The "Makkal Selvan" (People’s Treasure), Vijay Sethupathi has emerged as a true pan-India star in recent years, carving a niche for himself in the Indian film industry.
Famous for his versatility, memorable performances, and unconventional choices, Vijay Sethupathi’s journey from a side actor to one of the most sought-after stars in India is a testament to his dedication, talent, and perseverance. He not only brought Tamil cinema to new heights, but also showcased its richness and diversity to a broader audience.
Born in Rajapalayam, Tamil Nadu, Sethupathi’s early life was far away the cinema. After working odd jobs for couple of years in Dubai, he decided to pursue acting. He started as a background artist and played minor roles in various Tamil language films. Ultimately, the breakthrough came with "Pizza" and "Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom". Both different genre (suspense thriller and comedy respectively) movies won over audiences and critics alike.
(Credit - Film Companion)
The actor who defied conventional hero stereotypes, Sethupathi was not afraid to play flawed or even antagonist characters, which made him stand out in Tamil language film industry. Through remarkable performances in “Naanum Rowdy Dhaan” (2015), “Dharma Durai” (2016), "Vikram Vedha" (2017), ‘96 (2018), "Super Deluxe" (2019), Sethupathi has consistently pushed boundaries. His performances have brought a new wave of storytelling to Tamil language cinema, emphasizing authenticity and emotional depth.
Believe it or not, Covid-19 has helped regional industries get national or global attention. The similar thing happened to great actor like Vijay Sethupathi, who already commanded a massive fan following in Tamil Nadu, has entered the pan-India space through his roles in "Master" (2021). By playing the character of layered antagonist named Bhavani, Sethupathi earned praise alongside superstar Vijay. His pan-India appeal grew further with his Bollywood debut in "Mumbaikar", impressive performance in Raj and DK’s web series "Farzi" (2023) alongside Shahid Kapoor. He also played the antagonist in Shah Rukh Khan starrer “Jawan” (2023).
By taking up diverse projects, Sethupathi has introduced Tamil cinema’s rich narratives and vibrant culture to audiences across the globe. Movies like "96" and "Super Deluxe" have been lauded for their universal themes. His 50th movie “Maharaja” (2024), alongside earning 100 crore in box-office, topped in Netflix charts in multiple countries.
Vijay Sethupathi’s journey is a true inspiration for aspiring actors. He didn't come from a family aligned with the world of cinema. He doesn't have a conventional hero-type face or physique. Rather, Vijay Sethupathi broke the established norms and choose authenticity, passion, and hard work to win hearts. His effortless ability to bridge linguistic and cultural barriers made him a household name beyond Tamil Nadu state.
Vijay Sethupathi’s meteoric rise as a pan-India star is more than a personal triumph. It's the celebration of Tamil language film's ability to narrate compelling stories that resonate with audiences worldwide. The journey exemplifies the magic of cinema in uniting people across cultural and linguistic boundaries. Sethupathi stands tall as a ray of hope and inspiration for the next generation of actors.
Vijay Sethupathi is the definition of artistic integrity with commercial success in modern Indian cinematic landscape. Here's celebrating a true icon of Indian cinema on his special day!
