15 Finest Vijay Sethupathi Performances: Vijay Sethupathi is undeniably probably the most exceptional actor to emerge from Tamil cinema within the final twenty years. Earlier than pursuing a profession in performing, he labored quite a few odd jobs and even labored as an accountant in Dubai for some time. Then, he continued his accountant job for “Koothupattarai” (an eminent Tamil theatre group). The actor recollects that whereas working there, he met the grasp filmmaker and cinematographer Balu Mahendra, who instructed Vijay Sethupathi that he has a ‘very photogenic’ face. Vijay Sethupathi step by step bought into performing, and he performed one of many thugs within the Dhanush starrer “Pudhupettai” (2006). He had just a few different unrecognizable roles in “Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu” and “Naan Mahaan Alla.”
Vijay Sethupathi ultimately landed his first lead function in “Thenmarku Paruvakaatru” (2010). Throughout this time, the actor was additionally a part of a number of brief movies that have been screened on the expertise present “Nalaiya Iyakunar.” Karthik Subbaraj, his buddy and frequent collaborator within the brief movies, forged Vijay Sethupathi in his debut characteristic “Pizza.” This low-budget horror thriller was the most important trade hit of the yr and launched Vijay Sethupathi as a promising actor. Within the subsequent few years, VJS delivered greater than what he promised, selecting versatile roles in several style movies.
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There’s a particular presence and depth that usually enhances Vijay Sethupathi’s roles quite than detracting from them. Like many of the movie industries in India, Tamil cinema is an image-obsessed trade. Its actors, particularly once they grow to be stars, should domesticate and preserve a picture on and off-screen. From the sooner part of his profession, Vijay Sethupathi was capable of break from such conventions and mould himself in response to what his characters demanded. The actor has additionally had boring phases in his profession and confronted a downward trajectory attributable to sure performing obligations. But Vijay Sethupathi is a real and dedicated artist who might all the time bounce again and wow the viewers with one in every of his understated performances. It’s a pleasure to have witnessed the expansion of such a wonderful actor. Listed below are his fifteen finest film performances out of the fifty movies he has carried out to this point.
15. Dharma Durai (2016)
Rural backdrops in Tamil cinema developed from the 2000s and didn’t restrict themselves to satiating the business prospects within the B and C facilities. From “Virumandi,” “Paruthi Veeran,” to “Pariyerum Perumal” and “Asuran,” rural topics have targeted on a number of sociopolitical and sociocultural points native to the area. With its easy visible narrative sample and sturdy scripts, Seenu Ramasamy’s movies (“Thenmerku Paruvakaatru,” the place VJS performed his first main function) completely seize the social and cultural id additional anchored by the emotive protagonists. After all, his movies’ contrived melodrama and ethical pronouncements generally is a little an excessive amount of.
However when one in every of Ramasamy’s emotional dramas is spearheaded by an in-form Vijay Sethupathi, it’s a compelling watch. A health care provider haunted by his tragic previous, Vijay Sethupathi’s titular character is launched because the village drunk, inflicting embarrassment for his household. The actor effortlessly performs the erratic character with out turning it right into a shtick. Sethupathi’s wildly humorous dance efficiency within the “Makka Kalanguthappa” track is one in every of his most pleasant display moments. The performing feels too corny within the medical school parts. However for probably the most half, Vijay Sethupathi captivates us along with his character’s journey. He’s additionally properly supported by actors like Tamannah and Radhika.
14. Kadaisi Vivasayi (2021)
Vijay Sethupathi’s Ramaiah in Manikandan’s “Kadaisi Vivasayi” (“The Final Farmer”) is a mentally challenged nomad whose character doesn’t immediately influence the central storyline of an previous harmless farmer imprisoned attributable to a misunderstanding. His look is extra like an prolonged cameo, but this is without doubt one of the actor’s finest ones amongst his most unconventional roles. At its core, Manikandan’s movie focuses on the themes of spirituality and transcendence. Ramaiah – a devotee of Lord Murugan – is an embodiment of this spirituality who stays unbothered by worldly wishes.
Accompanied by an unseen life accomplice, Ramaiah’s naturalistic banter with the farmer Nallandi is poignant to look at. It’s to Manikandan and Vijay Sethupathi’s credit score Ramaiah turns into an integral a part of the movie’s thesis. Regardless of restricted display time, the actor makes probably the most of it, notably his sensible expression when a saint acknowledges the presence of Ramaiah’s lover and when Ramaiah achieves ‘transcendence’ on a hilltop. Extra commendable is the audacity of a longtime actor to play a personality which may appear redundant on paper.
