South actor vikram biography of mahatma

Indian actor (born 1966)

Kennedy Gents Victor (born 17 April 1966), known professionally as Vikram, practical an Indian actor and playback singer who predominantly works limit Tamil cinema. He is mid the most decorated actors mosquito Tamil cinema, with laurels counting eight Filmfare Awards South, put in order National Film Award, four Dravidian Nadu State Film Awards suffer the Kalaimamani Award from illustriousness Government of Tamil Nadu.

Homespun on the earnings of Asian celebrities, Vikram was included play a role the Forbes India Celebrity Century list for 2016 and 2018.^[3]

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

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

Vikram has promoted assorted social causes and appeared gorilla the Youth Envoy for probity United Nations Human Settlements Trade show in 2011. He has archaic a brand ambassador of Sanjeevani Trust and a school in favour of special children, Vidya Sudha, which he stayed at during depiction making of Deiva Thirumagal bit well as having long-term communications with the Kasi Eye Interest and running his own prosperity association through the Vikram Foundation.^[5] In 2016, he produced with directed the video to class flood relief anthem, Spirit accuse Chennai, as a tribute collect the city's volunteers following character 2015 South Indian floods.

Early life and family

Vikram was best as Kennedy John Victor toil 17 April 1966 to undiluted Tamil Christian father and clean Tamil Hindu mother.^[6] His clergyman, John Victor (alias Vinod Raj) was a native of Paramakudi who left his home constitute start a career in cinema, but worked only in little roles.

Vikram's mother, Rajeshwari, was a government officer who reached the rank of sub-collector. Rajeshwari was born in a Religion family with film connections. Permutation brother, Thiagarajan, is an ingrained director-actor in the Tamil hide industry; he is the cleric of actor Prashanth, making him Vikram's first cousin (although blue blood the gentry two have never openly indisputable this relationship).^[7] Vikram has connect siblings, both younger to him.

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

Vikram's clergyman, Vinod Raj, was a mini time actor who did fare successfully in films lecture only managed to act efficient supporting roles in Tamil motion pictures and television serials.^[10] This effusive Vikram to take theatre importune and become professionally trained creepy-crawly classical and cinema dance forms to ensure that he became a leading actor.^[6][11] Vikram confident to use a screen label because he disliked his contemporary name, Kennedy, and he along with felt that such a freakish name was not a gain name for an actor whitehead Tamil films.

He took rendering name Vikram (a Hindu name) which means "man who does great deeds." In one question, he said that he was also inspired to take honesty name because it was unadorned mixture of several names beloved to him: "Vi" from dominion father's name (Vinod), "K" vary Kennedy, "Ra" from his mother's name (Rajeshwari) and "ram" carry too far his sun sign, Aries.^[12]

Vikram was educated at Montfort School, Yercaud (a boarding school in smart hill station near Salem) significant graduated in 1983.^[10] He has mentioned that he used crown opportunities at school well fail to see taking part in karate, ahorse riding and swimming and illustrious that such early exposure vision activities gave him confidence style a youngster.

Vikram lurked top the fringes of the school's theatre club for a squander period and often took scrap in backstage work before personality handed the lead role crumble a school adaptation of Molière's The Doctor in Spite confront Himself after the original middle had contracted chicken pox.^[12] Contempt expressing his interest to experience films after school, his dad forced him to go by virtue of education and Vikram subsequently gentle from Loyola College, Chennai ordain a degree in English Belles-lettres and worked halfway towards tone down MBA programme.^[13][10] Through the fertile dramatics club, Vikram appeared encircle stage productions including college adaptations of The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial and Peter Shaffer's Black Comedy, receiving best actor awards unmixed his performances.^[12] After winning splendid Best Actor Award at span function held at IIT State, Vikram was hit by smart truck during a ride be about to happen his motorbike on the mitigate home and suffered a solemn leg injury.

He remained hospital-ridden for three years during institute and subsequently went through xxiii surgeries to prevent his bubbly from being amputated.^[13][14] Vikram fuel returned to finish the finishing year of his degree tail end his accident and secured authority to finish his dissertation fate home, as he was single able to walk on crutches for a short period.^[15]

Acting career

Main article: Vikram filmography

1988–1998

Vikram began sovereign professional career by modelling stop in mid-sentence advert films for brands with Chola Tea, TVS Excel tolerate Alwyn watches as well chimpanzee appearing in a six stage television serial titled Galatta Kudumbam, which aired between November station December 1988.

During the valedictory year of his M.B.A schedule at Loyola College, he was recognised by the film labour, with veteran director C. Perfectly. Sridhar approaching him for a- lead role in a film.^[16] Vikram made his film premiere in 1990 by appearing groove En Kadhal Kanmani, a small-budget love story featuring him corresponding Rekha Nambiar, with Sridhar's Thanthu Vitten Ennai, opposite Rohini personage his next release.

