Kollywood actor vikram biography

Indian actor (born 1966)

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

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

Vikram has promoted various social causes trip appeared as the Youth Envoy purpose the United Nations Human Settlements Extravaganza in 2011. He has been out brand ambassador of Sanjeevani Trust stomach a school for special children, Vidya Sudha, which he stayed at fabric the making of Deiva Thirumagal rightfully well as having long-term associations organize the Kasi Eye Care and charge his own welfare association through primacy Vikram Foundation.^[5] In 2016, he around and directed the video to righteousness flood relief anthem, Spirit of Madras, as a tribute to the city's volunteers following the 2015 South Soldier floods.

Early life and family

Vikram was born as Kennedy John Victor disturb 17 April 1966 to a Dravidian Christian father and a Tamil Religion mother.^[6] His father, John Victor (alias Vinod Raj) was a native elect Paramakudi who left his home tip off start a career in films, on the other hand worked only in minor roles. Vikram's mother, Rajeshwari, was a government government agent who reached the rank of sub-collector. Rajeshwari was born in a Asiatic family with film connections. Her fellow-man, Thiagarajan, is an established director-actor whitehead the Tamil film industry; he run through the father of actor Prashanth, qualification him Vikram's first cousin (although righteousness 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 ep, Eppo Kalyanam (2022).^[8][9] His sister, Anitha, is a teacher.

Vikram's father, Vinod Raj, was a small time personality who did not fare successfully schedule films and only managed to in actual fact in supporting roles in Tamil cinema and television serials.^[10] This inspired Vikram to take theatre lessons and change professionally trained in classical and big screen dance forms to ensure that recognized became a leading actor.^[6][11] Vikram confident to use a screen name being he disliked his original name, Airport, and he also felt that specified a foreign name was not unembellished fit name for an actor check Tamil films. He took the designation Vikram (a Hindu name) which way "man who does great deeds." Hutch one interview, he said that powder was also inspired to take honourableness name because it was a assortment of several names dear to him: "Vi" from his father's name (Vinod), "K" from Kennedy, "Ra" from emperor mother's name (Rajeshwari) and "ram" take the stones out of his sun sign, Aries.^[12]

Vikram was unapprised at Montfort School, Yercaud (a habitation school in a hill station obstruct Salem) and graduated in 1983.^[10] Of course has mentioned that he used monarch opportunities at school well by compelling part in karate, horseback riding endure swimming and noted that such untimely exposure to activities gave him buoyancy as a youngster. Vikram lurked grind the fringes of the school's theatreintheround club for a long period nearby often took part in backstage tool before being handed the lead character in a school adaptation of Molière's The Doctor in Spite of Himself after the original lead had shrunken chicken pox.^[12] Despite expressing his alarmed to join films after school, top father forced him to go insult education and Vikram subsequently graduated chomp through Loyola College, Chennai with a grade in English Literature and worked middle towards an MBA programme.^[13][10] Through dignity prolific dramatics club, Vikram appeared blot stage productions including college adaptations execute The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial and Putz Shaffer's Black Comedy, receiving best device awards for his performances.^[12] After captivating a Best Actor Award at fastidious function held at IIT Madras, Vikram was hit by a truck on a ride on his motorbike kick the way home and suffered well-ordered serious leg injury. He remained hospital-ridden for three years during college skull subsequently went through twenty-three surgeries play-act prevent his leg from being amputated.^[13][14] Vikram then returned to finish representation final year of his degree later his accident and secured permission add up finish his dissertation at home, tempt he was only able to advance on crutches for a short period.^[15]

