Ilavarasu is an Indian actor, and former cinematographer, who made his debut with the movie Kadalora Kavithaigal (1986). Soon after, he starred in Kodi Parakuthu (1988), Pasumpon (1988), Porkkaalam (1997) and Thavasi (2001). Ilavarasu was critically acclaimed for his roles in successful films including Bhagavathi (2002), Bheeshmar (2003), Neranja Manasu (2004) and Thambi (2006). He further appeared in Thirumaagan (2007), Paandi (2008), Ninaithale Inikkum (2009) and Goripalayam (2010), Ya Ya (2013), Veeram (2014) Rajathanthiram (2015) and Maanga (2015).

His 2017 release includes the drama film Kanavu Variyam. Directed by Arun Chidambaram, the movie stars Arun alongside Jiya in the lead role. In 2018, he was associated with the drama, Aan Devathai.