South indian actor vikram biography of rory

Indian actor (born 1966)

Kennedy Convenience Victor (born 17 April 1966), known professionally as Vikram, crack an Indian actor and playback singer who predominantly works engage Tamil cinema. He is halfway the most decorated actors make a claim Tamil cinema, with laurels plus eight Filmfare Awards South, natty National Film Award, four Dravidian Nadu State Film Awards avoid the Kalaimamani Award from nobleness Government of Tamil Nadu.

Homespun on the earnings of Asiatic celebrities, Vikram was included implement the Forbes India Celebrity Cardinal list for 2016 and 2018.^[3]

Vikram debuted with the romance En Kadhal Kanmani (1990) followed incite his major breakthrough with diadem portrayal of a rogue-turned-lover limit Bala's tragedy film Sethu (1999) and next appeared in nail films like Dhill (2001), Gemini (2002), Dhool (2003), Saamy (2003), Anniyan (2005), Raavanan (2010), Deiva Thirumagal (2011) and Iru Mugan (2016).

He also earned prevalent critical acclaim for diverse roles of disadvantaged people in Kasi (2001), Samurai (2002) and Pithamagan (2003); the lattermost won him the National Film Award promulgate Best Actor.^[4] Vikram's highest-grossing releases came with the romantic adventure I (2015) and the valiant historical dramas Ponniyin Selvan: I (2022) and Ponniyin Selvan: II (2023).

Vikram has promoted many social causes and appeared gorilla the Youth Envoy for picture United Nations Human Settlements Agenda in 2011. He has bent a brand ambassador of Sanjeevani Trust and a school encouragement special children, Vidya Sudha, which he stayed at during rank making of Deiva Thirumagal on account of well as having long-term connections with the Kasi Eye Affliction and running his own prosperity association through the Vikram Foundation.^[5] In 2016, he produced impressive directed the video to prestige flood relief anthem, Spirit persuade somebody to buy Chennai, as a tribute interruption the city's volunteers following decency 2015 South Indian floods.

Early life and family

Vikram was autochthon as Kennedy John Victor hallucination 17 April 1966 to skilful Tamil Christian father and neat Tamil Hindu mother.^[6] His divine, John Victor (alias Vinod Raj) was a native of Paramakudi who left his home come close to start a career in motion pictures, but worked only in small roles.

Vikram's mother, Rajeshwari, was a government officer who reached the rank of sub-collector. Rajeshwari was born in a Hindi family with film connections. An extra brother, Thiagarajan, is an measure director-actor in the Tamil integument industry; he is the curate of actor Prashanth, making him Vikram's first cousin (although primacy two have never openly acclaimed this relationship).^[7] Vikram has mirror image siblings, both younger to him.

His brother, Arvind, appeared access the low-budget Tamil film, Eppo Kalyanam (2022).^[8][9] His sister, Anitha, is a teacher.

Vikram's dad, Vinod Raj, was a brief time actor who did sob fare successfully in films added only managed to act think about it supporting roles in Tamil pictures and television serials.^[10] This enthusiastic Vikram to take theatre rule and become professionally trained elaborate classical and cinema dance forms to ensure that he became a leading actor.^[6][11] Vikram confident to use a screen nickname because he disliked his inspired name, Kennedy, and he further felt that such a overseas name was not a return name for an actor see the point of Tamil films.

He took high-mindedness name Vikram (a Hindu name) which means "man who does great deeds." In one ask, he said that he was also inspired to take rank name because it was dinky mixture of several names prized to him: "Vi" from reward father's name (Vinod), "K" running away Kennedy, "Ra" from his mother's name (Rajeshwari) and "ram" foreign his sun sign, Aries.^[12]

Vikram was educated at Montfort School, Yercaud (a boarding school in swell hill station near Salem) skull graduated in 1983.^[10] He has mentioned that he used rulership opportunities at school well get by without taking part in karate, ridge riding and swimming and well-known that such early exposure be carried activities gave him confidence whilst a youngster.

Vikram lurked confine the fringes of the school's theatre club for a extensive period and often took close in backstage work before glare handed the lead role conduct yourself a school adaptation of Molière's The Doctor in Spite come close to Himself after the original star had contracted chicken pox.^[12] Regardless of expressing his interest to riposte films after school, his cleric forced him to go formulate education and Vikram subsequently gradational from Loyola College, Chennai make sense a degree in English Information and worked halfway towards rest MBA programme.^[13][10] Through the copious dramatics club, Vikram appeared put it to somebody stage productions including college adaptations of The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial and Peter Shaffer's Black Comedy, receiving best actor awards take care of his performances.^[12] After winning exceptional Best Actor Award at well-organized function held at IIT Province, Vikram was hit by shipshape and bristol fashion truck during a ride mayhem his motorbike on the section home and suffered a critical leg injury.

He remained hospital-ridden for three years during school and subsequently went through xxiii surgeries to prevent his level from being amputated.^[13][14] Vikram so returned to finish the rearmost year of his degree puzzle out his accident and secured assent to finish his dissertation pleasing home, as he was one and only able to walk on crutches for a short period.^[15]

Acting career

Main article: Vikram filmography

1988–1998

Vikram began fillet professional career by modelling reclaim advert films for brands together with Chola Tea, TVS Excel deliver Alwyn watches as well chimpanzee appearing in a six occurrence television serial titled Galatta Kudumbam, which aired between November person in charge December 1988.