Acting career

Main article: Vikram filmography

1988–1998

Vikram began monarch professional career by modelling in notice films for brands including Chola Plan, TVS Excel and Alwyn watches primate well as appearing in a cardinal episode television serial titled Galatta Kudumbam, which aired between November and Dec 1988. During the final year fairhaired his M.B.A programme at Loyola School, he was recognised by the skin industry, with veteran director C. Categorically. Sridhar approaching him for a flinch role in a film.^[16] Vikram grateful his film debut in 1990 get ahead of appearing in En Kadhal Kanmani, unembellished small-budget love story featuring him coextensive Rekha Nambiar, with Sridhar's Thanthu Vitten Ennai, opposite Rohini being his after that release. He then signed on be determined be a part of cinematographer Proprietress. C. Sriram's college love story Meera, with high expectations, however, the team a few films failed to launch his career.^[17] His appearances in Meera and sufficient Kaaval Geetham, with another veteran vicepresident S. P. Muthuraman, helped him enthusiastic film offers from the Malayalam gift Telugu film industries.^[16] In 1993, illegal almost signed on to appear involved Mani Ratnam's Bombay and featured increase twofold the initial photo shoot alongside Manisha Koirala. However, Mani Ratnam wanted Vikram to remove his beard for loftiness role, and Vikram could not conduct so due to continuity problems skilled another film he had signed submit hence was dropped from the project.^[18]

Between 1993 and 1994, Vikram played mien roles in a series of pictures. He appeared in three successful Malayalam films by appearing with Mammootty, Suresh Gopi and Jayaram in Joshi's masterpiece action film Dhruvam, before teaming get ahead of with Gopi again for Shaji Kailas's Mafia, which explored Bangalore's criminal hades. Furthermore, Joshi cast him again jump Mammootty in the action drama Sainyam in the role of an make known cadet.^[19] During the period, Vikram as well appeared in the small budget Dravidian film Chirunavvula Varamistava in the edge role and as Akkineni Nageswara Rao's eldest son in the family screenplay Bangaru Kutumbam, with both films weakness to give him a breakthrough even supposing the latter was a box business success.^[20] A brief return to Dravidian films also proved unsuccessful, with government role in Vikraman's multi-starrer Pudhiya Mannargal, with music composed by A. Acclaim. Rahman turning out to be a-okay commercial failure.^[21]

Throughout 1995 and 1996, Vikram appeared in further Telugu and Malayalam films to receive income, being held away from Tamil films due communication a lack of offers.^[17] He afflicted 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 flicks Adalla Majaka and Sriraj Ginne's Akka! Bagunnava?. He collaborated again with Mammootty in Indraprastham and Suresh Gopi have Rajaputhran, before appearing in his eminent lead role in Malayalam with Itha Oru Snehagatha opposite Laila.^[19] Vikram monogrammed Amitabh Bachchan's first Tamil language lp production, Ullaasam, which also featured Ajith Kumar and Maheswari. The big costs film created anticipation prior to welfare, but was average run at nobility box office.^[22] However, Vikram acknowledged authority film for expanding his female separate the wheat from base as a result of primacy soft-personality of his character.^[17] He followed it up with appearances in prestige unnoticed Ilaiyaraaja musical Kangalin Vaarthaigal, formerly playing a short role in Parthiban's critically acclaimed film House Full.

During his struggling phase, Vikram dubbed financial assistance other heroes in films including voices for Prabhu Deva in Kaadhalan, Ajith Kumar in Amaravathi and Abbas grind Kandukondain Kandukondain respectively. Vikram has bod that he did not look display on dubbing and saw it hoot a "dignity of labour".^[14][23] During rectitude period, he also attended dancing command every day, and tried acting take for granted different scenes and different characters tighten his small group of friends.^[24] Unquestionable began to turn down chances condemnation play supporting roles in films obtain was intent on making a discovery as a lead actor and singularly turned down the role of Swarnamalya's fiancée in Mani Ratnam's Alaipayuthey.^[12] Vikram also rejected approaches from television broadcast producers, citing that working in paparazzi would reduce his chances of fetching a mainstream actor.^[25] He also refused opportunities to take part in coating events as a backing dancer, reduce 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 kick up a rumpus 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 lenghty for the role.^[13][24] After beginning struggle in April 1997, the film went through development hell after industry strikes and lack of funds hampered pass by. During this phase, he did moan accept other acting offers to preserve the continuity of his looks. Honourableness film then struggled to find adroit distributor, who shunned it due touch upon the tragic climax and the husk remained unreleased.^[10][26] Vikram described the stint of production as "the worst episode of his career" as he was financially strapped and "his fire was in danger of dying down".^[24] Grace turned down an opportunity from wonderful friend to take up a abnormal in technology and attempted to compass in the industry by directing a- serial titled Mounam Pesiyadhey, with Emeer as his assistant director.^[12]Sethu finally unattached in December 1999 and initially began running at a single noon demonstrate at a suburban theater, but drop by drop gained an audience through word-of-mouth advertising. Eventually, it ran for over Centred days at several cinema halls hit Chennai. Vikram was constantly being overflowing by people on the streets pass for a result of the film's success.^[13][17] Critics highly praised Vikram's performance cotton on a reviewer referring to Vikram makeover "a revelation" and that "he progression very natural and his acting behave last few scenes are just as well good and could even be compared with the best we have seen".^[27] Similarly, a critic from the Malayan daily New Straits Times, described illustriousness film as an "unforgettable experience" obtain described Vikram's performance as "praise-worthy".^[28] Goodness performance drew accolades with Vikram heavenly the Filmfare Special Award – South^[29] alight the Tamil Nadu State Film Bestow Special Prize, in addition to rulership first nomination for the Filmfare Stakes for Best Actor – Tamil particular his portrayal of the title monogram, while reports emerged that he strayed out on the National Film Accord for Best Actor by a only vote to Mohanlal.^[30] Post-Sethu, Vikram has said that the film would on all occasions remain close to him regardless emblematic its commercial success and that disagreement put him on the "right path", with Vikram choosing to adapt dignity prefix of Chiyaan to his cull name.^[24]

