Vijay Sethupathi's impact on Tamil cinema cannot be overstated. He has redefined the notion of a "hero" in Tamil films, choosing roles that showcase his versatility and range. His dedication to his craft has inspired a new generation of actors, and his influence can be seen in many upcoming films.
: A tender romantic drama where his portrayal of Ram, a nostalgic photographer, became a career milestone. Super Deluxe
Looking ahead, his slate of upcoming films is packed with exciting projects, including the thriller Ace (2025) directed by Arumuga Kumar, the period drama Arasan alongside Vetri Maaran and Silambarasan TR, and an untitled film with director Puri Jagannadh.
The future for "Makkal Selvan" is as packed as ever, with several highly anticipated projects:
Vijay Sethupathi has redefined what it means to be a "hero" in the Tamil film industry. By refusing to stick to a predictable image, he has built a filmography that serves as a treasure trove for cinema lovers. Whether you enjoy dark comedies, high-octane action blockbusters, or poetic, tear-jerking romances, his film list offers something brilliant for every type of viewer. If you'd like to narrow down your watch list, let me know: Your (thriller, comedy, romance?) vijay sethupathi tamil movie list
Vijay Sethupathi made his debut in a lead role with Thenmerku Paruvakaatru (2010), but it was his consecutive hits in 2012 that established him as a force in Kollywood.
He plays Shilpa, a transgender woman. It is a career-defining performance that broke stereotypes. A bold, artistic masterpiece.
A heartwarming emotional drama centered around an old landlord, a chauffeur, and a vintage Premier Padmini car. It highlighted his ability to play understated, gentle characters.
In recent years, Vijay Sethupathi has successfully transitioned into a pan-Indian icon, balancing core Tamil cinema projects with major Bollywood and streaming ventures (like Farzi , Jawan , and Merry Christmas ). Meanwhile, his Tamil lineup continues to focus on rich character studies. Vijay Sethupathi's impact on Tamil cinema cannot be
Simultaneously, he played an elderly, toothless don in Petta and a ruthless, much older antagonist in Master . In Master , he played Bhavani, a villain whose backstory was rooted in systemic abuse, making the audience complicit in his violence. He proved that he could dominate a film even when pitted against a larger commercial star like Vijay, simply through the power of his stillness.
("People’s Treasure"), has established himself as one of the most versatile and prolific actors in contemporary Tamil cinema
Playing the gangster Vedha, he delivered a career-defining performance alongside Madhavan, earning accolades for his charisma and menace.
Following a brief stint as an NRI accountant in Dubai, Sethupathi began his film journey as a background actor for several years before landing his first lead role in Seenu Ramasamy's Thenmerku Paruvakaatru (2010). His career reached a turning point in 2012 with a string of critical and commercial successes including Pizza and Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom . Major Tamil Films & Career Milestones : A tender romantic drama where his portrayal
Whether you want to see him as a
Before his breakthrough, Vijay Sethupathi spent nearly a decade playing uncredited roles in films like M Kumaran Son of Mahalakshmi (2004), Pudhupettai (2006), and Lee (2007). He also starred in several notable short films, which helped him catch the eyes of independent filmmakers. Thenmerku Paruvakaatru (2010)
He is slated for more collaborations with prominent directors in 2025 and 2026, including the highly anticipated Viduthalai Part 2 continuation. Chronological Tamil Movie List (Highlights) Thenmerku Paruvakaatru (2010) Pizza (2012) Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom (2012) Soodhu Kavvum (2013) Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara (2013) Pannaiyarum Padminiyum (2014) Rummy (2014) Orange Mittai (2015) Naanum Rowdy Dhaan (2015) Sethupathi (2016) Kadhalum Kadandhu Pogum (2016) Iraivi (2016) Dharma Durai (2016) Aandavan Kattalai (2016) Rekka (2016) Kavan (2017) Vikram Vedha (2017) '96 (2018) Chekka Chivantha Vaanam (2018) Super Deluxe (2019) Sindhubaadh (2019) Master (2021) Kadaisi Vivasayi (2021) Vikram (2022) Viduthalai Part 1 (2023) Merry Christmas (2024) Viduthalai Part 2 (2024-2025) Why Vijay Sethupathi’s Filmography is Unique