10 Facts About Vijay's Cinematic Journey

Actor-turned-politician

Thalapathy Vijay has achieved a historic debut victory in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. His party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), won 108 seats. But his journey has not been smooth. From a child artist to one of Tamil cinema’s biggest stars, Vijay has built an extraordinary journey defined by consistency, reinvention, and an unmatched fan following. Born in Chennai, he steadily rose to become “Thalapathy,” delivering record-breaking films like Ghilli, Mersal, and Leo. Balancing stardom and public life, he remains an influential figure who has shaped both the entertainment world and the evolving political landscape of Tamil Nadu.

Vija's early life and birthplace

Vijay was born on June 22, 1974, in Chennai, into a film family. His father S. A. Chandrasekhar is a director, which exposed him early to cinema. His mother Shoba Chandrasekhar, is a renowned Indian playback singer, writer, film producer, and director in the Tamil film industry.

Entry into Tamil cinema

Speaking about the beginning of his film journey, Vijay entered the Tamil film industry as a child artist and made his lead debut with Naalaiya Theerpu (1992). While the start was modest, he steadily carved a space for himself through the 1990s.

Filmography overview

Over the years, Vijay has acted in more than 65 films, almost entirely in the Tamil industry, establishing himself as one of Kollywood’s biggest stars. He made his mark in 1990s romantic hits like Kadhalukku Mariyadhai, evolved into an action-masala icon with movies such as Ghilli and Pokkiri, and today shines in socially conscious blockbusters including Mersal and Kaththi.

Work in other film industries

Interestingly, he has not actively worked in other film industries. His focus has remained on Tamil cinema, though his films enjoy pan-India and global reach through dubbing. He was occasionally seen in Malayalam films. Vijay has not appeared in a straight Hindi (Bollywood) film. Despite that, his popularity in North India has surged thanks to dubbed versions and OTT exposure.

Breakthrough and superhit films

His first major commercial breakthrough came with Poove Unakkaga (1996), directed by Vikraman. The film redefined his image as a romantic hero and gave him his first big success. He has delivered numerous massive box office hits in a career spanning over 30 years, dominating Tamil cinema with his. His highest-grossing films include Leo (2023), The Greatest of All Time (2024), Bigil (2019), Varisu (2023), and Master (2021).

What earned him the name Thalapathy?

Vijay is affectionately called Thalapathy for a reason. The title “Thalapathy,” meaning commander and it was popularised among fans due to his strong screen presence and leadership-like appeal in mass entertainers, eventually becoming synonymous with his identity.

Which actress has Vijay worked with the most?

Vijay has worked with Trisha Krishnan the most. They are considered one of the most successful on-screen pairs in Tamil cinema, having collaborated on several films over a span of two decades, including: Ghilli (2004), Thirupaachi (2005), Aathi (2006), Kuruvi (2008), Leo (2023), The Greatest of All Time (GOAT) (2024 – special appearance).

Trisha and Vijay are also rumoured to be dating. However, neither actor has publicly confirmed a relationship.

Which were Vijay's top 10 highest box office collection movies?

Thalapathy Vijay's top 10 highest-grossing films are dominated by recent blockbusters, with Leo (Rs 618.5 Crore), The Greatest of All Time (Rs 450 Crore+), Bigil (Rs 295–321 Crore), Varisu (Rs 290–297.5 Crore), Mersal (Rs 267 Crore), Sarkar (Rs 258 Crore), Beast (Rs 216–300 Crore), Master (Rs 220–300 Crore), Theri (Rs 170+ Crore, approximate high-grosser), Kaththi (Rs 130 Crore+, approximate high-grosser).

Has Vijay ever played an anti-hero?

Thalapathy Vijay has played anti-hero and negative-shaded roles in his career, notably in early films like Priyamudan (1998) as an obsessive lover and Azhagiya Tamil Magan (2007) as a villainous dual role. He also explored dark, grey-shaded characters in movies like G.O.A.T (2024), where he portrayed a ruthless, unapologetic baddy.

Which director has Vijay worked with the most?

Actor Vijay has worked the most with his father, S.A. Chandrasekhar, who directed him in 8 films. Among mainstream commercial directors, he has collaborated most frequently with Atlee (Theri, Mersal, Bigil) and AR Murugadoss (Thuppakki, Kaththi, Sarkar), with 3 films each.