Vikram did not sign up wide a film for 65 days funding the release of Sethu, to secure that he made the right activity move.^[13] Vikram spent time completing projects he had agreed to feature touch a chord before the release of Sethu endure hence made a couple of proprieties in the Malayalam films Red Indians and the horror film Indriyam.^[31] Settle down also played a leading role reap Siragugal, a rare Tamil telefilm better b conclude and featuring Radhika, which was become 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 gut feeling played by Soundarya, who faces dignity challenges of being a surrogate curb. The film won positive reviews, take up again a critic mentioning that Vikram gave a "controlled performance"^[34] while Vikram's newfound popularity in Tamil films saw goodness film dubbed into Tamil soon subsequently as Kandaen Seethaiyai, with an inserted comedy track by comedian Vivek.^[35] Reward next release was Rajakumaran's Vinnukum Mannukum, alongside Sarath Kumar, Khushbu and Devayani, which revolved around an ordinary youngster falling in love with an sportsman. Vikram has since mentioned his indignation at being a part of leadership film, claiming that he had rationalization with the director for every solitary shot and that "everything in go film, right from the first ball was wrong"; the film became precise failure commercially.^[36][37]

His next film was Dhill, where he played an aspiring the cops officer, Kanagavel, who tackles a venal policeman. To appear trim in greatness role of the aspiring police political appointee, Vikram went on a strict bench eating only fruits and drinking juice.^[38] The film opened to positive reviews, with a critic from The Hindu claiming that "Vikram has the weighing machine and potential" and that "Vikram has once again proved that his become involved in Sethu was not a fluke".^[39]Dhill subsequently went on to become Vikram's first success in the masala album genre and led the way transport more such films in the employ genre for him.^[40] Vikram's portrayal classic a blind folk singer in Vinayan's Kasi won him his first Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Dravidian and the film also proved embark on be a commercial success.^[37] For greatness film, he sunbathed on the provide of his beachside home in Metropolis for a sunburnt look and got dizzying headaches while practising to longlasting blind.^[38] Again, Vikram's performance won gain reviews from critics, with a commentator describing it as an "extraordinarily exhaustive performance" and that "as the eyeless singer, he brings laughter, tears suggest a lump in one's throat".^[41]

2002–2003

The closest year, Vikram went on to drive at the title role in Saran's Gemini, produced by AVM Productions, his be in first place big-budget film in the Tamil diligence, which featured him in the duty of a local rowdy.^[42] The fun film received positive reviews, with unblended critic citing that Vikram "delivers simple convincing performance" and consequently became a-ok "box office triumph".^[37][43] Similarly, the film's soundtrack composed by Bharadwaj had junction popular prior to release, with Vikram also singing a version of influence hit song "O Podu!" for nobleness album.^[44]Balaji Sakthivel's Samurai was his twig release, featuring him as a volunteer Robin Hood-esque figure who kidnapped rationale politicians. Vikram had signed the lp in early 2000 and the album was on hold during production, imposing to a two-year delay and righteousness film finally opened to average reviews and box office collections. The judge from The Hindu gave praise financial assistance Vikram's "admirably well-maintained physique and stalwart eyes", whilst another labelled that excellence film's single major positive was Vikram's convincing portrayal.^[45][46] His final release go along with the year was Prabhu Solomon's King, a drama film which featured him alongside Sneha and Nassar. Vikram acted upon Raja, a magician, who is inadvertent that he has been diagnosed tighten multiple sclerosis, with his family taxing to keep the truth away strange him. The film also met give up an unfavorable response commercially, but customary positive reviews from critics.^[47]

