The cinematic journey of (born Karthik Sivakumar) is often cited as one of the most unique and consistent in modern Tamil cinema . Unlike many actors who transition from urban "lover boy" roles to action stars, Karthi established his reputation through a raw, uninhibited debut that defied industry norms. Over nearly two decades, his filmography has evolved into a versatile catalog that balances commercial mass-appeal with high-concept storytelling. The Landmark Debut: Paruthiveeran (2007) Ponniyin Selvan: I
A stylish road-trip romance that established him as a commercial star.
| Year | Film | Role | Language | Notes | |------|------|------|----------|-------| | 2020 | Putham Pudhu Kaalai | (segment role) | Tamil | Anthology on Amazon Prime | | 2021 | Sulthan | Sulthan | Tamil | Action | | 2022 | Viruman | Viruman | Tamil | Rural action hit | | 2022 | Sardar | Sardar / Vijay Prakash | Tamil | Dual role; spy thriller – Hit | | 2023 | Japan | Japan | Tamil | Action-comedy | | 2024 | Meiyazhagan | Arulmozhi Varman | Tamil | Drama; critical acclaim | | 2024 | Satyabhama (cameo) | — | Telugu | Special appearance |
| Year | Film | Role | Language | Notes | |------|------|------|----------|-------| | 2010 | Naan Mahaan Alla | Jeeva | Tamil | Hit | | 2011 | Siruthai | Rathnavel / "Siruthai" Shiva | Tamil | Dual role; Remake of Telugu hit Vikramarkudu | | 2011 | Ko | Jeeva | Tamil | Critical & commercial success | | 2012 | Saguni | Shakthi / Kamalakannan | Tamil | Political satire | | 2012 | Alex Pandian | Alex Pandian | Tamil | Action entertainer | | 2013 | Biriyani | Sugan | Tamil | Black comedy | | 2013 | All in All Azhagu Raja | Azhagu Raja | Tamil | Comedy | | 2014 | Madras | Kaali | Tamil | Critically acclaimed | | 2015 | Komban | Komban | Tamil | Rural action drama | | 2016 | Thozha | Seenu | Tamil | Remake of French film The Intouchables | | 2016 | Kashmora | Kaali / Kashmora | Tamil | Horror-comedy | | 2017 | Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru | DCP Theeran | Tamil | Inspired by true events; Major hit | | 2017 | Kadaikutty Singam | Gunasingam | Tamil | Family drama | | 2018 | Dev | Devaraj | Tamil | Action | | 2019 | Oru Kal Oru Kannadi | Saravanan | Tamil | Delayed release; comedy |