Ravi Varma, the talented actor, is of late a favourite pick of many a new-age director. Year 2016 brought him the maximum critical applause and recognition. A slew of films have made him an artiste to watch out for.

It all started with Satish Kasetty's 'Terror', in which he played the role of a cop who wants to emulate his upright and gutsy boss (played by Srikanth). Ravi's impeccable act in the climax, where he is confused in taking a call about detonating a bomb, is one of the most under-rated, subtle performances.

In 'Kshanam', which hit the screens on the same day as 'Terror', he was seen in a role with negative shades. Debutante director Ravikanth Perepu cast him in a not-so-elaborate yet effective role, as the brother of Adah Sharma's husband. Suggesting lecherousness and worse, Ravi Varma neatly pulled off the role.

In 'Jayammu Nischayammu Raa', debutante director Shiv Raj Kanumuri cast him as a philandering Joint Collector named Jayadeva Chedda. Here too, Ravi did a measured act as a scheming womanizer.

In 'Appatlo Okadundevadu', Ravi was back as an idealist of the kind we saw in 'Terror'. As a Naxalite, he was seen in a brief role, talking about how cricket is an instrument in the hands of imperialists. It may be a joke of a rumination, but Ravi's earnest act deserves a pat on the back. Once again, it was a new-age director (Sagar Chandra) who unveiled a new Ravi Varma.

In 'Ghazi', debutante director Sankalp cast him in the role of a Naval crew member who shows a couple of emotions with ease. Playing an important supporting role as a Battery Operator in Rana Daggubati's crew, Ravi made his presence felt in the Feb 17 release.

This year, he is going to debut in Kollywood with young director Pradeep Krishnamoorthy's remake of 'Kshanam'. The same is titled as 'Sathya'. Further, he will be seen in Anand Ravi's (the writer of 'Prathinidhi' is debuting with this movie) 'Napolean'.