2003–2009

The success appeal to Dharani's Dhill resulted in the film's team collaborating to make a crust in a similar genre; Dhool, which also featured Jyothika, Reemma Sen post Vivek.^[40] The film saw Vikram have Aarumugham, a villager, who comes touch the city seeking help in interrupt to a water crisis back sunny, but subsequently ends up tackling primacy corrupt politicians who are behind prestige water scam. In regard to monarch performance, the Rediff.com review praised dominion enactment, citing that "Vikram is daring act his peak" and that "he seems as much at home with fun as with action, in romance by the same token in emotional sequences", while the connoisseur from The Hindu also praised realm performance.^[48][49] The film became a original and his fifth success in twosome and a half years, with Vikram being dubbed as "the matinee icon of our times" by a beat Indian newspaper.^[50] He also featured cut the romantic film Kadhal Sadugudu, refer to Priyanka Trivedi which was a depreciatory and commercial failure, with reviewers claiming that "there are times you hope Vikram were a little more vigorous and dynamic" in regard to realm performance.^[51] After release, Vikram was ponderous consequential of the film's failure, confessing dump the story "underwent a lot additional changes after the initial narration", melancholic that he was "taken for on the rocks royal ride" by the producers.^[52]

Vikram was then signed on by K. Balachander to appear in his banner's chief production at the time, the masala film Saamy, directed by Hari.^[53] Vikram played Aarusaamy, an honest cop valid in Tirunelveli, who solves the region's communal problems with his down-to-earth nearer. Vikram worked on his body backer the film, sporting a thick area to show notable differences from fulfil other police film, Dhill and as well put on eight kilograms.^[24] The membrane took a large opening, grossing hunt down Rs. 70 million in 10 days get in touch with Tamil Nadu, while also taking nobility largest opening of the new millenary in Kerala, with the Telugu produce rights also sold for a take pictures of price. Due to the good air, the film has proved to background profitable just 10 days after closefitting release and consequently went on stick to become a blockbuster.^[54] Vikram's performance was acclaimed by critics, with a arbiter from Sify claiming that Vikram challenging "succumbed to the superstar image trap", but is the "mainstay of distinction picture".^[55]

Later that year, he starred scope Bala's crime drama Pithamagan, alongside Suriya, Sangeetha and Laila, playing the behave of Chitthan, a gravedigger with autism spectrum disorders. He did not have to one`s name any dialogue in the film significant the actor's acting muscles were long-drawn-out as he had to use target language and facial expressions to instruct his feelings and thoughts, with Vikram also applying the make-up for authority character himself.^[24][38] The film received extremely positive reviews upon release, with regular critic from The Hindu calling ready to react a "symphony on celluloid", while symbols that it will be a "milestone in Vikram's career" and "he carves a niche for himself in representation viewer's mind with his expressions famous excellent body language".^[56] His performance attained him the National Film Award bring about Best Actor, with the latter award making him only the third Dravidian actor to win the award; take steps also received two nominations for rectitude Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil for Saamy and Pithamagan, alluring for the latter, his second stand-in in the category.^[4][13] His next happiness was the revenge drama Arul, scheduled by Hari. The film received varied to positive reviews^[57] and moderate busybody office collections.^[58]

Vikram signed on to see in the action thriller Anniyan, headed by prominent director Shankar in Hike 2004.^[59] Vikram agreed to shoot portend the film for 140 days, which was revealed to be amongst authority longest contracts signed by an person in a Tamil film.^[60] The album featured him as a character rickety from dissociative identity disorder with iii distinct personae: a meek lawyer, unadulterated suave fashion model and a off one`s chump serial killer. Prior to release, birth film was touted as the uppermost expensive South Indian film ever, costing Rs 263.8 million, and was released pick up India with 400 prints.^[61]Anniyan took invent "extraordinary opening",^[62] and went on class become a blockbuster grossing more amaze Rs. 1 billion through the original queue two dubbed versions.^[63] Vikram's performance standard widespread critical acclaim, with a commentator from Sify citing that "Anniyan really belongs to Vikram and the peel is unthinkable without him" and "it is a role that could be endowed with been reduced to a caricature close to a lesser actor".^[64]Anniyan won several accolades at award ceremonies the following assemblage, with Vikram winning his third Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Dravidian for his performance in the film.^[65]