During the ending year of his M.B.A trade show at Loyola College, he was recognised by the film effort, with veteran director C. Utterly. Sridhar approaching him for elegant lead role in a film.^[16] Vikram made his film first showing in 1990 by appearing connect En Kadhal Kanmani, a small-budget love story featuring him coextensive Rekha Nambiar, with Sridhar's Thanthu Vitten Ennai, opposite Rohini utilize his next release.

He subsequently signed on to be a-one part of cinematographer P. Apophthegm. Sriram's college love story Meera, with high expectations, however, birth three films failed to set off his career.^[17] His appearances referee Meera and in Kaaval Geetham, with another veteran director Merciless. P. Muthuraman, helped him enthusiastic film offers from the Malayalam and Telugu film industries.^[16] Dainty 1993, he almost signed superlative to appear in Mani Ratnam's Bombay and featured in say publicly initial photo shoot alongside Manisha Koirala.

However, Mani Ratnam required Vikram to remove his challenge for the role, and Vikram could not do so in arrears to continuity problems with preference film he had signed final hence was dropped from picture project.^[18]

Between 1993 and 1994, Vikram played supporting roles in skilful series of films.

He developed in three successful Malayalam pictures by appearing with Mammootty, Suresh Gopi and Jayaram in Joshi's successful action film Dhruvam, a while ago teaming up with Gopi regulate for Shaji Kailas's Mafia, which explored Bangalore's criminal underworld. Besides, Joshi cast him again coextensive Mammootty in the action theatrical piece Sainyam in the role aristocratic an air cadet.^[19] During nobility period, Vikram also appeared squeeze up the small budget Telugu single Chirunavvula Varamistava in the be in charge role and as Akkineni Nageswara Rao's eldest son in rank family drama Bangaru Kutumbam, slaughter both films failing to teamwork him a breakthrough although depiction latter was a box prayer success.^[20] A brief return spread Tamil films also proved unavailing, with his role in Vikraman's multi-starrer Pudhiya Mannargal, with air composed by A.

R. Rahman turning out to be adroit commercial failure.^[21]

Throughout 1995 and 1996, Vikram appeared in further Dravidian and Malayalam films to come by income, being kept away shun Tamil films due to dinky lack of offers.^[17] He hurt the lead role in ethics Malayalam film Mayoora Nritam fastened by Vijayakrishnan's and even distressed villain in Street opposite Baboo Antony and lead roles tag the small budget Telugu pictures Adalla Majaka and Sriraj Ginne's Akka!

Bagunnava?. He collaborated go back over the same ground with Mammootty in Indraprastham queue Suresh Gopi in Rajaputhran, heretofore appearing in his first conduct role in Malayalam with Itha Oru Snehagatha opposite Laila.^[19] Vikram signed Amitabh Bachchan's first Dravidian language film production, Ullaasam, which also featured Ajith Kumar innermost Maheswari.

The big budget ep created anticipation prior to good, but was average run have an effect on the box office.^[22] However, Vikram acknowledged the film for enlargeable his female fan base importance a result of the soft-personality of his character.^[17] He followed it up with appearances prosperous the unnoticed Ilaiyaraaja musical Kangalin Vaarthaigal, before playing a little role in Parthiban's critically identifiable film House Full.

During king struggling phase, Vikram dubbed contemplate other heroes in films containing voices for Prabhu Deva family tree Kaadhalan, Ajith Kumar in Amaravathi and Abbas in Kandukondain Kandukondain respectively. Vikram has mentioned digress he did not look slam on dubbing and saw arise as a "dignity of labour".^[14][23] During the period, he extremely attended dancing classes every short holiday, and tried acting out contrastive scenes and different characters liven up his small group of friends.^[24] He began to turn mop chances to play supporting roles in films and was chasing on making a breakthrough importance a lead actor and noticeably turned down the role handle Swarnamalya's fiancée in Mani Ratnam's Alaipayuthey.^[12] Vikram also rejected approaches from television serial producers, grim that working in television would reduce his chances of smooth a mainstream actor.^[25] He too refused opportunities to take zenith in film events as regular backing dancer, with actor Sriman revealing that Vikram was "one amongst not many" who was not interested in travelling crossreference Canada to participate in much shows.^[12]

1999–2001

In 1999, he played high-mindedness eponymous lead in debutant leader Bala's romantic drama Sethu.

Come to prepare for the character, which was also referred to chimpanzee Chiyaan, Vikram shaved his tendency, lost 21 kilograms and grew his nails long for illustriousness role.^[13][24] After beginning production wonderful April 1997, the film went through development hell after sweat strikes and lack of verify hampered progress.

During this period, he did not accept pristine acting offers to maintain greatness continuity of his looks. Rectitude film then struggled to surprise a distributor, who shunned organized due to the tragic zenith and the film remained unreleased.^[10][26] Vikram described the period reminiscent of production as "the worst folio of his career" as perform was financially strapped and "his fire was in danger method dying down".^[24] He turned have a siesta an opportunity from a keep a note of to take up a not wasteful in technology and attempted respecting stay in the industry vulgar directing a serial titled Mounam Pesiyadhey, with Ameer as dominion assistant director.^[12]Sethu finally released fence in December 1999 and initially began running at a single noontide show at a suburban performing arts, but gradually gained an chance through word-of-mouth publicity.

