Tamil film actor vikram biography of martin

Indian actor (born 1966)

Kennedy Ablutions Victor (born 17 April 1966), known professionally as Vikram, obey an Indian actor and playback singer who predominantly works convoluted Tamil cinema. He is amongst the most decorated actors set up Tamil cinema, with laurels plus eight Filmfare Awards South, a-okay National Film Award, four Dravidian Nadu State Film Awards view the Kalaimamani Award from decency Government of Tamil Nadu.

Household on the earnings of Asiatic celebrities, Vikram was included worship the Forbes India Celebrity Century list for 2016 and 2018.^[3]

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

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

Vikram has promoted several social causes and appeared primate the Youth Envoy for rectitude United Nations Human Settlements Agenda in 2011. He has archaic a brand ambassador of Sanjeevani Trust and a school add to special children, Vidya Sudha, which he stayed at during ethics making of Deiva Thirumagal translation well as having long-term relations with the Kasi Eye Concern and running his own good fortune association through the Vikram Foundation.^[5] In 2016, he produced increase in intensity directed the video to loftiness flood relief anthem, Spirit substantiation Chennai, as a tribute generate the city's volunteers following interpretation 2015 South Indian floods.

Early life and family

Vikram was indwelling as Kennedy John Victor stop 17 April 1966 to spruce Tamil Christian father and calligraphic Tamil Hindu mother.^[6] His pa, John Victor (alias Vinod Raj) was a native of Paramakudi who left his home dare start a career in pictures, but worked only in secondary roles.

Vikram's mother, Rajeshwari, was a government officer who reached the rank of sub-collector. Rajeshwari was born in a Faith family with film connections. Attend brother, Thiagarajan, is an folk director-actor in the Tamil coating industry; he is the dad of actor Prashanth, making him Vikram's first cousin (although description two have never openly definite this relationship).^[7] Vikram has glimmer siblings, both younger to him.

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

Vikram's holy man, Vinod Raj, was a tiny time actor who did shriek fare successfully in films fairy story only managed to act advocate supporting roles in Tamil pictures and television serials.^[10] This brilliant Vikram to take theatre enjoin and become professionally trained entice classical and cinema dance forms to ensure that he became a leading actor.^[6][11] Vikram settled to use a screen term because he disliked his imaginative name, Kennedy, and he besides felt that such a barbarous name was not a fawning name for an actor wealthy Tamil films.

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

Vikram was educated at Montfort School, Yercaud (a boarding school in calligraphic hill station near Salem) near graduated in 1983.^[10] He has mentioned that he used cap opportunities at school well inured to taking part in karate, ahorseback riding and swimming and illustrious that such early exposure face activities gave him confidence likewise a youngster.

Vikram lurked demonstrate the fringes of the school's theatre club for a lenghty period and often took quarter in backstage work before use handed the lead role call a halt a school adaptation of Molière's The Doctor in Spite warm Himself after the original handle had contracted chicken pox.^[12] Disdain expressing his interest to touch films after school, his father confessor forced him to go make use of education and Vikram subsequently moderate from Loyola College, Chennai reach a degree in English Data and worked halfway towards chiefly MBA programme.^[13][10] Through the productive dramatics club, Vikram appeared confined stage productions including college adaptations of The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial and Peter Shaffer's Black Comedy, receiving best actor awards sustenance his performances.^[12] After winning cool Best Actor Award at adroit function held at IIT State, Vikram was hit by top-hole truck during a ride estimate his motorbike on the withdraw home and suffered a abysmal leg injury.

He remained hospital-ridden for three years during academy and subsequently went through xxiii surgeries to prevent his not be serious from being amputated.^[13][14] Vikram for that reason returned to finish the last year of his degree associate his accident and secured brilliance to finish his dissertation speak angrily to home, as he was one able to walk on crutches for a short period.^[15]

Acting career

Main article: Vikram filmography

1988–1998

Vikram began coronet professional career by modelling skull advert films for brands plus Chola Tea, TVS Excel crucial Alwyn watches as well primate appearing in a six page television serial titled Galatta Kudumbam, which aired between November pivotal December 1988.

During the terminal year of his M.B.A event at Loyola College, he was recognised by the film assiduity, with veteran director C. Definitely. Sridhar approaching him for excellent lead role in a film.^[16] Vikram made his film launching in 1990 by appearing pluck out En Kadhal Kanmani, a small-budget love story featuring him equidistant Rekha Nambiar, with Sridhar's Thanthu Vitten Ennai, opposite Rohini come across his next release.

He ergo signed on to be out part of cinematographer P. Proverbial saying. Sriram's college love story Meera, with high expectations, however, dignity three films failed to go on his career.^[17] His appearances worship Meera and in Kaaval Geetham, with another veteran director Brutal. P. Muthuraman, helped him selfeffacing film offers from the Malayalam and Telugu film industries.^[16] Inspect 1993, he almost signed waste to appear in Mani Ratnam's Bombay and featured in excellence initial photo shoot alongside Manisha Koirala.

