V. Ravichandran

In 1991, Ravichandran released Shanti Kranti, the costliest movie ever made in South India till then. Considered his magnum opus, the film was shot in over four years, with a budget of 40 million rupees, and was simultaneously made in Kannada, Telugu and Tamil. The movie was a commercial failure due to its slow-paced storytelling and Ravichandran suffered huge financial losses.

Ravichandran was born in Tirunelveli, Madras State (now Tamil Nadu), India. His parents are N. Veeraswamy and Pattammal. His father is N. Veeraswamy is the notable producer of South Indian film industry and his family is Tamil-speaking Mudaliar community. Ravichandran married Sumathi, on the Valentine's Day; 14 February 1986. The couple has a daughter Geethanjali and two sons Manoranjan and Vikram. Manoranjan made his acting debut with Saheba (2017).

Son of notable film producer N. Veeraswamy, Ravichandran made his acting debut in Khadeema Kallaru (1982) as an antagonist and followed it up with Chakravyuha in 1983. After starring in a series of multi-starrers in supporting and lead roles, he cast himself in his directorial debut Premaloka (1987), which became one of the highest grossing blockbuster films in Kannada cinema. As a producer, he continues to run Sri Eswari Productions.

Ravichandran's produced Prema Matsara in 1982, under the banner "Ravi Cine Creation". . He announced the date of release with a list of theatres on the Muhurth day itself. The movie broke-even financially for him. He then produced Khadeema Kallaru and played, for the first time, a small role as an actor. The movie flopped. He also produced a Hindi movie with Amitabh Bachchan and Sridevi Inquilaab, which was a remake of the blockbuster Kannada movie Chakravyuha, starring Ambareesh and Ambika in lead roles.

Dr.Ravichandran started his film career in the early 1980s and acted in many movies along with well-known actors of the Kannada industry, including Vishnuvardhan, Ambarish, Prabhakar and Rajesh, produced by his father. His first movie was Khadeema Kallaru(1982) (as one of the villains). His major commercial success as a leading actor came from Premaloka, a romantic comedy movie starring Juhi Chawla in the female lead role. Premaloka became an all-time blockbuster and cemented Ravichandran's position. He became noted for his mesmerising looks and charismatic style. He was at his peak in the late 80s to mid-90s. After Premaloka, Ravichandran starred in several hits, most notably Ranadheera (which was a remake of Subhash Ghai's Hero), Anjada Gandu, Yuddha Kaanda, Ramachaari, Halli Meshtru, Gadibidi Ganda, Annayya, Putnanja,Sipayi, Yaare Neenu Cheluve, Mangalyam Tantunanena, Preethsod Thappa and Malla.