Eventually, situation ran for over 100 age at several cinema halls thrash sing Chennai. Vikram was constantly grow mobbed by people on representation streets as a result dead weight the film's success.^[13][17] Critics enthusiastically praised Vikram's performance with elegant reviewer referring to Vikram translation "a revelation" and that "he is very natural and dominion acting in last few scenes are just too good limit could even be compared discharge the best we have seen".^[27] Similarly, a critic from authority Malaysian daily New Straits Bygone, described the film as classic "unforgettable experience" and described Vikram's performance as "praise-worthy".^[28] The implementation drew accolades with Vikram bewitching the Filmfare Special Award – South^[29] and the Tamil Nadu Flow Film Award Special Prize, put in addition to his first oratory for the Filmfare Award to about Best Actor – Tamil make up for his portrayal of the name character, while reports emerged go off at a tangent he missed out on excellence National Film Award for Total Actor by a single show of hands to Mohanlal.^[30] Post-Sethu, Vikram has said that the film would always remain close to him regardless of its commercial happy result and that it put him on the "right path", mess about with Vikram choosing to adapt character prefix of Chiyaan to enthrone screen name.^[24]

Vikram did not guarantee up to a film joyfulness 65 days after the unchain of Sethu, to ensure desert he made the right vitality move.^[13] Vikram spent time finishing projects he had agreed criticize feature in before the run away of Sethu and hence completed a couple of appearances straighten out the Malayalam films Red Indians and the horror film Indriyam.^[31] He also played a luminous role in Siragugal, a thin Tamil telefilm produced and featuring Radhika, which was shot comprehensively in the suburbs of London.^[32][33] Furthermore, he also completed join Telugu films during the period; 9 Nelalu and Youth.

9 Nelalu featured Vikram as justness husband of the character spurious by Soundarya, who faces dignity challenges of being a backup mother. The film won skilled reviews, with a critic touch on that Vikram gave a "controlled performance"^[34] while Vikram's newfound acceptance in Tamil films saw significance film dubbed into Tamil in a short time after as Kandaen Seethaiyai, have a crush on an inserted comedy track bypass comedian Vivek.^[35] His next set was Rajakumaran's Vinnukum Mannukum, complementary Sarath Kumar, Khushbu and Devayani, which revolved around an fine-looking boy falling in love top an actress.

Vikram has by reason of mentioned his displeasure at for one person a part of the lp, claiming that he had reasoning with the director for evermore single shot and that "everything in that film, right elude the first shot was wrong"; the film became a leanness commercially.^[36][37]

His next film was Dhill, where he played an wishful police officer, Kanagavel, who tackles a corrupt policeman.

To emerge trim in the role good buy the aspiring police officer, Vikram went on a strict legislature eating only fruits and imbibing juice.^[38] The film opened hearten positive reviews, with a judge from The Hindu claiming guarantee "Vikram has the ability splendid potential" and that "Vikram has once again proved that tiara success in Sethu was fret a fluke".^[39]Dhill subsequently went drain to become Vikram's first prosperity in the masala film brand and led the way in favour of more such films in picture same genre for him.^[40] Vikram's portrayal of a blind ethnic group singer in Vinayan's Kasi won him his first Filmfare Furnish for Best Actor – Dravidian and the film also dutiful to be a commercial success.^[37] For the film, he sunbathed on the terrace of beachside home in Chennai storage a sunburnt look and got dizzying headaches while practising equivalent to look blind.^[38] Again, Vikram's act won positive reviews from critics, with a reviewer describing come into being as an "extraordinarily detailed performance" and that "as the slow singer, he brings laughter, groan and a lump in one's throat".^[41]

2002–2003

The following year, Vikram went on to play the appellation role in Saran's Gemini, result as a be revealed by AVM Productions, his control big-budget film in the Dravidian industry, which featured him imprison the role of a provincial rowdy.^[42] The action film customary positive reviews, with a commentator citing that Vikram "delivers a-ok convincing performance" and consequently became a "box office triumph".^[37][43] The same, the film's soundtrack composed give up Bharadwaj had become popular one-time to release, with Vikram very singing a version of righteousness hit song "O Podu!" plan the album.^[44]Balaji Sakthivel's Samurai was his next release, featuring him as a vigilante Robin Hood-esque figure who kidnapped corrupt politicians.

Vikram had signed the coat in early 2000 and rendering film was on hold via production, leading to a biennial delay and the film at length opened to average reviews unthinkable box office collections. The essayist from The Hindu gave plaudits for Vikram's "admirably well-maintained erect and powerful eyes", whilst alternative labelled that the film's one and only major positive was Vikram's infamous portrayal.^[45][46] His final release chide the year was Prabhu Solomon's King, a drama film which featured him alongside Sneha beam Nassar.

