Vijay, a popular Tamil cinema actor known as “Thalapathy” among his fans, has won hearts across India with his dynamic performances and charismatic screen presence.
For decades, he has been a significant figure in the film industry, building a rich filmography that highlights his versatility and impact.
This article explores some of Vijay’s top movies, shedding light on why he’s considered a titan in Tamil cinema.
Fans and newcomers alike can appreciate the journey of his career through these well-acclaimed films.
With a mix of action, romance, and drama, Vijay’s films offer something for everyone.
1) Mersal
Mersal is a 2017 Indian Tamil-language action thriller directed by Atlee. It stars Vijay, who plays triple roles in this captivating film.
It’s a tale of revenge, corruption, and a bit of magic mixed in. The film is known for its engaging storyline and gripping action sequences.
Alongside Vijay, the movie features actors such as Nithya Menen, S.J. Suryah, and Samantha Ruth Prabhu. The cast brings a dynamic energy to the film, making it a memorable experience for viewers.
The plot revolves around a police officer uncovering a conspiracy involving medical crimes. The story unfolds with a blend of drama and action, underlined by a strong dose of social commentary.
If someone wants to experience the thrill and excitement of Mersal, they might enjoy watching the official teaser or trailers. Here’s a link to one such video:
The film’s soundtrack, composed by A.R. Rahman, adds another layer of appeal. It’s packed with energetic songs that complement the film’s themes and enhance the overall experience.
Mersal made a significant mark at the box office and is celebrated as one of Vijay’s standout films. It’s often highlighted for its engaging storytelling and strong performances by the cast.
2) Thuppakki
“Thuppakki” is a popular Tamil-language action thriller film released in 2012. Directed by AR Murugadoss, this movie offers a gripping storyline that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
The film stars Vijay, who plays the role of Jagadish, a dedicated intelligence officer in the Indian Army. His mission is to dismantle a terrorist group and deactivate sleeper cells that threaten the city.
Kajal Aggarwal plays the female lead, adding charm and emotion to the narrative. The film also features Vidyut Jammwal as the antagonist, delivering a convincing performance as the leader of the terror group. Supporting roles by actors like Sathyan, Zakir Hussain, and Jayaram add depth to the story.
“Thuppakki” is not only packed with action sequences but also includes doses of humor and romance. The film’s engaging plot and Vijay’s dynamic performance make it a must-watch for action movie fans.
Produced by Kalaipuli S. Thanu, the film’s exciting pace and energetic soundtrack contribute to its appeal. The movie’s success established Vijay as a leading star in Tamil cinema, cementing his status as a beloved actor.
Don’t miss the chance to watch an action-packed film that balances thrills with emotions. Here’s a glimpse 
.
3) Master
Master is a 2021 Tamil action thriller that stars Thalapathy Vijay in the lead role. The film is directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and gained popularity for its engaging storyline and powerful performances.
In Master, Vijay plays an alcoholic professor who is sent to a juvenile school. Here, he encounters Vijay Sethupathi’s character, a gangster who exploits the school children for his criminal operations. This sets up an intense face-off between the two characters.
The film features other notable actors like Malavika Mohanan and Andrea Jeremiah in supporting roles. Their performances add depth to the film’s plot and characters. Arjun Das, Shanthanu Bhagyaraj, and Gouri G. Kishan also contribute to the diverse cast.
Master is loved for its action sequences and gripping narrative. The movie highlights important themes and keeps the audience on their toes. The chemistry between Vijay and Vijay Sethupathi is particularly praised and provides an unforgettable movie experience.
Check out the trailer for Master to get a glimpse of this thrilling movie.
4) Bigil
Bigil is a 2019 Indian Tamil-language film that combines sports action and drama. Directed by Atlee, it stars Vijay in dual roles, showcasing his versatility. Alongside Vijay, the film features Nayanthara, Jackie Shroff, and Vivek.
The story revolves around Michael, portrayed by Vijay, who leaves his football dreams behind after the tragic murder of his father. Despite this setback, he gets a chance to coach a women’s football team. This challenge helps Michael find new meaning and direction in his life.
