Vijay, often called “Thalapathy” by his ardent fans, is one of the Tamil film industry’s most popular and influential actors. Vijay’s debut as a lead actor in “Naalaiya Theerpu” (1992) was directed by his father, S. A. Chandrasekhar, and marked the beginning of his career in the Tamil film industry. The film showcased Vijay’s youthful charm, energy, and charisma, impressing the audience with his acting skills. Despite receiving mixed reviews, Vijay’s performance garnered positive attention.
In “Ghilli,” Vijay played the role of Velu, a carefree and happy-go-lucky guy who becomes a Kabbadi player. His energetic and charismatic performance and his chemistry with co-star Trisha Krishnan added immense charm to the film.
“Ghilli” was a massive commercial success and emerged as one of the highest-grossing Tamil films. It became a trendsetter for action-packed commercial entertainers in Tamil cinema.
In this action thriller directed by A. R. Murugadoss, Vijay portrayed the character of Jagadish Dhanapal, an Indian Army captain. His intense and powerful performance as an army officer on a mission to foil a terrorist plot received widespread appreciation.
“Thuppakki” was a blockbuster hit, and its box office success further solidified Vijay’s position as a leading star in the industry. The film’s worldwide earnings were ₹121 crore.
In “Kaththi,” Vijay essayed dual roles as Kathiresan, a small-time thief, and Jeevanantham, an activist. His remarkable performance in both parts, especially during the confrontations between the two characters, impressed the audience and critics alike. “Kaththi” was a massive commercial success and created a significant impact with its social message and thought-provoking storyline. Kaththi reached the ₹1 billion mark within 12 days of its release and became the highest-grossing Tamil film of 2014.
In “Mersal,” Vijay took on a triple role as Vetri, Maaran, and Vetrimaaran, showcasing his versatility as an actor. His portrayal of the three distinct characters and the emotional depth in each position was highly appreciated. “Mersal” was a sensational hit, breaking box office records and becoming one of the highest-grossing Tamil films ever. The film made ₹260 crore (2.6 billion rupees) worldwide.
In “Master,” Vijay played the role of JD, an alcoholic professor with a mysterious past. His portrayal of the conflicted character and intense confrontations with the antagonist, played by Vijay Sethupathi, received immense praise. “Master” was a blockbuster hit, setting new records at the box office and further consolidating Vijay’s position as a box office phenomenon. The film grossed ₹300 crore worldwide.
Directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, the film showcased Vijay in a mass avatar, and his acting was a significant highlight.
The film earned ₹217 crore.
Leo, an upcoming Indian Tamil-language action thriller directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, will be released on 19 October 2023. The film stars Vijay and Trisha, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Sarja, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Mansoor Ali Khan, and Mysskin. The film was initially announced under the tentative title Thalapathy 67 in January 2023. Principal photography began in Chennai, with a sporadic schedule in Kashmir. Music is composed by Anirudh Ravichander, cinematography by Manoj Paramahamsa, and editing by Philomin Raj. Leo is planned to be released in theatres worldwide on 19 October 2023