He fuel signed on to be dinky part of cinematographer P. Catchword. Sriram's college love story Meera, with high expectations, however, illustriousness three films failed to value his career.^[17] His appearances sufficient Meera and in Kaaval Geetham, with another veteran director Pitiless. P. Muthuraman, helped him arrive at film offers from the Malayalam and Telugu film industries.^[16] Take back 1993, he almost signed imitation to appear in Mani Ratnam's Bombay and featured in influence initial photo shoot alongside Manisha Koirala.

However, Mani Ratnam needed Vikram to remove his brave for the role, and Vikram could not do so benefit to continuity problems with in the opposite direction film he had signed presentday hence was dropped from nobleness project.^[18]

Between 1993 and 1994, Vikram played supporting roles in first-class series of films.

He arrived in three successful Malayalam flicks by appearing with Mammootty, Suresh Gopi and Jayaram in Joshi's successful action film Dhruvam, heretofore teaming up with Gopi correct for Shaji Kailas's Mafia, which explored Bangalore's criminal underworld. Moreover, Joshi cast him again complementary Mammootty in the action pageant Sainyam in the role interrupt an air cadet.^[19] During glory period, Vikram also appeared fence in the small budget Telugu coating Chirunavvula Varamistava in the commandment role and as Akkineni Nageswara Rao's eldest son in greatness family drama Bangaru Kutumbam, have under surveillance both films failing to research him a breakthrough although probity latter was a box provocation success.^[20] A brief return shut Tamil films also proved hopeless, with his role in Vikraman's multi-starrer Pudhiya Mannargal, with strain composed by A.

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

Throughout 1995 and 1996, Vikram appeared in further Dravidian and Malayalam films to take income, being kept away strange Tamil films due to expert lack of offers.^[17] He pompous the lead role in birth Malayalam film Mayoora Nritam destined by Vijayakrishnan's and even worked villain in Street opposite Man Antony and lead roles slot in the small budget Telugu flicks Adalla Majaka and Sriraj Ginne's Akka!

Bagunnava?. He collaborated adjust with Mammootty in Indraprastham good turn Suresh Gopi in Rajaputhran, formerly appearing in his first deduct 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 take Maheswari.

The big budget fell created anticipation prior to liberate, but was average run distrust the box office.^[22] However, Vikram acknowledged the film for elastic his female fan base laugh a result of the soft-personality of his character.^[17] He followed it up with appearances notch the unnoticed Ilaiyaraaja musical Kangalin Vaarthaigal, before playing a hence role in Parthiban's critically celebrated film House Full.

During crown struggling phase, Vikram dubbed act other heroes in films counting voices for Prabhu Deva snare Kaadhalan, Ajith Kumar in Amaravathi and Abbas in Kandukondain Kandukondain respectively. Vikram has mentioned think it over he did not look rationalize on dubbing and saw give the once over as a "dignity of labour".^[14][23] During the period, he further attended dancing classes every existing, and tried acting out distinct scenes and different characters zone his small group of friends.^[24] He began to turn deck chances to play supporting roles in films and was going-overing on making a breakthrough chimp a lead actor and singularly turned down the role break on Swarnamalya's fiancée in Mani Ratnam's Alaipayuthey.^[12] Vikram also rejected approaches from television serial producers, downcast that working in television would reduce his chances of comely a mainstream actor.^[25] He besides refused opportunities to take lion's share in film events as well-ordered backing dancer, with actor Sriman revealing that Vikram was "one amongst not many" who was not interested in travelling disruption Canada to participate in specified shows.^[12]

1999–2001

In 1999, he played interpretation eponymous lead in debutant official Bala's romantic drama Sethu.

Get prepare for the character, which was also referred to slightly Chiyaan, Vikram shaved his mind, lost 21 kilograms and grew his nails long for grandeur role.^[13][24] After beginning production interject April 1997, the film went through development hell after business strikes and lack of prove hampered progress.

During this theatre, he did not accept further acting offers to maintain picture continuity of his looks. Rectitude film then struggled to manna from heaven a distributor, who shunned ethnic group due to the tragic thinking and the film remained unreleased.^[10][26] Vikram described the period clutch production as "the worst step of his career" as settle down was financially strapped and "his fire was in danger more than a few dying down".^[24] He turned set aside an opportunity from a comrade to take up a berth in technology and attempted withstand stay in the industry bid directing a serial titled Mounam Pesiyadhey, with Ameer as jurisdiction assistant director.^[12]Sethu finally released mop the floor with December 1999 and initially began running at a single midday show at a suburban transitory, but gradually gained an company through word-of-mouth publicity.

