [[Radha Ravi]]. He was successful in the election, becoming the association's treasurer.{{cn|date=November 2024}} After starring in ''Kaatru Veliyidai'', he expressed his interest in learning to fly.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/kollywood/040417/karthi-wants-to-fly-for-real.html | title=Karthi wants to fly, for real! | work=Deccan Chronicle | date=4 April 2017 | access-date=5 April 2017 | author=Subhash K. Jha | author-link=Subhash K. Jha | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170405012434/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/kollywood/040417/karthi-wants-to-fly-for-real.html | archive-date=5 April 2017}}</ref>

== Filmography==
{{Pending films key}}

:*''All films are [[Tamil language|Tamil]] unless otherwise note''
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of Karthi film credits
|-
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Film
! scope="col" | Role
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Notes
|-
| 2004 || ''[[Aayutha Ezhuthu]]'' || Michael's friend 
| Uncredited role; also assistant director
|-
| 2007 || ''[[Paruthiveeran]]'' || Paruthiveeran 
| {{br list | {{won}}—[[Filmfare Award for Best Actor&nbsp;– Tamil]] | Won—[[Tamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize|Tamil Nadu State Film Special Prize]]{{cn|date=November 2024}} | Won—[[Vijay Award for Best Debut Actor|Vijay Award for Best Male Debut]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Reliance Mobile Vijay Awards&nbsp;– The Awards Ceremony |url=http://www.starboxoffice.com/kollywood/vijayawards/about.html |work=Star Box office |access-date=13 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080726022319/http://www.starboxoffice.com/kollywood/vijayawards/about.html |archive-date=26 July 2008 }}</ref>}}
|-
| rowspan="3" | 2010 || ''[[Aayirathil Oruvan (2010 film)|Aayirathil Oruvan]]'' || Muthu 
| {{Nominated}}—[[Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil]]
|-
| ''[[Paiyaa]]'' || Shiva
| {{Nominated}}—[[Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil]]
|-
| ''[[Naan Mahaan Alla (2010 film)|Naan Mahaan Alla]]'' || Jeeva Prakasam
| {{Nominated}}—[[Vijay Award for Best Actor]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Vijay Awards 2011: List Of Nominations|url=http://www.news365today.com/vijay-awards-2011-list-nominations-kamal-haasan-bags-maximum-awards/|work=News365today|date=26 June 2011|access-date=7 November 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110901022830/http://www.news365today.com/vijay-awards-2011-list-nominations-kamal-haasan-bags-maximum-awards/#axzz1d0Xa0UFY|archive-date=1 September 2011}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2011 || ''[[Siruthai]]'' || DSP Rathnavel Pandian and Rocket Raja{{efn|name="tworoles"|Karthi played two characters.}} ||
|-
| ''[[Ko (film)|Ko]]'' || Himself || Guest appearance in song "Aga Naga"
|-
| 2012 || ''[[Saguni]]'' || Kamalakannan || 
|-
| rowspan="3" | 2013 || ''[[Alex Pandian]]'' || Alex Pandian ||
|-
| ''[[All in All Azhagu Raja]]'' || Azhagu Raja and Young Muthukrishnan{{efn|name="tworoles"}} ||
|-
| ''[[Biriyani (film)|Biriyani]]'' || Sugan ||
|-
| rowspan=2 | 2014 || rowspan=2 | ''[[Madras (film)|Madras]]'' || rowspan=2 | Kaali || {{br list
  | {{Won}}—[[Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor – Tamil]]<ref name="Critics Award for Best Actor & Actress 2017">{{Cite web|url=https://www.filmfare.com/features/winners-of-the-65th-jio-filmfare-awards-south-2018_-28887-5.html|title=Winners of the 65th Jio Filmfare Awards (South) 2018|website=Filmfare|date=16 June 2018|access-date=12 March 2020|archive-date=17 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617015512/https://www.filmfare.com/features/winners-of-the-65th-jio-filmfare-awards-south-2018_-28887-5.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
  | Won—[[4th South Indian International Movie Awards|SIIMA Critics Award for Best Actor]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/SIIMA-Awards-2015-Tamil-winners-list/articleshow/48399961.cms|title=SIIMA Awards 2015 Tamil winners list|website=The Times of India|date=16 January 2017|access-date=11 April 2020|archive-date=21 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191121162507/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/SIIMA-Awards-2015-Tamil-winners-list/articleshow/48399961.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> 
  }}
|-
| {{br list | {{Nominated}}—[[Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil]] | Nominated—[[Vijay Award for Best Actor]]}}
|-
| 2015 || ''[[Komban]]'' || Kombaiah Pandian (Komban) ||
|-
| rowspan="4" | 2016 || rowspan=2 | ''[[Oopiri]]'' || rowspan="3" | Seenu 
| {{Nominated}}—[[Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu]]
|-
| rowspan="2" |Simultaneously shot in [[Telugu language|Telugu]]
|-
|''Thozha''
|-
| ''[[Kaashmora]]'' 
|Kaashmora and Raj Nayak{{efn|name="tworoles"}}||
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2017 || ''[[Kaatru Veliyidai]]'' || Varun Chakrapani (VC)
|
|-
| ''[[Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru]]'' || DSP Theeran Thirumaran || {{br list | {{Won}}—[[Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor – Tamil]] | Won—[[Edison Awards (India)|Edison Award for Best Actor]]}}
|-
| 2018 || ''[[Kadaikutty Singam]]'' || Perunazhi Gunasingam (Kadaikutty Singam) ||Nominated - [[SIIMA Award for Best Actor|SIIMA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Karthi - Awards |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1912683/awards/ |access-date=2025-02-17 |website=IMDb |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="3" | 2019 || ''[[Dev (2019 film)|Dev]]'' || Dev Ramalingam ||
|-
| ''[[Kaithi (2019 film)|Kaithi]]'' || [[Lokesh Cinematic Universe|Dilli]] || {{Won}}—[[Norway Tamil Film Festival Awards|Norway Tamil Film Festival Award for Best Actor]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ntff.no/11th-ntff-2020-winners-list-of-awardees-tamilar-viruthu-tamil-nadu/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026071804/https://ntff.no/11th-ntff-2020-winners-list-of-awardees-tamilar-viruthu-tamil-nadu/|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 October 2020|title=11th NTFF 2020 – Winners list of Awardees – Tamilar Viruthu – Tamil Nadu|date=15 January 2020|access-date=15 January 2020}}</ref>
|-
|''[[Thambi (2019 film)|Thambi]]'' || Saravanan  (Vicky)
|
|-
|rowspan=1|2021
|''[[Sulthan (2021 film)|Sulthan]]''
|Vikram (Sulthan)
|Nominated - Bollywood Life - South Movies Award for Best Actor<ref>{{Cite web |title=Karthi - Awards |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1912683/awards/ |access-date=2025-02-17 |website=IMDb |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|rowspan="4"|2022
|''[[Vikram (2022 film)|Vikram]]''
|[[Lokesh Cinematic Universe|Dilli]]
|Voice-over
|-
|''[[Viruman]]''
|Viruman
|
|-
|''[[Ponniyin Selvan: I]]''
|[[Vallavaraiyan Vandiyadevan]]
| {{Nominated}}—[[Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil]]
|-
| ''[[Sardar (2022 film)|Sardar]]''
| Inspector Vijayaprakash and Chandra Bose "Sardar" 
|  
|-
|rowspan="3"| 2023
| ''[[Ponniyin Selvan: II]]''
|[[Vallavaraiyan Vandiyadevan]]
|
|-
|''[[Mark Antony (2023 film)|Mark Antony]]'' ||Narrator  || Voice-over
|-
|''[[Japan (2023 film)|Japan]]''
|Japan Muni 
|25th Film<ref>{{Cite web |title=Japan Review: Karthi and Raju Murugan's film is a complete misfire |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/japan-movie-review-karthi-raju-murugan-complete-misfire-2461162-2023-11-10 |access-date=2024-02-13 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2"|2024
|''[[Meiyazhagan]]''
|Meiyazhagan
|
|-
|''[[Kanguva]]''
|Rathaangasan and Commander Ryan
| Cameo appearance, Dual Roles
|-
|rowspan="2"| 2025
| ''[[HIT: The Third Case]]''
| ACP Veerappan [[Indian Police Service|IPS]] 
| Cameo appearance, Telugu Film
|-
| {{pending film|italic=no| ''[[Sardar 2]]''}}
| Inspector Vijayaprakash and Chandra Bose "Sardar"
| Post-Production
|-
|rowspan="1"| 2026
| {{pending film|italic=no| ''[[Vaa Vaathiyaar]]''}}
| Inspector Rameshwaran and En Kadamai MGR
| Post-Production
|}

