Maniyanpilla Raju, born Sudheer Kumar on April 20, 1955, is a Malayalam film actor and producer with a career spanning over four decades. Originally from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, he adopted his stage name after his memorable role in Maniyanpilla Adhava Maniyanpilla (1981), which cemented his popularity among Malayalam film audiences.

Raju completed his education at Government Model Boys Higher Secondary School and later pursued a Diploma in Acting from the Adyar Film Institute, Chennai. His film journey began with Mohiniyattam (1976), and since then, he has acted in over 400 films, taking on roles across various genres, including comedy, drama, and character-driven performances.

Beyond acting, Raju has established himself as a film producer, bringing forth successful projects such as Vellanakalude Nadu (1988), Kannezhuthi Pottum Thottu (1999), Black Butterfly (2013), and Finals (2019). His contributions to Malayalam cinema go beyond his on-screen presence, as he has played a crucial role in shaping the industry through his productions.

In his personal life, he is married to Indira, and they have two sons, Sachin and Niranj. His younger son, Niranj, followed his footsteps into acting, making his debut in Black Butterfly.

With his experience and dedication, Maniyanpilla Raju remains a respected figure in the Malayalam film industry, continuing to entertain audiences and contribute meaningfully to cinema.