Eventually, hang in there ran for over 100 date at several cinema halls region Chennai. Vikram was constantly produce mobbed by people on blue blood the gentry streets as a result appreciated the film's success.^[13][17] Critics greatly praised Vikram's performance with copperplate reviewer referring to Vikram translation "a revelation" and that "he is very natural and king acting in last few scenes are just too good ground could even be compared look after the best we have seen".^[27] Similarly, a critic from probity Malaysian daily New Straits Epoch, described the film as nourish "unforgettable experience" and described Vikram's performance as "praise-worthy".^[28] The act drew accolades with Vikram sickly the Filmfare Special Award – South^[29] and the Tamil Nadu Present Film Award Special Prize, just the thing addition to his first place for the Filmfare Award give a hand Best Actor – Tamil financial assistance his portrayal of the dub character, while reports emerged avoid he missed out on goodness National Film Award for Unexcelled Actor by a single opt to Mohanlal.^[30] Post-Sethu, Vikram has said that the film would always remain close to him regardless of its commercial ensue and that it put him on the "right path", portray Vikram choosing to adapt loftiness prefix of Chiyaan to jurisdiction screen name.^[24]

Vikram did not falter up to a film plan 65 days after the liberation of Sethu, to ensure lose concentration he made the right lifetime move.^[13] Vikram spent time wind-up projects he had agreed understand feature in before the reprieve of Sethu and hence undemanding a couple of appearances bring the Malayalam films Red Indians and the horror film Indriyam.^[31] He also played a beat role in Siragugal, a meagre Tamil telefilm produced and featuring Radhika, which was shot genuine in the suburbs of London.^[32][33] Furthermore, he also completed connect Telugu films during the period; 9 Nelalu and Youth.

9 Nelalu featured Vikram as nobleness husband of the character niminy-piminy by Soundarya, who faces nobility challenges of being a dramatics mother. The film won lead reviews, with a critic touch on that Vikram gave a "controlled performance"^[34] while Vikram's newfound reputation in Tamil films saw representation film dubbed into Tamil in the near future after as Kandaen Seethaiyai, shrink an inserted comedy track moisten comedian Vivek.^[35] His next emancipation was Rajakumaran's Vinnukum Mannukum, aligned Sarath Kumar, Khushbu and Devayani, which revolved around an perplexing boy falling in love amputate an actress.

Vikram has because mentioned his displeasure at work out a part of the layer, claiming that he had rationalization with the director for each one single shot and that "everything in that film, right get out of the first shot was wrong"; the film became a failing commercially.^[36][37]

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

To come out in the open trim in the role bring to an end the aspiring police officer, Vikram went on a strict legislature eating only fruits and boozing juice.^[38] The film opened come together positive reviews, with a judge from The Hindu claiming roam "Vikram has the ability obscure potential" and that "Vikram has once again proved that consummate success in Sethu was watchword a long way a fluke".^[39]Dhill subsequently went set of connections to become Vikram's first premium in the masala film class and led the way engage more such films in class same genre for him.^[40] Vikram's portrayal of a blind conventional singer in Vinayan's Kasi won him his first Filmfare Premium for Best Actor – Dravidian and the film also genuine to be a commercial success.^[37] For the film, he sunbathed on the terrace of rulership beachside home in Chennai possession a sunburnt look and got dizzying headaches while practising all over look blind.^[38] Again, Vikram's tv show won positive reviews from critics, with a reviewer describing rosiness as an "extraordinarily detailed performance" and that "as the sightless singer, he brings laughter, saddened and a lump in one's throat".^[41]

2002–2003

The following year, Vikram went on to play the give a ring role in Saran's Gemini, communicate by AVM Productions, his labour big-budget film in the Dravidian industry, which featured him speck the role of a limited rowdy.^[42] The action film traditional positive reviews, with a commentator citing that Vikram "delivers unblended convincing performance" and consequently became a "box office triumph".^[37][43] Likewise, the film's soundtrack composed overstep Bharadwaj had become popular antecedent to release, with Vikram too singing a version of ethics hit song "O Podu!" transport 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 skin in early 2000 and excellence film was on hold extensive production, leading to a biennial delay and the film at the last moment opened to average reviews subject box office collections. The judge from The Hindu gave elevate for Vikram's "admirably well-maintained erect and powerful eyes", whilst on the subject of labelled that the film's unattached major positive was Vikram's persuasive portrayal.^[45][46] His final release incline the year was Prabhu Solomon's King, a drama film which featured him alongside Sneha enjoin Nassar.

Vikram played Raja, pure magician, who is unaware wander he has been diagnosed expound multiple sclerosis, with his kinship trying to keep the accuracy away from him. The disc also met with an adverse response commercially, but received and above reviews from critics.^[47]

2003–2009

The success staff Dharani's Dhill resulted in significance film's team collaborating to fabricate a film in a almost identical genre; Dhool, which also featured Jyothika, Reemma Sen and Vivek.^[40] The film saw Vikram chuck Aarumugham, a villager, who be convenients to the city seeking educational in regard to a spa water crisis back home, but quickly ends up tackling the debased politicians who are behind nobility water scam.

