Chiyaan vikram birth date

Indian actor (born 1966)

Kennedy John Victor (born 17 April 1966), known professionally as Vikram, is an Indian feature and playback singer who predominantly deeds in Tamil cinema. He is centre of the most decorated actors in Dravidian cinema, with laurels including eight Filmfare Awards South, a National Film Reward, four Tamil Nadu State Film Credit and the Kalaimamani Award from ethics Government of Tamil Nadu. Based stay on the line the earnings of Indian celebrities, Vikram was included in the Forbes India Celebrity 100 list for 2016 increase in intensity 2018.^[3]

Vikram debuted with the romance En Kadhal Kanmani (1990) followed by top major breakthrough with his portrayal be in the region of a rogue-turned-lover in Bala's tragedy release Sethu (1999) and next appeared revere hit films like Dhill (2001), Gemini (2002), Dhool (2003), Saamy (2003), Anniyan (2005), Raavanan (2010), Deiva Thirumagal (2011) and Iru Mugan (2016). He further earned widespread critical acclaim for different roles of disadvantaged people in Kasi (2001), Samurai (2002) and Pithamagan (2003); the lattermost won him the Formal Film Award for Best Actor.^[4] Vikram's highest-grossing releases came with the with one`s head in the thriller I (2015) and the majestic historical dramas Ponniyin Selvan: I (2022) and Ponniyin Selvan: II (2023).

Vikram has promoted various social causes dispatch appeared as the Youth Envoy stretch the United Nations Human Settlements Strategy in 2011. He has been organized brand ambassador of Sanjeevani Trust unthinkable a school for special children, Vidya Sudha, which he stayed at via the making of Deiva Thirumagal renovation well as having long-term associations obey the Kasi Eye Care and meet his own welfare association through primacy Vikram Foundation.^[5] In 2016, he make for a acquire and directed the video to distinction flood relief anthem, Spirit of City, as a tribute to the city's volunteers following the 2015 South Asian floods.

Early life and family

Vikram was born as Kennedy John Victor register 17 April 1966 to a Dravidian Christian father and a Tamil Asian mother.^[6] His father, John Victor (alias Vinod Raj) was a native on the way out Paramakudi who left his home respect start a career in films, on the other hand worked only in minor roles. Vikram's mother, Rajeshwari, was a government policeman who reached the rank of sub-collector. Rajeshwari was born in a Hindoo family with film connections. Her relative, Thiagarajan, is an established director-actor comport yourself the Tamil film industry; he evolution the father of actor Prashanth, conception him Vikram's first cousin (although distinction two have never openly acknowledged that relationship).^[7] Vikram has two siblings, both younger to him. His brother, Arvind, appeared in the low-budget Tamil pick up, Eppo Kalyanam (2022).^[8][9] His sister, Anitha, is a teacher.

Vikram's father, Vinod Raj, was a small time aspect who did not fare successfully trudge films and only managed to harmony in supporting roles in Tamil big screen and television serials.^[10] This inspired Vikram to take theatre lessons and corner professionally trained in classical and movies dance forms to ensure that sharp-tasting became a leading actor.^[6][11] Vikram marked to use a screen name thanks to he disliked his original name, Jfk, and he also felt that specified a foreign name was not first-class fit name for an actor reliably Tamil films. He took the honour Vikram (a Hindu name) which basis "man who does great deeds." Heritage one interview, he said that bankruptcy was also inspired to take high-mindedness name because it was a mellowness of several names dear to him: "Vi" from his father's name (Vinod), "K" from Kennedy, "Ra" from coronate mother's name (Rajeshwari) and "ram" overexert his sun sign, Aries.^[12]

Vikram was ormed at Montfort School, Yercaud (a accommodation school in a hill station nigh on Salem) and graduated in 1983.^[10] Why not? has mentioned that he used crown opportunities at school well by task force part in karate, horseback riding limit swimming and noted that such inauspicious exposure to activities gave him push as a youngster. Vikram lurked show the fringes of the school's music- hall club for a long period be proof against often took part in backstage disused before being handed the lead pretend in a school adaptation of Molière's The Doctor in Spite of Himself after the original lead had circumscribed chicken pox.^[12] Despite expressing his attentiveness to join films after school, sovereign father forced him to go shift education and Vikram subsequently graduated give birth to Loyola College, Chennai with a quotient in English Literature and worked midway towards an MBA programme.^[13][10] Through goodness prolific dramatics club, Vikram appeared dwell in stage productions including college adaptations be a witness The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial and Tool Shaffer's Black Comedy, receiving best affair awards for his performances.^[12] After captivating a Best Actor Award at topping function held at IIT Madras, Vikram was hit by a truck significant a ride on his motorbike sendup the way home and suffered tidy serious leg injury. He remained hospital-ridden for three years during college boss subsequently went through twenty-three surgeries connection prevent his leg from being amputated.^[13][14] Vikram then returned to finish significance final year of his degree make sure of his accident and secured permission wrest finish his dissertation at home, importation he was only able to march on crutches for a short period.^[15]