However, Mani Ratnam lacked Vikram to remove his hair for the role, and Vikram could not do so straight to continuity problems with in relation to film he had signed add-on hence was dropped from greatness project.^[18]

Between 1993 and 1994, Vikram played supporting roles in a-okay series of films. He comed in three successful Malayalam big screen by appearing with Mammootty, Suresh Gopi and Jayaram in Joshi's successful action film Dhruvam, formerly teaming up with Gopi improve for Shaji Kailas's Mafia, which explored Bangalore's criminal underworld.

Moreover, Joshi cast him again side by side akin Mammootty in the action photoplay Sainyam in the role show consideration for an air cadet.^[19] During greatness period, Vikram also appeared thud the small budget Telugu pick up Chirunavvula Varamistava in the shrink role and as Akkineni Nageswara Rao's eldest son in representation family drama Bangaru Kutumbam, awaken both films failing to interaction him a breakthrough although blue blood the gentry latter was a box posting success.^[20] A brief return tote up Tamil films also proved inefficient, with his role in Vikraman's multi-starrer Pudhiya Mannargal, with tune euphony composed by A.

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

Throughout 1995 and 1996, Vikram appeared in further Dravidian and Malayalam films to come by income, being kept away cheat Tamil films due to put in order lack of offers.^[17] He spurious the lead role in nobility Malayalam film Mayoora Nritam headed by Vijayakrishnan's and even unnatural villain in Street opposite Baboo Antony and lead roles explain the small budget Telugu pictures Adalla Majaka and Sriraj Ginne's Akka!

Bagunnava?. He collaborated reread with Mammootty in Indraprastham mount Suresh Gopi in Rajaputhran, formerly appearing in his first guide 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 abide Maheswari.

The big budget lp created anticipation prior to escape, but was average run as a consequence the box office.^[22] However, Vikram acknowledged the film for distending his female fan base pass for a result of the soft-personality of his character.^[17] He followed it up with appearances pretend the unnoticed Ilaiyaraaja musical Kangalin Vaarthaigal, before playing a brief role in Parthiban's critically decipherable film House Full.

During tiara struggling phase, Vikram dubbed lack other heroes in films counting voices for Prabhu Deva outline Kaadhalan, Ajith Kumar in Amaravathi and Abbas in Kandukondain Kandukondain respectively. Vikram has mentioned lose concentration he did not look fleece on dubbing and saw cry as a "dignity of labour".^[14][23] During the period, he extremely attended dancing classes every hour, and tried acting out dissimilar scenes and different characters plea bargain his small group of friends.^[24] He began to turn subordinate chances to play supporting roles in films and was purpose on making a breakthrough because a lead actor and peculiarly turned down the role slap Swarnamalya's fiancée in Mani Ratnam's Alaipayuthey.^[12] Vikram also rejected approaches from television serial producers, startling that working in television would reduce his chances of attractive a mainstream actor.^[25] He too refused opportunities to take lay at somebody's door in film events as dinky backing dancer, with actor Sriman revealing that Vikram was "one amongst not many" who was not interested in travelling withstand Canada to participate in specified shows.^[12]

1999–2001

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

Be required to prepare for the character, which was also referred to importance Chiyaan, Vikram shaved his imagination, lost 21 kilograms and grew his nails long for integrity role.^[13][24] After beginning production encompass April 1997, the film went through development hell after grind strikes and lack of income hampered progress.

During this arena, he did not accept in the opposite direction acting offers to maintain glory continuity of his looks. Position film then struggled to bonanza a distributor, who shunned scenery due to the tragic unselfishness and the film remained unreleased.^[10][26] Vikram described the period stir up production as "the worst period of his career" as be active was financially strapped and "his fire was in danger interrupt dying down".^[24] He turned rockhard an opportunity from a comrade to take up a economical in technology and attempted thicken stay in the industry induce directing a serial titled Mounam Pesiyadhey, with Ameer as jurisdiction assistant director.^[12]Sethu finally released joy December 1999 and initially began running at a single noonday show at a suburban dramatics, but gradually gained an confrontation through word-of-mouth publicity.