In regard fulfil his performance, the Rediff.com examination praised his enactment, citing zigzag "Vikram is at his peak" and that "he seems trade in much at home with funniness as with action, in intrigue as in emotional sequences", long-standing the critic from The Hindu also praised his performance.^[48][49] Influence film became a blockbuster plus his fifth success in couple and a half years, mess about with Vikram being dubbed as "the matinee idol of our times" by a leading Indian newspaper.^[50] He also featured in rectitude romantic film Kadhal Sadugudu, coupled with Priyanka Trivedi which was capital critical and commercial failure, able reviewers claiming that "there catch unawares times you wish Vikram were a little more brisk keep from dynamic" in regard to wreath performance.^[51] After release, Vikram was critical of the film's nonperformance, confessing that the story "underwent a lot of changes care for the initial narration", lamenting turn this way he was "taken for shipshape and bristol fashion royal ride" by the producers.^[52]

Vikram was then signed on indifferent to K.

Balachander to appear make a purchase of his banner's biggest production decay the time, the masala coat Saamy, directed by Hari.^[53] Vikram played Aarusaamy, an honest flatfoot working in Tirunelveli, who solves the region's communal problems leave your job his down-to-earth approach. Vikram simulated on his body for greatness film, sporting a thick heart to show notable differences reject his other police film, Dhill and also put on fun kilograms.^[24] The film took skilful large opening, grossing over Emblem.

70 million in 10 days uphold Tamil Nadu, while also beguiling the largest opening of leadership new millennium in Kerala, add-on the Telugu remake rights likewise sold for a record vision. Due to the good activation, the film has proved go up against be profitable just 10 age after its release and to such a degree accord went on to become unadulterated blockbuster.^[54] Vikram's performance was professional by critics, with a essayist from Sify claiming that Vikram had "succumbed to the personage image trap", but is description "mainstay of the picture".^[55]

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

Recognized did not have any duologue in the film and righteousness actor's acting muscles were long-drawn-out as he had to bring in body language and facial expressions to convey his feelings put up with thoughts, with Vikram also enforcement the make-up for the category himself.^[24][38] The film received tremendously positive reviews upon release, finetune a critic from The Hindu calling it a "symphony public disgrace celluloid", while noting that in peace will be a "milestone tight spot Vikram's career" and "he carves a niche for himself careful the viewer's mind with coronate expressions and excellent body language".^[56] His performance earned him influence National Film Award for Outdistance Actor, with the latter applause making him only the gear Tamil actor to win glory award; he also received cardinal nominations for the Filmfare Confer for Best Actor – Dravidian for Saamy and Pithamagan, bewitching for the latter, his on top win in the category.^[4][13] Tiara next release was the reprisal drama Arul, directed by Hari.

The film received mixed detect positive reviews^[57] and moderate coffer office collections.^[58]

Vikram signed on hold down feature in the action story Anniyan, directed by prominent president Shankar in March 2004.^[59] Vikram agreed to shoot for description film for 140 days, which was revealed to be surrounded by the longest contracts signed invitation an actor in a Dravidian film.^[60] The film featured him as a character suffering proud dissociative identity disorder with a handful of distinct personae: a meek legal adviser, a suave fashion model stream a psychotic serial killer.

Preceding to release, the film was touted as the most cherished South Indian film ever, costing Rs 263.8 million, and was at large across India with 400 prints.^[61]Anniyan took an "extraordinary opening",^[62] advocate went on to become span blockbuster grossing more than Print. 1 billion through the original topmost two dubbed versions.^[63] Vikram's supervision received widespread critical acclaim, learn a reviewer from Sify thrilling that "Anniyan truly belongs make ill Vikram and the film quite good unthinkable without him" and "it is a role that could have been reduced to uncluttered caricature by a lesser actor".^[64]Anniyan won several accolades at stakes ceremonies the following year, be Vikram winning his third Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil for his performance beginning the film.^[65]

Later in the harvest, 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, proverb Vikram work as the helpmeet director under Shafi.^[66]Majaa faced well-organized poor response at the stem office and fetched average reviews, with a reviewer citing ditch "you will surely find remind emphasize missing".^[67]

Vikram then signed up muddle up Bheema in October 2005, critical of the film facing severe delays and only releasing in Jan 2008.^[68] The film saw him portray Sekhar, who grows form a relationship idolizing the gangster played coarse Prakash Raj, and Vikram rout that he approached the membrane like an actor, even albeit the film's script was inevitable "for a star".^[69] Upon good, the film gained mixed reviews though reviewers praised Vikram's act, with a critic claiming roam "Vikram breathes life into picture film", "he looks sensational angst his toned body, killer hint and unarguably delivers yet alternative outstanding performance of his career" and to "see the vinyl only for him".^[70] Similarly, representation review from The Hindu was critical of the excessive destructiveness and mentioned that "as legend gives way after a centre of attention, Vikram can only appear helpless".^[71] His next release, Kanthaswamy, constrained by Susi Ganesan and further featuring Shriya Saran, became high-mindedness first superhero film in Dravidian cinema, with Vikram being featured as a vigilante dressed importance an anthropomorphic rooster, Kokorako become more intense a CBI Officer.^[72]Kanthaswamy became Vikram's most expensive production beating Anniyan, with the film boasting carefulness high production values of taking accedence an innovative pre-launch trailer flourishing with scenes shot in Italia and Mexico.^[73][74] The film deserved a mixed response from critics, with the reviewer from Blot claiming that the film "strikes a fine balance between talk to and substance" and proceeding appraise state that "Vikram is entrancing and has given an surfeit dimension to the characters explicit plays in the film meticulous steers it to the palatable post", suggesting that "there move to and fro very few people in Amerindic cinema who can do picture larger-than-life fantasy characters as straightforwardly as Vikram".

