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Oviya
Oviya in 2018 at Behindwoods YouTube channel for an interview
Born
Helen Nelson

(1991-04-29) 29 April 1991 (age 33)[1]
Thrissur, Kerala, India
Alma materVimala College, Thrissur
Occupations
  • Actress
  • model
Years active2007–present
Known for

Helen Nelson, (born 29 April 1991) better known professionally by her stage name Oviya, is an Indian actress who works in the Tamil and Malayalam films. She made her breakthrough as an actress in Sarkunam's rural romantic comedy Kalavani (2010), before appearing in other films including Pandiraj's Marina (2012), Moodar Koodam (2013) and Madha Yaanai Koottam (2013). Oviya has also enjoyed box office success through her roles in Sundar C's Kalakalappu (2012) and the horror comedy Yaamirukka Bayamey (2014). In 2017, Oviya appeared on the reality series Bigg Boss Tamil 1.[2]

Early life

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Oviya was born as Helen Nelson in a Syrian Christian family at Thrissur, Kerala.[3] She studied at Vimala College, Thrissur.[4]

Career

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Debut in Malayalam cinema (2007–2009)

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Oviya began her career as an actress by portraying supporting roles in Malayalam films, notably working in Kangaroo (2007) and Puthiya Mukham (2009) starring Prithviraj and as one of the lead characters in the college drama Apoorva (2008).[citation needed] Oviya then worked towards completing a BA in Functional English at Vimala College in Thrissur, before director Sargunam approached her for Kalavani (2010). Sarkunam cast her in the leading female role after seeing a picture of her online and was convinced that he had found the correct actress to portray the role despite reservations from the producer.[5]

Debut in Tamil cinema (2010-2016)

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In Kalavani, she was featured opposite Vimal, and the film subsequently gained positive reviews and became a sleeper hit at the box office.[6][7] Critics praised Oviya's performance of a village-based schoolgirl, with a critic from the Hindustan Times stating "Oviya's marvellous expressions convey her gratitude, and she uses her eyes to say it all". Similarly, a reviewer from The Hindu stated "Oviya looks cute and emotes well, which is a rarity these days".[8][9]

Following the success of Kalavani, Oviya signed several small-budget films including Jeevan's Amara, Vengai, Mugam Nee Agam Naan, Sevanu and Rasu Madhuravan's Muthukku Muthaaga (2011), but only the latter had a theatrical release.[10][11] While several films were stopped due to financial reasons, Oviya had to opt out of a few films after inadvertently muddling her dates.[citation needed] Portraying the role of a college basketballer in Muthukku Muthaaga, Oviya worked through the pain barrier for the film after fainting on the sets following an illness. The film, however, opened to negative reviews with a critic from Behindwoods.com stating Oviya's character was "annoying".[12][13] During the period, she was also seen in two further Malayalam films Puthumukhangal (2010) and Manushyamrugam (2011), despite making claims that Malayalam films were "uninteresting and boring".[citation needed] The Kannada remake of Kalavani titled Kirataka (2011) won Oviya more critical acclaim, with a reviewer from Rediff.com stating she "charms her way through the film", though a proposed Telugu remake later fell through.[14][15] Oviya was also seen in a guest appearance in K. S. Ravikumar's romantic comedy, Manmadhan Ambu (2010), where she featured alongside Kamal Haasan and Madhavan. Post-release, the actress revealed that she appreciated the opportunity to work alongside big actors but was disappointed that several of her scenes were edited out of the film.[16]

Over the following three years, Oviya prioritised her work in Tamil films appearing in several small and mid-budget projects and alternated between performance-based and glamorous roles. In Pandiraj's critically acclaimed drama film Marina (2012), Oviya and her co-star debutant Sivakarthikeyan portrayed a couple who frequent Marina Beach, with a critic describing their performance as "absolutely enjoyable and hilarious".[17] Likewise, the black comedy Moodar Koodam (2014) and the thriller Madha Yaanai Koottam (2014) also featured Oviya in performance-based roles and both won critical acclaim.[18][19] She portrayed a glamorous role for the first time in Sundar C's comedy Kalakalappu (2012), where she worked alongside a star cast of Shiva, Vimal and Anjali. The film opened to positive reviews and performed well at the box office, becoming her most profitable film to date.[20] Following further glamorous roles in unsuccessful films such as Sillunu Oru Sandhippu (2013) and Pulivaal (2014), Oviya scored another success with her role as a dainty, hot girl in Deekay's horror comedy Yaamirukka Bayamey (2014).[21] Critics also praised her performance, with a reviewer from the Deccan Chronicle stating "as the girl-next-door-unafraid-of-her-sexuality, Oviya is perfect".[22][23]

