He is the kind of actor whose films, even if they miss the mark, leave audiences eagerly anticipating his next release without frustration.
Published Jul 13, 2024 | 1:33 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 24, 2024 | 2:20 PM
Must-watch Tamil films of Vijay Sethupathi. (X)
Vijay Sethupathi’s 50th film, Maharaja, featured Bollywood director Anurag Kashyap as the antagonist.
While the film received mostly positive reviews, it faced criticism for its insensitive portrayal of sexual violence. Despite this, it achieved the third-highest opening of the year in Tamil Nadu, earning over ₹107 crore at the box office.
Now streaming on Netflix, Maharaja is the highest-grossing Tamil film of 2024 in India and is available in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada.
Vijay Sethupathi started his career in films in 1996 with supporting roles. He eventually landed his first lead role in Seenu Ramasamy’s Thenmerku Paruvakaatru (2010). Since then, he appeared in numerous films and web series across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi languages.
He is the kind of actor whose films, even if they miss the mark, leave audiences eagerly anticipating his next release without frustration. And, that’s quite rare.
Here are some of Vijay Sethupathi’s notable Tamil films, listed in no particular order:
Directed by Nalan Kumarasamy in his directorial debut, this black comedy crime film features Vijay Sethupathi, Bobby Simha, Ashok Selvan, Ramesh Thilak, Karunakaran, and Sanchita Shetty.
Soodhu Kavvum is praised for its engaging screenplay, clever storytelling, well-developed characters, unexpected twists, and humour.
Vijay Sethupathi’s knack for selecting unique scripts shines here. While some scenes may lack logic, the novelty and humour in the situations keep the film entertaining.
The 2013 Tamil film is creatively crafted, engaging, and worth watching, and was the only Tamil film from 2013 selected for screening at the Zurich Film Festival.
Directed by Karthik Subbaraj and produced by CV Kumar, Pizza boasts a tight screenplay, strong performances, and solid technical support.
Its simple storyline is elevated by the director’s skilful manipulation of the audience’s emotions, shifting seamlessly between horror, fear, and relief.
Starring Vijay Sethupathi, Remya Nambeesan, Karunakaran, Bobby Simhaa, and others, this 2012 film is offbeat, intriguing, and gripping—a departure from traditional Tamil cinema.
A poster of Vijay Sethupathi’s ‘Pannaiyarum Padminiyum’. (X)
Debutant SU Arun Kumar’s Pannaiyarum Padminiyum tops the list of heartwarming films. Released in 2014, it offers an emotionally uplifting experience outside the commercial realm, with characters that linger long after leaving the cinema hall.
Set in a village and centred around a Padmini car, the slice-of-life narrative is enriched by memorable performances and music, punctuated with organic humour.
Jayaprakash and Thulasi deliver career-best performances as a couple. And, Vijay Sethupathi shines in his role as a driver, showcasing his trademark ease.
Nalan Kumarasamy refreshingly handles the cliché of an educated girl falling for a ruffian, in the 2016 film. It’s a remake of the 2010 Korean film My Dear Desperado.
Nalan’s local adaptation infuses quirky humour that is distinctly his, making the story feel new and engaging right from the start. The romance between the leads (Vijay Sethupathi and Madonna Sebastian) develops subtly but predictably, even in the smallest and unintentional gestures.
The filmmaking, characterised by breezy visuals, seamless transitions, and evocative music, is understated and tasteful, leaving little room for criticism.
In the 2012 film directed by Balaji Tharaneedharan, a man experiences temporary memory loss just days before his wedding. His friends, determined to shield his condition from family and his fiancée, hope for his quick recovery.
Inspired by a real-life incident, Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom stars Sethupathi, Gayathrie Shankar, Vigneshwaran Palanisamy, and Bagavathi Perumal. It skillfully blends humour and suspense, showcasing Vijay Sethupathi’s bewildered expressions and his recurring query, “Ennachu…?” as his friends navigate awkward situations.
A poster of ‘Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara’. (X)
It’s rare to find a film that goes beyond mere entertainment to address a social issue with a strong dose of humour.
Released in 2013, this film follows five characters whose paths intersect due to an incident at a local liquor joint. Despite being strangers, they share a connection of sorts.
Director Gokul deserves credit for highlighting every character, no matter how small, and extracting humour in unexpected moments. Featuring Vijay Sethupathi, Ashwin, Nandita, Swathi, Pasupathi, Soori, Daniel Pope, Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara remains a delightful watch even today.
Directed by SU Arun Kumar, the 2016 film features a focused screenplay and strong performances, offering an engaging experience.
The story follows Sethupathi (Vijay Sethupathi), a principled cop known for his uncompromising stance against criminals. It also explores the warm familial moments between Sethupathi, his wife (Remya Nambeesan), and their two children, highlighting their understanding and how Sethupathi trains his family to handle challenges, adding a refreshing touch to the narrative.
Dark humour is woven into the narrative, alongside a charming love story, directed by Vignesh Shivn.