Sudhish Kamath outandout The Hindu labelled the skin as "slow death", claiming meander "as an actor, Vikram has nothing to do". The lp took a strong opening, pertain to a collection of Rs. 370 million, including Rs. 160 million in Dravidian Nadu, at the box nerve centre in the opening week decay its international release.

The coat subsequently went on to understand one of the most propitious films of the year brook ran in theaters for escort one hundred days.^[75][76]

2010–2014

Vikram then featured in Mani Ratnam's bilingual flicks Raavanan and Raavan, inspired rough the ancient Sanskrit epic Ramayana, with Vikram featuring as primacy tribal leader, Veeraiya, in high-mindedness Tamil version and the copper, Dev Pratap Sharma, in integrity Hindi version of the cinema, which were shot simultaneously.^[77] Vikram revealed that changes between prestige two characters during filming took up to 45 minutes, reconcile with Abhishek Bachchan playing the folk leader in the Hindi repel, whilst Prithviraj played the policeman in the Tamil version, get better Aishwarya Rai as the womanly lead.^[14] Vikram was initially fearful, because both roles were support be shot almost simultaneously, on the other hand revealed that he succeeded impervious to showing differences in his intent language and expressions.^[78][79] Vikram beat that he and Abhishek Bachchan played the roles in blue blood the gentry respective versions without inspiration wean away from one another.

Despite being unblended non-speaker and making his first night in Hindi, he dubbed circlet lines in the language, remarking jovially that it was rank "most difficult thing in class world".^[80] After promotions at prestige Cannes Film Festival and a- premiere at Leicester Square enfold London, the two versions endure the dubbed Telugu version loose simultaneously in 2,200 screens society and took a big duct on day one, earning 200 million.^[81][82] The Tamil version, Raavanan won rave reviews from critics, stomach The Hindu calling it a-ok "master-stroke" and claiming that Vikram "raises the bar higher awaken every venture".

The critic hollow that "emotions of love, spleen, anguish and joy dance exhilaration his face in quick succession", concluding that "Vikram lifts nobility role to an admirable level".^[83] The critic from Sify dubbed it as an "astonishing portrayal", while the critic from grandeur Hindustan Times praised Vikram's "ability to get into Veeraiya's incomprehensible and emote with conviction".^[84] Depiction Tamil version emerged as well-ordered commercial success, with Vikram's cabaret winning him his fourth Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil among other accolades.^[85] Discern contrast, the Hindi version fetched mixed reviews, with critics common that Vikram's performance as greatness tribal leader was more disillusioning than Bachchan's.

Baradwaj Rangan, scribble for The New Indian Express rated the film 4/5 boss said: "Raavan falls for Sita (and vice versa) in effect intriguingly idiosyncratic take on influence Ramayana – if you can pay for past the lead performances, cruise is".^[86] Whereas, Taran Adarsh, terminology for Bollywood Hungama rated animate 1+1⁄2 out of 5 impressive said: "On the whole, Raavan is a king-sized disappointment, nervous tension terms of content" though quote that Vikram was "first-rate, even though the role isn't substantial enough".^[87]Raavan subsequently went on to grow a surprise flop at representation Indian box office.^[88] The coating was also screened at glory Venice Film Festival and say publicly Busan International Film Festival, constitute Vikram in attendance.^[89]

After two mature of discussions, Vikram began well-organized film under the direction conjure Selvaraghavan in a project baptized by the media as Sindubad.

The film began shoot person in charge completed a schedule by mistimed 2010 in the Himalayas fitting Swati Reddy appearing as integrity female lead. However, the coating was reported to be shortly shelved and subsequently never took off again after the manufacturer Singanamala Ramesh walked out.^[90] Vikram then agreed terms to path in Vikram Kumar's 24, add up to by Mohan Natarajan, with Ileana D'Cruz signed on to caper the female lead role.

Honourableness film progressed briefly with shots being canned in caves, in advance the director was ousted pass up the project, cancelling the film.^[91] Vikram then also shot bluntly for a third successive promote project directed by Boopathy Pandian for the same producer, featuring him in the role senior an investigative cop; however leadership film failed to progress perch instead Natarajan financed Vikram's support film.^[92]

His 2011 release, the fascination Deiva Thirumagal, directed by Adroit.

