If you make a list of superstars who are ruling Kollywood right now, Thalapathy Vijay would definitely make it to the top cut right there with Ajith, Surya and Vikram. Though the actor's recent films haven't fared well (I am looking at you, BIGIL), the actor has given some memorable performances that has made him everyone's darling!
Let look at seven films in his career that made him the roaring star that he is today:
THULLADHA MANAMUM TULLUM
Vijay has depleted his many layers in his movies; his acting layer, action hero layer, lover boy layer, most frequently his humour layer. ‘Thulladha Manamum Thullum’ is a film that sounded different as it portrayed the different side of him. It followed none of the aforementioned layers. Rather it reflected his softer hands with a role as Kutty, a cable operator who is part-time singer. His innocence and the struggles he goes through for the misdeeds which he hasn’t committed will bring tears to eyes.
KUSHI
Khushi story opens in Calcutta where a boy is born to a wealthy couple, a Tamilian father and a Bengali mother. After many close-up shots of the woman in labour the camera shifts to a village in Tamil Nadu, where a baby girl Jennifer is born in a middle-class Christian family. After some encounters when they are too young to be aware of each other, they finally meet in college in Madras.
GHILLI
This romantic action thriller has a very unique story. It is a remake of the Telugu hit, Okkadu. It’s about a kabaddi player, Velu, who goes to Madhurai for a tournament and rescues Dhanalakshmi from the grip of a notorious leader who is insistent on forcefully marrying her. Ghilli is a perfect entertainer. Each character is developed well, the screenplay is gripping, the music is beautifully composed, the action sequences are well executed, and overall, it is a great movie. Vijay steals the show with her performance, and this makes Ghilli a must watch.
NANBAN
‘Nanban’ is a Tamil remake of the popular coming-of-age comedy multi-starrer ‘3 Idiots’. Vijay instated the role of Aamir Khan, which itself is quite challenging and prone to comparisons. What’s even more challenging is to lose his mass stature which he did without regret. ‘Nanban’ is the kind of film one should expect from Vijay now and then. His performance in the film did ruffle few feathers and was widely appreciated by all odds.
POKKIRI
Pokkiri stars Vijay as Thamizh, a violent thug tangled in his web of murder, lies, crime and love. On one hand he is willing to do anything for money, including kill, but on the other he has to salvage his relationship with Shruthi, who hates his violent side. This Prabhu Deva romantic thriller has all the elements of a blockbuster- a strong plot, iconic punchlines, humour, great actors and a twist in the tale. Pokkiri is a wholesome entertainer, and one of Vijay’s best movies.
THUPAKKI
Thuppakki stars Vijay as Jagadish Dhanapal, an Indian army captain who sets out on a race against time to decimate a terrorist sleeper cell, who have fatal plans for the nation. Thuppakki marks Vijay’s triumphant comeback to the Tamillian film industry after Sura, a movie which put his career at risk. Thuppakki is a great film in many ways, it has a strong story-line, it’s gripping, will evoke feelings of patriotism and has extremely powerful performances. It is a must watch for all those who love fast paced action movies.
KATHTHI
Kaththi is by far Vijay’s most prolific movie as an actor. In this A.R. Murugadoss thriller, Vijay plays a dual role of an escaped prisoner, Kathiresan and his civillian lookalike, Jeeva. When Jeeva gets killed, Kathiresan assumes his identity, but soon finds himself becoming a reformer in many ways. Kaththi is fast paced and will have you hooked from the very start. The action is like no other, as is Vijay’s performance.