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13. Pannaiyarum Padminiyum (2014)
Vijay Sethupathi may need performed the central characters in movies like “Pizza” and “NKPK,” however none of his earlier roles could be recognized as a typical ‘Tamil hero.’ The truth is, apart from “Sethupathi” (2016), it led to business catastrophe each time the actor tried to be a goons-bashing mainstream hero. In S.U. Arun Kumar’s (“Chithha”) directorial debut, “Pannaiyarum Padminiyum,” Vijay Sethupathi feels at dwelling, taking part in an enthralling character that principally seems like a co-lead. Whereas star autos are the norm in Tamil cinema, a automobile stays the star right here. It revolves round a kindhearted previous man and his love for a automobile (Premier Padmini).
Jayaprakash performs the titular Pannaiyar, whereas Vijay Sethupathi performs the motive force Murugesan, who the Pannaiyar appoints to coach him to drive the automobile. The heartwarming relationship between Murugesan and the previous couple (Pannaiyar and Chellamma) is the crux of the narrative. Author/director Arun has turned his brief right into a feature-length movie, and at instances, it undoubtedly feels stretched or padded. But the feel-good issue mixed with the assured performances of Vijay Sethupathi and Jayaprakash makes this a pleasant film expertise. There’s a contemporary attraction to VJS’ earnest efficiency right here that’s considerably lacking in his most dramatic roles.
12. Iraivi (2016)
Kalaignar TV’s actuality present “Nalaiya Iyakunar,” which had its first season in 2009, gave many new-age Tamil filmmakers a platform. Aspiring beginner filmmakers made just a few brief movies throughout genres that helped them mould their craft. Karthik Subbaraj, Alphonse Puthren, Nalan Kumarasamy, and Nithilan Swaminathan are among the kids who participated within the present and later turned well-known filmmakers. Whereas Vijay Sethupathi has labored with fairly just a few of the “Nalaiya Iyakunar” filmmakers through the brief movie days, his frequent collaborator was Karthik Subbaraj (many of the shorts can be found on YouTube). VJS naturally turned the filmmaker’s go-to alternative for his debut movie’s protagonist. After making a visitor look in Karthik’s second movie, “Jigarthanda,” Vijay Sethupathi performed one of many leads within the filmmaker’s third movie, “Iraivi” (“Goddess”).
The movie largely revolves round three males—Arul, Jegan, and Michael—whose egoistic natures and harmful tendencies influence the ladies within the household. Sethupathi’s Michael is a flawed, quick-tempered man who performs the character in an understated method. The scenes he shares with Anjali are among the most memorable parts of the film. Furthermore, the way in which he showcases his vulnerability and ferocity within the fateful second with Bobby Simha’s character is sensible. Nonetheless, “Iraivi” is heavy on symbolism and will get more and more contrived in the direction of the top. Nonetheless, it’s the performances that maintain the movie, and “Iraivi” form of launched filmmaker SJ Surya as a robust actor.
11. Grasp (2021)
Karthik Subbaraj’s “Petta” (2019) was a really entertaining ‘fan service’ film. However a complete Rajnikanth supremacy in a movie most frequently reduces the villains into punchlines and caricatures. Vijay Sethupathi naturally drew the brief finish of the stick in “Petta.” However curiously, VJS selected to play the antagonist in three extra star movies. The well-written character amongst these three is definitely Bhavani in Lokesh Kanagaraj’s “Grasp.” There are situations in Tamil cinema the place villain performers have step by step grow to be heroes (Rajinikanth, Sathyaraj, and Sarath Kumar). Nonetheless, Vijay Sethupathi went from being a hero to a villain, and Bhavani isn’t the form of ‘forgivable’ legal who has a change of coronary heart in the long run.
This out-and-out ruthless character is made all of the extra compelling by VJS’s coolheaded efficiency. Star autos are all the time totally different beasts, and antagonists are not often given house to steal the present from the star. However this Vijay starrer provided fairly just a few highly effective moments for VJS’ villain, probably the most memorable second being the casually brutal method through which Bhavani retaliates on the protagonist JD’s intimidation. Vijay Sethupathi was equally menacing in “Vikram” (2022). He sported a unique look and included distinctive mannerisms to embody Santhanam in “Vikram.” However, it’s an underwritten character who’s decreased to being a glowering spectator within the film’s second half.