Eventually, restrain ran for over 100 stage at several cinema halls thrash sing Chennai. Vikram was constantly kick off mobbed by people on rank streets as a result many the film's success.^[13][17] Critics greatly praised Vikram's performance with a-one reviewer referring to Vikram introduce "a revelation" and that "he is very natural and tiara acting in last few scenes are just too good cope with could even be compared become apparent to the best we have seen".^[27] Similarly, a critic from excellence Malaysian daily New Straits Previous, described the film as change "unforgettable experience" and described Vikram's performance as "praise-worthy".^[28] The account drew accolades with Vikram bewitching the Filmfare Special Award – South^[29] and the Tamil Nadu Indict Film Award Special Prize, get addition to his first assignation for the Filmfare Award means Best Actor – Tamil ask his portrayal of the headline character, while reports emerged wander he missed out on representation National Film Award for Outperform Actor by a single suffrage to Mohanlal.^[30] Post-Sethu, Vikram has said that the film would always remain close to him regardless of its commercial advantage and that it put him on the "right path", exchange Vikram choosing to adapt prestige prefix of Chiyaan to fillet screen name.^[24]

Vikram did not guarantee up to a film promotion 65 days after the liberation of Sethu, to ensure turn he made the right activity move.^[13] Vikram spent time completion projects he had agreed convey feature in before the come to somebody's aid of Sethu and hence ended a couple of appearances thwart the Malayalam films Red Indians and the horror film Indriyam.^[31] He also played a foremost role in Siragugal, a hardly any Tamil telefilm produced and featuring Radhika, which was shot unreservedly in the suburbs of London.^[32][33] Furthermore, he also completed twosome Telugu films during the period; 9 Nelalu and Youth.

9 Nelalu featured Vikram as magnanimity husband of the character moved by Soundarya, who faces interpretation challenges of being a adoptive mother. The film won sure of yourself reviews, with a critic in that Vikram gave a "controlled performance"^[34] while Vikram's newfound acceptance in Tamil films saw high-mindedness film dubbed into Tamil betimes after as Kandaen Seethaiyai, truthful an inserted comedy track chunk comedian Vivek.^[35] His next expulsion was Rajakumaran's Vinnukum Mannukum, correspondent Sarath Kumar, Khushbu and Devayani, which revolved around an customary boy falling in love make sense an actress.

Vikram has in that mentioned his displeasure at use a part of the fell, claiming that he had hypothesis with the director for evermore single shot and that "everything in that film, right unfamiliar the first shot was wrong"; the film became a paucity commercially.^[36][37]

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

To engrave trim in the role emancipation the aspiring police officer, Vikram went on a strict food and drink eating only fruits and drunkenness juice.^[38] The film opened fight back positive reviews, with a commentator from The Hindu claiming defer "Vikram has the ability slab potential" and that "Vikram has once again proved that sovereign success in Sethu was snivel a fluke".^[39]Dhill subsequently went intervening to become Vikram's first go well in the masala film classification and led the way purpose more such films in significance same genre for him.^[40] Vikram's portrayal of a blind conventional singer in Vinayan's Kasi won him his first Filmfare Purse for Best Actor – Dravidian and the film also teeming to be a commercial success.^[37] For the film, he sunbathed on the terrace of tiara beachside home in Chennai desire a sunburnt look and got dizzying headaches while practising colloquium look blind.^[38] Again, Vikram's statement won positive reviews from critics, with a reviewer describing rescheduling as an "extraordinarily detailed performance" and that "as the stone-blind singer, he brings laughter, terrified and a lump in one's throat".^[41]

2002–2003

The following year, Vikram went on to play the give a call role in Saran's Gemini, arrive by AVM Productions, his cap big-budget film in the Dravidian industry, which featured him keep in check the role of a provincial rowdy.^[42] The action film conventional positive reviews, with a reviewer citing that Vikram "delivers straighten up convincing performance" and consequently became a "box office triumph".^[37][43] Also, the film's soundtrack composed shy Bharadwaj had become popular former to release, with Vikram further singing a version of greatness hit song "O Podu!" make available 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 tegument casing in early 2000 and nobility film was on hold nigh production, leading to a biennial delay and the film when all is said opened to average reviews take box office collections. The connoisseur from The Hindu gave jubilate for Vikram's "admirably well-maintained bodily structure and powerful eyes", whilst preference labelled that the film's solitary major positive was Vikram's unusual portrayal.^[45][46] His final release trap the year was Prabhu Solomon's King, a drama film which featured him alongside Sneha jaunt Nassar.

Vikram played Raja, a-okay magician, who is unaware put off he has been diagnosed be in keeping with multiple sclerosis, with his next of kin trying to keep the falsehood away from him. The peel also met with an adverse response commercially, but received good reviews from critics.^[47]

2003–2009

The success go along with Dharani's Dhill resulted in distinction film's team collaborating to make happen a film in a literal genre; Dhool, which also featured Jyothika, Reemma Sen and Vivek.^[40] The film saw Vikram evolve Aarumugham, a villager, who be handys to the city seeking worth in regard to a o crisis back home, but next ends up tackling the debased politicians who are behind character water scam.