Oviya's acting career began to decline after 2014 and she was primarily offered glamorous roles in low-profile films. She was cast opposite veteran actor Sarathkumar in the unsuccessful Sandamarutham (2015) which garnered negative reviews, while her subsequent Tamil films, C. V. Kumar's heist comedy 144 (2015) and Sundar C's horror comedy Hello Naan Pei Pesuren (2016) did not perform as well as anticipated at the box office.[citation needed] Another project, the female-centric Bhogi co-starring Trisha and Poonam Bajwa, was also stalled despite the shoot progressing. She subsequently moved on to portray a role in the low-budget Hindi film Yeh Ishq Sarfira (2015) and then the leading role of a city girl in the Kannada film, Mr. Mommaga (2016).[24][25]

Bigg Boss Tamil (2017–2018)

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In 2017, Oviya took part in the Tamil reality television show Bigg Boss hosted by Kamal Haasan for the Star Vijay channel. Oviya gained instant popularity on the show through her charm and honesty, in comparison to other housemates. While enjoying friendship with contestants Bindu Madhavi, Raiza Wilson, Ganesh Venkatraman, and a cordial and one-sided romantic relationship with season winner Arav, she was repeatedly targeted and bullied by other housemates including Gayathri Raghuram, Namitha, Juliana and Shakthi Vasudevan. Her clever responses and positive attitude to the bullying won over audiences.[26] Voters repeatedly kept her in the show despite her being up for eviction at multiple instances, while she garnered a "cult following" on social media with phrases such as "Oviya Army" regularly trending.[citation needed] Her behaviour and positive attitude on the show also attracted other celebrities to tweet in appreciation of her, with the likes of Priya Anand, Nivetha Pethuraj, Sathish and Karunakaran amongst others praising her on social media.[27] The popularity of Oviya reached such a high in late July 2017 that the makers of an unrelated Tamil film, Balloon (2017), included a song titled "Neenga Shut Up Pannunga" and dedicated it to the actress. Likewise, several other songwriters created their own "Oviya Anthems" and released them online.[28][29]

In early August 2017, Oviya quit the show on medical grounds, following a week-long spat with Arav regarding her one-sided romantic feelings for him. Prior to her exit, she deliberately jumped into the swimming pool to force her departure, prompting the police to briefly investigate a potential suicide angle to the move.[30][31] Despite widespread calls on social media for her to return to the show as a wildcard entrant, Oviya released a video confirming that she had no interest in going back into the Bigg Boss House and would take an extended break and prioritise film opportunities. She also called for the public to forgive Shakthi and Julie for their behaviour towards her on the show.[32]

2019- present

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Her acting career also saw positive developments following her stint on the show and her subsequent popularity. A long-delayed, small-budget film titled Seeni was renamed to Oviyaava Vitta Yaaru to cash in on the actress's newfound fan following. Likewise, her Malayalam film Manushyamrugam from 2012, was dubbed into Tamil and prepared for release under the title Police Rajyam.[33][34] Filmmakers including Sundar C, C. S. Amudhan and Santhosh Jayakumar announced their interest in signing the actress for roles in their film Kalakalappu 2, Tamil Padam 2 and Iruttu Araiyil Murattu Kuththu, but she turned down the offers.[35][36] Post her Bigg Boss-fame, she signed on to appear in the Muni 4: Kanchana 3 by Raghava Lawrence,[37] with critics quoting her role “as not making any difference to the film”. She appeared in a sequel to her breakthrough film, Kalavani, titled Kalavani 2 and the female-orientated, controversial script, 90ML, both releasing to negative reviews and poor box office collections.[38][39][40] After a two-year hiatus, Oviya is currently acting with Yogi Babu in an upcoming comedy entertainer titled Contractor Nesamani.[41]