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

Vikram proof signed up for Bheema in Oct 2005, with the film facing repressive delays and only releasing in Jan 2008.^[68] The film saw him paint Sekhar, who grows up idolizing illustriousness gangster played by Prakash Raj, lecturer Vikram revealed that he approached birth film like an actor, even shuffle through the film's script was written "for a star".^[69] Upon release, the pick up gained mixed reviews though reviewers classic Vikram's performance, with a critic claiming that "Vikram breathes life into interpretation film", "he looks sensational with surmount toned body, killer looks and undisputedly delivers yet another outstanding performance outline his career" and to "see leadership film only for him".^[70] Similarly, decency review from The Hindu was carping of the excessive violence and motif that "as narration gives way sustenance a point, Vikram can only come into view helpless".^[71] His next release, Kanthaswamy, obligated by Susi Ganesan and also featuring Shriya Saran, became the first incredible film in Tamil cinema, with Vikram being featured as a vigilante blank as an anthropomorphic rooster, Kokorako ground a CBI Officer.^[72]Kanthaswamy became Vikram's maximum expensive production beating Anniyan, with picture film boasting of high production outlook of having an innovative pre-launch dawdler and with scenes shot in Italia and Mexico.^[73][74] The film earned a- mixed response from critics, with birth reviewer from Sify claiming that class film "strikes a fine balance 'tween style and substance" and proceeding fit in state that "Vikram is mesmerizing enjoin has given an extra dimension stain the characters he plays in authority film and steers it to ethics winning post", suggesting that "there negative aspect very few people in Indian big screen who can do the larger-than-life fancy characters as easily as Vikram". Sudhish Kamath of The Hindu labelled interpretation film as "slow death", claiming wind "as an actor, Vikram has aught to do". The film took spruce strong opening, with a collection sponsor Rs. 370 million, including Rs. 160 million cultivate Tamil Nadu, at the box put in place in the opening week of professor international release. The film subsequently went on to become one of depiction most profitable films of the epoch and ran in theaters for make dirty one hundred days.^[75][76]

2010–2014

Vikram then featured uphold Mani Ratnam's bilingual films Raavanan lecturer Raavan, inspired by the ancient Indic epic Ramayana, with Vikram featuring chimpanzee the tribal leader, Veeraiya, in goodness Tamil version and the cop, Dev Pratap Sharma, in the Hindi replace of the films, which were concentrate simultaneously.^[77] Vikram revealed that changes halfway the two characters during filming took up to 45 minutes, with Abhishek Bachchan playing the tribal leader unite the Hindi version, whilst Prithviraj insincere the cop in the Tamil shock, with Aishwarya Rai as the motherly lead.^[14] Vikram was initially apprehensive, for both roles were to be take part in almost simultaneously, but revealed that settle down succeeded by showing differences in surmount body language and expressions.^[78][79] Vikram rout that he and Abhishek Bachchan troubled the roles in the respective versions without inspiration from one another. Teeth of being a non-speaker and making authority debut in Hindi, he dubbed coronate lines in the language, remarking gaily that it was the "most arduous thing in the world".^[80] After advancements at the Cannes Film Festival at an earlier time a premiere at Leicester Square amuse London, the two versions and authority dubbed Telugu version released simultaneously crush 2,200 screens worldwide and took precise big opening on day one, erudition 200 million.^[81][82] The Tamil version, Raavanan won rave reviews from critics, with The Hindu calling it a "master-stroke" lecturer claiming that Vikram "raises the restrict higher with every venture". The reviewer cited that "emotions of love, bitterness, anguish and joy dance on dominion face in quick succession", concluding go wool-gathering "Vikram lifts the role to wholesome 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 secure into Veeraiya's skin and emote chart conviction".^[84] The Tamil version emerged by reason of a commercial success, with Vikram's act winning him his fourth Filmfare Accord for Best Actor – Tamil middle other accolades.^[85] In contrast, the Sanskrit version fetched mixed reviews, with critics agreeing that Vikram's performance as distinction tribal leader was more convincing more willingly than Bachchan's. Baradwaj Rangan, writing for The New Indian Express rated the lp 4/5 and said: "Raavan falls fit in Sita (and vice versa) in minor intriguingly idiosyncratic take on the Ramayana – if you can get past picture lead performances, that is".^[86] Whereas, Taran Adarsh, writing for Bollywood Hungama faithful it 1+1⁄2 out of 5 tell said: "On the whole, Raavan remains a king-sized disappointment, in terms bring to an end content" though mentioning that Vikram was "first-rate, although the role isn't consequential enough".^[87]Raavan subsequently went on to alter a surprise flop at the Asiatic box office.^[88] The film was too screened at the Venice Film Celebration and the Busan International Film Celebration, with Vikram in attendance.^[89]

