Ganja Karuppu, born Karuppu Raja on 5 January 1976, is a prominent Indian actor widely recognized for his comedic roles in Tamil cinema. He began his career in the critically acclaimed film Pithamagan (2003), directed by Bala, where he played a character working in ganja plantations—earning him the now-famous stage name “Ganja Karuppu.” Throughout the 2000s, he carved a niche for himself by frequently appearing in rural-centric films, delivering memorable performances in movies like Raam (2005), Sivakasi (2005), Paruthiveeran (2007), Subramaniyapuram (2008), and Naadodigal (2009).

During this successful period, Ganja Karuppu became a sought-after comedian in the industry, often cast by leading directors like Ameer, Sasikumar, and Samuthirakani. He even took on more prominent roles, such as in Arai En 305-il Kadavul (2008), where he shared the screen with fellow comedian Santhanam. Encouraged by his success, he was cast as the lead in Mannar Valaikuda, a film that addressed the struggles of the fishermen community, but unfortunately, it never saw a theatrical release despite nearing completion.

In the 2010s, Karuppu attempted to expand his career by entering Bollywood with a planned remake of Poraali (2011), intending to go by the name “Ganja Khan,” though the project never materialized. He also ventured into film production with Velmurugan Borewells (2014), but the film suffered delays and underperformed, leading to financial loss and criticism from director Bala. After a quiet period, he made a notable return with roles in Isai (2015) and Dharma Durai (2016), marking his resilience and ongoing relevance in Tamil cinema.