Vikram played Raja, trig magician, who is unaware dump he has been diagnosed knapsack multiple sclerosis, with his race trying to keep the factualness away from him. The husk also met with an adverse response commercially, but received pleasant reviews from critics.^[47]

2003–2009

The success method Dharani's Dhill resulted in glory film's team collaborating to sham a film in a jar genre; Dhool, which also featured Jyothika, Reemma Sen and Vivek.^[40] The film saw Vikram statistic Aarumugham, a villager, who attains to the city seeking longsuffering in regard to a tap water crisis back home, but in a few words ends up tackling the debased politicians who are behind greatness water scam.

In regard combat his performance, the Rediff.com examine praised his enactment, citing lose one\'s train of thought "Vikram is at his peak" and that "he seems slightly much at home with chaffing as with action, in affair as in emotional sequences", make your mind up the critic from The Hindu also praised his performance.^[48][49] Dignity film became a blockbuster plus his fifth success in combine and a half years, pick up Vikram being dubbed as "the matinee idol of our times" by a leading Indian newspaper.^[50] He also featured in prestige romantic film Kadhal Sadugudu, take up again Priyanka Trivedi which was great critical and commercial failure, enrol reviewers claiming that "there trust times you wish Vikram were a little more brisk direct dynamic" in regard to fulfil performance.^[51] After release, Vikram was critical of the film's nonperformance, confessing that the story "underwent a lot of changes aft the initial narration", lamenting walk he was "taken for graceful royal ride" by the producers.^[52]

Vikram was then signed on overstep K.

Balachander to appear rejoinder his banner's biggest production present the time, the masala membrane Saamy, directed by Hari.^[53] Vikram played Aarusaamy, an honest constable working in Tirunelveli, who solves the region's communal problems tie in with his down-to-earth approach.

Vikram distressed on his body for rendering film, sporting a thick halfway point to show notable differences hit upon his other police film, Dhill and also put on eighter kilograms.^[24] The film took unmixed large opening, grossing over Artless. 70 million in 10 days connect Tamil Nadu, while also legation the largest opening of high-mindedness new millennium in Kerala, care the Telugu remake rights along with sold for a record due.

Due to the good inauguration, the film has proved message be profitable just 10 period after its release and like this went on to become uncluttered blockbuster.^[54] Vikram's performance was identifiable by critics, with a arbiter from Sify claiming that Vikram had "succumbed to the notoriety image trap", but is excellence "mainstay of the picture".^[55]

Later go off year, he starred in Bala's crime drama Pithamagan, alongside Suriya, Sangeetha and Laila, playing decency role of Chitthan, a gravedigger with autism spectrum disorders.

Crystal-clear did not have any conference in the film and righteousness actor's acting muscles were lingering as he had to generate body language and facial expressions to convey his feelings streak thoughts, with Vikram also promulgating the make-up for the sixth sense himself.^[24][38] The film received decidedly positive reviews upon release, ready to go a critic from The Hindu calling it a "symphony gesticulation celluloid", while noting that voyage will be a "milestone get in touch with Vikram's career" and "he carves a niche for himself pop in the viewer's mind with queen expressions and excellent body language".^[56] His performance earned him picture National Film Award for Superb Actor, with the latter laurels making him only the position Tamil actor to win grandeur award; he also received team a few nominations for the Filmfare Trophy haul for Best Actor – Dravidian for Saamy and Pithamagan, endearing for the latter, his erelong win in the category.^[4][13] Empress next release was the repayment drama Arul, directed by Hari.

The film received mixed come to get positive reviews^[57] and moderate maintain office collections.^[58]

Vikram signed on involving feature in the action tale Anniyan, directed by prominent jumped-up Shankar in March 2004.^[59] Vikram agreed to shoot for high-mindedness film for 140 days, which was revealed to be among the longest contracts signed building block an actor in a Dravidian film.^[60] The film featured him as a character suffering running away dissociative identity disorder with leash distinct personae: a meek queen's, a suave fashion model deliver a psychotic serial killer.

Ex to release, the film was touted as the most upmarket South Indian film ever, costing Rs 263.8 million, and was unrestricted across India with 400 prints.^[61]Anniyan took an "extraordinary opening",^[62] be proof against went on to become great blockbuster grossing more than Center. 1 billion through the original plus two dubbed versions.^[63] Vikram's suit received widespread critical acclaim, substitution a reviewer from Sify downcast that "Anniyan truly belongs designate Vikram and the film in your right mind unthinkable without him" and "it is a role that could have been reduced to on the rocks caricature by a lesser actor".^[64]Anniyan won several accolades at accolade ceremonies the following year, cede Vikram winning his third Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil for his performance clear up the film.^[65]

Later in the origin, he signed and completed Shafi's comedy film with Asin, Majaa, in less than five months.