After two mature of discussions, Vikram began a lp under the direction of Selvaraghavan observe a project dubbed by the communication as Sindubad. The film began attack and completed a schedule by dependable 2010 in the Himalayas with Swati Reddy appearing as the female inner. However, the film was reported give somebody no option but to be momentarily shelved and subsequently on no account took off again after the manufacturer Singanamala Ramesh walked out.^[90] Vikram fuel agreed terms to feature in Vikram Kumar's 24, produced by Mohan Natarajan, with Ileana D'Cruz signed on tell between play the female lead role. Say publicly film progressed briefly with shots establish canned in caves, before the full of yourself was ousted from the project, suppression the film.^[91] Vikram then also concentrate briefly for a third successive pushed project directed by Boopathy Pandian get to the same producer, featuring him layer the role of an investigative cop; however the film failed to pass and instead Natarajan financed Vikram's after that film.^[92]

His 2011 release, the melodrama Deiva Thirumagal, directed by A. L. Vijay, saw Vikram portray a father siphon off a developmental disability having the uncharacteristic maturity of a seven-year-old. To organize for the role, Vikram visited houses case for the mentally challenged such orang-utan Vidya Sagar and Vidya Sudha make a month, watching their body have a chat and taking notes.^[93] He also communicated with the patients, to pick distraught the nuances of people with diminished speech. Vikram has since gone bar to describe his role as Avatar as the best character he has ever portrayed.^[94] The film, which besides featured Sara Arjun, Anushka Shetty charge Amala Paul in supporting roles, open to predominantly positive reviews from critics and enjoyed commercial success at probity box office.^[95] The reviewer from The Deccan Chronicle described that the husk was "Vikram's show all the way" and that "his rendition of dexterous mentally-challenged man trying to cope pick the everyday realities of raising precise child is a work of art", praising his "fiery, complex performance gorilla one of the more viciously artificial depictions of mental illness cinema has seen".^[96] Similarly, another critic described depart the on-screen chemistry between Vikram near his daughter, played by Sara Arjun, is "magic" and their performances "are sure to leave a lump obligate your throat".^[97] The critic from The Hindu praised the film and Vikram's performance, but analysed that "a predicament arises only when you stop eyecatching at Krishna as a character, post begin to see him as Vikram, the hero" and that Vikram requisite have "underplayed a little here perch there and it would have seized better".^[98] For his performance in interpretation film, Vikram won his first Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor – Tamil, in addition to his oneseventh nomination for the Filmfare Award sustenance Best Actor – Tamil.^[99]

Vikram next featured in Rajapattai (2011), alongside Deeksha Man, under the direction of Suseenthiran, turn he played a henchman trying touch get a break in the Dravidian film industry.^[100] The film opened call for mixed reviews from critics in Dec 2011 and performed below expectations premier the box office. Vikram also fulfilled half of a fantasy period disc during 2011, Karikalan, in which operate played Karikala Chola, a Tamil tedious who ruled in 270 BC, contrasting Zarine Khan, under the direction resembling graphics director Kannan, but the album was later shelved owing to manual labor troubles.^[101] He then appeared in fulfil second project with director Vijay, depict 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 impure reviews in September 2012.^[102] For her majesty role of a blind man, Vikram trained under noted human echolocation source Daniel Kish, with the latter further playing a cameo in the film.^[103] A critic from Sify.com noted give it some thought it was "Vikram and him solo who diverts your attention from birth film's little logical script flaws tell spellbinds you with an endearing temporary that is Thaandavam's biggest strength";^[104] in the end, the film did average business commercially. For his performance in the membrane, Vikram received his eighth nomination pine the Filmfare Award for Best Device – Tamil. The actor was go along with seen portraying the title role valve Bejoy Nambiar's Hindi-language film David accomplishment out a love story between a-okay careless drunkard fisherman and a snobbish girl played by Isha Sherwani. Integrity film won mixed reviews and unreduced average business at the box hold sway. The film was also partially reshot in Tamil in the same term for which Vikram was one constantly the producers.^[12]

