Associated with National award-winning films, Parthiban is a noted Tamil film actor, director, film producer and writer. Having worked in over fifty films, Parthiban made his silver debut with the film Pudhiya Paadhai, portraying an inhuman ruffian, which earned him attention in the industry. The actor has appeared in various films such as Bharathi Kannamma, Thaiyalkaran, Sugamana Sumaigal, and many more. The veteran actor is recognized for excellent performance in films like Azhagi (2007), Aayirathil Oruvan (2010) and Melvilasom (2011). His other projects include Rachcha (2012), Masss (2015), Naanum Rowdy Dhaan (2015), Maaveeran Kittu (2016), Dada is Back (2017), Dhruva Natchathiram (2018) and Keni (2018).

Parthiban, also credited as Radhakrishna Parthiban or Parthiepan, has also displayed his directorial prowess in critically acclaimed films such as Pudhiya Paadhai (1989) and Housefull (1999), both of which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil.

Apart from his career in films, Parthiban has written a book named Kirukkalgal - Thamizh Kavithai Thoguppu. He runs a charitable trust by the name "R. Parthiepan Manithaneya Mandram". His 2019 releases include Ayogya, directed by Venkat Mohan, Oththa Seruppu Size-7 and Thittam Poattu Thirudura Kootam.

Since 2020, he has appeared as an Actor in the legal drama Ponmagal Vandhal (2020) and the political thriller Tughlaq Durbar (2021). In 2022, he served as the Director, Writer, and Actor for Iravin Nizhal (2022) and featured as an Actor in the action thriller Yutha Satham (2022) and the historical drama Ponniyin Selvan: I (2022).

He reprised his role in Ponniyin Selvan: II (2023) and performed as an Actor in the family drama Udaya Geethaawin Azhahi (2024). His work in 2025 and 2026 includes roles as an Actor in the action-thriller Dhruva Natchathiram (2025) and the action-comedy Ustaad Bhagat Singh (2026). Additionally, he served as Director for Teenz (2024), Meendum Pudhiya Paadhai, and Size 7.