As Vijay turns 49, let’s take a quick look at his cinematic journey to stardom

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By Arjun Ramachandran

22/06/2023

The actor was recently featured on the Times Square Billboard in New York City. The Billboard showcased clips from Vijay’s films Theri (2016), Sarkar (2018), Master (2021) and more.

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Popular as “Thalapathy” (leader), Vijay has a strong fan base in Tamil Nadu and also the neighbouring states like Kerala. His two previous films, Beast and Varisu earned more than ₹200 crore.

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Vijay’s father SA Chandrasekhar is a director and has done 70 films. Being fond of cinema and acting he debuted in Vetri (1984) as a child actor.

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Vijay debuted as the lead actor at the age of 18 with Naalaiya Theerpu in 1992, directed by his father SA Chandrashekhar. But the film tanked at the box office.

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In 1994, Rasigan ran for more than 175 days in theatres. Directed again by his father, Vijay became popular as “Ilaya Thalapathy” (young commander).

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The breakthrough movie in Vijay’s career came through Poove Unakkaga (1996) directed by Vikraman. Sangitha was the female lead. It was a romantic comedy that ran for 250 days in theatres.

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In 2000, the actor delivered Kannukkul Nilavu, Kushi and Priyamaanavale. Sachein (2005), Sivakasi (2005) and Pokkiri (2007) were some of the blockbuster films of Vijay as a masculine hero.

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In 2017, “Ilaya Thalapathy” Vijay became “Thalapathy” after the release of director Atlee’s Mersal. Vijay is now one of the highest-paid actors in the Indian film industry.

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His upcoming project Leo is directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. The director teamed up with Vijay for the second time after Master. Leo is scheduled for release on 19 October 2023.

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