V. I. S. Jayapalan

V. I. S. Jayapalan Biography

Shanmugampillai Jayapalan, better known as V. I. S. Jayapalan is a National award winning film actor of Sri Lankan origin. He won the Special Jury Award for his debut film – Aadukalam in 2011. Same role earned him nomination at Vijay awards and Filmfare. He excelled in the role of a villain in Aadukalam. Jayapalan is also known as a writer and political commentator. After his debut flick, he is regularly associated with Tamil cinema, playing supporting roles. Madras, Vellore Maavattam, Jilla, Pandiya Naadu, Vana Yuddham, Naan Sigappu Manithan, Peigal Jaakkirathai, Touring Talkies, 49-O, Indru Netru Naalai and Aranmanai 2 are his noted releases after that. Attahasa – marked his Kannada debut in 2013. Valla Desam is his upcoming flick.

Jayapalan was born in Uduvil, Jaffna in the year 1944. He studied at University of Jaffna and started writing while studying there. However his first collection of poems was published in 1986. He was a student leader during his college days. In 1988 following the civil war he moved to Norway and later moved to Tamil Nadu. He continued with his literal career and won best immigrant writer by the Norwegian Writers’ Association in 1995.

It was his friendship with Balu Mahendra which paved his way to films. Balu introduced him to Vetrimaaran who gave him the first break to Tamil cinema. Thus Aadukalam marked his acting debut which earned Special Jury Award at National Film Awards as well. As Petaikkaran, who trains roosters for the popular rural sport of rooster fights he played the grey shaded role with perfection. He was indeed the surprise pack of the film. Since then roles came pouring in and he played numerous character roles onscreen. Currently he resides in Chennai.

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Updated: March 27, 2016