== Discography ==
* '''(D)''' indicates dubbing.
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of songs sung by Karthi
|-
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Film
! scope="col" | Song
! scope="col" | Language
! class="unsortable" scope="col" | Composer 
|-
| 2007 || ''[[Paruthiveeran]]'' || "Oororam Puliyamaram" || rowspan="5"|Tamil || [[Yuvan Shankar Raja]]
|-
| 2012 || ''[[Saguni]]'' || "Kandha Kaara Vadai" || [[G. V. Prakash Kumar]]
|-
| 2013 || ''[[Biriyani (film)|Biriyani]]'' || "Mississippi" || [[Yuvan Shankar Raja]]
|-
| 2017 || ''[[Magalir Mattum (2017 film)|Magalir Mattum]]'' || "Gubu Gubu Gubu" || [[Ghibran]]
|-
| 2018 || ''[[Party (upcoming film)|Party]]'' || "Cha Cha Chare" || [[Premgi Amaren]],
Unreleased film
|-
| rowspan="3" | 2022 || ''[[Oke Oka Jeevitham]]'' || "Maaripoye" || Telugu ||  rowspan="2"|[[Jakes Bejoy]]
|-
| ''Kanam'' || "Maaripocho" || rowspan="3"|Tamil 
|-
| [[Sardar (2022 film)|''Sardar'']] || "Yerumayileri" || rowspan="3"| [[G. V. Prakash Kumar]]
|-
| rowspan="2"|2023 ||''[[Japan  (2023 film) |Japan]]'' || rowspan="2"| "Touching Touching"
|-
| ''Japan'' '''(D)'''  || Telugu 
|}

== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* {{IMDb name|id=1912683|name=Karthi}}
* {{Facebook|sikarthi}}

{{Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil}}
{{2D Entertainment}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Indian male film actors]]
[[Category:Tamil male actors]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1977 births]]
[[Category:Male actors from Chennai]]
[[Category:Filmfare Awards South winners]]
[[Category:Tamil Nadu State Film Awards winners]]
[[Category:Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan schools alumni]]
[[Category:Binghamton University alumni]]