Dinesh Ravi, or better known by his stage name Attakathi Dinesh, is an Indian actor who has appeared in leading roles in Tamil films. He made his breakthrough playing the lead in C. V. Kumar"s romantic comedy production "Attakathi", portraying the character Dinakaran. He further garnered critical acclaim for his performance of visually impaired Thamizh in the 2014 romantic drama "Cuckoo".

Early Life and Education of Dinesh Ravi
Dinesh Ravi was born on January 1, 1984 in the Vellore city of Tamil Nadu. He completed his schooling at Dhanalakshmi Higher Secondary School in Washermenpet, Chennai. After graduating from college, he tried his luck in movies, appearing in unnoticed roles in Tamil films "E" (2006) and "Evano Oruvan" (2007). He also landed up playing minor roles in 2011 films "Aadukalam" starring Dhanush and "Mouna Guru" featuring Arulnithi, before finally making a breakthrough with the lead role in the 2012 romantic comedy "Attakathi".

Breakthrough and Further Career of Dinesh Ravi
Dinesh Ravi made his breakthrough as an actor with the 2012 Tamil romantic comedy "Attakathi", written and directed by PA. Ranjith, a former assistant to noted filmmaker Venkat Prabhu, and produced by C. V. Kumar. The film, featuring Dinesh alongside Nandita and Aishwarya Rajesh, grabbed attention after being praised and promoted by several acclaimed directors, eventually releasing to positive reviews and emerging successful at the box office. Dinesh"s performance in the film garnered him positive reviews, with a critic from Sify.com noting Dinesh "diverts your attention from the film`s little flaws and spellbinds you with an endearing act that is Attakathi"s biggest strength", also calling his performance as easily one of the year"s most confident and assured ones. His work in the film also won him nominations in the Vijay Award for Best Debut Actor and SIIMA Award for Best Male Debutant. His role in the film also earned him the sobriquet Attakathi Dinesh.

"Attakathi" was followed by Dinesh"s cameo appearances in films "Ethir Neechal" and "Pannaiyarum Padminiyum", until playing the lead again in Fox Star Studios" production "Cuckoo". A romantic drama written and directed by Raju Murugan, the film featured Dinesh alongside Malavika Nair as a visually challenged pair. Upon release in 2014, the film received positive reviews as did Dinesh"s portrayal in the film. Sify.com noted "the film belongs to Dinesh, who has come out with a riveting performance", also calling his work "the best ever blind act since Kamal Haasan`s Raja Paarvai”. IANS too compared Dinesh to actor Kamal Haasan, stating he "is probably the next Kamal Haasan of the industry". His work also brought him a nomination for the Vijay Award for Best Actor. Dinesh was subsequently seen in action comedy "Thirudan Police", directed by debutant Caarthick Raju, which also received mostly positive reviews from critics.

In 2015, Dinesh appeared alongside Nakul, Bindu Madhavi and Aishwarya Dutta in thriller drama "Tamizhuku En Ondrai Azhuthavum", which received positive reviews. He was subsequently seen in the lead in 2016 docudrama crime thriller "Visaranai", dealing with police brutality, corruption and loss of innocence in the face of injustice. The film received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike, also premiering in the Orrizonti (Horizons) section of the 72nd Venice Film Festival. It won 3 National Awards at the 63rd National Film Awards - Best Feature Film in Tamil, Best Supporting Actor for Samuthirakani and Best Editing. Dinesh was last seen in the comedy drama "Oru Naal Koothu", which opened in June 2016 to positive reviews.

Dinesh is slated to appear in Caarthick Raju"s drama film "Ulkuthu" and Rajinikanth-starrer "Kabali", a gangster drama written and directed by Pa. Ranjith, both in post-production. He is also filming "Annanukku Jai", while also scheduled to appear in the delayed romantic project "Vaaraayo Vennilaave".

Filmography of Dinesh Ravi
Dinesh Ravi has acted in the following Tamil films thus far, highlighted alongside his roles and respective years of release.