Subramaniam Panchu Arunachalam, known professionally as Subbu Panchu or P. Ar. Subramaniam, is an Indian actor, producer, and occasional voice artist and choreographer, prominently associated with the Tamil film industry. Born on 20 November 1969 to the renowned writer and producer Panchu Arunachalam, Subbu was introduced to cinema early in life. He made his acting debut as a 14-year-old in the Malayalam film Daisy, directed by Pratap Pothen, who was then his neighbor. However, his initial years were more involved behind the scenes, working under his father’s banner, P. A. Art Productions. Beginning as an assistant production manager on the Rajinikanth-starrer Guru Sishyan, he gradually rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the main producer on later projects like Maya Kannadi (2007).

Despite a brief attempt at leading roles in cinema, such as in Agathiyan’s unreleased Kadhal Samrajyam, Subbu’s major breakthrough came through television. In 2008, he made a successful return to acting with the popular Sun TV serial Arasi, where his role—initially planned to be short—was extended due to a strong viewer response. His re-entry into Tamil cinema came with a cameo in Saroja (2008), followed by a pivotal role in the hit film Boss Engira Bhaskaran (2010), where he portrayed the elder brother of Arya’s character. The film’s success not only brought him recognition but also opened up numerous acting opportunities in both comedic and serious roles.

Subbu went on to appear in several notable Tamil films such as Thoonga Nagaram (2011), in which he played a tahsildar, and Mankatha (2011), where he took on a negative role as CBI Officer Kamal Ekambaram opposite Ajith Kumar. With a diverse career spanning production, acting, and even voice dubbing, Subbu has demonstrated his adaptability and passion for the film industry. His longstanding association with cinema, both inherited and earned, continues to define his multifaceted presence in the South Indian entertainment world.