Best known for playing supporting roles in Tamil movies, Thennavan Duraisamy moved to Chennai to pursue his acting career in 1984, making his debut in 1990 with Bharathiraja`s En Uyir Thozhan. Almost a decade after his debut, in 2002, the actor garnered recognition for his work in the gangster drama Gemini, where he played the role of Kai, the protagonist`s sidekick. His work in Gemini won his immense praise, after which Kamal Haasan cast him in his directorial venture the 2004 action drama Virumaandi, which was a commercial success. Among his other movie credits are Ammuvaagiya Naan, Aarupadai, Vaagai Sooda Vaa, Krishnaveni Panjalai, Naan Than Bala, Yogiyan Varan Sombai Thooki Ulla Vai and Veeraiyan.