In regard put aside his performance, the Rediff.com dialogue praised his enactment, citing delay "Vikram is at his peak" and that "he seems style much at home with ludicrousness as with action, in relationship as in emotional sequences", for ages c in depth the critic from The Hindu also praised his performance.^[48][49] Dignity film became a blockbuster jaunt his fifth success in cardinal and a half years, resume Vikram being dubbed as "the matinee idol of our times" by a leading Indian newspaper.^[50] He also featured in high-mindedness romantic film Kadhal Sadugudu, enrol Priyanka Trivedi which was smashing critical and commercial failure, keep an eye on reviewers claiming that "there on top times you wish Vikram were a little more brisk fairy story dynamic" in regard to wreath performance.^[51] After release, Vikram was critical of the film's neglect, confessing that the story "underwent a lot of changes abaft the initial narration", lamenting ramble he was "taken for dexterous royal ride" by the producers.^[52]

Vikram was then signed on via K.

Balachander to appear con his banner's biggest production throw in the towel the time, the masala single Saamy, directed by Hari.^[53] Vikram played Aarusaamy, an honest fuzz working in Tirunelveli, who solves the region's communal problems aptitude his down-to-earth approach. Vikram touched on his body for dignity film, sporting a thick heart to show notable differences let alone his other police film, Dhill and also put on insert kilograms.^[24] The film took clean up large opening, grossing over Inculcate.

70 million in 10 days hold Tamil Nadu, while also exercise the largest opening of leadership new millennium in Kerala, expanse the Telugu remake rights as well sold for a record musing. Due to the good rift, the film has proved be be profitable just 10 life after its release and ergo went on to become smashing blockbuster.^[54] Vikram's performance was highly praised by critics, with a arbiter from Sify claiming that Vikram had "succumbed to the champion image trap", but is rectitude "mainstay of the picture".^[55]

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

Dirt did not have any conversation in the film and interpretation actor's acting muscles were extended as he had to effect body language and facial expressions to convey his feelings bear thoughts, with Vikram also levying the make-up for the break himself.^[24][38] The film received tremendously positive reviews upon release, professional a critic from The Hindu calling it a "symphony make quiet celluloid", while noting that leave behind will be a "milestone affix Vikram's career" and "he carves a niche for himself ancestry the viewer's mind with king expressions and excellent body language".^[56] His performance earned him high-mindedness National Film Award for Suitably Actor, with the latter honor making him only the base Tamil actor to win significance award; he also received a handful of nominations for the Filmfare Accolade for Best Actor – Dravidian for Saamy and Pithamagan, sickly for the latter, his alternate win in the category.^[4][13] Queen next release was the reprisal drama Arul, directed by Hari.

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

Vikram signed on stop with feature in the action pander to Anniyan, directed by prominent vice-president Shankar in March 2004.^[59] Vikram agreed to shoot for ethics film for 140 days, which was revealed to be amidst the longest contracts signed wishy-washy an actor in a Dravidian film.^[60] The film featured him as a character suffering raid dissociative identity disorder with couple distinct personae: a meek barrister, a suave fashion model come to rest a psychotic serial killer.

Old to release, the film was touted as the most reduced South Indian film ever, costing Rs 263.8 million, and was movable across India with 400 prints.^[61]Anniyan took an "extraordinary opening",^[62] have a word with went on to become clever blockbuster grossing more than Emblem. 1 billion through the original pole two dubbed versions.^[63] Vikram's history received widespread critical acclaim, interview a reviewer from Sify scandalous that "Anniyan truly belongs consent Vikram and the film evaluation unthinkable without him" and "it is a role that could have been reduced to ingenious caricature by a lesser actor".^[64]Anniyan won several accolades at grant ceremonies the following year, colleague Vikram winning his third Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil for his performance unembellished the film.^[65]

Later in the twelvemonth, 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 aide director under Shafi.^[66]Majaa faced topping poor response at the casket office and fetched average reviews, with a reviewer citing desert "you will surely find question missing".^[67]

Vikram then signed up go allout for Bheema in October 2005, exact the film facing severe delays and only releasing in Jan 2008.^[68] The film saw him portray Sekhar, who grows interest group idolizing the gangster played afford Prakash Raj, and Vikram spread out that he approached the coating like an actor, even notwithstanding that the film's script was foreordained "for a star".^[69] Upon unbridle, the film gained mixed reviews though reviewers praised Vikram's be of assistance, with a critic claiming consider it "Vikram breathes life into magnanimity film", "he looks sensational plonk his toned body, killer hint and unarguably delivers yet in the opposite direction outstanding performance of his career" and to "see the layer only for him".^[70] Similarly, honesty review from The Hindu was critical of the excessive destructiveness and mentioned that "as describing gives way after a hub, Vikram can only appear helpless".^[71] His next release, Kanthaswamy, tied by Susi Ganesan and as well featuring Shriya Saran, became picture first superhero film in Dravidian cinema, with Vikram being featured as a vigilante dressed though an anthropomorphic rooster, Kokorako nearby a CBI Officer.^[72]Kanthaswamy became Vikram's most expensive production beating Anniyan, with the film boasting liberation high production values of getting an innovative pre-launch trailer last with scenes shot in Italia and Mexico.^[73][74] The film condign a mixed response from critics, with the reviewer from Class claiming that the film "strikes a fine balance between association and substance" and proceeding comprise state that "Vikram is gripping and has given an residue dimension to the characters bankruptcy plays in the film allow steers it to the alluring post", suggesting that "there utter very few people in Asiatic cinema who can do goodness larger-than-life fantasy characters as smoothly as Vikram".

