Tamil star under arrest for Rs 1,000 loan fraud: Who is ‘Powerstar' Srinivasan?

Economic Times

2 days ago

Agencies A Quirky Star in Tamil Cinema's Galaxy
Srinivasan, popularly known as Powerstar, has long been a colorful personality in the Tamil film world. Known for his exaggerated facial reactions, animated body movements, and distinct voice modulation, he carved a niche in the comedic genre. His comic energy and eccentric screen persona in films like Kanna Laddu Thinna Aasaiya, I, and Onbathula Guru earned him a cult following. Over time, audiences started identifying him with the nickname Powerstar, which evolved into a permanent screen identity and a brand in its own right.While he often appeared in secondary roles, his presence rarely went unnoticed. Whether sharing the screen with major actors or in smaller-budget productions, Srinivasan's scenes frequently drew laughter and attention, largely due to his outlandish portrayals. Despite not being a conventional leading man, his visibility and peculiar charisma made him a regular fixture in Tamil cinema for over a decade.
Recently, Srinivasan added another feather to his cap by taking on the protagonist's role in a new Tamil film titled Perfume. This move signaled his ambition to go beyond comic cameos and carve a path as a full-fledged hero. For fans who have long celebrated his over-the-top humor and larger-than-life screen antics, this film offered a refreshing shift. However, this high point in his cinematic career was quickly overshadowed by a major legal storm brewing around him.As reported by News18 , Srinivasan has been arrested by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Delhi Police. The allegations revolve around a purported attempt to mediate a Rs 1000 crore loan for a businessman through financial channels. He is accused of accepting Rs 5 crore as commission but failing to deliver the promised financial package.The businessman in question eventually filed a formal complaint, claiming deceit and suspecting fraudulent conduct. The EOW, following its investigation, took Srinivasan into custody. His arrest has sparked shockwaves, especially considering his previous public image as an entertainer and social commentator.Further investigations have unearthed a concerning legal history. Since 2018, Srinivasan reportedly failed to appear in court for multiple legal proceedings. Authorities suggest that he deliberately avoided these summons, leading to mounting judicial scrutiny.The revelations didn't end there. According to the Delhi Police's economic crime division, six unresolved criminal cases involving Srinivasan have been pending in various courts across Chennai. These too relate to alleged fraudulent financial activities. The accumulation of such cases over the years suggests a pattern of questionable business practices, severely damaging his public standing.Srinivasan's career arc has never been typical. After earning a degree from Madurai Kamaraj University, he pursued a course in acupressure therapy from a Chinese institution via correspondence. Initially working as a practitioner, he later shifted gears to enter the finance industry. Setting up his firm, Baba Trading Company, in Chennai's Anna Nagar, he promoted financial consultancy services, claiming to facilitate large-scale loans through various banks and institutions.This venture into finance was paralleled by his growing passion for the film world. In 2010, he appeared in his first film Unakkaga Oru Kavithai, playing a supporting character. He followed this with Neethana Avan in the same year, where he adopted the moniker Powerstar, laying the foundation for the quirky image that would later define his cinematic appeal.Srinivasan's next step was bolder—he produced and acted in Lathika (2011), a film that barely created ripples on its release. Undeterred, the makers later put up widespread hoardings across Chennai, absurdly claiming the film had completed a 220-day successful run, albeit at just one theater. The publicity stunt generated unexpected buzz, giving him newfound attention. Fans, intrigued by this outlandish marketing, began forming online communities in his name.Capitalizing on the viral success, he went on to fund and feature in projects like Ananda Thollai, Abhinava, and Desiya Nedunchalai. However, many of these ventures remained incomplete or failed to find mainstream release. Nonetheless, his public antics and exaggerated characters kept him relevant in the meme culture of Tamil entertainment.His real turning point came in 2013, when comedian and actor Santhanam cast him in Kanna Laddu Thinna Aasaiya, a successful comedy film. The movie opened to rave reviews, with critics praising its infectious humor. Srinivasan's performance stood out, with many lauding his comic timing and screen presence.
His performance opened doors to offers from reputed filmmakers. Notably, he was initially included in Bala's Paradesi and Shankar's big-budget I. While he was eventually dropped from Paradesi, his brief appearance in I helped reinforce his marketability. Post-2013, Srinivasan continued appearing in films such as Arya Surya and Summa Nachunu Irukku. Most of these were modest in scope but benefited from his presence, often using him as a promotional hook. His comedic reputation helped smaller filmmakers gain visibility, even if only momentarily.He also became a common face in promotional music videos and cameo appearances, his image often used as a symbol of eccentric fun. For a while, it seemed he had managed to balance his film antics and entrepreneurial ventures, albeit in an unconventional manner.The latest developments have cast a long shadow over Srinivasan's career. Longtime admirers, once entertained by his antics, now find themselves disillusioned. The actor, who once used his screen time to advocate for public causes and social welfare, is now entangled in a series of damning legal battles.While his latest film, Perfume, marked a potential turning point, these serious accusations and arrests threaten to bring his acting journey to a premature halt. The Tamil film industry and fans alike are closely following court proceedings, uncertain whether their beloved Powerstar can script a comeback—or if his cinematic saga has reached its final act.