The film which also featured Pasupathy as his brother, aphorism Vikram work as the helper director under Shafi.^[66]Majaa faced practised poor response at the coffer office and fetched average reviews, with a reviewer citing deviate "you will surely find concerning missing".^[67]

Vikram then signed up take Bheema in October 2005, clang the film facing severe delays and only releasing in Jan 2008.^[68] The film saw him portray Sekhar, who grows prop idolizing the gangster played mass Prakash Raj, and Vikram unbarred that he approached the integument like an actor, even hunt through the film's script was designed "for a star".^[69] Upon unbind, the film gained mixed reviews though reviewers praised Vikram's read, with a critic claiming delay "Vikram breathes life into authority film", "he looks sensational anti his toned body, killer aspect and unarguably delivers yet other outstanding performance of his career" and to "see the husk only for him".^[70] Similarly, position review from The Hindu was critical of the excessive severity and mentioned that "as chronicling gives way after a deem, Vikram can only appear helpless".^[71] His next release, Kanthaswamy, scheduled by Susi Ganesan and additionally featuring Shriya Saran, became position first superhero film in Dravidian cinema, with Vikram being featured as a vigilante dressed kind an anthropomorphic rooster, Kokorako become more intense a CBI Officer.^[72]Kanthaswamy became Vikram's most expensive production beating Anniyan, with the film boasting loosen high production values of taking accedence an innovative pre-launch trailer reprove with scenes shot in Italia and Mexico.^[73][74] The film due a mixed response from critics, with the reviewer from Nuance claiming that the film "strikes a fine balance between understanding and substance" and proceeding peel state that "Vikram is hypnotic and has given an superabundance dimension to the characters operate plays in the film with steers it to the bewitching post", suggesting that "there financial assistance very few people in Amerindic cinema who can do magnanimity larger-than-life fantasy characters as hands down as Vikram".

Sudhish Kamath dig up The Hindu labelled the husk as "slow death", claiming deviate "as an actor, Vikram has nothing to do". The coating took a strong opening, dictate a collection of Rs. 370 million, including Rs. 160 million in Dravidian Nadu, at the box prayer in the opening week precision its international release.

The coat subsequently went on to progress one of the most well-paid films of the year trip ran in theaters for look at one hundred days.^[75][76]

2010–2014

Vikram then featured in Mani Ratnam's bilingual movies Raavanan and Raavan, inspired stomachturning the ancient Sanskrit epic Ramayana, with Vikram featuring as interpretation tribal leader, Veeraiya, in greatness Tamil version and the bobby, Dev Pratap Sharma, in magnanimity Hindi version of the pictures, which were shot simultaneously.^[77] Vikram revealed that changes between nobility two characters during filming took up to 45 minutes, coupled with Abhishek Bachchan playing the folk leader in the Hindi replace, whilst Prithviraj played the flatfoot in the Tamil version, criticism Aishwarya Rai as the someone lead.^[14] Vikram was initially perceptive, because both roles were misinform be shot almost simultaneously, however revealed that he succeeded wedge showing differences in his reason language and expressions.^[78][79] Vikram crush that he and Abhishek Bachchan played the roles in blue blood the gentry respective versions without inspiration implant one another.

Despite being spick non-speaker and making his inauguration in Hindi, he dubbed crown lines in the language, remarking jovially that it was justness "most difficult thing in magnanimity world".^[80] After promotions at influence Cannes Film Festival and put in order premiere at Leicester Square gauzy London, the two versions stomach the dubbed Telugu version unrestricted simultaneously in 2,200 screens ubiquitous and took a big split on day one, earning 200 million.^[81][82] The Tamil version, Raavanan won rave reviews from critics, unwanted items The Hindu calling it clever "master-stroke" and claiming that Vikram "raises the bar higher walk off with every venture".

The critic insincere that "emotions of love, anger, anguish and joy dance film his face in quick succession", concluding that "Vikram lifts say publicly role to an admirable level".^[83] The critic from Sify named it as an "astonishing portrayal", while the critic from birth Hindustan Times praised Vikram's "ability to get into Veeraiya's browse and emote with conviction".^[84] Blue blood the gentry Tamil version emerged as keen commercial success, with Vikram's execution winning him his fourth Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil among other accolades.^[85] Look onto contrast, the Hindi version fetched mixed reviews, with critics harmonious that Vikram's performance as dignity tribal leader was more surprising than Bachchan's.

Baradwaj Rangan, terms for The New Indian Express rated the film 4/5 crucial said: "Raavan falls for Sita (and vice versa) in hoaxer intriguingly idiosyncratic take on influence Ramayana – if you can project past the lead performances, meander is".^[86] Whereas, Taran Adarsh, hand for Bollywood Hungama rated take in 1+1⁄2 out of 5 extremity said: "On the whole, Raavan is a king-sized disappointment, call a halt terms of content" though imply that Vikram was "first-rate, conj albeit the role isn't substantial enough".^[87]Raavan subsequently went on to junction a surprise flop at position Indian box office.^[88] The coat was also screened at authority Venice Film Festival and position Busan International Film Festival, assort Vikram in attendance.^[89]

After two length of existence of discussions, Vikram began copperplate film under the direction pan Selvaraghavan in a project baptized by the media as Sindubad.

The film began shoot abide completed a schedule by badly timed 2010 in the Himalayas delete Swati Reddy appearing as authority female lead. However, the pick up was reported to be temporarily shelved and subsequently never took off again after the fabricator Singanamala Ramesh walked out.^[90] Vikram then agreed terms to lane in Vikram Kumar's 24, come by Mohan Natarajan, with Ileana D'Cruz signed on to have the female lead role.

Nobility film progressed briefly with shots being canned in caves, heretofore the director was ousted chomp through the project, cancelling the film.^[91] Vikram then also shot fleetingly for a third successive temporarily inactive project directed by Boopathy Pandian for the same producer, featuring him in the role pick up the tab an investigative cop; however high-mindedness film failed to progress person in charge instead Natarajan financed Vikram's early payment film.^[92]

His 2011 release, the fantasy Deiva Thirumagal, directed by Well-organized.

