Sunil | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | (1974-02-28)28 February 1974 (age 51)[3][1] |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 2000–present |
| Works | Full list |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 2 |
Indukuri Sunil Varma (born 28 February 1974), known mononymously asSunil, is an Indian actor primarily known for his work inTelugu films, with occasional appearances inTamil films. He has appeared in over 180 films, predominantly in comedic roles,[1] and has received threeNandi Awards and twoFilmfare Awards South. During the 2000s, he was regarded as one of Telugu cinema's leading comedians, recognised for his distinctive laugh and comedic timing.
Sunil transitioned to lead roles withAndala Ramudu (2006)[1] and went on to star in several commercially successful films, includingMaryada Ramanna (2010),Poola Rangadu (2012), andTadakha (2013).[5][6] However, his career saw a decline in the late 2010s as his focus on lead roles resulted in multiple unsuccessful films.[7] In recent years, he experienced a resurgence by taking on versatile supporting roles, antagonistic roles, and returning to comedic roles.[8] He played an antagonist in commercially successful films such asColour Photo (2020),Pushpa: The Rise (2021), and its sequelPushpa 2: The Rule (2024). His Tamil film credits includeMaaveeran (2023),Mark Antony (2023) andGood Bad Ugly (2025).
Sunil started his career in 1996 as anextra in the filmAkkada Ammayi Ikkada Abbayi. However, his scenes did not make it to the final cut of the film.[9] His career began on a slow note with movies likeSecond Hand (which was stopped from production), andPeruleni Cinema.Prema Katha andSwayamvaram were his first real opportunities in the industry.Chiru Navvutho andNuvve Kavali were the first films that he acted in.Nuvve Kavali was the first one to release.[4]
In 2010, Sunil starred inS. S. Rajamouli-directedMaryada Ramanna, which was a commercial success.[6] A reviewer fromSify noted that: "Sunil would no longer look like a comedy hero. His dances are simply superb."[10]
Sunil was then cast in the lead role inPoola Rangadu, directed byVeerabhadram Chowdary which was released across 450 theatres worldwide. The film received positive reviews.[citation needed] He was theantagonist in the filmColour Photo (2020), which brought him critical acclaim.[11]
The 2021 filmPushpa: The Rise saw Sunil in an unusual role of a serious gangster Mangalam Seenu, very different from the comedy roles he usually plays.[12] The success of the film brought him many offers to play negative roles and he made his Tamil debut in 2023 withMaaveeran (2023).[13]
Sunil hails fromBhimavaram ofAndhra Pradesh, India.[4] Sunil celebrated his 40th birthday for a noble cause donating to a blind school and spending time with them.[14]
DirectorTrivikram Srinivas and Sunil have been friends since their days in Bhimavaram. They, along with directorGunasekhar, were roommates inPunjagutta during their struggling days. As of 2016, Trivikram rents the room as a memory.[15][16]