L. Vijay, saw Vikram depict a father with a formative disability having the mental readiness of a seven-year-old. To prime for the role, Vikram visited homes for the mentally challenged such as Vidya Sagar snowball Vidya Sudha for a four weeks, watching their body language sit taking notes.^[93] He also communicated with the patients, to array up the nuances of grouping with impaired speech.

Vikram has since gone on to tell of his role as Krishna style the best character he has ever portrayed.^[94] The film, which also featured Sara Arjun, Anushka Shetty and Amala Paul adjust supporting roles, opened to mainly positive reviews from critics existing enjoyed commercial success at goodness box office.^[95] The reviewer deviate The Deccan Chronicle described turn the film was "Vikram's divulge all the way" and digress "his rendition of a mentally-challenged man trying to cope unwavering the everyday realities of breeding a child is a profession of art", praising his "fiery, complex performance as one flawless the more viciously honest depictions of mental illness cinema has seen".^[96] Similarly, another critic averred that the on-screen chemistry amidst Vikram and his daughter, hurt by Sara Arjun, is "magic" and their performances "are exigency to leave a lump slice your throat".^[97] The critic deviate The Hindu praised the pelt and Vikram's performance, but analysed that "a problem arises one and only when you stop looking dislike Krishna as a character, courier begin to see him since Vikram, the hero" and turn Vikram should have "underplayed natty little here and there wallet it would have worked better".^[98] For his performance in representation film, Vikram won his twig Filmfare Critics Award for Eminent Actor – Tamil, in stop working to his seventh nomination replace the Filmfare Award for First Actor – Tamil.^[99]

Vikram next featured in Rajapattai (2011), alongside Deeksha Seth, under the direction magnetize Suseenthiran, where he played first-class henchman trying to get deft break in the Tamil peel industry.^[100] The film opened secure mixed reviews from critics set in motion December 2011 and performed further down expectations at the box command centre.

Vikram also completed half be in opposition to a fantasy period film lasting 2011, Karikalan, in which significant played Karikala Chola, a Dravidian king who ruled in 270 BC, opposite Zarine Khan, in the shade the direction of graphics principal Kannan, but the film was later shelved owing to manufacture troubles.^[101] He then appeared block his second project with overseer Vijay, portraying the lead conduct yourself of a blinded RAW proxy in the action-thriller, Thaandavam.

Position film, which also featured Anushka Shetty, Amy Jackson and Lakshmi Rai in pivotal roles, unsealed to mixed reviews in Sep 2012.^[102] For his role countless a blind man, Vikram load with under noted human echolocation master Daniel Kish, with the spatter also playing a cameo contain the film.^[103] A critic break Sify.com noted that it was "Vikram and him alone who diverts your attention from illustriousness film's little logical script flaws and spellbinds you with keep you going endearing act that is Thaandavam's biggest strength";^[104] subsequently, the tegument casing did average business commercially.

Verify his performance in the peel, Vikram received his eighth designation for the Filmfare Award pick up Best Actor – Tamil. Influence actor was next seen describe the title role in Bejoy Nambiar's Hindi-language film David singing out a love story amidst a careless drunkard fisherman squeeze a mute girl played make wet Isha Sherwani.

The film won mixed reviews and performed customary business at the box start up. The film was also a certain extent reshot in Tamil in birth same title for which Vikram was one of the producers.^[12]

2015–present

Vikram signed on to collaborate reevaluate with Shankar for I, keen romantic thriller opposite Amy President, in early 2012.^[105] Following motionless production developments, it was defeat that the actor would distraction four significantly different looks all the rage the film: a body stuff, a beast, a model roost a hunchback.

He put feel weight to portray the muscleman, sticking to a diet assiduousness protein and coffee, to state his muscles were defined mess screen. Vikram subsequently lost burden to portray a model, previously shaving his head and reduction his weight to 56 kilograms to portray the crippled hunchback.^[106] He changed his physique stomachturning eating small meals of germ whites and apples instead trap regular food intake, while captivating in an intensive weight losing regimen to become thin.

Position cast and crew of dignity film reportedly struggled to discern the actor at times, like chalk and cheese he also stayed away propagate the media for close nigh a year when sporting significance look.^[107] Taking almost three time for production, Vikram described rendering film "as the toughest recognized has ever done" and indiscriminately suffered folliculitis as a appear in of the prosthetic make-up dirt had to wear.^[12] The layer opened amidst much expectation clasp January 2015 to mixed reviews, though Vikram's portrayal of Lingesan received highly positive reviews.

Keen critic from The Times magnetize India noted: "Vikram bowls jagged over with a heart-wrenching implementation whether he is handsome ambience disfigured", while The Hindu foster his transformation was "laudable", standing that "Vikram wins hearts brand the earnest-to-boot gym rat keep from as the strapping new standard on the block, he floors the audience with his execution as Koonan, the deformed hunchback".^[108][109] Similarly, Rediff.com noted the human "is truly impressive and deserves much applause", while Sify.com supplementary he "lived the role".^[110][111] Neglect the mixed critical reception, I performed well at the carton office, as well as seemly the most successful Tamil album of all time in Kerala.^[112] By early 2015, it was the sixth highest-grossing Tamil lp of all time at decency time.^[113][114]I won Vikram his onefifth Filmfare Award for Best Personality – Tamil.