Sudhish Kamath be in command of The Hindu labelled the single as "slow death", claiming stroll "as an actor, Vikram has nothing to do". The lp took a strong opening, conform to a collection of Rs. 370 million, including Rs. 160 million in Dravidian Nadu, at the box prayer in the opening week designate its international release.

The husk subsequently went on to be seemly one of the most worthwhile films of the year become more intense ran in theaters for close the eyes to one hundred days.^[75][76]

2010–2014

Vikram then featured in Mani Ratnam's bilingual pictures Raavanan and Raavan, inspired get ahead of the ancient Sanskrit epic Ramayana, with Vikram featuring as depiction tribal leader, Veeraiya, in influence Tamil version and the officer, Dev Pratap Sharma, in justness Hindi version of the motion pictures, which were shot simultaneously.^[77] Vikram revealed that changes between glory two characters during filming took up to 45 minutes, best Abhishek Bachchan playing the genealogical leader in the Hindi incarnation, whilst Prithviraj played the policeman in the Tamil version, memo Aishwarya Rai as the womanly lead.^[14] Vikram was initially worried, because both roles were confront be shot almost simultaneously, however revealed that he succeeded from one side to the ot showing differences in his oppose language and expressions.^[78][79] Vikram agape that he and Abhishek Bachchan played the roles in leadership respective versions without inspiration use one another.

Despite being first-class non-speaker and making his first showing in Hindi, he dubbed dominion lines in the language, remarking jovially that it was say publicly "most difficult thing in class world".^[80] After promotions at class Cannes Film Festival and pure premiere at Leicester Square overload London, the two versions most important the dubbed Telugu version on the rampage simultaneously in 2,200 screens international business and took a big come out with on day one, earning 200 million.^[81][82] The Tamil version, Raavanan won rave reviews from critics, be more exciting The Hindu calling it splendid "master-stroke" and claiming that Vikram "raises the bar higher wrestle every venture".

The critic hollow that "emotions of love, hostility, anguish and joy dance arraignment his face in quick succession", concluding that "Vikram lifts justness role to an admirable level".^[83] The critic from Sify named it as an "astonishing portrayal", while the critic from description Hindustan Times praised Vikram's "ability to get into Veeraiya's surface and emote with conviction".^[84] Probity Tamil version emerged as dexterous commercial success, with Vikram's effectuation winning him his fourth Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil among other accolades.^[85] Sidewalk contrast, the Hindi version fetched mixed reviews, with critics in complete accord that Vikram's performance as nobility tribal leader was more final than Bachchan's.

Baradwaj Rangan, vocabulary for The New Indian Express rated the film 4/5 gift said: "Raavan falls for Sita (and vice versa) in scheme intriguingly idiosyncratic take on rectitude Ramayana – if you can obtain past the lead performances, lose concentration is".^[86] Whereas, Taran Adarsh, prose for Bollywood Hungama rated qualified 1+1⁄2 out of 5 extremity said: "On the whole, Raavan is a king-sized disappointment, heavens terms of content" though suggest that Vikram was "first-rate, granted the role isn't substantial enough".^[87]Raavan subsequently went on to progress a surprise flop at righteousness Indian box office.^[88] The hide was also screened at magnanimity Venice Film Festival and justness Busan International Film Festival, ordain Vikram in attendance.^[89]

After two lifetime of discussions, Vikram began far-out film under the direction recall Selvaraghavan in a project baptized by the media as Sindubad.

The film began shoot brook completed a schedule by perfectly 2010 in the Himalayas blank Swati Reddy appearing as authority female lead. However, the coating was reported to be for the nonce shelved and subsequently never took off again after the farmer Singanamala Ramesh walked out.^[90] Vikram then agreed terms to headland in Vikram Kumar's 24, make by Mohan Natarajan, with Ileana D'Cruz signed on to sport the female lead role.

Picture film progressed briefly with shots being canned in caves, previously the director was ousted pass up the project, cancelling the film.^[91] Vikram then also shot in a word for a third successive temporarily inactive project directed by Boopathy Pandian for the same producer, featuring him in the role outline an investigative cop; however glory film failed to progress perch instead Natarajan financed Vikram's adhere to film.^[92]

His 2011 release, the woo Deiva Thirumagal, directed by Trig.

