In an industry that has icons like Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Madhavan, Prakasha Raj and Dhanush - who have a pan India appeal , and megastars like Vijay, Ajith Kumar, Suriya and Chiyaan Vikram among several others, it¡¯s a herculean task to make a mark!?
In just a decade, Vijay Sethupathi has managed to become one of the biggest superstars of Tamil Cinema but it wasn¡¯t a bed of roses. The journey to the top was rocky to say the least but the phenomenal actor did all it takes to prove his acting mettle.
He¡¯s nothing short of a sensation in Kollywood. However, the people on the other side of the country are slowly coming to terms this actor¡¯s acting prowess, thanks to the advent of OTT platforms.
Here are some interesting facts about Vijay Sethupathi that¡¯ll help you know the actor closely:
1. His early life comprised of doing a series of odd jobs for pocket money like working as a salesman at a retail store, cashier at a fast food joint and a phone booth operator. Before entering the acting world, he was working as an accountant assistant at a cement business.
2. Sethupathi began his acting career as a background dancer. Gradually, he started playing supporting roles and did so, for many years before he finally bagged a lead role. He worked as a background actor in several films like Gokulathil Seethai, M. Kumaran Son of Mahalakshmi,Pudhupettai, Lee, Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu and Naan Mahaan Alla among others. He finally made his debut in 2010 in Thenmerku Paruvakaatru under Seenu Ramasamy¡¯s direction and was instantly noticed by viewers and the industry alike! This film bagged three national awards.
3.? Before making it big, he even did TV serials and short films including Thuru, Maa Thavam, Kadhalithu Paar and The Angel among others. Sethupathi worked in a TV show called Penn in 2006 which aired for around 195 episodes and has also starred in the music videos of Machan Machan, Tea Podu , Spirit of Chennai and Maatrangal Ondre Dhaan.
4. 2012 marked a turning point in Sethupathi's career. All his three releases were not only critically acclaimed but also became commercial successes which resulted in his soaring popularity. He was first seen in a negative role in Sundarapandian and then played lead roles in a? thriller called Pizza and the comic caper Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom.
5. Back in 2003, he was working in Dubai to fend for his family. After coming back, he married his ladylove Jessie, who he had met online.
6. Vijay Sethupathi has two children Surya and Shreeja. According to reports, he kept the name of his son after his friend, who died during school days. Unbeknownst to many, Vijay¡¯s son has played his younger self in his film Naanum Rowdy Dhaan which released in 2015.
7. Besides acting, he has also produced three movies namely Orange Mittai, Junga and Merku Thodarchi Malai.
8. He has portrayed roles that any mainstream actor would think twice before taking it up. His performance in Super Deluxe turned out to be a game changer for him.
9. In 2019, Vijay Sethupathi worked with Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Rajinikanth in Petta which is considered as one of his solid performances.
10. Interestingly, this talented actor is all set to make his Bollywood debut soon. If reports are to be believed, Vijay will be playing the role of an army officer in Aamir Khan¡¯s Laal Singh Chaddha.??He will be playing the role of Benjamin Buford Blue which was originally played by Hollywood actor Mykelti Williamson in Forrest Gump, the movie that has inspired this Aamir movie.?
11. It is being said that Vijay Sethupathi will be going through a physical transformation for Laal Singh Chaddha. He will be losing about 25 kgs to play his part. He might have a small role but it¡¯s very crucial nonetheless.
12. His most awaited film of this year Ka Pae Ranasingam will be releasing on a pay-per-view basis on Zee Plex.?Ka Pae Ranasingam will probably be the? first Tamil film to premiere on television on a pay-per-view basis. Viewers will be able to watch the movie by paying Rs 199 on Zee Plex, which will be available both on television and digital platforms. The film will release on October 2.
Notable Works:
Where to watch: Disney + Hotstar
Touted as one of the best Tamil movies of 2017, Vikram Vedha stars Vijay Sethupathi and Madhavan. This film has taken the versatile actor¡¯s career to the next level. Vijay plays gangster Vedha while Madhavan plays a no-nonsense cop who is on a crusade to track the gangster down. Both the actors have done a phenomenal job which is why this movie makes for a great watch.?
Made on a budget of Rs 11 crores, the film raked in Rs 60 crores.?
Where to watch: Zee5
A crime comedy, Soodhu Kavvum features Vijay as a kidnapper who abducts the son of a politician. He plays a psychotic kidnapper who speaks hilarious English. His comic timing is on point and it is perhaps one of his most memorable performances.
The movie was made on a budget of Rs 2 crores and had grossed Rs 35 crores.?
Where to watch: Netflix
One of his monumental roles, Vijay plays a transgender in this film. He received many accolades for his portrayal of Shilpa. The movie addressed several societal issues like gender discrimination, demons of a failed marriage, police cruelty, religion fanaticism, dirty politics and others. Not just nationally, this movie also attained international fame as it was screened at Fantasia International Film Festival, in North America. The film also received AACTA Award for Best Asian Film
Where to watch: MX Player
The psychological comedy-thriller revolves around a young man Prem Kumar played by Vijay Sethupathi who suffers from retrograde amnesia because of a cricket incident two days prior to his wedding. This film became so successful that it was remade in Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam as well.
Made on a budget of Rs 80 lakh, this movie minted Rs 18 crore at the Box Office.
Where to watch: Voot
This movie narrates the story of three men who indulge in criminal activities to improve their financial status. However, they end up in prison and their wives are forced to lead an independent life.
Where to watch: MX Player
A romantic movie, 96 is a movie about two high school sweethearts who meet at a reunion after 20 years. This love story is heart touching and managed to leave a good impression on the audiences. Trisha and Vijay¡¯s chemistry left the viewers captivated. At the 2018 Filmfare Awards South, 96 won five awards.?
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
Vijay Sethupathi¡¯s 25th movie, Seethakathi showed him playing an 80-something theatre artist Ayya Aadimoolam. The movie showcased the frustrating life of theatre artists and their struggles to make it big in commercial cinema. Vijay plays a substantial role albeit a short one in this film. The impact that he leaves stays with you for a long time. His dialogue delivery and monologue stands out immensely.