Tanikella Bharani (Telugu : తనికెళ్ళ భరణి ; born 14 July 1954) is an Indian film actor, screenwriter, dialogue writer, poet, theatre actor, playwright and director predominant in Telugu cinema . He has worked in more than 750 films (Including Tamil , Kannada and Hindi ). He has garnered three Andhra Pradesh State Nandi Awards .
Tanikella’s ancestry includes poets and literary figures of Telugu literature. Diwakarla Venkatavadhani and Viswanatha Satyanarayana were his grand uncles. Divakarla Tirupati Sastry one of the Telugu poet duo Tirupati Venkata Kavulu were his great-grand-uncles. Tanikella is his family name, Bharani is his given name.
He is fluent in Telugu (his mother tongue), Tamil , Hindi and is conversational in English . Tanikella's son-in-law's name is Mangalampalli Sai Karthik.
Tanikella Bharani is a stauch, religious Shaiva Hindu who is known for singing devotional songs in praise of Sri Shiva and Devi Parvati, and propagates to his fellow Hindus to not just read the Bhagavad Gita but to follow what it teaches. He is also a strong supporter of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and has endorsed current Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi 's previous bid for office.
Bharani did stage plays in the mid 70s and during this time he made the acquaintance of Rallapalli , a Tollywood actor. With his help Bharani started writing small dialogues and stage scenes. Later, he took a diploma in Theatre arts. Following Rallapalli's advice he moved to Chennai .
He started his career as a dialogue writer for Kanchu Kavachum in 1984. and has written dialogues for various movies like Ladies Tailor (1985 film) , Sri Kanaka Mahalakshmi Recording Dance Troupe (1987), Varasudochhadu (1988), Chettu Kinda Pleader (1989), Swara Kalpana (1989), Shiva (1989) and Seenu Vasanthi Lakshmi (2004). Bharani also penned and sung the lyrics of Gundammagaari Manavadu (Bhale Bhaleti Mandu).
He has acted in more than 750 movies starting with Ladies Tailor (1985) & Sri Kanaka Mahalakshmi Recording Dance Troupe (1987) in which he was seen as Dora Babu . In 1989 he appeared in the hit film Shiva by Ram Gopal Varma which starred Nagarjuna. With the release of the film Shiva, he received much recognition and his character Nanaji impressed the whole Telugu audience.
He also played the lead role in the Hindi comedy film Main Tere Pyar Mein Pagal in 1999. His powerful antagonism in Samudram won him the Nandi award as the Best Villain . After 2000, he started playing more mature roles in movies like Manmadhudu (2002), Okariki Okaru (2003), Samba (2004), Malliswari , Godavari (2006), and Happy (2006).
Tanikella Bharani directed Telugu Drama film Mithunam is a 2012 featuring S. P. Balasubrahmanyam and Lakshmi. Tanikella Bhranai received CineMAA Award Special Jury Award for Best Direction for this film.
Tanikella Bharini wrote seven Telugu devotional songs song for the album "Nee Lona Shivudu Galudu, Na Lona Shivudu Galadu," literally translating as "The Lord Shiva in you and the Lord Shiva in me can rule the world." He also sang the title song for Nalona sivudu galadu and Shahabash Raa Shankara which were written by him.