L. Vijay, saw Vikram delineate a father with a impressionable disability having the mental preparation of a seven-year-old. To guide for the role, Vikram visited homes for the mentally challenged such as Vidya Sagar build up Vidya Sudha for a thirty days, watching their body language turf taking notes.^[93] He also communicated with the patients, to beak up the nuances of fill with impaired speech.

Vikram has since gone on to arrange his role as Krishna whilst the best character he has ever portrayed.^[94] The film, which also featured Sara Arjun, Anushka Shetty and Amala Paul get the picture supporting roles, opened to extensively positive reviews from critics paramount enjoyed commercial success at rank box office.^[95] The reviewer hold up The Deccan Chronicle described defer the film was "Vikram's high up all the way" and renounce "his rendition of a mentally-challenged man trying to cope go through the everyday realities of education a child is a labour of art", praising his "fiery, complex performance as one cosy up the more viciously honest depictions of mental illness cinema has seen".^[96] Similarly, another critic ostensible that the on-screen chemistry betwixt Vikram and his daughter, pretentious by Sara Arjun, is "magic" and their performances "are regeneration to leave a lump case your throat".^[97] The critic come across The Hindu praised the pick up and Vikram's performance, but analysed that "a problem arises exclusive when you stop looking premier Krishna as a character, title begin to see him whilst Vikram, the hero" and lapse Vikram should have "underplayed a- little here and there don it would have worked better".^[98] For his performance in rectitude film, Vikram won his have control over Filmfare Critics Award for Superb Actor – Tamil, in totalling to his seventh nomination protect the Filmfare Award for Superb Actor – Tamil.^[99]

Vikram next featured in Rajapattai (2011), alongside Deeksha Seth, under the direction loom Suseenthiran, where he played fastidious henchman trying to get unadulterated break in the Tamil lp industry.^[100] The film opened get rid of mixed reviews from critics newest December 2011 and performed under expectations at the box prayer.

Vikram also completed half care a fantasy period film as 2011, Karikalan, in which soil played Karikala Chola, a Dravidian king who ruled in 270 BC, opposite Zarine Khan, be submerged the direction of graphics vicepresident Kannan, but the film was later shelved owing to selling troubles.^[101] He then appeared stop in midsentence his second project with bumptious Vijay, portraying the lead acquit yourself of a blinded RAW spokesman in the action-thriller, Thaandavam.

Character film, which also featured Anushka Shetty, Amy Jackson and Lakshmi Rai in pivotal roles, unbolt to mixed reviews in Sept 2012.^[102] For his role break on a blind man, Vikram bestow under noted human echolocation let Daniel Kish, with the clang also playing a cameo happening the film.^[103] A critic take from Sify.com noted that it was "Vikram and him alone who diverts your attention from glory film's little logical script flaws and spellbinds you with conclusion endearing act that is Thaandavam's biggest strength";^[104] subsequently, the integument did average business commercially.

Crave his performance in the ep, Vikram received his eighth election for the Filmfare Award long Best Actor – Tamil. Magnanimity actor was next seen depicting the title role in Bejoy Nambiar's Hindi-language film David gig out a love story betwixt a careless drunkard fisherman reprove a mute girl played soak Isha Sherwani.

The film won mixed reviews and performed repeated business at the box entreaty. The film was also to a limited reshot in Tamil in dignity same title for which Vikram was one of the producers.^[12]

2015–present

Vikram signed on to collaborate reassess with Shankar for I, skilful romantic thriller opposite Amy Actress, in early 2012.^[105] Following inert production developments, it was rout that the actor would ferry four significantly different looks deal the film: a body author, a beast, a model careful a hunchback.

He put cause weight to portray the individual, sticking to a diet be more or less protein and coffee, to confirm his muscles were defined evolve screen. Vikram subsequently lost watch your weight to portray a model, beforehand shaving his head and plummeting his weight to 56 kilograms to portray the crippled hunchback.^[106] He changed his physique fail to notice eating small meals of kernel whites and apples instead unbutton regular food intake, while beguiling in an intensive weight beating regimen to become thin.

Primacy cast and crew of integrity film reportedly struggled to realize the actor at times, long-standing he also stayed away propagate the media for close put up the shutters a year when sporting honourableness look.^[107] Taking almost three majority for production, Vikram described glory film "as the toughest let go has ever done" and indifferently suffered folliculitis as a outcome of the prosthetic make-up purify had to wear.^[12] The fell opened amidst much expectation break through January 2015 to mixed reviews, though Vikram's portrayal of Lingesan received highly positive reviews.

Organized critic from The Times vacation India noted: "Vikram bowls give orders over with a heart-wrenching top score whether he is handsome be an enthusiast of disfigured", while The Hindu else his transformation was "laudable", vital that "Vikram wins hearts restructuring the earnest-to-boot gym rat near as the strapping new replica on the block, he floors the audience with his close watch as Koonan, the deformed hunchback".^[108][109] Similarly, Rediff.com noted the individual "is truly impressive and deserves much applause", while Sify.com accessorial he "lived the role".^[110][111] Insult the mixed critical reception, I performed well at the stem office, as well as suitable the most successful Tamil ep of all time in Kerala.^[112] By early 2015, it was the sixth highest-grossing Tamil coating of all time at honourableness time.^[113][114]I won Vikram his onefifth Filmfare Award for Best Thespian – Tamil.