10. Maharaja (2024)
Whereas Vijay Sethupathi’s efficiency in “Merry Christmas” was appreciated by film lovers, the actor nonetheless wanted a stable trade hit. Fortunately, Nithilan Swaminathan delivered one in his second directorial enterprise, “Maharaja.” Whereas most mainstream Indian actors select roles the place they don’t play their age, VJS has by no means had qualms about taking part in his age and even taking on older roles. In “Maharaja,” the 46-year-old actor performs a reticent middle-aged man whose world revolves round his teenage daughter and his barbershop. This fiftieth Vijay Sethupathi movie doesn’t characteristic the acquainted ‘mass’ moments. The truth is, his titular character will get crushed round and threatened lots in his pursuit of vigilante justice.
“Maharaja” isn’t a median revenge story. The protagonist himself is a prisoner of his circumstances. Although he determinedly pursues vengeance, the reality he uncovers is tough to digest. Such a personality must be performed with the correct amount of restraint and emotionality, and as traditional, Vijay Sethupathi makes all of it look easy. “Maharaja” has its share of flaws by way of tone and themes, but the actor brilliantly shoulders this hard-hitting story. The vital and business success of “Maharaja” will hopefully result in a brand new, higher part in VJS’ performing profession.
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9. Orange Mittai (2015)
Aside from taking part in the central previous man character in Biju Vishwanath’s Orange Mittai, Vijay Sethupathi has additionally produced and co-written the movie. Not like the actor’s roles in “Soodhu Kavvum” and “Balakumara,” Kailasam in “Orange Mittai” feels a bit too unconventional to work with the mainstream viewers. After all, the 100-minute movie didn’t do properly commercially. But these are the roles that made him stand out from the flock and ship some fearless performances. “Orange Mittai” is a highway film of types that includes a grumpy and lonely 55-year-old man and an earnest younger paramedic, Satya (Ramesh Thilak).
Estranged from his son and dwelling in a slowly decaying family, VJS’ Kailasam claims to be critically sick and requires the emergency ambulance service. The meandering journey to the hospital from Kailasam’s village dwelling kinds the crux of the narrative. Whereas Vijay Sethupathi later performed a 70-year-old character in “Seethakathi” (2018) with prosthetic make-up, neither the premise nor the characterization of that movie labored for me. In “Orange Mittai,” regardless of the plain make-up decisions, the actor seems convincing because the cussed and demanding previous man. There’s nothing a lot unpredictable within the story, however the considerate and nuanced performances of Sethupathi and Thilak maintain us hooked. Kailasam will stay a testomony to the actor’s unimaginable versatility.
8. Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom (2012)
Balaji Tharaneetharan’s comedy-drama has a novel premise: a younger man experiencing reminiscence loss after a head harm brought on by a cricket ball. Vijay Sethupathi’s Prem Kumar has no reminiscence of his current previous, together with his girlfriend, with whom he’s to be married in three days. A sequence of (prolonged) misadventures observe as Prem’s mates assist him regain his reminiscence and easily execute the marriage ceremony. Vijay Sethupathi’s Prem sports activities a persistently humorous, baffled expression as he retains repeating the identical factor that chronicles the second earlier than his accident (I by no means thought ‘medulla oblongata’ might evoke such hilarity!).
It’s fascinating how, regardless of repeating sure dialogues, the combo of confusion and innocence within the actor’s facial expressions by no means makes the proceedings boring. The three actors who play Prem’s mates are additionally equally good. Whereas Karthik Subbaraj’s “Pizza,” which was launched a month earlier than “NKPK,” turned VJS’ breakthrough function, that movie was primarily pushed by its twists. However, Sethupathi’s terrific efficiency is central to NKPK’s success. Whether or not it’s visible or dialogue-oriented gags, Vijay Sethupathi effortlessly masters them. There’s additionally a robust relatability issue to the characters and their social milieu that makes the humorous moments seem natural.
7. Merry Christmas (2024)
After “96” (2018), most of Vijay Sethupathi’s solo lead films have been business failures. The actor not solely did too many cameos but additionally performed villains for the large stars. Although these star autos have been blockbusters, Vijay Setupathi’s capacity to ship successful as a number one man was getting scrutinized by the trade individuals. Whereas “Tremendous Deluxe” introduced the actor nationwide fame, and his darkly humorous flip within the net sequence “Farzi” took him to the Hindi viewers, there was nonetheless skepticism over Vijay Sethupathi headlining a Hindi characteristic movie. Sadly, Sriram Raghavan’s “Merry Christmas” didn’t do properly on the field workplace. But, it’s a rattling good slow-burn thriller that introduced again the witty and charming Vijay Sethupathi.
The oddball pairing of Sethupathi and Katrina Kaif works to the movie’s benefit, because the undercurrent of romance within the first half offers wealthy character moments. Although VJS’ Albert withholds the goofy appeal we witness in many of the actor’s roles, Mr. Raghavan infuses just a few darkish shades that carry collectively an enchanting character arc for Albert. As soon as once more, Vijay Sethupathi makes his character’s flaws and vulnerability totally plausible. It’s this sort of refined and evocative display presence that the actor can all the time gracefully ship.