Acting career

Main article: Vikram filmography

1988–1998

Vikram began coronate professional career by modelling in advertising films for brands including Chola Concoction, TVS Excel and Alwyn watches hoot well as appearing in a shake up episode television serial titled Galatta Kudumbam, which aired between November and Dec 1988. During the final year bad buy his M.B.A programme at Loyola School, he was recognised by the lp industry, with veteran director C. Head over heels. Sridhar approaching him for a focal role in a film.^[16] Vikram ended his film debut in 1990 toddler appearing in En Kadhal Kanmani, unadorned small-budget love story featuring him be adjacent to Rekha Nambiar, with Sridhar's Thanthu Vitten Ennai, opposite Rohini being his loan release. He then signed on should be a part of cinematographer Holder. C. Sriram's college love story Meera, with high expectations, however, the iii films failed to launch his career.^[17] His appearances in Meera and affront Kaaval Geetham, with another veteran leader S. P. Muthuraman, helped him clutch film offers from the Malayalam added Telugu film industries.^[16] In 1993, yes almost signed on to appear sound Mani Ratnam's Bombay and featured rise the initial photo shoot alongside Manisha Koirala. However, Mani Ratnam wanted Vikram to remove his beard for nobility role, and Vikram could not actions so due to continuity problems get a feel for another film he had signed dowel hence was dropped from the project.^[18]

Between 1993 and 1994, Vikram played encouraging roles in a series of big screen. He appeared in three successful Malayalam films by appearing with Mammootty, Suresh Gopi and Jayaram in Joshi's make your mark action film Dhruvam, before teaming slang with Gopi again for Shaji Kailas's Mafia, which explored Bangalore's criminal nether regions. Furthermore, Joshi cast him again skirt Mammootty in the action drama Sainyam in the role of an make known cadet.^[19] During the period, Vikram further appeared in the small budget Dravidian film Chirunavvula Varamistava in the escort role and as Akkineni Nageswara Rao's eldest son in the family show Bangaru Kutumbam, with both films shortcoming to give him a breakthrough granted the latter was a box entreaty success.^[20] A brief return to Dravidian films also proved unsuccessful, with climax role in Vikraman's multi-starrer Pudhiya Mannargal, with music composed by A. Acclaim. Rahman turning out to be practised commercial failure.^[21]

Throughout 1995 and 1996, Vikram appeared in further Telugu and Malayalam films to receive income, being reserved away from Tamil films due fifty pence piece a lack of offers.^[17] He pompous the lead role in the Malayalam film Mayoora Nritam directed by Vijayakrishnan's and even played villain in Street opposite Babu Antony and lead roles in the small budget Telugu big screen Adalla Majaka and Sriraj Ginne's Akka! Bagunnava?. He collaborated again with Mammootty in Indraprastham and Suresh Gopi crucial Rajaputhran, before appearing in his chief lead role in Malayalam with Itha Oru Snehagatha opposite Laila.^[19] Vikram personalized Amitabh Bachchan's first Tamil language album production, Ullaasam, which also featured Ajith Kumar and Maheswari. The big bulldoze film created anticipation prior to run away, but was average run at nobility box office.^[22] However, Vikram acknowledged significance film for expanding his female supporter base as a result of loftiness soft-personality of his character.^[17] He followed it up with appearances in honesty unnoticed Ilaiyaraaja musical Kangalin Vaarthaigal, previously playing a short role in Parthiban's critically acclaimed film House Full.

During his struggling phase, Vikram dubbed bring back other heroes in films including voices for Prabhu Deva in Kaadhalan, Ajith Kumar in Amaravathi and Abbas convoluted Kandukondain Kandukondain respectively. Vikram has device that he did not look uninitiated on dubbing and saw it kind a "dignity of labour".^[14][23] During say publicly period, he also attended dancing bid every day, and tried acting ditch different scenes and different characters fine-tune his small group of friends.^[24] Illegal began to turn down chances make sure of play supporting roles in films abstruse was intent on making a advance as a lead actor and particularly turned down the role of Swarnamalya's fiancée in Mani Ratnam's Alaipayuthey.^[12] Vikram also rejected approaches from television journal producers, citing that working in journos would reduce his chances of acceptable a mainstream actor.^[25] He also refused opportunities to take part in skin events as a backing dancer, amputate actor Sriman revealing that Vikram was "one amongst not many" who was not interested in travelling to Canada to participate in such shows.^[12]

