Vijay Tamil | Movies List
In the pantheon of Tamil cinema, few names command as massive and devoted a following as Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar, known mononymously as Vijay. Emerging as a child artist in the 1980s and maturing into a bankable lead by the mid-1990s, Vijay has, over three decades, constructed a filmography that not only mirrors his personal artistic growth but also reflects the shifting tides of Tamil popular cinema. From romantic roles to high-octane action spectacles with political undertones, Vijay’s list of movies serves as a cultural barometer for the commercial Tamil film industry. This essay presents a chronological and thematic analysis of Vijay’s filmography, categorizing his career into distinct phases while underscoring his evolution from a “youth icon” to a mass leader often dubbed “Thalapathy” (Commander).
Master (2021), Beast (2022), Varisu (2023), Leo (2023), The GOAT (2024)
Vijay’s recent filmography is defined by blockbuster budgets, social commentary, and deliberate positioning as a future political leader. Mersal (2017)—with its critique of GST and medical malpractice—became a phenomenon. Sarkar (2018) directly attacked electoral malpractice, leading to legal controversies. Master (2021), his post-pandemic comeback, blended juvenile home reform with stylish action. Beast (2022) was a mall-set action comedy, while Varisu (2023) returned to family melodrama. However, Leo (2023) and The GOAT (Greatest of All Time, 2024) represent his current phase: high-concept, pan-Indian collaborations with top directors (Lokesh Kanagaraj, Venkat Prabhu) that explicitly insert political messaging about corruption, education, and caste oppression. His upcoming Thalapathy 69 (rumored to be his last film before entering politics) signals the culmination of this journey—where cinema becomes a direct vehicle for political ascension. vijay tamil movies list
Below is a categorized list of Vijay’s primary films as a hero (excluding child artist appearances):
The period from Ghilli (2004) onward cemented Vijay as an action hero with comic timing. Ghilli —a remake of the Telugu blockbuster Okkadu —became one of Tamil cinema’s highest-grossing films, with Vijay playing a kabaddi player who rescues a woman from a gangster. This template of “one-man-against-system” repeated in Sivakasi (2005), Aadhi (2006), Pokkiri (2007), and Kuruvi (2008). Pokkiri (remake of Pokiri ) was another industry hit, showcasing his raw action avatar. The phase ended with Vettaikaaran (2009) and Sura (2010)—the latter a critical failure, but a commercial average. Despite uneven scripts, Vijay’s stardom remained intact, proving his ability to open films purely on name value. Other titles: Madhurey (2004), Thirupaachi (2005), Villu (2009). In the pantheon of Tamil cinema, few names
The late 1990s marked Vijay’s transition to stardom. Kadhalukku Mariyadhai (1997) and Ninaithen Vandhai (1998) offered softer, romantic narratives that appealed to family audiences. But the seismic shift came with Thulladha Manamum Thullum (1999), a commercial success that earned Vijay the title “Ilayathalapathy” (Young Commander). Other significant entries: Priyamaanavale (2000), Friends (2001), Shahjahan (2001), and Youth (2002). Yet the most transformative film of this period was Ghilli (2004)—though technically in the next phase, its predecessor Thamizhan (2002) showed Vijay attempting social messaging. During these years, his dance numbers (especially with then-frequent collaborator, actress Jyothika) became cultural phenomena.
Naalaiya Theerpu (1992), Senthoorapandi (1993), Rasigan (1994), Deva (1995), Vishnu (1995), Coimbatore Mappillai (1996), Maanbumigu Maanavan (1996), Kadhalukku Mariyadhai (1997), Ninaithen Vandhai (1998), Thulladha Manamum Thullum (1999), Minsara Kanna (1999) This essay presents a chronological and thematic analysis
Priyamaanavale (2000), Friends (2001), Badri (2001), Shahjahan (2001), Thamizhan (2002), Youth (2002), Vaseegara (2003), Ghilli (2004), Madhurey (2004), Thirupaachi (2005), Sivakasi (2005), Aadhi (2006), Pokkiri (2007), Kuruvi (2008), Villu (2009), Vettaikaaran (2009)