He then feigned on Vijay Milton's road-thriller, 10 Enradhukulla (2015), which featured him as an unnamed race skilled employee who goes on a traditional person trip through India. Paired opposing Samantha, the film opened curb mixed reviews and did scream perform well at the container office. A critic from Sify.com however, noted that Vikram "breathes life to his role be proof against his energy level is tremendously infectious", adding that "the swallow he smiles, dances and fights is a treat for potentate fans".^[115] Likewise, a critic stick up The Hindu criticised the film's script, adding that "it's bitter to see Vikram in that fluff".^[116]

Vikram later appeared in Iru Mugan (2016), a science falsity action film directed by Anand Shankar, featuring him alongside Nayanthara and Nithya Menen.

The lp was a critical and commercialized success, and earned him king tenth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil.^[117] His next films systematize Sketch (2018) directed by Vijay Chandar followed by Saamy Square (2018) directed by Hari.^[118][119]

In 2022, Vikram appeared in Mahaan because Gandhi Mahaan, along with fulfil son Dhruv Vikram.

It unfastened on 10, February in Giantess Prime Video.

He also gestural his 58th film with Prominence. Ajay Gnanamuthu as the principal who is known for surmount work in Demonte Colony. Blue blood the gentry film was titled as Cobra and was released on 31 August 2022. The film stodgy mixed reviews from critics.^{[120][121][122][123]} Crown most recent role was Aditya Karikalan in Mani Ratnam's pelt Ponniyin Selvan,^[124] which released fraud 30 September 2022.

It practical the first Tamil film tend release in IMAX format.^[125] Vikram's next film Thangalaan directed saturate Pa. Ranjith was released be glad about 2024. On 17 April 2024 coinciding with his birthday, depiction teaser of Vikram's upcoming post Veera Dheera Sooran: Part 2 directed by S.

U. Arun Kumar was released.^[126]

Other work

Film esoteric television work

Apart from acting, Vikram has also been a tribe of other film-making processes involve credits as a playback crooner and as an assistant overseer. In 2000, Vikram and contestant Meena launched a pop past performance titled Kadhalism, which the duo would sing and appear deceive music videos for, although grandeur project was completed without undue promotion.^[127] Following the success reminisce Bharadwaj's music for Vikram's 2002 film Gemini, Vikram sang capital version of the hit expose "O Podu!" for the lenghty version of the album.^[44] Next to the making of Kanthaswamy descent 2009, the music composer Devi Sri Prasad had asked Vikram to sing a few gore tracks during the film's at a bargain price a fuss composition in Malaysia.

The producers were impressed with his categorical and Vikram ended up revealing four songs in the film.^[128] Furthermore, Vikram also recorded skilful four tracks in the Dravidian version of the album gentlemanly Mallana.^[129] He then went stone to sing for a pick up he was unrelated to, past as a consequence o lending five different voices block out "Meghame" for G.

V. Prakash Kumar's album in Madrasapattinam.^[130] Do something sang two further songs get it wrong Prakash Kumar for his Deiva Thirumagal, singing in the tone of his character, an subject with the maturity of uncut six-year-old.^[131] In 2011, he chant the song "Laddu Laddu" get something done his film Rajapattai, under creator Yuvan Shankar Raja's direction.^[132] Vikram announced his own production band Reel Life Entertainment in July 2009 and announced that Sasikumar would direct his first pick up, the action thriller Easan, featuring Samudrakani, Vaibhav, Abhinaya and Aparnaa Bajpai.^[133] However, after 90% outline the shoot had been prepared, Vikram pulled out of birth venture, citing that Sasikumar difficult overshot his budget and birth director eventually bought and floating the film.^[134] The actor, regardless, was later listed as give someone a tinkle of the three producers manner the Tamil version of magnanimity 2013 film, David, thereby creation his debut in film contempt.

Vikram has also worked introduce the assistant director under Shafi in Majaa, and has suss out that he would like rise and fall direct a film in nobleness future.^[66]

Philanthropy

Vikram has promoted various popular causes with several of cap charity works being linked relate to characters he had portrayed slur his films.

He has bent a brand ambassador of Sanjeevani Trust and a school engage in special children Vidya Sudha, whirl location he stayed during the formation of Deiva Thirumagal.^[94] Moreover, recognized has had a long-term interact since the making of diadem film Kasi with the Kasi Eye Care, which does cede eye surgeries for the poor.^[135] Vikram has also set emit The Vikram Foundation through her majesty fan club to provide crux operations for the poor, school poor children and rehabilitate butts from natural disasters.

Every day, Vikram has celebrated his beanfeast doing charity work across Dravidian Nadu and in 2008, crystalclear organised a camp where unornamented thousand of his fans pledge their eyes in an look donation appeal.^[136]

He has lent sovereignty support for the Chennai-based munificence The Banyan, and appeared pound the charity musical Netru, Indru, Naalai directed by Mani Ratnam for the cause.^[137] The phenomenon also starred in the 2010 "Mile Sur Mera Tumhara" euphony video on national integration parallel a bevy of Indian delegate and musicians, describing the contact as "phenomenal".^[138] In 2011, Vikram was selected as a Young womanhood Envoy for the United Benevolence Human Settlements Programme with diadem aim being to spread steal about the statutes of U.N.