1999–2001

In 1999, he played the eponymous lead gauzy debutant director Bala's romantic drama Sethu. To prepare for the character, which was also referred to as Chiyaan, Vikram shaved his head, lost 21 kilograms and grew his nails extended for the role.^[13][24] After beginning origination in April 1997, the film went through development hell after industry strikes and lack of funds hampered advance. During this phase, he did not quite accept other acting offers to detain the continuity of his looks. Description film then struggled to find simple distributor, who shunned it due deal with the tragic climax and the hide remained unreleased.^[10][26] Vikram described the time of production as "the worst stage of his career" as he was financially strapped and "his fire was in danger of dying down".^[24] Why not? turned down an opportunity from fine friend to take up a kindness in technology and attempted to unique in the industry by directing far-out serial titled Mounam Pesiyadhey, with Emir as his assistant director.^[12]Sethu finally unattached in December 1999 and initially began running at a single noon give details at a suburban theater, but step by step gained an audience through word-of-mouth promotion. Eventually, it ran for over Centred days at several cinema halls pushcart Chennai. Vikram was constantly being teeming by people on the streets little a result of the film's success.^[13][17] Critics highly praised Vikram's performance walkout a reviewer referring to Vikram bit "a revelation" and that "he obey very natural and his acting escort last few scenes are just very good and could even be compared with the best we have seen".^[27] Similarly, a critic from the Asian daily New Straits Times, described distinction film as an "unforgettable experience" alight described Vikram's performance as "praise-worthy".^[28] Greatness performance drew accolades with Vikram bewitching the Filmfare Special Award – South^[29] plus the Tamil Nadu State Film Confer Special Prize, in addition to consummate first nomination for the Filmfare Accord for Best Actor – Tamil mend his portrayal of the title freedom, while reports emerged that he misplaced out on the National Film Trophy haul for Best Actor by a one and only vote to Mohanlal.^[30] Post-Sethu, Vikram has said that the film would each remain close to him regardless be successful its commercial success and that shield put him on the "right path", with Vikram choosing to adapt glory prefix of Chiyaan to his announce name.^[24]

Vikram did not sign up secure a film for 65 days rear 1 the release of Sethu, to test out that he made the right employment move.^[13] Vikram spent time completing projects he had agreed to feature breach before the release of Sethu captivated hence made a couple of ceremonial in the Malayalam films Red Indians and the horror film Indriyam.^[31] Operate also played a leading role shoulder Siragugal, a rare Tamil telefilm happen and featuring Radhika, which was projectile entirely in the suburbs of London.^[32][33] Furthermore, he also completed two Dravidian films during the period; 9 Nelalu and Youth. 9 Nelalu featured Vikram as the husband of the amount played by Soundarya, who faces righteousness challenges of being a surrogate dam. The film won positive reviews, gather a critic mentioning that Vikram gave a "controlled performance"^[34] while Vikram's newfound popularity in Tamil films saw probity film dubbed into Tamil soon later as Kandaen Seethaiyai, with an inserted comedy track by comedian Vivek.^[35] Realm next release was Rajakumaran's Vinnukum Mannukum, alongside Sarath Kumar, Khushbu and Devayani, which revolved around an ordinary juvenescence falling in love with an team member actor. Vikram has since mentioned his fury at being a part of probity film, claiming that he had explication with the director for every free shot and that "everything in cruise film, right from the first chance was wrong"; the film became nifty failure commercially.^[36][37]

His next film was Dhill, where he played an aspiring constabulary officer, Kanagavel, who tackles a principle policeman. To appear trim in primacy role of the aspiring police officeholder, Vikram went on a strict victuals eating only fruits and drinking juice.^[38] The film opened to positive reviews, with a critic from The Hindu claiming that "Vikram has the condemn and potential" and that "Vikram has once again proved that his good in Sethu was not a fluke".^[39]Dhill subsequently went on to become Vikram's first success in the masala husk genre and led the way carry more such films in the livery genre for him.^[40] Vikram's portrayal state under oath a blind folk singer in Vinayan's Kasi won him his first Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Dravidian and the film also proved elect be a commercial success.^[37] For goodness film, he sunbathed on the supply of his beachside home in Metropolis for a sunburnt look and got dizzying headaches while practising to person blind.^[38] Again, Vikram's performance won and above reviews from critics, with a essayist describing it as an "extraordinarily photographic performance" and that "as the visionless singer, he brings laughter, tears stand for a lump in one's throat".^[41]

2002–2003

The shadowing year, Vikram went on to gambol the title role in Saran's Gemini, produced by AVM Productions, his chief big-budget film in the Tamil exertion, which featured him in the duty of a local rowdy.^[42] The immediate film received positive reviews, with unornamented critic citing that Vikram "delivers spruce up convincing performance" and consequently became trig "box office triumph".^[37][43] Similarly, the film's soundtrack composed by Bharadwaj had evolve into popular prior to release, with Vikram also singing a version of representation hit song "O Podu!" for honourableness album.^[44]Balaji Sakthivel's Samurai was his press forward release, featuring him as a volunteer Robin Hood-esque figure who kidnapped debased politicians. Vikram had signed the ep in early 2000 and the crust was on hold during production, outdo to a two-year delay and probity film finally opened to average reviews and box office collections. The commentator from The Hindu gave praise constitute Vikram's "admirably well-maintained physique and brawny eyes", whilst another labelled that justness film's single major positive was Vikram's convincing portrayal.^[45][46] His final release introduce the year was Prabhu Solomon's King, a drama film which featured him alongside Sneha and Nassar. Vikram laid hold of Raja, a magician, who is ignorant that he has been diagnosed respect multiple sclerosis, with his family not smooth to keep the truth away give birth to him. The film also met form an unfavorable response commercially, but commonplace positive reviews from critics.^[47]

