After Sura ’s mixed reception, Vijay recalibrated. Kaavalan (2011), a remake of Bodyguard , showed restraint and warmth, earning critical praise. Velayudham (2011) and Nanban (2012)—the official Tamil remake of 3 Idiots —displayed his comedic and emotional range. Thuppakki (2012), directed by AR Murugadoss, was a watershed moment: a slick, intelligent action thriller about an army officer dismantling a sleeper cell. It redefined Vijay’s on-screen persona as a thinking mass hero. Follow-ups Jilla (2014), Kaththi (2014), Puli (2015), and Theri (2016) saw him balancing family sentiment with sharp political critiques, especially in Kaththi (corporate exploitation of farmers) and Theri (police corruption). Bairavaa (2017) closed this phase, which established him as a pan-Indian star via strong streaming and dubbed releases.
Introduction
Vijay’s recent filmography is defined by blockbuster budgets, social commentary, and deliberate positioning as a future political leader. Mersal (2017)—with its critique of GST and medical malpractice—became a phenomenon. Sarkar (2018) directly attacked electoral malpractice, leading to legal controversies. Master (2021), his post-pandemic comeback, blended juvenile home reform with stylish action. Beast (2022) was a mall-set action comedy, while Varisu (2023) returned to family melodrama. However, Leo (2023) and The GOAT (Greatest of All Time, 2024) represent his current phase: high-concept, pan-Indian collaborations with top directors (Lokesh Kanagaraj, Venkat Prabhu) that explicitly insert political messaging about corruption, education, and caste oppression. His upcoming Thalapathy 69 (rumored to be his last film before entering politics) signals the culmination of this journey—where cinema becomes a direct vehicle for political ascension. vijay tamil movies list
The period from Ghilli (2004) onward cemented Vijay as an action hero with comic timing. Ghilli —a remake of the Telugu blockbuster Okkadu —became one of Tamil cinema’s highest-grossing films, with Vijay playing a kabaddi player who rescues a woman from a gangster. This template of “one-man-against-system” repeated in Sivakasi (2005), Aadhi (2006), Pokkiri (2007), and Kuruvi (2008). Pokkiri (remake of Pokiri ) was another industry hit, showcasing his raw action avatar. The phase ended with Vettaikaaran (2009) and Sura (2010)—the latter a critical failure, but a commercial average. Despite uneven scripts, Vijay’s stardom remained intact, proving his ability to open films purely on name value. Other titles: Madhurey (2004), Thirupaachi (2005), Villu (2009). After Sura ’s mixed reception, Vijay recalibrated