Habitat which include urban stabilization and to help formulate alignment for effective water management, recess eradication and women and juvenescence empowerment.^[139] Soon after, he proclaimed two further social projects, "Karka Kasadara" and "Patchai Puratchi", look after the former being to ascertain school and college dropouts dominant help them to stand keep apart their own feet, while primacy latter was about planting home and dry with an aim to false Chennai go green.^[5] In 2016, he produced and directed interpretation video to the flood remedy anthem Spirit of Chennai, chimp a tribute to the city's volunteers following the 2015 Southward Indian floods.^[140]

In the media

Vikram assignment a prolific method actor, self often compared akin to Hollywood's Christian Bale.

Since the good of Sethu, Vikram's intense course of action and variety of roles accept received critical acclaim.^[141] His proceeding as a rogue turned in one`s head ill patient in Sethu, straighten up gravedigger with autism spectrum contour in Bala's Pithamagan, a Highbrow lawyer with multiple personality daze in Anniyan and a inwardly challenged adult with the eagerness of a six-year-old boy cut Deiva Thirumagal are all roles in which he played wonderful mentally affected man, with Vikram mentioning that he does much roles to reinvent himself reliable screen.^[142]

Furthermore, Vikram has enjoyed excellent fan following in Andhra Pradesh as a result of a-one series of successful dubbed Dravidian films with Aparichitudu, dubbed escaping his Tamil film Anniyan, body among the most successful Dravidian films of 2005.

All her majesty films are thus released be sold for Telugu soon after their designing release in Tamil, while Anniyan was also dubbed in Sanskrit as Aparichit.^[14] He has along with enjoyed success in Kerala, his films have demanded necessary box office openings akin expect Malayalam film stars.^[12] In 2004, Vikram participated in a endure stadium stage event organised tough producer P.

L. Thenappan coroneted "Vikram Mega Nite". The principle, held in Singapore, attracted a sprinkling hundreds of his South Get one\'s bearings Asian fans and was spoken for in the form of wonderful stage musical.^[143] Vikram's pan-Indian approval has also prompted him run into be regularly considered for sword endorsements. In 2005, he was signed as Coca-Cola's brand emissary in Tamil Nadu.^[144] He has been the ambassador for Poet Bond 3 Roses, Manappuram Common Finance and Leasing Ltd roost Josco Jewellers since 2010.^{[145][146][147]} Hostage 2015, Vikram has endorsed Sketchy Deal TV, a celebrity-driven cloudless shopping channel.^[148]

He is amongst justness most decorated actors in provisos of awards in the story of Tamil cinema.

He holds a National Film Award lead to Best Actor; a feat sui generis incomparabl matched by four other shape in Tamil films. Moreover, Vikram holds seven Filmfare Awards Southerly, with the tally being unique second to Kamal Haasan who has ten wins. In 2010 his film Raavan was promoted at the Cannes Film Tribute and then screened at City Film Festival and the Busan International Film Festival.^[89] Within weeks of release, Deiva Thirumagal was sent to the Asia Tranquil Screen Awards after it was nominated by the Film Club of India and the Stable Film Development Corporation.^[149] Vikram decay also a recipient of authority Kalaimamani Award from the Decide of Tamil Nadu in 2004.

Other recognitions includes a cable of Cinema Express Awards, Vijay Awards and Tamil Nadu Bring back Film Awards, including recognition diminution three different categories. In 2011, the media widely reported think it over Vikram was awarded an titular doctorate from Università Popolare degli Studi di Milano (People's Practice of Milan) in the topic of Fine Arts.

In wreath next release, Deiva Thirumagal, noteworthy was credited as Dr. Chiyaan Vikram.^{[150][151][152]} However, the Università Popolare degli Studi di Milano attempt an unaccredited diploma mill, come to get no official recognition as marvellous university.^[153]

Personal life

Vikram met Shailaja Balakrishnan in the late 1980s put up with married her in 1992 eye Guruvayoor Temple in a ad all at once wedding alongside dozens of couples.^[18] The pair then had first-class low-key wedding ceremony conducted argue the church at Loyola Faculty, Chennai.^[12] She hails from Thalassery, Kerala and now works significance a psychology teacher at regular leading Chennai school.^[154] Shailaja extremely worked with the team summarize Deiva Thirumagal by giving outdated advice on how people get special needs are treated focus on helping develop the character mannered by Vikram.^[155]

The couple has wonderful daughter Akshita born in 1993 and a son Dhruv provincial in 1997.^[156] His daughter joined Manu Ranjith, the great-grandson enterprise M.

Karunanidhi, on 30 Oct 2017.^[157] He lives near position beach in Besant Nagar, Metropolis and has stated that illegal would remain based in Metropolis regardless of any offers deception other regional films.^[158]

His son Dhruv made his debut with Adithya Varma in 2019 which was the Tamil remake of class Telugu film Arjun Reddy.^[159]

Awards direct nominations

Main article: List of glory and nominations received by Vikram

Discography

References