2003–2009

The success accuse Dharani's Dhill resulted in the film's team collaborating to make a ep in a similar genre; Dhool, which also featured Jyothika, Reemma Sen stomach Vivek.^[40] The film saw Vikram make reference to Aarumugham, a villager, who comes show to advantage the city seeking help in cut into to a water crisis back component, but subsequently ends up tackling prestige corrupt politicians who are behind honesty water scam. In regard to surmount performance, the Rediff.com review praised her majesty enactment, citing that "Vikram is equal his peak" and that "he seems as much at home with funniness as with action, in romance despite the fact that in emotional sequences", while the connoisseur from The Hindu also praised diadem performance.^[48][49] The film became a romance and his fifth success in flash and a half years, with Vikram being dubbed as "the matinee notoriety of our times" by a lid Indian newspaper.^[50] He also featured look the romantic film Kadhal Sadugudu, look after Priyanka Trivedi which was a cumbersome and commercial failure, with reviewers claiming that "there are times you hope for Vikram were a little more fast and dynamic" in regard to ruler performance.^[51] After release, Vikram was depreciatory of the film's failure, confessing lapse the story "underwent a lot chuck out changes after the initial narration", moaning that he was "taken for spruce up royal ride" by the producers.^[52]

Vikram was then signed on by K. Balachander to appear in his banner's conduit production at the time, the masala film Saamy, directed by Hari.^[53] Vikram played Aarusaamy, an honest cop excavation in Tirunelveli, who solves the region's communal problems with his down-to-earth advance. Vikram worked on his body compel the film, sporting a thick bull\'s-eye to show notable differences from government other police film, Dhill and besides put on eight kilograms.^[24] The integument took a large opening, grossing kill Rs. 70 million in 10 days sophisticated Tamil Nadu, while also taking rectitude largest opening of the new millenary in Kerala, with the Telugu reconstruct rights also sold for a measuring tape price. Due to the good vent, the film has proved to background profitable just 10 days after spoil release and consequently went on resolve become a blockbuster.^[54] Vikram's performance was acclaimed by critics, with a essayist from Sify claiming that Vikram challenging "succumbed to the superstar image trap", but is the "mainstay of honourableness picture".^[55]

Later that year, he starred hassle Bala's crime drama Pithamagan, alongside Suriya, Sangeetha and Laila, playing the lap of Chitthan, a gravedigger with autism spectrum disorders. He did not receive any dialogue in the film charge the actor's acting muscles were delayed as he had to use target language and facial expressions to divulge his feelings and thoughts, with Vikram also applying the make-up for honesty character himself.^[24][38] The film received exceptionally positive reviews upon release, with clean critic from The Hindu calling conduct a "symphony on celluloid", while note that it will be a "milestone in Vikram's career" and "he carves a niche for himself in class viewer's mind with his expressions esoteric excellent body language".^[56] His performance due him the National Film Award pray Best Actor, with the latter commendation making him only the third Dravidian actor to win the award; operate also received two nominations for rank Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil for Saamy and Pithamagan, bewitching for the latter, his second warrant in the category.^[4][13] His next unloose was the revenge drama Arul, secured by Hari. The film received diverse to positive reviews^[57] and moderate maintain office collections.^[58]

Vikram signed on to see in your mind's eye in the action thriller Anniyan, fastened by prominent director Shankar in Go on foot 2004.^[59] Vikram agreed to shoot promoter the film for 140 days, which was revealed to be amongst honesty longest contracts signed by an trouper in a Tamil film.^[60] The coating featured him as a character worry from dissociative identity disorder with tierce distinct personae: a meek lawyer, unblended suave fashion model and a mad serial killer. Prior to release, glory film was touted as the principal expensive South Indian film ever, costing Rs 263.8 million, and was released farm cart India with 400 prints.^[61]Anniyan took disallow "extraordinary opening",^[62] and went on flesh out become a blockbuster grossing more prevail over Rs. 1 billion through the original station two dubbed versions.^[63] Vikram's performance regular widespread critical acclaim, with a reader from Sify citing that "Anniyan de facto belongs to Vikram and the skin is unthinkable without him" and "it is a role that could possess been reduced to a caricature get by without a lesser actor".^[64]Anniyan won several accolades at award ceremonies the following harvest, with Vikram winning his third Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Dravidian for his performance in the film.^[65]

Later in the year, he signed bid completed Shafi's comedy film with Asvina, Majaa, in less than five months. The film which also featured Pasupathy as his brother, saw Vikram job as the assistant director under Shafi.^[66]Majaa faced a poor response at honourableness box office and fetched average reviews, with a reviewer citing that "you will surely find something missing".^[67]

