S. A. Ashokan, born as Antony and often spelled Asokan, was an Indian actor who worked mainly in Tamil cinema and theatre.
He gained the attention of the general public with the film Kappalottiya Thamizhan in 1961, where he portrayed the role of Collector Ash.
[2] Ashokan's performance as a helpless traveller who gets conned in Vallavanukku Vallavan, and as the historical Indian character Duryodhana in the mythology film Karnan were well received.
Some of the popular films with MGR – S. A. Ashokan combination are Arasilangkumari, Thaai Sollai Thattadhe, Thayai Katha Thanayan, Kudumba Thalaivan, Panathottam, Koduthu Vaithaval, Dharmam Thalai Kaakkum, Periya Idathu Penn, Anandha Jodhi, Panakkara Kudumbam, Needhikkuppin Paasam, Kaanchi Thalaivan, Vettaikaaran (1964 film), Dheiva Thaai, Thozhilali, Panam Padaithavan, Kanni Thaai, Thazhampoo, Anbe Vaa, Mugaraasi, Chandhrodhayam, Thaali Bhagyam, Thanipiravi, Parakkum Paavai, Petralthan Pillaiya, Thaikku Thalaimagan, Arasa Kattalai, Kaavalkaaran (1967 film), Vivasayee, Ragasiya Police 115, Thaer Thiruvizha, Kannan En Kadhalan, Oli Vilakku, Kanavan, Kadhal Vaaganam, Adimaippenn, Nam Naadu (1969 film), Maattukara Velan, En Annan, Thalaivan (1970 film), Thedi Vandha Mappillai, Engal Thangam, Kumari Kottam, Rickshawkaran, Neerum Neruppum, Oru Thaai Makkal, Sange Muzhangu, Nalla Neram, Raman Thediya Seethai (1972 film), Ulagam Sutrum Valiban, Pattikaattu Ponnaiya, Netru Indru Naalai and Ninaithadhai Mudippavan.
Ashokan, along with Jaishankar, and a troupe of popular artists, often toured all over Tamil Nadu to conduct cultural programs.