Manikandan Thonnakkal (മണികണ്ഠൻ തൊണ്ണക്കൽ), full name Manikandan Pillai C, is an Indian Malayalam teacher, YouTuber, voice artist, actor, and Villadichampaatu (traditional Kerala folk song) performer from Thonnakkal, Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala. He completed his graduation in Malayalam language and literature from University College, Thiruvananthapuram, in 1993. He is a teacher with a deep passion for literature, agriculture, and epics. He also manages Sree Gokulam Medical Centre in Attingal. He is married to Saritha S. Gopal, an HSST Malayalam teacher at GHSS Perinad, Kollam; they have a daughter and a son. During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, when educational institutions were shut, he launched his YouTube channel 'Maniyan Speaking' (May 2021), which grew to over 10,000 subscribers through short, engaging videos on language, literature, mythology, and humour. He has also acted in over 25 Malayalam television serials. In April 2022, he entered Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 4 on Day 20 as its first-ever wildcard contestant - uniquely tasked with the special assignment of teaching Malayalam to housemates Daisy David and Nimisha P.S., who had repeatedly violated the house rule requiring all conversation in Malayalam despite host Mohanlal's warnings. On Day 27 (Week 4), he voluntarily walked out of the house due to health complications, finishing eighteenth overall.
YouTube channel 'Maniyan Speaking' (10,000+ subscribers) covering language, literature, mythology, and humour; acting in 25+ Malayalam serials; managing Sree Gokulam Medical Centre, Attingal; entering Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 4 as its first wildcard with the unique task of teaching Malayalam to housemates; voluntarily walking out in Week 4 due to health issues.
