Tamil Actor-Politician Vijayakanth Dies At 71; A Look At His Film Career

Vijayakanth, a famous Tamil movie star and the leader of a political party called DMDK, passed away in Chennai at the age of 71. He was in a hospital getting treated for lung problems and breathing with a machine. The doctors tried their best, but sadly, he died this morning.

Before becoming a politician in 2005, Vijayakanth was a movie star and producer who appeared mostly in Tamil films. He played many different roles, but the ones he was most famous for were action heroes who could beat up all the bad guys by themselves.

Always in our hearts🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾#vijayakanth #விஜயகாந்த் #RipVijayakanth #RIPCaptain pic.twitter.com/0uibSfuasU

— Desingh Periyasamy (@desingh_dp) December 28, 2023

Early Struggles and First Hit:

• Born Narayanan Vijayaraj, he became Vijayakanth in the movies.
• His first film in 1979 flopped, and several others did poorly.
• In 1981, “Sattam Oru Iruttarai” about a broken law system was a big hit.
• This film inspired many similar movies by the same director.

Police Hero and Action Star:

• Vijayakanth played a cop in over 20 films and even some bad guys.
• In the 1990s, he became a famous action hero in Tamil cinema.
• A police movie called “Sathriyan” about a good cop vs. a bad politician was a huge success.

100th Film and Captain Nickname:

• After another hit “Pulan Visaranai,” Vijayakanth made his 100th film “Captain Prabhakaran.”
• He played an officer and earned the nickname “Captain.”
• This film was a major hit, joining a select group of other actors with such success.

The success of Captain Prabhakaran was followed by a string of hits such as ‘Maanagara Kaaval’, ‘Moondrezhuthil En Moochirukkum’, and ‘Chinna Gounder’. In the latter, Vijayakanth surprised his fans by playing a soft-spoken village chieftain, which was a departure from his usual tough-guy roles.

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His impressive performance in Chinna Gounder earned the movie third place in the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Film. Vijayakanth went on to work in several other successful movies such as ‘Bharathan’, ‘Thai Mozhi, ‘Kaviya Thalaivan’, ‘Koyil Kaalai’, ‘Ezhai Jaathi’, ‘Sakkarai Devan’, ‘Rajadurai’, and ‘Enga Muthalali’.

Great Man Captain Vijayakanth💔#RIPVijayakanth #Vijayakanthpic.twitter.com/JsYbEhNAur

— Mᴜʜɪʟツ𝕏 (@MuhilThalaiva) December 28, 2023

Vijayakanth’s impact on Tamil cinema is undeniable. His diverse filmography, spanning everything from action blockbusters to social dramas, continues to resonate with audiences across generations.

Here are some specific highlights of his contributions:

• Early Career Breakthrough: Despite initial struggles, Vijayakanth achieved his first major success with “Sattam Oru Iruttarai” in 1981. This film tackled social issues surrounding the legal system and became a commercial and critical darling, paving the way for similar themed movies in Tamil cinema.

• Action Hero Stardom: Throughout the 1990s, Vijayakanth cemented his place as a leading action hero. Films like “Captain Prabhakaran” (his 100th film!), “Sathriyan,” and “Pulan Visaranai” showcased his powerful screen presence and thrilling fight sequences, earning him a devoted fan base.

• Genre Versatility: While excelling in action roles, Vijayakanth also explored other genres. He portrayed police officers in over 20 films, played the antagonist in several others, and even ventured into romantic comedies like “Naane Raja Naane Mandhiri.” This versatility further solidified his acting prowess and broadened his appeal.

• Directorial Debut: In 2010, Vijayakanth took the helm for “Virudhagiri,” a remake of the popular French film “Taken.” This marked his debut as a director and showcased his multifaceted talents beyond acting.

• Legacy and Title: Vijayakanth’s dedication to his craft and unwavering commitment to social themes earned him the prestigious title of “Puratchi Kalingar” (revolutionary artist) in the Tamil film industry. This title reflects his lasting influence and the respect he commands within the community.

From his early struggles to his eventual superstardom, Vijayakanth’s journey is an inspiring testament to hard work and dedication. His films continue to entertain and engage audiences, solidifying his place as a true legend of Tamil cinema.