Filmography

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Filmography

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† Denotes films that have not yet been released
Year Film Role Language Notes
2007 Kangaroo Susanna Malayalam Malayalam debut
2008 Apoorva Pooja
2009 Puthiya Mukham Meera
Naalai Namadhe Aishwarya Tamil Tamil Debut
2010 Kalavani Maheswari
Manmadan Ambu Sunanda
Puthumukhangal Varsha Malayalam
2011 Muthukku Muthaaga Shwetha Tamil
Kirataka Nethra Kannada Kannada Debut; Remake of Kalavani
Manushyamrugam Sophie Malayalam
2012 Marina Sopnasundari Tamil
Kalakalappu Maya
2013 Sillunu Oru Sandhippu Geetha
Moodar Koodam Karpagavalli
Madha Yaanai Koottam Ritu
2014 Pulivaal Monica
Yaamirukka Bayamey Sharanya
2015 Sandamarutham Minmini (Rekha)
Yeh Ishq Sarfira Riya Hindi Hindi debut
144 Kalyani Tamil
2016 Hello Naan Pei Pesuren Sridevi
Mr. Mommaga Ramya Kannada
2018 Idi Naa Love Story Abhinaya Telugu Telugu Debut
Silukkuvarupatti Singam Kanaka Tamil Cameo appearance
2019 90ML Rita Also co-sang "Marana Matta"[42][43]
Ganesha Meendum Santhipom Keerthi
Muni 4: Kanchana 3 Kavya
Oviyavai Vitta Yaru Oviya
Kalavani 2 Maheswari [44]
2021 Black Coffee Malu Malayalam
2024 Boomer Uncle Herself Tamil [45]
TBA Sambhavam † TBA Tamil Filming[46]
Raja Bheema TBA Tamil Delayed

Television

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Year Title Role Notes
2011 Neengalum Vellalam Oru Kodi Contestant Game reality show
2017 Bigg Boss Tamil (season 1) Contestant Reality TV Series[47]
2018 Bigg Boss Tamil (season 2) Guest Reality TV Series
2021 Merlin Merlin Web Series

Discography

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Songs

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Year Song Album Composer Lyricist Other artist(s) Notes Ref.
2017 "Marana Matta" 90 ML Silambarasan Shabareesh Varma Silambarasan, Harish Kalyan Debut [48]

Awards and nominations

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Year Award Category Film Result
2010 5th Vijay Awards Best Debut Actress Kalavani Nominated
2012 Edison Awards Best Rising Star Female Kalakalappu Won