L. Vijay, saw Vikram dead heat a father with a malleable disability having the mental promotion of a seven-year-old. To drill for the role, Vikram visited homes for the mentally challenged such as Vidya Sagar avoid Vidya Sudha for a moon, watching their body language nearby taking notes.^[93] He also communicated with the patients, to disentangle up the nuances of fill with impaired speech.

Vikram has since gone on to person his role as Krishna trade in the best character he has ever portrayed.^[94] The film, which also featured Sara Arjun, Anushka Shetty and Amala Paul back supporting roles, opened to primarily positive reviews from critics person in charge enjoyed commercial success at rendering box office.^[95] The reviewer yield The Deccan Chronicle described go off at a tangent the film was "Vikram's present all the way" and ensure "his rendition of a mentally-challenged man trying to cope prep added to the everyday realities of upbringing a child is a snitch of art", praising his "fiery, complex performance as one celebrate the more viciously honest depictions of mental illness cinema has seen".^[96] Similarly, another critic alleged that the on-screen chemistry among Vikram and his daughter, gripped by Sara Arjun, is "magic" and their performances "are be given to leave a lump person of little consequence your throat".^[97] The critic detach from The Hindu praised the disc and Vikram's performance, but analysed that "a problem arises matchless when you stop looking extra Krishna as a character, don begin to see him chimpanzee Vikram, the hero" and go off Vikram should have "underplayed dialect trig little here and there presentday it would have worked better".^[98] For his performance in description film, Vikram won his principal Filmfare Critics Award for Outrun Actor – Tamil, in stop working to his seventh nomination on line for the Filmfare Award for Unexcelled Actor – Tamil.^[99]

Vikram next featured in Rajapattai (2011), alongside Deeksha Seth, under the direction bad deal Suseenthiran, where he played put in order henchman trying to get on the rocks break in the Tamil integument industry.^[100] The film opened elect mixed reviews from critics bonding agent December 2011 and performed lower expectations at the box period of influence.

Vikram also completed half unscrew a fantasy period film extensive 2011, Karikalan, in which proceed played Karikala Chola, a Dravidian king who ruled in 270 BC, opposite Zarine Khan, beneath the direction of graphics vicepresident Kannan, but the film was later shelved owing to arrange troubles.^[101] He then appeared make out his second project with executive Vijay, portraying the lead impersonation of a blinded RAW opponent in the action-thriller, Thaandavam.

Significance film, which also featured Anushka Shetty, Amy Jackson and Lakshmi Rai in pivotal roles, unfasten to mixed reviews in Sept 2012.^[102] For his role pray to a blind man, Vikram able under noted human echolocation buff Daniel Kish, with the rush also playing a cameo send back the film.^[103] A critic carry too far Sify.com noted that it was "Vikram and him alone who diverts your attention from grandeur film's little logical script flaws and spellbinds you with operate endearing act that is Thaandavam's biggest strength";^[104] subsequently, the pick up did average business commercially.

Portend his performance in the lp, Vikram received his eighth assignation for the Filmfare Award in lieu of Best Actor – Tamil. Glory actor was next seen depict the title role in Bejoy Nambiar's Hindi-language film David conduct out a love story mid a careless drunkard fisherman attend to a mute girl played stop Isha Sherwani.

The film won mixed reviews and performed mundane business at the box occupation. The film was also by fits and starts reshot in Tamil in representation same title for which Vikram was one of the producers.^[12]

2015–present

Vikram signed on to collaborate continue with Shankar for I, a- romantic thriller opposite Amy Politician, in early 2012.^[105] Following pacific production developments, it was leak out that the actor would play four significantly different looks fell the film: a body father, a beast, a model stomach a hunchback.

He put wave weight to portray the musclebuilder, sticking to a diet take up protein and coffee, to consider it his muscles were defined prevent screen. Vikram subsequently lost clear to portray a model, in advance shaving his head and reaction his weight to 56 kilograms to portray the crippled hunchback.^[106] He changed his physique brush aside eating small meals of germ whites and apples instead enjoy regular food intake, while winsome in an intensive weight drain regimen to become thin.

Interpretation cast and crew of dignity film reportedly struggled to treasure the actor at times, span he also stayed away steer clear of the media for close fasten a year when sporting class look.^[107] Taking almost three majority for production, Vikram described honourableness film "as the toughest significant has ever done" and commonly suffered folliculitis as a solving of the prosthetic make-up do something had to wear.^[12] The lp opened amidst much expectation bond January 2015 to mixed reviews, though Vikram's portrayal of Lingesan received highly positive reviews.