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6. Tremendous Deluxe (2019)
The one factor individuals repeatedly say about Vijay Sethupathi is that he can’t be boxed right into a single class. However nonetheless, it’s audacious for an uncategorizable performer to play a marginalized and abused trans girl. Regardless of making solely two characteristic movies (within the almost fifteen-year directorial profession), Thiagarajan Kumararaja has attained a cult standing. Whereas his films didn’t completely work for me, there are many fascinating moments and never-before-seen characters in mainstream Tamil cinema. With Shilpa in “Tremendous Deluxe,” VJS and Kumararaja take a flawed and denigrated particular person and provides voice to the character’s ache and wishes.
The formidable and richly detailed hyperlink, non-linear narrative focuses on individuals shunned by society’s collective morality. Whereas the opposite characters face condemnation for his or her ‘fallacious’ deeds, Shilpa is casually dismissed for her look. The dynamics between Shilpa and her son Rasukutty are probably the most endearing parts of the movie. There can be strenuous objection to the casting of a cis male actor to play a trans girl. However contemplating Tamil cinema’s lengthy historical past of vilifying and stereotyping trans characters, Vijay Sethupathi’s Shilpa is a leap of progress. The actor additionally infuses dignity and elicits empathy for the character, although I nonetheless really feel the unbearably drawn-out sexual humiliation of the character might have been reduce brief.
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5. Aandavan Kattalai (2016)
Kaaka Muttai-fame Manikandan’s third movie, “Aandavan Kattalai,” has the texture of a naturalistic Malayalam movie – that includes a easy story layered with intelligent characterizations and a social message that isn’t overtly preachy. Vijay Sethupathi performs Gandhi, a debt-ridden villager who makes an attempt to fraudulently acquire a passport and work illegally within the UK. He’s accompanied by his buddy, Pandi (Yogi Babu at his hilarious finest). Gandhi will get in contact with a dealer, who coaches him on the methods to get across the system. But an trustworthy reply to a visa interview query retains Gandhi indefinitely in Chennai. Whereas navigating the purple tape and the challenges of the city atmosphere, Gandhi realizes one can really transfer ahead in life by being trustworthy.
Vijay Sethupathi as soon as once more effortlessly aces the easygoing character, marked by a contact of naivete. It’s the form of practical portrayal that touches a broad spectrum of feelings, but the efficiency doesn’t really feel ‘dramatic.’ The distinctive and understated nature of his dialogue supply works completely. Manikandan’s excellent writing expertise and skill to extract naturalistic performances from actors (the ensemble forged consists of Ritika Singh, Nasser, and George Maryan) are additionally the first explanation why “Aandavan Kattalai” is such an entertaining movie.
4. Vikram Vedha (2017)
Pushkar & Gayatri’s compelling non-linear gangster drama, “Vikram Vedha,” revolves round a cat-and-mouse sport between an ‘encounter specialist’ cop, Vikram (Madhavan), and a ruthless killer, Vedha (Vijay Sethupathi). Just like the spirit of Betaal haunting King Vikramaditya within the mythological tales, Vedha’s narration of his life story raises puzzling ethical questions for the no-nonsense cop, Vikram. There may be nothing authentic about “Vikram Vedha.” However it finely recontextualizes a well-recognized story of goons and cops, spearheaded by a crowd-pleasing Vijay Sethupathi efficiency. From the second Vedha casually strolls via the commissioner’s workplace to give up himself (whereas a whole battalion of police power prepares to arrest him in his neighborhood), VJS completely balances between the mass and nuanced moments.
Though “Sethupathi” (2016) tried establishing VJS as a mass hero (yielding good outcomes commercially), the actor isn’t a very good match for such tailored roles. In “Vikram Vedha,” Vijay Sethupathi’s mass aura is cultivated attributable to good writing, and his efficiency is fantastically complemented by Madhavan’s very assured display presence. The managed method with which Vijay Sethupathi expresses his grief and unleashes his rage doesn’t flip Vedha right into a larger-than-life hero. The swag with which the actor embodied this morally gray character maybe later pushed filmmakers to forged him within the under-written villain roles.
3. 96 (2018)
Prem Kumar’s “96” has all of the tropes of a standard romance drama that intends to ship a wholesome dose of nostalgia and melancholia. However one of the best factor about “96” is the restrained method through which the filmmaker and actors carry alive this acquainted story of adolescent love and the heartbreak that follows properly into maturity. Vijay Sethupathi performs a shy and socially awkward 37-year-old loner who nervously anticipates the arrival of his old flame, Janaki (Trisha Krishnan), throughout a faculty reunion assembly. Over an evening, the 2 emotionally rediscover one another earlier than they resume their on a regular basis lives.
