Suresh Gopi

Born June 26, 1958 · Kollam, Kerala, India

Suresh Gopi (born June 26, 1958) is a celebrated Malayalam actor, playback singer, television host, and politician, best known for his powerful portrayals of tough police officers and intense action heroes. Making his debut as a child artist in Odayil Ninnu (1965), he rose to prominence in the late ’80s and ’90s with his commanding screen presence and fiery dialogue delivery. He became a superstar with cult classics like Commissioner (1994), where his role as Bharath Chandran IPS became iconic, leading to sequels like Bharathchandran I.P.S. (2005). Other landmark films include Lelam (1997), Pathram (1999), Ekalavyan (1993), Mafia (1993), Manichitrathazhu (1993), F.I.R (1999), Kaliyattam (1997), and Chinthamani Kolacase (2006). His mix of action packed mass entertainers and critically acclaimed roles earned him a special place in Malayalam cinema. Suresh Gopi won the National Film Award for Best Actor and the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor for Kaliyattam (1997), where he delivered a career defining performance in an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Othello. He has also received multiple Filmfare Awards and other honors across his career. Outside cinema, he gained further popularity as the host of Ningalkkum Aakaam Kodeeshwaran (the Malayalam version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire ?) and later entered politics, serving as a Member of Parliament and Union Minister. With his signature intensity and memorable mass dialogues, Suresh Gopi remains one of Malayalam cinema’s most enduring and iconic stars.