Nayanthara plays a key role in the film, adding depth to the story. The movie also features a strong ensemble cast including Kathir, Yogi Babu, and other talented actors.
A.R. Rahman, the celebrated composer, brought his musical expertise to the film, creating an enthralling soundtrack that resonated with audiences.
Fans of Vijay were thrilled with his powerful performance and the film’s thrilling sequences. Bigil offers a mix of drama and sports moments that keep viewers engaged from start to finish.
5) Kaththi
Kaththi is a favorite among Vijay fans. Released in 2014, it’s directed by A.R. Murugadoss. This film blends action with a message, focusing on the struggles of farmers.
Vijay plays dual roles, giving an engaging performance. The story kicks off with a case of mistaken identity and brings him up against a powerful corporation.
Co-stars Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Neil Nitin Mukesh, and Tota Roy Chowdhury add to the appeal. Neil plays the antagonist, making the stakes even higher.
The film is celebrated for its soundtrack, composed by Anirudh Ravichander. Songs like “Selfie Pulla” are still popular.
For those who want a taste of Kaththi, the trailer is a great start:
6) Theri
“Theri” is an action-packed Tamil film that debuted in 2016. Directed by Atlee, this movie showcases Thalapathy Vijay in the role of DCP Vijaya Kumar. He goes into hiding to protect his daughter.
Vijay delivers a powerful performance, balancing action and emotional scenes with ease.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu also stars in the film, adding depth to the story with her compelling acting. Amy Jackson plays a key role as well, further enriching the cast.
The intense scenes and engaging plot keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
The music, composed by G. V. Prakash Kumar, complements the film’s dramatic moments beautifully.
Here’s a glimpse of the film:
7) Sarkar
“Sarkar” is a popular film featuring the Tamil superstar, Vijay, also known as Thalapathy. The film premiered in 2018 and is a compelling political action thriller.
Directed by A.R. Murugadoss, “Sarkar” tells the story of an NRI businessman who discovers that his vote has been fraudulently cast by someone else. This prompts him to take a stand against corrupt politicians.
The film stars Vijay in the lead role, with Keerthy Suresh and Varalaxmi Sarathkumar also delivering noteworthy performances. The supporting cast includes Yogi Babu, Radha Ravi, and Tulasi, adding depth to the engaging storyline.
A key highlight of “Sarkar” is its intense action sequences along with strong dialogue delivery. The movie’s thrilling pace keeps the audience engaged from start to finish.
“Sarkar” is available for streaming on platforms like SunNXT. This allows fans to watch this action-packed movie anytime and enjoy Vijay’s powerful performance.
8) Nanban
Nanban is a 2012 Tamil-language comedy-drama film. Directed by S. Shankar, it features a star-studded cast including Vijay, Jiiva, Srikanth, Ileana D’Cruz, and Sathyaraj. The movie is a remake of the popular Hindi film 3 Idiots, offering a fresh take on a beloved story.
The film follows the lives of three friends during and after their college years. They navigate the challenges of education, friendship, and personal dreams, all while searching for a missing friend. It’s a fun yet thought-provoking film that touches on important themes like the education system and personal fulfillment.
Vijay’s performance as the charismatic and clever student is particularly notable. His character often challenges the status quo, encouraging audiences to think differently. Ileana D’Cruz adds a strong female presence, bringing depth to her role as the love interest.
Nanban’s humor, combined with its emotional depth, makes it a favorite among Vijay’s fans. Its catchy songs and engaging plot have contributed to its lasting appeal.
An engaging trailer captures the film’s essence, showcasing its mix of humor and drama. Check out the Nanban Trailer on YouTube to get a glimpse of this exciting movie. Whether you’re a fan of Vijay or just in the mood for an entertaining film, Nanban is a worthwhile watch.
9) Ghilli
“Ghilli” is a popular Tamil-language film released in 2004. It is an action-packed movie that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Directed by Dharani, the film is a remake of the Telugu movie “Okkadu.”
