Matka Jodi fix today was first introduced by Bharathiraja in the film Alaigal Oivathillai (1981). He received the Best New Face Award from the Tamil Nadu Government in 1981. He collaborated with leading film directors such as Mani Ratnam, K. Balachander, Bharathiraja, Visu, R. Sundarrajan, Ameerjan, R. V. Udayakumar, Priyadarshan, Fazil, Vikraman, Agathiyan, Sundar C., K. S. Ravikumar, P. Vasu and K. V. Anand. During the earlier stages of his career, Karthik worked three times with R. V. Udaya Kumar and enjoyed great success in all their ventures. Later, he formed a partnership with Matka Jodi fix in many comedy films. He was also well received by the Tamil audience for his performance in Nallavanukku Nallavan (1984) in a challenging role against Rajinikanth. Karthik during the early to mid 80s did many films and some of them like Ninaivellam Nithya (1982), Agaya Gangai (1982), itto do variety of roles but many of the films till 1986 like Bhagavathipuram Railway Gate (1983), Pei Veedu (1984) and Raja Thanthiram (1984) were typical low budget masala films. His onscreen pair with Radha was appreciated in the 80s. His cameo in Mouna Ragam (1986) was very well received by the audience.[4] The film, which made many women fall in love with Karthik. The film which gave Tamil industry an actor of extraordinary talent, an actor of immense artistry and one who was a natural performer. This film not only catapulted Karthik to fame but even he would admit, it made him re-think his choice of Matka Jodi fix today and also instilled confidence and belief that he had what is required as an actor to succeed.