Rahul Mithaiwala (played by Shah Rukh Khan) is a protagonist in Chennai Express.
Rahul Mithaiwala is a wealthy forty-year-old bachelor living with his grandparents in Mumbai. After his grandfather's death, he reluctantly carries the ashes to Rameswaram, where he becomes entangled in Meenamma's escape from a forced marriage. His journey transforms him from a hesitant man into a courageous lover who challenges Durgeshwara and Tangaballi. Tangaballi (played by Nikitin Dheer) appears in Chennai Express.
Tangaballi is the gangster chosen to marry Meenamma and a formidable fighter supported by armed followers. He challenges Rahul to a duel after Rahul is introduced as Meenamma's lover, pursues the couple during their escapes, and later fights Rahul again. His eventual acceptance of their love helps resolve the family conflict. Rahul's grandmother (played by Kamini Kaushal) appears in Chennai Express.
Rahul's grandmother lives with him in Mumbai and remains devoted to the family's traditions after her husband's death. She tells Rahul that the ashes must be divided between the Ganga and Rameswaram, then insists that he travel by train to complete the southern rite. Her request sets Rahul's journey and the central adventure in motion. Sri Lankan Smuggler (played by Yogi Babu) appears in Chennai Express.
This character is one of the Sri Lankan smugglers among whom Rahul unexpectedly ends up after escaping the duel. A gun battle breaks out between the smugglers and the police, leading officers to investigate and take Rahul into custody. Their presence creates a dangerous detour before Rahul explains his story and returns to Komban. Rahul's grandfather (played by Lekh Tandon) appears in Chennai Express.
Rahul's grandfather is a businessman who owns a chain of confectionery shops and is preparing to celebrate his hundredth birthday. He dies before the celebration after a distressing cricket moment, leaving ashes that must be taken to Rameswaram. His death creates the family obligation that sends Rahul onto the Chennai Express and into the main story. Rahul's friend (played by Rakesh Kukreti) appears in Chennai Express.
Rahul's friend is part of the group that invites him to take a vacation in Goa. He helps form the plan to meet during the train journey and dispose of the ashes there instead of completing the family ritual at Rameswaram. Though he does not accompany Rahul through the later adventure, the invitation contributes to Rahul's original intentions. Villager (played by Delhi Ganesh) appears in Chennai Express.
This villager is one of the residents of Vidhamba village who accepts Meenamma's claim that she and Rahul are a married couple needing protection. The villagers provide the pair with refuge and later help them escape when Tangaballi catches Rahul. Their support protects the couple and prevents Rahul from abandoning Meenamma immediately.
Chennai Express (2013) character relationship network mapped with AI analysis. Explore the connections, alliances, and conflicts between characters.
Characters
Rahul Mithaiwala
(played by Shah Rukh Khan) — protagonist
Rahul Mithaiwala is a wealthy forty-year-old bachelor living with his grandparents in Mumbai. After his grandfather's death, he reluctantly carries the ashes to Rameswaram, where he becomes entangled...
Tangaballi
(played by Nikitin Dheer) — supporting
Tangaballi is the gangster chosen to marry Meenamma and a formidable fighter supported by armed followers. He challenges Rahul to a duel after Rahul is introduced as Meenamma's lover, pursues the coup...
Rahul's grandmother
(played by Kamini Kaushal) — supporting
Rahul's grandmother lives with him in Mumbai and remains devoted to the family's traditions after her husband's death. She tells Rahul that the ashes must be divided between the Ganga and Rameswaram,...
Sri Lankan Smuggler
(played by Yogi Babu) — minor
This character is one of the Sri Lankan smugglers among whom Rahul unexpectedly ends up after escaping the duel. A gun battle breaks out between the smugglers and the police, leading officers to inves...
Rahul's grandfather
(played by Lekh Tandon) — supporting
Rahul's grandfather is a businessman who owns a chain of confectionery shops and is preparing to celebrate his hundredth birthday. He dies before the celebration after a distressing cricket moment, le...
Rahul's friend
(played by Rakesh Kukreti) — supporting
Rahul's friend is part of the group that invites him to take a vacation in Goa. He helps form the plan to meet during the train journey and dispose of the ashes there instead of completing the family...
Villager
(played by Delhi Ganesh) — supporting
This villager is one of the residents of Vidhamba village who accepts Meenamma's claim that she and Rahul are a married couple needing protection. The villagers provide the pair with refuge and later...
Canonical Relationships
Family, romantic, and professional connections based on plot evidence.