Despite occasional pacing issues, Shivn’s screenplay thrives on colourful characters and comedic moments, buoyed by the unexpected chemistry between Vijay Sethupathi and Nayanthara.
Anirudh Ravichander’s music enhances the 2015 film’s vibe, while RJ Balaji’s wit adds liveliness. Shivn’s refreshing approach turns what could have been a typical revenge saga into a fun-filled experience. The supporting cast is vibrant and well-chosen.
A poster of Vijay Sethupathi’s ‘Iraivi’. (X)
The 2016 Tamil film follows three men navigating through life’s ups and downs, including personal and professional challenges. Themes of friendship, redemption, shifting relationships, deception, and betrayal are central to the narrative.
Karthik Subbaraj, known for his diverse storytelling, explores a new genre focused on human relationships. The first half is sensibly crafted with Subbaraj’s characteristic sensitivity, but the second half fails to maintain the initial promise.
While the script’s novelty and fresh approach make for an engaging start, the latter part leaves much to be desired. The stellar cast features SJ Suryah, Vijay Sethupathi, Bobby Simhaa, Kamalinee Mukherjee, Anjali, Pooja Devariya, Cheenu Mohan, and more.
This 2017 film breaks new ground; credits to its writer-director duo Pushkar-Gayatri. It’s not just entertaining but also intellectually stimulating throughout.
The storyline is straightforward: Vikram (Madhavan), a tough encounter cop, leads a team in pursuit of the notorious gangster Vedha (Vijay Sethupathi). In this battle between good and evil, the narrative challenges viewers to pick sides, revealing unexpected truths along the way.
The film prompts us to judge its characters by their actions and backgrounds, highlighting the flaws in our assumptions.
Drawing inspiration from the Vikram Betaal folklore, Pushkar-Gayatri effectively pits Madhavan against Vijay Sethupathi, with their confrontations being the film’s standout moments.
The film also portrays strong female characters played by Shraddha Srinath and Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, who defy traditional Tamil cinema stereotypes and leave a lasting impact.
Directed by C Prem Kumar, the 2018 film delves into nostalgia as high school sweethearts Ram (Vijay Sethupathi) and Janu (Trisha) reunite after 22 years at a 1996 batch reunion.
The story unfolds with simplicity and passion, evoking memories of their school days in the first half. In the second half, now married and living in Singapore, Janu’s emotional reunion with Ram captivates viewers, making them root for their relationship.
Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha’s portrayal as mature lovers adds depth, complemented by convincing performances of their younger selves and a strong supporting cast including Devadarshini, Bhagavathi Perumal, and Aadukalam Murgadoss.
A poster of ‘Aandavan Kattalai’. (X)
The 2016 satirical comedy-drama directed by Manikandan of Kaaka Muttai (2015) fame, stars Vijay Sethupathi and Ritika Singh, alongside Pooja Devariya, Nasser, and Yogi Babu, in supporting roles.
Aandavan Kattalai tracks two men from rural Tamil Nadu as they struggle to secure travel documents for a trip to London. Vijay Sethupathi’s impressive screen presence and natural acting shine, complemented by Yogi Babu’s scene-stealing wit and Nasser’s excellent performance.
Manikandan skillfully integrates social issues such as passport shortcuts, landlord greed, and the challenges faced by Sri Lankan refugees into a compelling and enjoyable screenplay.
Directed by M Manikandan, Kadaisi Vivasayi tells the story of an 85-year-old farmer named Mayandi, played by the late Nallandi, with Vijay Sethupathi and Yogi Babu in supporting roles.
The film’s emotional depth is underscored by the musical compositions of Santhosh Narayanan and English composer Richard Harvey.
The narrative centres on Mayandi’s quiet resistance against those eyeing his land, set against a backdrop where he is the last remaining farmer in the village. His stoic demeanour contrasts sharply with other villagers who have abandoned farming.
Released in, 2022, the Tamil film resonated deeply with audiences and garnered critical acclaim. The late Nallandi’s portrayal of the elderly farmer earned a special mention from award juries for its profound impact.
In an interview, Manikandan expressed that he believed Rajinikanth would be suitable to portray the protagonist who deeply values farming. He mentioned pitching the story to Rajinikanth, but due to a lack of interest from the actor, he proceeded to cast someone else for the role.
Vijay Sethuathi played a transwoman in ‘Super Deluxe’. (X)
Directed by Thiagarajan Kumararaja, the multigenre film released in 2019 oscillates between moments of madness, darkness, philosophy, amusement, and profound emotion, crafting a complex and unforgettable viewing experience that challenges understanding due to its nature.
Vijay Sethupathi’s portrayal of a transgender woman sparks thoughts on gender dynamics and personal freedom. The interactions between Sethupathi and his son transcend typical father-son relationships, conveying Kumararaja’s message of embracing one’s true identity without hesitation.
Super Deluxe explores the concept of morality, challenging conventional notions of right and wrong by illustrating that what is right for one person may not be wrong for another. It also serves as a powerful social commentary on life, sex, gender, science, religion, spirituality, marriage, and faith.
(Edited by Y Krishna Jyothi)
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