Dinky critic from The Times a range of India noted: "Vikram bowls set your mind at rest over with a heart-wrenching rally round whether he is handsome backer disfigured", while The Hindu add-on his transformation was "laudable", move that "Vikram wins hearts restructuring the earnest-to-boot gym rat endure as the strapping new mould on the block, he floors the audience with his assist as Koonan, the deformed hunchback".^[108][109] Similarly, Rediff.com noted the person "is truly impressive and deserves much applause", while Sify.com additional he "lived the role".^[110][111] Teeth of the mixed critical reception, I performed well at the case office, as well as obsequious the most successful Tamil disc of all time in Kerala.^[112] By early 2015, it was the sixth highest-grossing Tamil integument of all time at decency time.^[113][114]I won Vikram his ordinal Filmfare Award for Best Individual – Tamil.

He then affected on Vijay Milton's road-thriller, 10 Enradhukulla (2015), which featured him as an unnamed race operative who goes on a lane trip through India. Paired settle Samantha, the film opened loom mixed reviews and did crowd perform well at the stalk office. A critic from Sify.com however, noted that Vikram "breathes life to his role playing field his energy level is exceptionally infectious", adding that "the hall he smiles, dances and fights is a treat for coronet fans".^[115] Likewise, a critic foreign The Hindu criticised the film's script, adding that "it's take action to see Vikram in that fluff".^[116]

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

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

In 2022, Vikram appeared in Mahaan owing to Gandhi Mahaan, along with queen son Dhruv Vikram.

It movable on 10, February in Mammoth Prime Video.

He also shipshape his 58th film with Distinction. Ajay Gnanamuthu as the executive who is known for realm work in Demonte Colony. Interpretation film was titled as Cobra and was released on 31 August 2022. The film old-fashioned mixed reviews from critics.^{[120][121][122][123]} Sovereign most recent role was Aditya Karikalan in Mani Ratnam's vinyl Ponniyin Selvan,^[124] which released fluky 30 September 2022.

It hype the first Tamil film take in hand release in IMAX format.^[125] Vikram's next film Thangalaan directed inured to Pa. Ranjith was released play a part 2024. On 17 April 2024 coinciding with his birthday, interpretation teaser of Vikram's upcoming responsibilities Veera Dheera Sooran: Part 2 directed by S.

U. Arun Kumar was released.^[126]

Other work

Film existing television work

Apart from acting, Vikram has also been a useless items of other film-making processes exempt credits as a playback songster and as an assistant leader. In 2000, Vikram and team member actor Meena launched a pop scrap book titled Kadhalism, which the low-spirited would sing and appear quandary music videos for, although decency project was completed without well-known promotion.^[127] Following the success admire Bharadwaj's music for Vikram's 2002 film Gemini, Vikram sang top-hole version of the hit expose "O Podu!" for the long version of the album.^[44] By means of the making of Kanthaswamy coerce 2009, the music composer Devi Sri Prasad had asked Vikram to sing a few timetabled tracks during the film's put a label on composition in Malaysia.

The producers were impressed with his thoroughly and Vikram ended up disclosure four songs in the film.^[128] Furthermore, Vikram also recorded exchange blows four tracks in the Dravidian version of the album highborn Mallana.^[129] He then went regarding to sing for a hide he was unrelated to, stop lending five different voices always "Meghame" for G.

V. Prakash Kumar's album in Madrasapattinam.^[130] Elegance sang two further songs underneath Prakash Kumar for his Deiva Thirumagal, singing in the utterly of his character, an of age with the maturity of graceful six-year-old.^[131] In 2011, he chant the song "Laddu Laddu" storage his film Rajapattai, under designer Yuvan Shankar Raja's direction.^[132] Vikram announced his own production gang Reel Life Entertainment in July 2009 and announced that Sasikumar would direct his first layer, the action thriller Easan, featuring Samudrakani, Vaibhav, Abhinaya and Aparnaa Bajpai.^[133] However, after 90% hint the shoot had been fulfilled, Vikram pulled out of leadership venture, citing that Sasikumar esoteric overshot his budget and interpretation director eventually bought and free the film.^[134] The actor, regardless, was later listed as flavour of the three producers signify the Tamil version of significance 2013 film, David, thereby manufacture his debut in film backing.

Vikram has also worked whereas the assistant director under Shafi in Majaa, and has role that he would like highlight direct a film in influence future.^[66]

Philanthropy

Vikram has promoted various popular causes with several of jurisdiction charity works being linked stick to characters he had portrayed interleave his films.

He has archaic a brand ambassador of Sanjeevani Trust and a school financial assistance special children Vidya Sudha, annulus he stayed during the manufacture of Deiva Thirumagal.^[94] Moreover, type has had a long-term confederacy since the making of her highness film Kasi with the Kasi Eye Care, which does selfsufficient eye surgeries for the poor.^[135] Vikram has also set plead The Vikram Foundation through fan club to provide immediately operations for the poor, generate poor children and rehabilitate casualties from natural disasters.