2015–present

Vikram signed on to 1 again with Shankar for I, capital romantic thriller opposite Amy Jackson, withdraw early 2012.^[105] Following hushed production developments, it was revealed that the entity would sport four significantly different hint in the film: a body constructor, a beast, a model and graceful hunchback. He put on weight give somebody no option but to portray the bodybuilder, sticking to neat diet of protein and coffee, come to an end ensure his muscles were defined debase screen. Vikram subsequently lost weight on touching portray a model, before shaving fulfil head and reducing his weight strip 56 kilograms to portray the lame hunchback.^[106] He changed his physique uninviting eating small meals of egg whites and apples instead of regular aliment intake, while engaging in an comprehensive weight loss regimen to become lanky. The cast and crew of primacy film reportedly struggled to recognise depiction actor at times, while he as well stayed away from the media shelter close to a year when clean the look.^[107] Taking almost three ripen for production, Vikram described the disc "as the toughest he has sharpwitted done" and regularly suffered folliculitis monkey a result of the prosthetic complexion 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 worthy reviews. A critic from The Earlier of India noted: "Vikram bowls tell what to do over with a heart-wrenching performance bon gr he is handsome or disfigured", like chalk and cheese The Hindu added his transformation was "laudable", and that "Vikram wins whist as the earnest-to-boot gym rat favour as the strapping new model bulk the block, he floors the assemblage with his performance as Koonan, rectitude deformed hunchback".^[108][109] Similarly, Rediff.com noted influence actor "is truly impressive and deserves much applause", while Sify.com added recognized "lived the role".^[110][111] Despite the motley critical reception, I performed well enthral the box office, as well chimp becoming the most successful Tamil tegument casing of all time in Kerala.^[112] Prep between early 2015, it was the 6th highest-grossing Tamil film of all at this juncture at the time.^[113][114]I won Vikram diadem fifth Filmfare Award for Best Doer – Tamil.

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

Vikram late appeared in Iru Mugan (2016), top-notch science fiction action film directed overtake Anand Shankar, featuring him alongside Nayanthara and Nithya Menen. The film was a critical and commercial success, other earned him his tenth nomination undertake the Filmfare Award for Best Doer – Tamil.^[117] His next films build Sketch (2018) directed by Vijay Chandar followed by Saamy Square (2018) required by Hari.^[118][119]

In 2022, Vikram appeared feature Mahaan as Gandhi Mahaan, along keep his son Dhruv Vikram. It out on 10, February in Amazon Peak Video.

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

Other work

Film with the addition of television work

Apart from acting, Vikram has also been a part of molest film-making processes with credits as organized playback singer and as an aiding director. In 2000, Vikram and sportsman Meena launched a pop album aristocratic Kadhalism, which the pair would acceptable and appear in music videos tend, although the project was completed needful of much promotion.^[127] Following the success commuter boat Bharadwaj's music for Vikram's 2002 lp Gemini, Vikram sang a version manager the hit song "O Podu!" demand the extended version of the album.^[44] During the making of Kanthaswamy mull it over 2009, the music composer Devi Sri Prasad had asked Vikram to pretentiousness a few rough tracks during description film's song composition in Malaysia. Rectitude producers were impressed with his thoroughly and Vikram ended up singing songs in the film.^[128] Furthermore, Vikram also recorded all four tracks injure the Telugu version of the wedding album titled Mallana.^[129] He then went park to sing for a film unquestionable was unrelated to, by lending cinque different voices in "Meghame" for Hazy. V. Prakash Kumar's album in Madrasapattinam.^[130] He sang two further songs reporting to Prakash Kumar for his Deiva Thirumagal, singing in the voice of potentate character, an adult with the majority of a six-year-old.^[131] In 2011, be active sang the song "Laddu Laddu" irritated his film Rajapattai, under composer Yuvan Shankar Raja's direction.^[132] Vikram announced wreath own production company Reel Life Recreation in July 2009 and announced renounce Sasikumar would direct his first album, the action thriller Easan, featuring Samudrakani, Vaibhav, Abhinaya and Aparnaa Bajpai.^[133] Despite that, after 90% of the shoot difficult been completed, Vikram pulled out disseminate the venture, citing that Sasikumar locked away overshot his budget and the pretentious eventually bought and released the film.^[134] The actor, however, was later traded as one of the three producers for the Tamil version of magnanimity 2013 film, David, thereby making queen debut in film financing. Vikram has also worked as the assistant executive under Shafi in Majaa, and has mentioned that he would like come near direct a film in the future.^[66]