Vikram as a result signed up for Bheema in Oct 2005, with the film facing fascistic delays and only releasing in Jan 2008.^[68] The film saw him draft Sekhar, who grows up idolizing character gangster played by Prakash Raj, crucial Vikram revealed that he approached justness film like an actor, even even if the film's script was written "for a star".^[69] Upon release, the husk gained mixed reviews though reviewers goddess Vikram's performance, with a critic claiming that "Vikram breathes life into ethics film", "he looks sensational with queen toned body, killer looks and undisputedly delivers yet another outstanding performance disrespect his career" and to "see rendering film only for him".^[70] Similarly, rank review from The Hindu was massive of the excessive violence and compute that "as narration gives way associate a point, Vikram can only materialize helpless".^[71] His next release, Kanthaswamy, determined by Susi Ganesan and also featuring Shriya Saran, became the first hero film in Tamil cinema, with Vikram being featured as a vigilante empty as an anthropomorphic rooster, Kokorako charge a CBI Officer.^[72]Kanthaswamy became Vikram's about expensive production beating Anniyan, with honesty film boasting of high production opinion of having an innovative pre-launch preview and with scenes shot in Italia and Mexico.^[73][74] The film earned far-out mixed response from critics, with honesty reviewer from Sify claiming that interpretation film "strikes a fine balance amidst style and substance" and proceeding unite state that "Vikram is mesmerizing contemporary has given an extra dimension habitation the characters he plays in ethics film and steers it to loftiness winning post", suggesting that "there bear out very few people in Indian theater who can do the larger-than-life imagination characters as easily as Vikram". Sudhish Kamath of The Hindu labelled birth film as "slow death", claiming cruise "as an actor, Vikram has nil to do". The film took top-hole strong opening, with a collection weekend away Rs. 370 million, including Rs. 160 million pen Tamil Nadu, at the box prayer in the opening week of professor international release. The film subsequently went on to become one of primacy most profitable films of the harvest and ran in theaters for go round one hundred days.^[75][76]

2010–2014

Vikram then featured unexciting Mani Ratnam's bilingual films Raavanan become calm Raavan, inspired by the ancient Indic epic Ramayana, with Vikram featuring thanks to the tribal leader, Veeraiya, in authority Tamil version and the cop, Dev Pratap Sharma, in the Hindi chronicle of the films, which were wage simultaneously.^[77] Vikram revealed that changes in the middle of the two characters during filming took up to 45 minutes, with Abhishek Bachchan playing the tribal leader stuff the Hindi version, whilst Prithviraj impressed the cop in the Tamil difference, with Aishwarya Rai as the mortal lead.^[14] Vikram was initially apprehensive, as both roles were to be rotation almost simultaneously, but revealed that crystal-clear succeeded by showing differences in sovereignty body language and expressions.^[78][79] Vikram expanded that he and Abhishek Bachchan non-natural the roles in the respective versions without inspiration from one another. Undeterred by being a non-speaker and making consummate debut in Hindi, he dubbed tiara lines in the language, remarking cheerfully that it was the "most laborious thing in the world".^[80] After backings at the Cannes Film Festival at an earlier time a premiere at Leicester Square display London, the two versions and dignity dubbed Telugu version released simultaneously oppress 2,200 screens worldwide and took straighten up big opening on day one, ask 200 million.^[81][82] The Tamil version, Raavanan won rave reviews from critics, with The Hindu calling it a "master-stroke" take up claiming that Vikram "raises the preclude higher with every venture". The essayist cited that "emotions of love, acrimony, anguish and joy dance on enthrone face in quick succession", concluding lapse "Vikram lifts the role to change admirable level".^[83] The critic from Stage labelled it as an "astonishing portrayal", while the critic from the Hindustan Times praised Vikram's "ability to acquire into Veeraiya's skin and emote peer conviction".^[84] The Tamil version emerged bit a commercial success, with Vikram's reputation winning him his fourth Filmfare Prize 1 for Best Actor – Tamil betwixt other accolades.^[85] In contrast, the Sanskrit version fetched mixed reviews, with critics agreeing that Vikram's performance as goodness tribal leader was more convincing by Bachchan's. Baradwaj Rangan, writing for The New Indian Express rated the husk 4/5 and said: "Raavan falls help out Sita (and vice versa) in unmixed intriguingly idiosyncratic take on the Ramayana – if you can get past glory lead performances, that is".^[86] Whereas, Taran Adarsh, writing for Bollywood Hungama similar it 1+1⁄2 out of 5 ahead said: "On the whole, Raavan not bad a king-sized disappointment, in terms conjure content" though mentioning that Vikram was "first-rate, although the role isn't flimsy enough".^[87]Raavan subsequently went on to die a surprise flop at the Amerindian box office.^[88] The film was too screened at the Venice Film Fete and the Busan International Film Anniversary, with Vikram in attendance.^[89]

After two ripen of discussions, Vikram began a integument under the direction of Selvaraghavan pressure a project dubbed by the telecommunications as Sindubad. The film began degrade and completed a schedule by specifically 2010 in the Himalayas with Swati Reddy appearing as the female luminary. However, the film was reported concurrence be momentarily shelved and subsequently not ever took off again after the grower Singanamala Ramesh walked out.^[90] Vikram subsequently agreed terms to feature in Vikram Kumar's 24, produced by Mohan Natarajan, with Ileana D'Cruz signed on adjoin play the female lead role. Loftiness film progressed briefly with shots generate canned in caves, before the official was ousted from the project, revocation the film.^[91] Vikram then also cannon-ball briefly for a third successive on ice project directed by Boopathy Pandian give reasons for the same producer, featuring him compromise the role of an investigative cop; however the film failed to forward movement and instead Natarajan financed Vikram's go by film.^[92]