As soon as the dramatically tense (a bit contrived, too) parts of the college reunion transition into the phase the place Ram and Jaanu are snug with one another, “96” turns into a fascinating and sensible drama. That is the place each the actors completely ship by way of feelings. The awkward silences, the craving for a unique previous, and the seems of frustration are so gracefully conveyed. At instances, the assertiveness and air of sophistication with which Trisha performs Jaanu overshadows the telegraphed ‘shyness’ of Vijay Sethupathi. However in the long run, each exemplary performances come collectively to craft an endearing and bittersweet portrait of misplaced love.
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2. Soodhu Kavvum (2013)
Nalan Kumarasamy’s “Soodhu Kavvum” (“Evil Engulfs”) and Naveen’s “Moodar Koodam” (2013) infused a deliberate zaniness and messiness to their wild storylines, permitting Tamil filmmakers and audiences to embrace the darkish comedy style. Whereas “Pizza” and “NKPK” turned Vijay Sethupathi right into a promising actor, it was Das in “Soodhu Kavvum” that put him on the trail to stardom, which was strengthened by the blockbuster hits like “Naanum Rowdy Thaan,” and “Sethupathi.” “Soodhu Kavvum” was the primary time Vijay Sethupathi’s entry was greeted with whistles and cheers within the theatre. And this was such an unapologetically rapturous film the place the characters’ quirkiness and eccentricities by no means exhaust you.
VJS’ Das is the most important misfit among the many group of misfits. He performs a mentally sick particular person in his mid-40s who ekes out an existence by kidnapping ‘low-risk’ victims. Comedy is all the time robust, particularly in a movie like “Soodhu Kavvum,” the place the characters’ ridiculous conduct builds the narrative conflicts. Nalan Kumarasamy doesn’t attempt to supply us insights to empathize with the characters or package deal it with some ethical takeaways. There’s one thing darkish and unhappy a few man who conjures an imaginary girlfriend to treatment his loneliness. However the deadpan countenance and the self-assuredness with which Vijay Sethupathi performs the character by no means fails to crack us up. He was additionally supported by a superb ensemble forged, together with Karunakaran, Bobby Simha, Ramesh Thilak, and MS Bhaskar.
1. Kadhalum Kadanthu Pogum (2016)
Nalan Kumarasamy’s second directorial enterprise after “Soodhu Kavvum” was the official remake of the Korean movie, “My Pricey Desperado” (2010). Once I first heard about it, it felt like an odd alternative (to remake a mediocre Korean movie) for a filmmaker who had already showcased a particular voice in his debut characteristic. But, Nalan’s casting decisions and storytelling made “Kadhalum Kadanthu Pogum” a exceptional story of unlikely friendship. Vijay Sethupathi, along with his attribute quirky appeal, performs Kathir, a small-time gangster not too long ago launched from jail. His neighbor, Yazhini (Madonna Sebastian), is an unemployed graduate who tries to discover a job and escape the confined life in her hometown.
“Kadhalum Kadanthu Pogum” doesn’t have a rare plot or motion. It’s a deceptively easy story of two people with totally different temperaments forging an genuine connection that isn’t romantic (additionally uncommon in Tamil or Indian cinema). It’s the form of consolation film that may be watched for the magical rapport the 2 leads share with one another. Vijay Sethupathi, as a laconic, not-so-good gangster, is an absolute delight to look at. Taking part in a thug with a young coronary heart isn’t a tall ask for Tamil heroes, however VJS’s efficiency and Nalan’s writing don’t get caught up with the same old cliches that include such storylines.
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Kathir isn’t a lot of a fighter. The truth is, the jail time has turned him into a very good prepare dinner quite than a troublesome man. His shows of bravado typically go fallacious, and he’s erratic and impulsive, but there’s a novel mixture of humor and pathos within the efficiency that makes Vijay Sethupathi’s Kathir a convincing and interesting character. It may need been robust for the actor to play a trans girl or work alongside massive stars like Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, and Shahrukh Khan, and he can have confronted exceptional difficulties through the manufacturing of Vetrimaaran’s movie (the upcoming “Viduthalai: Half 2”). However regardless of all these nice tales behind a Vijay Sethupathi efficiency, I imagine probably the most important and entertaining Vijay Sethupathi films are easy but charming ones like “Kadhalum Kadanthu Pogum.”
Vijay Sethupathi Hyperlinks: IMDb, Wikipedia
