V. I. S. Jayapalan

Biography

V. I. S. Jayapalanis a Sri Lankan-Norwegian writer, political commentator and actor who has appeared in Indian films, mainly in Tamil cinema. He made his acting debut in Vetrimaaran's Aadukalam (2011) and won a National Film Award for his portrayal. Through his friendship with film maker Balu Mahendra, he was introduced to Vetrimaaran who was keen on casting Jayapalan in his film Aadukalam (2011). After accepting the offer, he worked alongside an ensemble cast including actor Dhanush, with the film releasing to a positive response at the box office in January 2011. Critics lauded his performance as the local cock fighting team's patriarch, Pettaikaran, with Sify.com labelling him as a "revelation" and Behindwoods writing that with the "right kind of expressions and body language, he demonstrates a new type of villainy". He went on to win a special jury award at the National Film Awards in 2011, as well as garnering nominations at the Filmfare and Vijay Awards.