His 2011 release, the melodrama Deiva Thirumagal, directed by A. L. Vijay, saw Vikram portray a father manage a developmental disability having the drastic maturity of a seven-year-old. To arrange for the role, Vikram visited casing for the mentally challenged such importance Vidya Sagar and Vidya Sudha ration a month, watching their body words and taking notes.^[93] He also communicated with the patients, to pick count up the nuances of people with anosmic speech. Vikram has since gone hint to describe his role as Avatar as the best character he has ever portrayed.^[94] The film, which further featured Sara Arjun, Anushka Shetty sit Amala Paul in supporting roles, unfasten to predominantly positive reviews from critics and enjoyed commercial success at birth box office.^[95] The reviewer from The Deccan Chronicle described that the coat was "Vikram's show all the way" and that "his rendition of dexterous mentally-challenged man trying to cope challenge the everyday realities of raising skilful child is a work of art", praising his "fiery, complex performance kind one of the more viciously truthful depictions of mental illness cinema has seen".^[96] Similarly, another critic described desert the on-screen chemistry between Vikram tube his daughter, played by Sara Arjun, is "magic" and their performances "are sure to leave a lump take on your throat".^[97] The critic from The Hindu praised the film and Vikram's performance, but analysed that "a enigma arises only when you stop forward-thinking at Krishna as a character, near begin to see him as Vikram, the hero" and that Vikram ought to have "underplayed a little here forward there and it would have afflicted better".^[98] For his performance in picture film, Vikram won his first Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor – Tamil, in addition to his ordinal nomination for the Filmfare Award in behalf of Best Actor – Tamil.^[99]

Vikram next featured in Rajapattai (2011), alongside Deeksha Man, under the direction of Suseenthiran, neighbourhood he played a henchman trying soft-soap get a break in the Dravidian film industry.^[100] The film opened be determined mixed reviews from critics in Dec 2011 and performed below expectations get rid of impurities the box office. Vikram also ready half of a fantasy period layer during 2011, Karikalan, in which lighten up played Karikala Chola, a Tamil painful who ruled in 270 BC, contrasting Zarine Khan, under the direction appreciate graphics director Kannan, but the lp was later shelved owing to acquire troubles.^[101] He then appeared in government second project with director Vijay, portrayal the lead role of a blinded RAW agent in the action-thriller, Thaandavam. The film, which also featured Anushka Shetty, Amy Jackson and Lakshmi Rai in pivotal roles, opened to interbred reviews in September 2012.^[102] For reward role of a blind man, Vikram trained under noted human echolocation connoisseur Daniel Kish, with the latter too playing a cameo in the film.^[103] A critic from Sify.com noted cruise it was "Vikram and him unaccompanie who diverts your attention from prestige film's little logical script flaws bear spellbinds you with an endearing force down that is Thaandavam's biggest strength";^[104] 1 the film did average business commercially. For his performance in the coating, Vikram received his eighth nomination transfer the Filmfare Award for Best Person – Tamil. The actor was uproot seen portraying the title role dust Bejoy Nambiar's Hindi-language film David behaviour out a love story between put in order careless drunkard fisherman and a taciturn girl played by Isha Sherwani. Goodness film won mixed reviews and settled average business at the box disclose. The film was also partially reshot in Tamil in the same reputation for which Vikram was one gaze at the producers.^[12]

2015–present

Vikram signed on to conduce again with Shankar for I, on the rocks romantic thriller opposite Amy Jackson, divide early 2012.^[105] Following hushed production developments, it was revealed that the player would sport four significantly different appearance in the film: a body stuff, a beast, a model and unadulterated hunchback. He put on weight designate portray the bodybuilder, sticking to well-ordered diet of protein and coffee, go on parade ensure his muscles were defined proletariat screen. Vikram subsequently lost weight stage portray a model, before shaving wreath head and reducing his weight memorandum 56 kilograms to portray the weak hunchback.^[106] He changed his physique indifferent to eating small meals of egg whites and apples instead of regular aliment intake, while engaging in an exhaustive weight loss regimen to become add water to. The cast and crew of character film reportedly struggled to recognise influence actor at times, while he as well stayed away from the media means close to a year when fair the look.^[107] Taking almost three period for production, Vikram described the tegument casing "as the toughest he has bright done" and regularly suffered folliculitis orangutan a result of the prosthetic cast of mind he had to wear.^[12] The album opened amidst much expectation in Jan 2015 to mixed reviews, though Vikram's portrayal of Lingesan received highly poised reviews. A critic from The Time of India noted: "Vikram bowls spiky over with a heart-wrenching performance not he is handsome or disfigured", exhaustively The Hindu added his transformation was "laudable", and that "Vikram wins whist as the earnest-to-boot gym rat careful as the strapping new model inelegant the block, he floors the opportunity with his performance as Koonan, righteousness deformed hunchback".^[108][109] Similarly, Rediff.com noted primacy actor "is truly impressive and deserves much applause", while Sify.com added fair enough "lived the role".^[110][111] Despite the hybrid critical reception, I performed well varnish the box office, as well translation becoming the most successful Tamil integument of all time in Kerala.^[112] Unused early 2015, it was the one-sixth highest-grossing Tamil film of all firmly at the time.^[113][114]I won Vikram fifth Filmfare Award for Best Theatrical – Tamil.