The lead role is played by Vijay, who is a kabaddi player named Velu. Trisha Krishnan stars as Dhanalakshmi, the female lead. Prakash Raj takes on the role of the antagonist, Muthupandi.
The story follows Velu as he tries to save Dhanalakshmi from being forcibly married to Muthupandi. Their journey is filled with thrilling sequences and dramatic moments.
Ashish Vidyarthi, Dhamu, and Janaki Sabesh are part of the supporting cast, adding depth to the narrative. The film is known for its energetic pace and engaging screenplay.
“Ghilli” was a major success at the box office. It became the first Tamil film to gross over ₹50 crore domestically. Fans of Vijay consider this movie a must-watch for its entertaining storyline and strong performances.
10) Pokkiri
“Pokkiri” is a popular Tamil action film directed by Prabhu Deva. It stars Vijay in the lead role, playing a fearless young man named Tamizh.
Vijay’s performance is full of energy, as usual, bringing his charisma to the role. He captures the spirit of action-packed sequences and funny moments effortlessly.
Asin plays the female lead, adding a touch of romance and humor to the movie. Her chemistry with Vijay is evident, making their scenes enjoyable to watch.
The film also features Prakash Raj in a strong supporting role, bringing intensity to the villain’s character. Vadivelu adds comedic relief with his hilarious antics.
“Pokkiri” was released in 2007 and is a remake of the Telugu film “Pokiri.” It’s well-received for its engaging plot and entertaining action sequences.
Fans especially love the catchy songs and Vijay’s signature dance moves. One memorable scene is the iconic lift moment between Vijay and Asin, which has become a fan favorite.
For a taste of what “Pokkiri” has to offer, check out this trailer:
With its mix of action, comedy, and romance, “Pokkiri” remains a beloved film among Vijay’s fans.
Vijay’s Cinematic Style
Vijay, known as “Thalapathy,” has carved an indelible mark in Tamil cinema. His films often feature thrilling action, accompanied by his commanding presence.
Signature Action Sequences
Vijay excels in creating dynamic action scenes, which are a hallmark of his movies. With precise choreography and a flair for high-energy stunts, he brings a physical intensity that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.
In films like Thuppakki, his portrayal of an army captain showcases this with gripping fight sequences that are both inventive and engaging.
His action movies don’t just rely on physical strength; they incorporate clever tactics and strategies, making his roles as much about using brains as brawn.
The blend of martial arts and emotional intensity adds depth to his action scenes, making them memorable.
Charismatic Screen Presence
Vijay’s screen presence is magnetic, often commanding attention with just his charisma. He effortlessly blends dramatic, comedic, and action-packed moments, making his character portrayals diverse and engaging.
His ability to convey emotions with subtle expressions and powerful dialogues resonates with audiences. Films like Mersal highlight his knack for playing varied roles with ease, from intense drama to light-hearted humor.
Fans love his dance moves, which often add to his charm on screen. His unique style and delivery have made him a beloved figure, admired for his versatility and strong connection with viewers.
Impact on Tamil Cinema
Thalapathy Vijay’s films have set box office records while also leaving a cultural mark that resonates across generations. His movies blend action, drama, and often include social messages, highlighting his role in shaping Tamil cinema.
Box Office Success
Vijay’s films consistently perform well at the box office. Movies like Thuppakki and Mersal have broken records, drawing huge crowds.
These blockbusters not only rake in impressive revenues domestically but also internationally, especially in markets with a strong Tamil-speaking audience.
His ability to guarantee box office returns makes him a bankable star in the industry, encouraging producers to invest in big-budget projects. This financial assurance fosters more dynamic and large-scale productions, improving the industry’s quality.
Cultural Influence
Vijay’s on-screen presence has a broad cultural impact. His roles often tackle social issues, making the audience more aware of societal challenges.
Films like Kaththi address topics like water scarcity and farmer struggles, resonating with viewers. His dialogue delivery and mannerisms are widely mimicked, showing his influence extends beyond the screen.
His dance moves and style trends become popular among fans, particularly the youth, illustrating how his cultural impact goes beyond entertainment to influence daily life.