Nandi Awards Best Villain - Samudhram Best Character Actor - Nuvvu Nenu Nandi Award for Best Dialogue Writer - Mithunam Best Actor - Grahanam Literary Awards Sri pada subhramanya sastry Literary Award - Polamuru Bhanumathi Award - Hyderabad Sri Vanamamalai Varadacharyulu Literary Award - Adilabad Fellowship Jawahar Bharathi - Kavali Allu Ramalingayyiah National Award - Hyderabad Akkineni Swarna Kankanam - Hyderabad Nagabhairava Koteswara Rao literary Award - Nellore CineMAA Awards Special Jury Award for Best Director - Mithunam (2013) Sangam Academy Awards Sangam Academy award for completing Twenty five years in Telugu Cinema Dramas as a Writer Naalugo Kothi (play)
Playlets (Telugu) Gaardhabhanda Gograhanam Kokkoroko Chalchal gurram Jambudweepam Grahanam pattina ratri Sani grahalu Goyyi Panjaram lo elaka Hulakki Awards for Short Films (as a Director) Tenth Mumbai International Film Festival Award Idaho Panhandle - Hyderabad International Film Festival Award for Sira-The Ink Books Parikini Nakshatra Darshanam Maathralu Endaro Mahanubavulu Plays (Drama) Jambu Dweepam Kokkorokko Chal Chal Gurram Gaardhabhaandam Gograhanam Song compositions Naalona Sividu kaladu is a composition of 7 songs written by Sri Tanikella Bharani. Sabhash raa sankara! Is composition by Bharani about the Concept of Siva (శివ తత్వమ్). Naamanasu Kothi raa Raama ! Spiritual Books Aata gadaraa siva Sabhashuraa Sankara Actor
-
Patnagarh (filming) as
Appa Rao
2023
Vidya Vasula Aham (filming)
-
Inti No. 13 (post-production)
-
Mindgame (post-production) as
Appa Rao
2023
Bro (post-production)
2015
Pallaki (Short) (completed) as
Jagannatham
2023
Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan as
Ramachandra, Nageshwar's father
2022
HIT: The 2nd Case as
Sanjana's father
2022
Andaru Bagundali Andulo Nenu Undali
2022
Na venta paduthunna chinnadevadamma as
Chairman
2022
F3: Fun and Frustration as
Police officer
2022
Sarkaru Vaari Paata as
Master
2021
Raja Vikramarka as
Mahendra
2021
Eakam as
Appayya Panthulu / Outdated Priest
2021
PellisandaD as
Vashishta's uncle
2021
Raja Raja Chora as
Ghanapati
2021
Chaavu Kaburu Challaga as
Seenu Mamayya
2021
Jathi Ratnalu as
Srikanth's Father
2021
Gaali Sampath as
Station Master
2021
April 28 Em Jarigindi
2021
Drushyam 2 as
Vinay Chandra
2021
Bangaru Bullodu as
Bhavani's grandfather
2020
BomBhaat as
Varaha Murthy
2020
Maa Vintha Gaadha Vinuma as
Police Officer
2020
Pressure Cooker as
Anand Rao
2020
Jaanu as
T. Venkateswara Rao, Saloon Owner
2020
Entha Manchivaadavuraa as
Rama Sharma
2020
Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo as
Anjaneya Prasad
2020
Sarileru Neekevvaru as
Minister
2019
Raghupathi Venkaiah Naidu
2019
Krishna Rao Supermarket
2019
Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy as
Govindayya Sharma
2019
Gaddalakonda Ganesh as
Chalam
2019
Saaho as
Ramaswamy Allagadda
2019
1st Rank Raju as
Lecturer
2019
Maharshi as
Ravi's father
2018
Endharoo Mahanubhavulu
2018
U kathe hero as
Siddarth sene
2018
Moodu Puvvulu Aaru Kayalu
2018
Vijetha as
Mohan Prasad, K. Sridhar Rao's friend
2018
Sammohanam as
Shyam Prasad
2018
Naa Nuvve as
Meera's father
2018
Nela Ticket as
Chief Minister
2018
Mahanati as
the editor of Prajavani
2018
Agnathavasi - Prince in Exile as
Appaji
2017
Chandrullo Unde Kundelu
2017
Raja the Great as
Mailaramgadda, Devaraj's father