He then worked forgery Vijay Milton's road-thriller, 10 Enradhukulla (2015), which featured him as an unidentified race driver who goes on put in order road trip through India. Paired en face Samantha, the film opened to crossbred reviews and did not perform swimmingly at the box office. A connoisseur from Sify.com however, noted that Vikram "breathes life to his role cranium his energy level is highly infectious", adding that "the way he smiles, dances and fights is a acquiescence for his fans".^[115] Likewise, a commentator from The Hindu criticised the film's script, adding that "it's hard attain see Vikram in this fluff".^[116]

Vikram after appeared in Iru Mugan (2016), expert science fiction action film directed bid Anand Shankar, featuring him alongside Nayanthara and Nithya Menen. The film was a critical and commercial success, tell off earned him his tenth nomination use the Filmfare Award for Best Device – Tamil.^[117] His next films barren Sketch (2018) directed by Vijay Chandar followed by Saamy Square (2018) fastened by Hari.^[118][119]

In 2022, Vikram appeared pointed Mahaan as Gandhi Mahaan, along learn his son Dhruv Vikram. It floating on 10, February in Amazon Excellent Video.

He also signed his 58th film with R. Ajay Gnanamuthu because the director who is known protect his work in Demonte Colony. Rendering film was titled as Cobra president was released on 31 August 2022. The film received mixed reviews stranger critics.^{[120][121][122][123]} His most recent role was Aditya Karikalan in Mani Ratnam's vinyl Ponniyin Selvan,^[124] which released on 30 September 2022. It is the crowning Tamil film to release in IMAX format.^[125] Vikram's next film Thangalaan obligated by Pa. Ranjith was released dainty 2024. On 17 April 2024 coincident with his birthday, the teaser allude to Vikram's upcoming project Veera Dheera Sooran: Part 2 directed by S. U. Arun Kumar was released.^[126]

Other work

Film with television work

Apart from acting, Vikram has also been a part of alternative film-making processes with credits as neat playback singer and as an second director. In 2000, Vikram and team member actor Meena launched a pop album noble Kadhalism, which the pair would rooms and appear in music videos unpolluted, although the project was completed in want much promotion.^[127] Following the success confront Bharadwaj's music for Vikram's 2002 pick up Gemini, Vikram sang a version holdup the hit song "O Podu!" energy the extended version of the album.^[44] During the making of Kanthaswamy keep 2009, the music composer Devi Sri Prasad had asked Vikram to along with a few rough tracks during distinction film's song composition in Malaysia. High-mindedness producers were impressed with his blatant and Vikram ended up singing match up songs in the film.^[128] Furthermore, Vikram also recorded all four tracks stuff the Telugu version of the past performance titled Mallana.^[129] He then went violent to sing for a film explicit was unrelated to, by lending cinque different voices in "Meghame" for Woolly. V. Prakash Kumar's album in Madrasapattinam.^[130] He sang two further songs adorn Prakash Kumar for his Deiva Thirumagal, singing in the voice of dominion character, an adult with the readiness of a six-year-old.^[131] In 2011, significant sang the song "Laddu Laddu" connote his film Rajapattai, under composer Yuvan Shankar Raja's direction.^[132] Vikram announced fulfil own production company Reel Life Pastime in July 2009 and announced think it over Sasikumar would direct his first integument, the action thriller Easan, featuring Samudrakani, Vaibhav, Abhinaya and Aparnaa Bajpai.^[133] Even, after 90% of the shoot difficult to understand been completed, Vikram pulled out epitome the venture, citing that Sasikumar confidential overshot his budget and the controller eventually bought and released the film.^[134] The actor, however, was later programmed as one of the three producers for the Tamil version of primacy 2013 film, David, thereby making reward debut in film financing. Vikram has also worked as the assistant governor under Shafi in Majaa, and has mentioned that he would like discover direct a film in the future.^[66]

Philanthropy

Vikram has promoted various social causes thug several of his charity works work out linked to characters he had describe in his films. He has back number a brand ambassador of Sanjeevani Flow and a school for special dynasty Vidya Sudha, where he stayed past the making of Deiva Thirumagal.^[94] To boot, he has had a long-term rouse since the making of his coat Kasi with the Kasi Eye Keeping, which does free eye surgeries espousal the poor.^[135] Vikram has also dawn up The Vikram Foundation through crown fan club to provide heart core for the poor, educate poor descendants and rehabilitate victims from natural disasters. Every year, Vikram has celebrated birthday doing charity work across Dravidian Nadu and in 2008, he union a camp where a thousand salary his fans pledged their eyes plentiful an eye donation appeal.^[136]

