Before conquering Bollywood and Hollywood, Priyanka Chopra kicked off her career with a Tamil film, starring opposite one of India's most iconic superstars.
They say the sky is the limit, but looking at Priyanka Chopra's meteoric rise in such a short span, it’s clear she doesn’t believe in limits. Whatever she touches turns to gold—could it be her own Midas touch? From dominating Bollywood to making waves in Hollywood, she is inarguably a force to be reckoned with. And it’s not just acting; she’s a powerhouse in singing, entrepreneurship, and even hosting, leaving a mark on every field she steps into.
The award-winning actress’s journey began on April 12, 2002, with the release of her debut film. But the twist is—contrary to what you might expect, it wasn’t a Bollywood film. Instead, it was Tamil. Well, as we celebrate 23 years of her reign in showbiz, let’s rewind to that very film that marked the start of her incredible journey.
Yes, Chopra made her debut with the 2002 Tamil-language film, 'Thamizhan', directed by G. Venkateswaran. And she shared the screen with none other than Thalapathy Vijay.
(Credit: team_pc_)
She also sang for the film. So, it marked her debut as a playback singer as well.
#FBF
— Team Priyanka Chopra Jonas (@TeamPriyanka) March 4, 2022
Did you know @priyankachopra's first film Thamizhan also marked her singing debut? #PriyankaChopraJonas stepped into movies in 2002 (Thamizhan) for which she also sang the song Ullathai Killathe, marking her first stint at playback singing #FactFriday pic.twitter.com/V1S5s0OGhs
(Credit: Team Priyanka Chopra Jonas)
Notably, it remains Chopra's only Tamil film to date. She made her Bollywood debut a year later with 'The Hero: Love Story of a Spy'.
Before signing her debut film, Chopra was a young woman navigating the transition from winning the Miss World title in 2000 to stepping into the world of acting. Naturally, it was raining offers for her at the time. While 'Thamizhan' obviously seemed a lucrative offer, she was very reluctant about it.
Years later, her mother Madhu Chopra shared in an interview how she had convinced her daughter to sign the film. In her words, "Priyanka didn’t want to star in films. She got the offer for the South Indian film through somebody. When I told Priyanka about the offer, she was in tears, she said, ‘I am not doing films.’ But she has always been an obedient child. When I told her to accept the offer, she agreed and signed the contract."
Priyanka Chopra with her mom Madhu Chopra
'Thamizhan' paired Chopra with Tamil cinema's heartthrob, Thalapathy Vijay. Vijay played Surya, a spirited young man who evolves into a principled lawyer championing justice. Chopra portrayed Priya, his love interest. Their on-screen chemistry was beautiful, with the actress later reflecting on Vijay's humility and generosity, which helped her performance.
Priyanka Chopra and Vijay in a still from 'Thamizhan'
Stepping into a new industry (and a whole new world), the actress faced challenges, including language barriers and cultural nuances. Her mother expressed concerns about how a young girl would adapt to working with a star like Vijay. However, Vijay's patience and support eased her transition, ensuring a harmonious collaboration. Also, as the actress later shared, everyone in the cast & crew was very supportive towards her.
Good morning tholargale..... ❤️
— Kollywood Ka Baap (@kollywoodkabaap) May 21, 2020
Today Morning it's #Thamizhan on Suntv 😍. Thalapathy and Priyanka Chopra 😘😘#Master @actorvijay pic.twitter.com/AamyTFGIdt
(Credit: Kollywood Ka Baap)
The film is an action-drama that delves into themes of justice and integrity. The plot follows Surya's transformation from a carefree individual to a lawyer who confronts corruption and fights for the common man. It also featured seasoned actors like Revathi, Nassar, and Ashish Vidyarthi among others, contributing to its rich storytelling. However, critics had mixed reviews; Malathi Rangarajan praised Vijay's performance, but she felt Chopra's role was limited and had nothing much to do.
(Credit: RJS Cinemas)
Despite its mixed reviews, 'Thamizhan' catapulted Chopra to stardom, paving the way for her diverse roles in Bollywood and later in Hollywood. Years after the film's release, she reflected on her debut, acknowledging the challenges and learning experiences. And she expressed gratitude for the opportunity and the lessons learned, which shaped her approach to subsequent roles.