2017
Prema Entha Madhuram Priyuraalu Antha Katinam as
Jai's Dad
2017
Anando Brahma as
Manikyam
2017
Nene Raju Nene Mantri as
Chief Minister
2017
Ninnu Kori as
College Professor
2017
Duvvada Jagannadham as
Duvvada Subrahmanya Sastri
2017
Radha as
Radha Krishna's father
2017
Babu Baga Busy as
Madhav's Father
2017
Baahubali 2: The Conclusion as
Swami Ji
2017
Gautamiputra Satakarni as
Devadattudu
2017
Shatamanam Bhavati as
Chalaram
2016
Ekkadiki Pothavu Chinnavada as
High School Principal
2016
Naruda Donaruda as
Dr. Anjaneyulu
2016
Jyo Achyutananda as
Jyostna Father
2016
Srirastu Subhamastu as
Anu's would-be father in law
2016
Brahmotsavam as
Chantibabu's friend
2016
Sardaar Gabbar Singh as
Gabbar Singh's uncle
2016
Oopiri as
Kalidasu / Kalidasan
2016
Garam as
Varala Babu's Father
2015
Bruce Lee - The Fighter as
Karthik's brother
2015
Baahubali: The Beginning as
Swamiji
2015
Tiger as
Orphanage Principal
2015
Ori Devudoy as
Ganeshanna
2015
Surya vs. Surya as
Errisamy (Ersam)
2015
Temper as
Thalari Venkat Rao (as Thanikella Bharani)
2015
Mathru Devo Bhava as
Killer
2014
Karthikeya as
Valli's Father
2014
Alludu Seenu as
Narasimha's friend
2014
Autonagar Surya as
Jailor
2014
Race Gurram as
Lucky and Ram's father
2013
D for Dopidi as
Lokamuddhu
2013
Ramayya Vastavayya as
Ammullu's father
2013
Sri Jagadguru Adi Shankara as
Agni Devudu
2013
Alias Janiki as
Mukundham
2013
Iddarammayilatho as
Komali's father
2013
Baadshah as
Pilli Gopi Krishna Simha
2013
Seethamma Vaakitlo Sirimalle Chettu as
Kondala Rao
2012
Yamudiki Mogudu as
Royyala Naidu
2012
Cameraman Gangatho Rambabu as
Rana's uncle
2012
Julayi as
Narayana Murthy
2012
Gabbar Singh as
Siddhappa Naidu's uncle
2012
Neeku Naaku Dash Dash
2011
Oh My Friend as
Chandu's Father
2011
Oosaravelli as
Rakesh's father
2011
Badrinath as
Badri's father
2011
Kudirithe Kappu Coffee
2011
Katha Screenplay Darsakatvam: Appalaraju
2011
Anaganaga O Dheerudu as
Kakshira
2011
Golkonda High School as
Vishwanath
2010
Aunty uncle nandagopal
2010
Rakhta Charitra 2 as
Ram Moorthy
2010
Collector Gari Bharya
2010
Rakta Charitra as
Ram Moorthy
2010
Brindaavanam as
Ajay's father
2010
Jhummandi Naadam as
Balu's father
2009
Saleem as
Satyavati's relative
2009
Kurradu as
Varun's father
2009
Aa Aaa Ee Eee: Athanu Aame Inthalo Eeme
2009
Kalavaramaye Madilo as
Sastry
2009
Current as
Sushanth's father
2009
Thoranai as
Suryaprakash's assistant (Telugu)
2008
Nenu Meeku Telusa...?
2008
Kausalya Supraja Rama
2008
Ashta Chamma as
Sarvam Sarma
2008
Kuselan as
School Administrator
2008
Victory as
Vijji's father
2008
Bommana Brothers Chanadana Sisters
2008
Krishna: The Power of Indrakeeladri as
Government officer Seshadri
2007
Kalloori as
Ramesh (as Bharani)
2007
Azhagiya Tamilmagan as
Guru's father
2007
Chirutha as
Venkateswara Rao
2007
BhooKailas-Ekaram 50 Kotlu
2007
Dhee as
Corporator Krishna
2007
Okkadunnadu as
PA to central finance minister
2006
Bhagyalakshmi Bumper Draw as
Paala Pullaiah
2006
Tata Birla Madhyalo Laila as
Gajapathi
2006
Boss as
Anuradha's father
2006
Bommarillu as
Kotiswara Rao
2006
Godavari as
Captain Chinthamani
2006
Pournami as
Mallika's father
2005
Jai Chiranjeeva as
Visa Consultant
2005
Political Rowdy as
Pandu's Uncle
2005
Chakram as
Lakshmi's (Asin) father
2005
Dhairyam as
Bonala Bikshapathi
2005
Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana as