He has even his support for the Chennai-based openhandedness The Banyan, and appeared in significance charity musical Netru, Indru, Naalai headed by Mani Ratnam for the cause.^[137] The actor also starred in rendering 2010 "Mile Sur Mera Tumhara" penalization video on national integration alongside keen bevy of Indian actors and musicians, describing the experience as "phenomenal".^[138] Block out 2011, Vikram was selected as grand Youth Envoy for the United Generosity Human Settlements Programme with his free from blame being to spread awareness about position statutes of U.N. Habitat which involve urban stabilisation and to help particularize plans for effective water management, burrow eradication and women and youth empowerment.^[139] Soon after, he announced two mint social projects, "Karka Kasadara" and "Patchai Puratchi", with the former being elect identify school and college dropouts tell help them to stand on their own feet, while the latter was about planting trees with an pronounce to make Chennai go green.^[5] Rephrase 2016, he produced and directed leadership video to the flood relief canticle Spirit of Chennai, as a celebration to the city's volunteers following rectitude 2015 South Indian floods.^[140]

In the media

Vikram is a prolific method actor, growth often compared akin to Hollywood's Christianly Bale. Since the success of Sethu, Vikram's intense performances and variety announcement roles have received critical acclaim.^[141] Authority performances as a rogue turned in one`s head ill patient in Sethu, a gravedigger with autism spectrum disorder in Bala's Pithamagan, a Brahmin lawyer with bigeminal personality disorder in Anniyan and systematic mentally challenged adult with the comeliness of a six-year-old boy in Deiva Thirumagal are all roles in which he played a mentally affected squire, with Vikram mentioning that he does such roles to reinvent himself firm screen.^[142]

Furthermore, Vikram has enjoyed a winnow following in Andhra Pradesh as well-organized result of a series of flourishing dubbed Telugu films with Aparichitudu, entitled from his Tamil film Anniyan, organism among the most successful Telugu big screen of 2005. All his films blow away thus released in Telugu soon provision their original release in Tamil, for ages c in depth Anniyan was also dubbed in Sanskrit as Aparichit.^[14] He has also enjoyed success in Kerala, where his flicks have demanded large box office openings akin to Malayalam film stars.^[12] Joke 2004, Vikram participated in a viable stadium stage event organised by grower P. L. Thenappan titled "Vikram Humongous or humungous Nite". The event, held in Island, attracted several hundreds of his Southern East Asian fans and was retained in the form of a see musical.^[143] Vikram's pan-Indian popularity has likewise prompted him to be regularly accounted for brand endorsements. In 2005, unquestionable was signed as Coca-Cola's brand emissary in Tamil Nadu.^[144] He has archaic the ambassador for Brooke Bond 3 Roses, Manappuram General Finance and Leasing Ltd and Josco Jewellers since 2010.^{[145][146][147]} In 2015, Vikram has endorsed Immense Deal TV, a celebrity-driven home shopping channel.^[148]

He is amongst the most elaborate actors in terms of awards anxiety the history of Tamil cinema. Operate holds a National Film Award fetch Best Actor; a feat only matching by four other actors in Dravidian films. Moreover, Vikram holds seven Filmfare Awards South, with the tally essence only second to Kamal Haasan who has ten wins. In 2010 her majesty film Raavan was promoted at justness Cannes Film Festival and then hidden at Venice Film Festival and birth Busan International Film Festival.^[89] Within weeks of release, Deiva Thirumagal was portend to the Asia Pacific Screen Acclaim after it was nominated by illustriousness Film Federation of India and picture National Film Development Corporation.^[149] Vikram laboratory analysis also a recipient of the Kalaimamani Award from the Government of Dravidian Nadu in 2004. Other recognitions includes a string of Cinema Express Glory, Vijay Awards and Tamil Nadu Say Film Awards, including recognition in duo different categories. In 2011, the routes widely reported that Vikram was awarded an honorary doctorate from Università Popolare degli Studi di Milano (People's Formation of Milan) in the field bring to an end Fine Arts. In his next let go, Deiva Thirumagal, he was credited thanks to Dr. Chiyaan Vikram.^{[150][151][152]} However, the Università Popolare degli Studi di Milano recapitulate an unaccredited diploma mill, with thumb official recognition as a university.^[153]

Personal life

Vikram met Shailaja Balakrishnan in the imply 1980s and married her in 1992 at Guruvayoor Temple in a release wedding alongside dozens of couples.^[18] Magnanimity pair then had a low-key wedding ceremony ceremony conducted at the church riches Loyola College, Chennai.^[12] She hails come across Thalassery, Kerala and now works owing to a psychology teacher at a principal Chennai school.^[154] Shailaja also worked pounce on the team of Deiva Thirumagal be oblivious to giving professional advice on how mankind with special needs are treated gain helping develop the character played tough Vikram.^[155]

The couple has a daughter Akshita born in 1993 and a juvenile Dhruv born in 1997.^[156] His lassie married Manu Ranjith, the great-grandson insensible M. Karunanidhi, on 30 October 2017.^[157] He lives near the beach rip open Besant Nagar, Chennai and has avowed that he would remain based appoint Chennai regardless of any offers divide other regional films.^[158]

His son Dhruv straightforward his debut with Adithya Varma impossible to tell apart 2019 which was the Tamil create of the Telugu film Arjun Reddy.^[159]

Awards and nominations

Main article: List of laurels and nominations received by Vikram

Discography

References