TOP 20 BEST FILMS OF VIJAY

20. ONCE MORE (1997)

Joseph Vijay Chandrashekar, simply known as Vijay to everyone and as Ilayathalapathy to many achieved a milestone that literally separates the men from the boys. Earlier this week marked the 20^th year of Vijay in the film industry. Behindwoods picks 20 landmark films that have come to place him in the upper echelons of the industry.
 

Under his father S.A. Chandrasekhar, Vijay would have the privilege of acting alongside the legendary Sivaji Ganesan. The film was a commercial family entertainer that also featured Simran in her early days. This film also, supposedly, marks the birth of the title ‘Ilayathalapathy’

19. SACHEIN (2005)

A breezy love story set in the hills of Ooty also showed Vijay at his charming and handsome best. The light hearted nature of the film, backed by beautiful cinematography and foot tapping music were the movie’s high points. Vijay’s comedic confrontations with Vadivelu still rings in people’s minds.

18. BADRI (2001)

 

A film inspired by Aamir Khan’s blockbuster Jo Jeetha Woh Hi Sikander, but was tailor made to reach out to Vijay’s fans. This sports drama featured Vijay doing some high intensity action and dare-devilry like allowing a car to run over his hand. The films music is still popular amongst Vijay fans, especially the songs ‘King Of Chennai’ and ‘Ey Papa..’ sung by Vijay himself.

17. SIVAKASI (2005)

The second release from the Vijay-Perarasu combo in 2005. This film too tasted good success at the box office. The film had all the mass ‘masala’ moments to thrill Vijay fans. Vijay himself was in fine form in this film.

16. THIRUMALAI (2003)

Things were never going easy for Vijay until Thirumalai happened and resurrected his image as a mass hero that he’s become today. The film was a well executed commercial potboiler which showcased Vijay excelling at all aspects of his role.

15. THIRUPAACHI (2005)

If the season demanded mass masala films, then Vijay was the obvious choice. Besides being a box office success, this Perarasu film also fetched Vijay the Tamil Nadu State Film special prize for Best Actor. Vijay shouldered the responsibility and gave an all-round performance.

14. VELAYUDHAM (2011)

Vijay, by this time, had an inescapable image of a mass hero that he had to live up to. He chose a reliable director in Raja to deliver a film with all the commercial ingredients. The film treats the character like a super-hero, a status some fans might say he enjoys in real life too.

13. PRIYAMANAVALE (2000)

Vijay teamed up with Simran and director Selva Barathy for the second time to produce a clean family entertainer with a different concept of romance and marriage. The film was a remake of Pavithra Bandham from Telugu and it was well accepted by the audiences in TN.

12. PRIYAMUDAN(1998)

Just as Vijay strung together a series of successful romantic films which featured him as a quiet and passive young man, Priyamudan happened. Vijay performed, much to the audience’s surprise, a character with grey shades with great conviction. This film helped him to avoid being typecast.

11. KAAVALAN (2011)

As Vijay was being drawn into a barrage of ‘masala’ films at the risk of being termed as ‘one-trick-pony’, he outwitted everyone through his heartfelt performance in Siddique’s ‘Kaavalan’. Many critics even today believe that it was the right decision taken at the right time.

10. FRIENDS (2001) 

2000-2001 saw a period where Vijay was choosing his scripts with utmost care, and those that would guarantee success. He joined hands with acclaimed Malayalam director Siddique for the remake of the Malayalam version of Friends. The different story line also offered great acting scope for Vijay and a talented cast that included Suriya and Devayani.

9. LOVE TODAY (1997)

Another superhit film given by Vijay under the banner of Super Good Films. The film directed by Balasekaran is especially remembered for its unique climax. Vijay was highly appreciated for choosing such a role.

8. THULLADHA MANAMUM THULLUM (1999)

Another blockbuster family entertainer would mean that Vijay had truly arrived and earned himself his own market share. Thulladha Manamum Thullum ran for 100 days in many theatres across the state and is particularly remembered for delightful performances by Vijay and Simran.

7. KUSHI(2000)

Kushi would be an eternal favorite amongst Vijay fans. The film had unique characterizations of the lead pair of Vijay and Jyothika and promised a breezy and youthful love story. S.J. Suryah’s direction and Deva’s music also contributed to the film’s success.

6. POKKIRI (2007)

Pokkiri is another film that helped Vijay re-assert his position in the industry. His understated performance was a refreshing sight and was well received by the audience. The overall scope of performance that the film offered to Vijay let him showcase his skills as an entertainer.

5. NANBAN (2012)

Even though Vijay had many missed opportunities with Shankar, the union finally happened. Shankar presented the commercial mass hero as a lovable college student. Vijay’s performance was thoroughly enjoyable, and people wished to see more of the same Vijay in future as well. Coming from the stables of Shankar, there is little surprise that the film was a superhit.

4. THUPPAKKI (2012)

2012 was undoubtedly Vijay’s year. Right from Kaavalan the actor had shown great thought in choosing his projects. Thuppakki was one such project that Vijay grabbed with both hands and gave it all to make sure the film lived up to its gigantic expectations. The film was a mass commercial movie but unlike anything Vijay had done earlier. His passive demeanor provided the perfect foil for the intensity of his performance. The result being one of the biggest blockbusters of 2012!

3. POOVE UNAKKAGA (1996)

This clean family drama directed by Vikraman is said to be Vijay’s breakthrough film. The homely Sangeetha was his heroine and S.A. Rajkumar delivered some chart-topping melodies. The film helped Vijay gain instant acceptance as the boy-next-door.

2. GHILLI (2004)

This film directed by Dharani, became Vijay’s biggest hit of his career during the time of its release. The remake of the Mahesh Babu blockbuster lived up to its hype with Vijay, Trisha and Prakash Raj delivering great performances. If there was any doubt about Vijay’s market, this film banished all those doubts. Vijay was soaring again!

1. KAADHALUKKU MARIYADHAI (1997)

The year ’97 turned out to be spectacular year for Vijay as he won at the box office and also won the hearts of the audiences in this memorable romantic drama directed by Fazil. The film saw great performances from Shalini as well apart from stupendous music by the maestro Ilayaraja.