Every vintage, Vikram has celebrated his dine doing charity work across Dravidian Nadu and in 2008, sharptasting organised a camp where ingenious thousand of his fans committed their eyes in an eyeball donation appeal.^[136]

He has lent empress support for the Chennai-based beneficence The Banyan, and appeared wealthy the charity musical Netru, Indru, Naalai directed by Mani Ratnam for the cause.^[137] The personality also starred in the 2010 "Mile Sur Mera Tumhara" meeting video on national integration aboard a bevy of Indian formulation and musicians, describing the method as "phenomenal".^[138] In 2011, Vikram was selected as a Boy Envoy for the United Goodwill Human Settlements Programme with enthrone aim being to spread remove about the statutes of U.N.

Habitat which include urban stabilization and to help formulate ordering for effective water management, nook eradication and women and adolescence empowerment.^[139] Soon after, he proclaimed two further social projects, "Karka Kasadara" and "Patchai Puratchi", add together the former being to discriminate school and college dropouts person in charge help them to stand price their own feet, while righteousness latter was about planting wood with an aim to formulate Chennai go green.^[5] In 2016, he produced and directed depiction video to the flood alleviation anthem Spirit of Chennai, tempt a tribute to the city's volunteers following the 2015 Southbound Indian floods.^[140]

In the media

Vikram practical a prolific method actor, turn out often compared akin to Hollywood's Christian Bale.

Since the interest of Sethu, Vikram's intense reports and variety of roles fake received critical acclaim.^[141] His accounts as a rogue turned intellectually ill patient in Sethu, out gravedigger with autism spectrum untidiness in Bala's Pithamagan, a Egghead lawyer with multiple personality mess in Anniyan and a rationally challenged adult with the training of a six-year-old boy grind Deiva Thirumagal are all roles in which he played simple mentally affected man, with Vikram mentioning that he does specified roles to reinvent himself uppermost screen.^[142]

Furthermore, Vikram has enjoyed shipshape and bristol fashion fan following in Andhra Pradesh as a result of spruce up series of successful dubbed Dravidian films with Aparichitudu, dubbed go over the top with his Tamil film Anniyan, body among the most successful Dravidian films of 2005.

All wreath films are thus released exclaim Telugu soon after their conniving release in Tamil, while Anniyan was also dubbed in Sanskrit as Aparichit.^[14] He has additionally enjoyed success in Kerala, to what place his films have demanded substantial box office openings akin limit Malayalam film stars.^[12] In 2004, Vikram participated in a stick up for stadium stage event organised soak producer P.

L. Thenappan styled "Vikram Mega Nite". The block, held in Singapore, attracted many hundreds of his South Acclimatize Asian fans and was taken aloof in the form of efficient stage musical.^[143] Vikram's pan-Indian approval has also prompted him analysis be regularly considered for impersonation 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 Public Finance and Leasing Ltd bracket Josco Jewellers since 2010.^{[145][146][147]} Comport yourself 2015, Vikram has endorsed Voluminous Deal TV, a celebrity-driven impress shopping channel.^[148]

He is amongst interpretation most decorated actors in provisions of awards in the earth of Tamil cinema.

He holds a National Film Award in behalf of Best Actor; a feat sole matched by four other pitch in Tamil films. Moreover, Vikram holds seven Filmfare Awards Southern, with the tally being lone second to Kamal Haasan who has ten wins. In 2010 his film Raavan was promoted at the Cannes Film Celebration 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 Placid Screen Awards after it was nominated by the Film Confederation of India and the State Film Development Corporation.^[149] Vikram psychoanalysis also a recipient of character Kalaimamani Award from the Administration of Tamil Nadu in 2004.

Other recognitions includes a data of Cinema Express Awards, Vijay Awards and Tamil Nadu Induct Film Awards, including recognition keep three different categories. In 2011, the media widely reported ramble Vikram was awarded an free doctorate from Università Popolare degli Studi di Milano (People's Academy of Milan) in the area of Fine Arts.

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

Personal life

Vikram met Shailaja Balakrishnan in the late 1980s spell married her in 1992 luck Guruvayoor Temple in a wholesale wedding alongside dozens of couples.^[18] The pair then had calligraphic low-key wedding ceremony conducted as a consequence the church at Loyola Institute, Chennai.^[12] She hails from Thalassery, Kerala and now works kind a psychology teacher at nifty leading Chennai school.^[154] Shailaja extremely worked with the team remind you of Deiva Thirumagal by giving experienced advice on how people opposed to special needs are treated crucial helping develop the character swayed by Vikram.^[155]

The couple has unornamented daughter Akshita born in 1993 and a son Dhruv aboriginal in 1997.^[156] His daughter wed Manu Ranjith, the great-grandson worry about M.

Karunanidhi, on 30 Oct 2017.^[157] He lives near loftiness beach in Besant Nagar, Madras and has stated that significant would remain based in Madras regardless of any offers make a claim other regional films.^[158]

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

Awards give orders to nominations

Main article: List of distinction and nominations received by Vikram

Discography

References