References

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  1. ^ "This is why Bigg Boss Tamil contestant Oviya Helen is trending". Indiatvnews.com. 24 July 2017. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
  2. ^ "Ms Representation: The Oviya phenom". The New Indian Express. 4 October 2017. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
  3. ^ "Oviya Helen: Movies, Photos, Videos, News, Biography & Birthday | eTimes". The Times of India.
  4. ^ "Oviya's flying start". The Times of India. 1 July 2010.
  5. ^ "Oviya's flying start". The Times of India. July 2010. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
  6. ^ "Oviya profile". tikkview.com. Retrieved 9 September 2013.
  7. ^ "Kalavani Movie Review, Trailer, & Show timings at Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
  8. ^ Vijayakumar, Bharath (14 July 2010). "It's different". The Hindu. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
  9. ^ "Gautaman Bhaskaran's Review: Kalavani". Hindustan Times. 29 June 2010. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
  10. ^ "Another test for Oviya". The Times of India. 15 October 2010. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
  11. ^ "Oviya rubbishes pay hike rumours". The Times of India. 20 July 2010. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
  12. ^ "MUTHUKKU MUTHAAGA REVIEW - MUTHUKKU MUTHAAGA MOVIE REVIEW". Behindwoods.com. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
  13. ^ "Pick & choose is Oviya's mantra". The Times of India. 14 March 2011. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
  14. ^ "Review: Kirataka is a breezy entertainer". Rediff.com. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
  15. ^ "Oviya in Telugu and Kannada remake of Kalavani - KOLLY TALK". Kollytalk.com. 9 March 2011. Archived from the original on 12 August 2018. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
  16. ^ "I just keep getting better and better: Kannada actress Oviya & Updates at Daily News & Analysis". Daily News and Analysis. 11 March 2011. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
  17. ^ "Review: Merina is worth a watch". Rediff.com. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
  18. ^ Saraswathi, S. "Review: Moodar Koodam is hilarious". Rediff. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
  19. ^ "Madha Yaanai Koottam Movie Review, Trailer, & Show timings at Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
  20. ^ S, Sudha (23 May 2012). "Kalakalappu: Funny business". The Hindu. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
  21. ^ "'Yaamirukku Bayamey' is a super hit!". Sify. Archived from the original on 18 May 2014. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
  22. ^ "Movie review 'Yaamirukka Bayamey': Never fear even if ghosts are near". Deccan Chronicle. 11 May 2014. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
  23. ^ "Yaamirukka Bayamey Movie Review, Trailer, & Show timings at Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
  24. ^ "Yash's Kirathaka heroine heads to Bollywood". The Times of India. 12 May 2014. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
  25. ^ "Movie Yeh Ishq Sarfira 2015, Story, Trailers". The Times of India. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
  26. ^ "The world loves Oviya". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 27 July 2017. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
  27. ^ "Now, Karunakaran joins the Oviya Army". The Times of India. 30 July 2017. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
  28. ^ "Oviya in demand!". Deccan Chronicle. 29 August 2017. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
  29. ^ "Bigg Boss Vote Oviya record likes retweets on twitter - Tamil Movie News". Indiaglitz.com. 29 August 2017. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
  30. ^ "Bigg Boss Tamil: Tamil Nadu's darling Oviya walks out of the show, leaves her Army heartbroken". The Indian Express. 6 August 2017. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
  31. ^ "Police summon actor Oviya for probe". The Hindu. 12 August 2017. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
  32. ^ "Oviya is not returning to Bigg Boss Tamil, her fans heartbroken. Watch video". Hindustan Times. 18 August 2017. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
  33. ^ "Bigg Boss Oviya Malayalam film Manushya Mrugam dubbed in Tamil as Police Rajjiyam and release soon - Tamil Movie News". Indiaglitz.com. September 2017. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
  34. ^ "Producer of 'Bigg Boss' Oviya's film changes title to 'Oviyaava Vitta Yaaru'". Thenewsminute.com. 2 September 2017. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
  35. ^ "Former Bigg Boss Tamil contestant Oviya signs an adult comedy?". The Indian Express. 11 September 2017. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
  36. ^ "Oviya in Sundar C's next?". The Times of India. 24 August 2017. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
  37. ^ "Oviya vedhika: Oviya, Vedhika team up with Lawrencce in 'Kanchana 3'". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 10 January 2018. Retrieved 15 October 2017.
  38. ^ Usha, P. T. (7 March 2019). "90 ML filmmaker Anita talks about what she tried to tell through her movie".
  39. ^ "'Why can't a woman express lust, is she a tree?': '90ML' director Anita Udeep to TNM". 4 March 2019.
  40. ^ "90 ML director Anita Udeep on dealing with trolls, criticism from film fraternity, and Simbu, Oviya's response". Firstpost. 7 March 2019.
  41. ^ "Yogi Babu, Oviya team up for sci-fi comedy". cinema express.com. 24 September 2021.
  42. ^ "Marana Matta song: Fans of Oviya, Simbu can't miss this New Year track". The Indian Express. 3 January 2018. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
  43. ^ Ratda, Khushboo (4 May 2018). "Watch: Simbu composes a soothing romantic number for Oviya starrer 90 ML". Pinkvilla. Retrieved 8 February 2019.
  44. ^ "Oviya, Vemal starrer K2 shoot begins - Suryan FM". Suryan FM. February 2018. Archived from the original on 22 February 2018. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
  45. ^ "Boomer Uncle Review: An Insipid Comedy Drama That Miserably Fails In Its Mission To Entertain". Times Now. 29 March 2024.
  46. ^ "After Muni 4: Kanchana 3, another horror comedy for Oviya". The Times of India. 27 May 2020.
  47. ^ "Bigg Boss Tamil: How Oviya Helen became the premiere season's most sensational contestant". Firstpost. Retrieved 21 February 2018.
  48. ^ "Marana Matta song: Fans of Oviya, Simbu can't miss this New Year track". The Indian Express. 3 January 2018. Retrieved 8 February 2019.
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