R. Madhavan is an actor.
Ranganathan Madhavan ( born 1 June 1970 ) is an Indian actor , writer and film producer . He has been described as one of the few actors in India who is able to achieve pan-Indian appeal , appearing in films from seven different languages . Madhavan began his acting career with television guest appearances , including a role on the Zee TV prime-time soap opera Banegi Apni Baat in 1996 . Madhavan was cast alongside Kamal Haasan in the 2003 drama Anbe Sivam , which earned him two notable awards for Best Supporting Actor . In 2004 , he gave a critically acclaimed performance as the antagonist in the multi-starrer Aayutha Ezhuthu and the film secured him his first Filmfare Award for the intense portrayal of a rogue .