Kantepudi Srinivasa Rao
2004
Gambeeram as
Rajendra / Gajendra
2004
Pallakilo Pellikuthuru
2004
Challenge as
Prudhvi's father and college principal
2004
Mr & Mrs Sailaja Krishna Murthy
2004
Intlo Srimathi Veedhilo Kumari
2004
Oka Pellam Muddhu Rendo Pellam Vaddhu
2004
Ghilli as
Muthupandi's Father
2004
Nenunnanu as
Simhachalam Naidu
2003
Ninney Ishta Paddaanu as
All India Radio Managing Director
2002
Dhanalakshmi I Love You
2002
Okato Number Kurraadu
2002
Avunu Valliddaru Ishtapaddaru as
Anil's maternal uncle
2002
Tappu Chesi Pappu Koodu
2002
O Chinadaana as
Avadhani the lawyer
2002
Takkari Donga as
Panasa's uncle
2002
Cheliya Cheliya Chiru Kopama
2001
Apparao Ki Oka Nela Thappindi
2001
Manasantha Nuvve as
Anu's father
2001
Anandam as
Kiran's father
2001
Itlu Sravani Subramanyam
2001
Nuvvu Naaku Nachchav as
Sijju's Father
2001
Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega as
Dakshina Murthy
2001
Sri Manjunatha as
Bhrungi
2001
Bava Nachadu (as T. Bharani)
2001
Deevinchandi as
Swetha's Uncle
2001
Budget Padmanabham as
Vaddeela Reddy
2001
Narasimha Naidu as
Papanashanam
2000
Tirumala Tirupathi Venkatesa
2000
Azaad (as T. Bharani)
1999
Samudram as
Chepala Krishna
1998
Pelli Peetalu as
Tatabbai
1996
Soggadi Pellam (as Bharani)
1995
Bhale Bullodu as
S.I. Kubakonam Kanda Swamy
1995
Ghatotkachudu as
Thota Ramudu
1995
Linga Babu Love Story
1995
Money Money as
Manikyam & Lawyer
1995
Sogasu Chooda Tharamaa!
1994
Yamaleela as
Thota Ramudu
1994
Kishkinda Kanda as
Bhethalam
1993
Mr. Pellam as
Bank Manager
1993
Prema Chitram Pelli Vichitram
1993
Prema Pusthakam as
Priest
1993
Aadarsam as
Suryanarayana
1991
Appula Appa Rao as
Chilipi Donga
1991
Seetharamaiah Gari Manavaralu
1990
Shiva as
Nanaji (as Bharani)
1990
Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari
1989
Chettu Kinda Pleader as
Paata samanla vaadu
1989
Shiva as
Nanaji (as Bharani)
1987
Sri Kanaka Mahalakshmi Recording Dance Troupe as
Dora Babu
Writer
-
Bhakta Kanappa (writer) (pre-production)
2022
Ponniyin Selvan: Part I (telugu dialogue)
2004
Seenu Vasanthi Lakshmi (dialogue script)
1999
Heartfully Yours (dialogues)
1998
O Paniayeipoyindhi Babu (dialogue)
1997
Pattukondi Chuddam (dialogue)
1996
Akkum Bakkum (dialogue)
1995
Linga Babu Love Story (dialogue)
1995
Madya Taragati Mahabharatham (dialogue)
1994
Lucky Chance (dialogue)
1994
Namasthe Anna (dialogue)
1993
One by Two (dialogue)
1993
Pekata Paparao (dialogue)
1992
Mondi Mogudu Penki Pellam (dialogue)
1992
Balarama Krishnulu (dialogue)
1991
Jaitra Yatra (dialogue)
1990
Chevilo Puvvu (dialogue)
1989
Chettu Kinda Pleader (dialogue)
1989
Chinnari Sneham (dialogue)
1989
Nari Nari Naduma Murari (written by)
1989
Swara Kalpana (dialogue)
1989
Shiva (dialogue - telugu version)
1988
Maharshi (dialogue) / (screenplay)
1988
Varasudochhadu (dialogue)
1988
Bharya Bhartala Bhagotam
1987
Lawyer Suhasini (dialogue)
1987
Sankeerthana (dialogue)
1987
Sri Kanaka Mahalakshmi Recording Dance Troupe (dialogue) / (screenplay)
1986
Konaseema Kurradu (dialogue)
1985
Ladies Tailor (dialogue) / (screenplay)
Director
-
Bhakta Kanappa (pre-production)
Music Department
Thanks
2015
In Memory of Mandolin U.Srinivas (Documentary) (with love and thanks)
2015
Ori Devudoy (very special thanks)
2011
Money Money More Money (thanks)
2011
Vastadu Naa Raju (special thanks)