After half a dozen films, he was noticed for his performance in the thrillerPoriyaalan (2014), where he portrayed a young civil engineer aspiring to become a property developer caught up in a real estate scam.Poriyaalan became Harish's first successful venture with critics praising his performance.[21][22] The success ofPoriyaalan prompted film makerSuseenthiran to select Harish to portray a leading role in his production,Vil Ambu (2016).[23] Appearing in an ensemble cast including his own father Kalyan,Sri andChandini Tamilarasan, critics praised Harish's performance stating he "scores big time" and "is bound to be noticed for his charming looks and clean features".[24][25] Despite winning positive reviews, the film did middling business at the box office.[26][27] In 2017, Harish appeared in another Telugu film, the romantic comedyKaadhali, where he featured alongsideSai Ronak andPooja Doshi.[28][29] A critic praised his performance saying that he "plays his part with maturity".[30] In 2017, Harish took part in the first season of the Tamil reality television show,Bigg Boss hosted byKamal Haasan.[31][32][33] He entered the show on day 53 as a new contestant and finished as the show's second runner up.[34]
Following his successful appearance on the show, Harish Kalyan was signed on to play the lead role in Elan's romantic comedyPyaar Prema Kaadhal (2018), which featured him opposite fellowBigg Boss contestantRaiza Wilson.[35][36] Portraying Sree Kumar, a naive Chennai-based IT worker, he won positive reviews for his portrayal as the film received critical and commercial acclaim upon release.[37] A critic from the Indian Express wrote Harish Kalyan "comes up with a performance that he can be proud of", while theDeccan Chronicle also praised the lead pair, noting Harish "looks good and plays his boy-next-door character with utmost ease", while "his flair for comedy also comes to the fore".[38][39]
In 2019, Harish Kalyan starred as a middle-class boy with major anger issues and a troubled childhood inIspade Rajavum Idhaya Raniyum directed byRanjit Jayakodi.[40][41] Critic fromThe Times of India found that "Harish Kalyan excels as the aggressive and possessive youngster, a character which is quite contrasting to the one he essayed inPyaar Prema Kaadhal”.[42] Having played the boy next door in his earlier films, Kalyan had to step out of his comfort zone to prepare for Gautham's role. Besides gaining weight, he grew a beard for his rugged look.[43] The film received both critical acclaim and wide audience response.[44] His filmDhanusu Raasi Neyargale (2019) with Sanjay Bharathi, son of directorSanthana Bharathi, was a comedy-drama with a lead male character who is highly superstitious.[45][46] He played the role of a staunch believer in josiyam and jadhagam.[47] Harish won positive critical acclaim for his performance as Prabhu Govind in the movieDharala Prabhu (2020), which is the Tamil adapted version of 2012 Hindi filmVicky donor.[48][49][50] Directed by the debutant Krishna Marimuthu, the film opened to positive reviews.[51] He was also roped in to play one of the lead inChimbu Deven's interesting entertainer titledKasada Thapara (2021) which is produced byVenkat Prabhu's Black Ticket Company.[52][53] Besides, Harish played the lead role inOh Manapenne (2021), the Tamil remake of the 2016Telugu filmPelli Choopulu.[54] He also played the lead in the movieLet’s Get Married, produced byM.S.Dhoni ownedDhoni Entertainment, which released to negative reviews.[55]
Harish Kalyan learnedHindustani music and can also play thekeyboard.[56] During January 2012, he announced his intentions of releasing two songs he had worked on titled "Kutty Peg – A Toast to Life" and "Ovvoru Manushanuukum Ovvoru Feelings".[57] In 2016, Harish released an independent song titled "I'm Single", working as a singer and lyricist for the song, which had music composed by L. V. Muthukumarasamy.[58][59]
His father, Five Star Kalyan, is a film distributor and music label owner.[60] He portrayed Harish Kalyan's father inVil Ambu (2016).[61][62] In October 2022, Harish Kalyan married Narmada Udayakumar.[63][64]
^Kumar, S. R. Ashok (12 December 2012)."Look who's the Guest!".The Hindu.Archived from the original on 16 June 2021. Retrieved19 August 2018 – via www.thehindu.com.