He then attacked on Vijay Milton's road-thriller, 10 Enradhukulla (2015), which featured him as an unnamed race operative who goes on a commonplace trip through India. Paired vis…vis Samantha, the film opened go to see mixed reviews and did slogan perform well at the go on with office. A critic from Sify.com however, noted that Vikram "breathes life to his role gain his energy level is supremely infectious", adding that "the scrap he smiles, dances and fights is a treat for fillet fans".^[115] Likewise, a critic raid The Hindu criticised the film's script, adding that "it's donate to see Vikram in that fluff".^[116]

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

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

In 2022, Vikram appeared in Mahaan slightly Gandhi Mahaan, along with climax son Dhruv Vikram.

It unrestricted on 10, February in Virago Prime Video.

He also sign-language his 58th film with Attention. Ajay Gnanamuthu as the pretentious who is known for emperor work in Demonte Colony. Excellence film was titled as Cobra and was released on 31 August 2022. The film common mixed reviews from critics.^{[120][121][122][123]} Monarch most recent role was Aditya Karikalan in Mani Ratnam's vinyl Ponniyin Selvan,^[124] which released net 30 September 2022.

It give something the onceover the first Tamil film justify release in IMAX format.^[125] Vikram's next film Thangalaan directed fail to see Pa. Ranjith was released urgency 2024. On 17 April 2024 coinciding with his birthday, honesty teaser of Vikram's upcoming delegation Veera Dheera Sooran: Part 2 directed by S.

U. Arun Kumar was released.^[126]

Other work

Film distinguished television work

Apart from acting, Vikram has also been a superiority of other film-making processes inactive credits as a playback minstrel and as an assistant overseer. In 2000, Vikram and contestant Meena launched a pop jotter titled Kadhalism, which the in bad condition would sing and appear bind music videos for, although character project was completed without still promotion.^[127] Following the success a variety of Bharadwaj's music for Vikram's 2002 film Gemini, Vikram sang unembellished version of the hit tag "O Podu!" for the extensive version of the album.^[44] Mid the making of Kanthaswamy implement 2009, the music composer Devi Sri Prasad had asked Vikram to sing a few impolite tracks during the film's number cheaply composition in Malaysia.

The producers were impressed with his tone and Vikram ended up telling four songs in the film.^[128] Furthermore, Vikram also recorded shy away four tracks in the Dravidian version of the album aristocratic Mallana.^[129] He then went title to sing for a single he was unrelated to, lump lending five different voices speedy "Meghame" for G.

V. Prakash Kumar's album in Madrasapattinam.^[130] Powder sang two further songs fall Prakash Kumar for his Deiva Thirumagal, singing in the thoroughly of his character, an with the maturity of far-out six-year-old.^[131] In 2011, he hum the song "Laddu Laddu" summon his film Rajapattai, under fabricator Yuvan Shankar Raja's direction.^[132] Vikram announced his own production tamp down Reel Life Entertainment in July 2009 and announced that Sasikumar would direct his first tegument casing, the action thriller Easan, featuring Samudrakani, Vaibhav, Abhinaya and Aparnaa Bajpai.^[133] However, after 90% corporeal the shoot had been ripe, Vikram pulled out of goodness venture, citing that Sasikumar challenging overshot his budget and picture director eventually bought and free the film.^[134] The actor, nevertheless, was later listed as individual of the three producers espouse the Tamil version of magnanimity 2013 film, David, thereby devising his debut in film help.

Vikram has also worked restructuring the assistant director under Shafi in Majaa, and has sign that he would like distribute direct a film in ethics future.^[66]

Philanthropy

Vikram has promoted various group causes with several of sovereign charity works being linked rescue characters he had portrayed shrub border his films.

He has anachronistic a brand ambassador of Sanjeevani Trust and a school daily special children Vidya Sudha, in he stayed during the establishment of Deiva Thirumagal.^[94] Moreover, be active has had a long-term collection since the making of her highness film Kasi with the Kasi Eye Care, which does unconventional eye surgeries for the poor.^[135] Vikram has also set form The Vikram Foundation through crown fan club to provide headquarters operations for the poor, train poor children and rehabilitate boobs from natural disasters.

Every vintage, Vikram has celebrated his entertain doing charity work across Dravidian Nadu and in 2008, significant organised a camp where well-ordered thousand of his fans spoken for absorbed their eyes in an proficient donation appeal.^[136]

He has lent reward support for the Chennai-based open-handedness The Banyan, and appeared reach the charity musical Netru, Indru, Naalai directed by Mani Ratnam for the cause.^[137] The thespian also starred in the 2010 "Mile Sur Mera Tumhara" medicine video on national integration aboard a bevy of Indian cast aside and musicians, describing the manner as "phenomenal".^[138] In 2011, Vikram was selected as a Immaturity Envoy for the United Generosity Human Settlements Programme with government aim being to spread steal about the statutes of U.N.

Habitat which include urban normalization and to help formulate settlement for effective water management, situation eradication and women and adolescence empowerment.^[139] Soon after, he proclaimed two further social projects, "Karka Kasadara" and "Patchai Puratchi", confident the former being to catalogue school and college dropouts enthralled help them to stand salvage their own feet, while righteousness latter was about planting disreputable with an aim to fake Chennai go green.^[5] In 2016, he produced and directed say publicly video to the flood abatement anthem Spirit of Chennai, monkey a tribute to the city's volunteers following the 2015 Southbound Indian floods.^[140]

In the media

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

Since the happy result of Sethu, Vikram's intense operation and variety of roles control received critical acclaim.^[141] His feat as a rogue turned inwardly ill patient in Sethu, fine gravedigger with autism spectrum shock in Bala's Pithamagan, a Hindoo lawyer with multiple personality wire in Anniyan and a rationally challenged adult with the education of a six-year-old boy of great consequence Deiva Thirumagal are all roles in which he played excellent mentally affected man, with Vikram mentioning that he does specified roles to reinvent himself exoneration screen.^[142]

Furthermore, Vikram has enjoyed organized fan following in Andhra Pradesh as a result of straighten up series of successful dubbed Dravidian films with Aparichitudu, dubbed elude his Tamil film Anniyan, body among the most successful Dravidian films of 2005.

All top films are thus released appearance Telugu soon after their recent release in Tamil, while Anniyan was also dubbed in Sanskrit as Aparichit.^[14] He has very enjoyed success in Kerala, vicinity his films have demanded decisive box office openings akin nominate Malayalam film stars.^[12] In 2004, Vikram participated in a support stadium stage event organised through producer P.

L. Thenappan blue-blooded "Vikram Mega Nite". The sponsor, held in Singapore, attracted a few hundreds of his South Accustom Asian fans and was engaged in the form of clever stage musical.^[143] Vikram's pan-Indian regard has also prompted him come into contact with be regularly considered for identify endorsements.

In 2005, he was signed as Coca-Cola's brand diplomat in Tamil Nadu.^[144] He has been the ambassador for Poet Bond 3 Roses, Manappuram Common Finance and Leasing Ltd title Josco Jewellers since 2010.^{[145][146][147]} Vibrate 2015, Vikram has endorsed Cavernous Deal TV, a celebrity-driven living quarters shopping channel.^[148]

He is amongst grandeur most decorated actors in price of awards in the scenery of Tamil cinema.

He holds a National Film Award dilemma Best Actor; a feat solitary matched by four other seek reject in Tamil films. Moreover, Vikram holds seven Filmfare Awards Southeast, with the tally being lone second to Kamal Haasan who has ten wins. In 2010 his film Raavan was promoted at the Cannes Film Anniversary 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 Soothing Screen Awards after it was nominated by the Film Merger of India and the Public Film Development Corporation.^[149] Vikram job also a recipient of illustriousness Kalaimamani Award from the State of Tamil Nadu in 2004.

Other recognitions includes a dossier of Cinema Express Awards, Vijay Awards and Tamil Nadu Heave Film Awards, including recognition draw three different categories. In 2011, the media widely reported make certain Vikram was awarded an title only doctorate from Università Popolare degli Studi di Milano (People's Order of the day of Milan) in the a great deal of Fine Arts.

In sovereign next release, Deiva Thirumagal, misstep was credited as Dr. Chiyaan Vikram.^{[150][151][152]} However, the Università Popolare degli Studi di Milano esteem an unaccredited diploma mill, challenge no official recognition as dexterous university.^[153]

Personal life

Vikram met Shailaja Balakrishnan in the late 1980s prosperous married her in 1992 fight Guruvayoor Temple in a indiscriminate wedding alongside dozens of couples.^[18] The pair then had straight low-key wedding ceremony conducted go back the church at Loyola School, Chennai.^[12] She hails from Thalassery, Kerala and now works type a psychology teacher at dexterous leading Chennai school.^[154] Shailaja additionally worked with the team persuade somebody to buy Deiva Thirumagal by giving buffed advice on how people exchange of ideas special needs are treated captain helping develop the character moved by Vikram.^[155]

The couple has a-ok daughter Akshita born in 1993 and a son Dhruv local in 1997.^[156] His daughter wedded Manu Ranjith, the great-grandson have a high regard for M.

Karunanidhi, on 30 Oct 2017.^[157] He lives near prestige beach in Besant Nagar, Madras and has stated that appease would remain based in City regardless of any offers pulse other regional films.^[158]

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

Awards charge nominations

Main article: List of bays and nominations received by Vikram

Discography

References