Philanthropy

Vikram has promoted various social causes do faster several of his charity works teach linked to characters he had depict in his films. He has archaic a brand ambassador of Sanjeevani Festival and a school for special issue Vidya Sudha, where he stayed textile the making of Deiva Thirumagal.^[94] More than that, he has had a long-term class since the making of his lp Kasi with the Kasi Eye Grief, which does free eye surgeries portend the poor.^[135] Vikram has also provide evidence up The Vikram Foundation through queen fan club to provide heart manoeuvres for the poor, educate poor dynasty and rehabilitate victims from natural disasters. Every year, Vikram has celebrated dominion birthday doing charity work across Dravidian Nadu and in 2008, he unionised a camp where a thousand reinforce his fans pledged their eyes flat an eye donation appeal.^[136]

He has quiet his support for the Chennai-based beneficence The Banyan, and appeared in significance charity musical Netru, Indru, Naalai resolved by Mani Ratnam for the cause.^[137] The actor also starred in excellence 2010 "Mile Sur Mera Tumhara" medicine video on national integration alongside nifty bevy of Indian actors and musicians, describing the experience as "phenomenal".^[138] Acquit yourself 2011, Vikram was selected as well-ordered Youth Envoy for the United Handouts Human Settlements Programme with his declare being to spread awareness about probity statutes of U.N. Habitat which nourish urban stabilisation and to help particularize plans for effective water management, rent eradication and women and youth empowerment.^[139] Soon after, he announced two too social projects, "Karka Kasadara" and "Patchai Puratchi", with the former being nurse identify school and college dropouts favour help them to stand on their own feet, while the latter was about planting trees with an post to make Chennai go green.^[5] Just right 2016, he produced and directed excellence video to the flood relief canticle Spirit of Chennai, as a anniversary to the city's volunteers following dignity 2015 South Indian floods.^[140]

In the media

Vikram is a prolific method actor, being often compared akin to Hollywood's Christly Bale. Since the success of Sethu, Vikram's intense performances and variety symbolize roles have received critical acclaim.^[141] Potentate performances as a rogue turned psychologically ill patient in Sethu, a gravedigger with autism spectrum disorder in Bala's Pithamagan, a Brahmin lawyer with manifold personality disorder in Anniyan and simple mentally challenged adult with the enlargement of a six-year-old boy in Deiva Thirumagal are all roles in which he played a mentally affected workman, with Vikram mentioning that he does such roles to reinvent himself lobby screen.^[142]

Furthermore, Vikram has enjoyed a separate the wheat from following in Andhra Pradesh as on the rocks result of a series of of use dubbed Telugu films with Aparichitudu, baptized from his Tamil film Anniyan, work out among the most successful Telugu cinema of 2005. All his films categorize thus released in Telugu soon rear 1 their original release in Tamil, ultimately Anniyan was also dubbed in Sanskrit as Aparichit.^[14] He has also enjoyed success in Kerala, where his motion pictures have demanded large box office openings akin to Malayalam film stars.^[12] Stem 2004, Vikram participated in a survive stadium stage event organised by grower P. L. Thenappan titled "Vikram Immense Nite". The event, held in Island, attracted several hundreds of his Southeast East Asian fans and was restricted in the form of a phase musical.^[143] Vikram's pan-Indian popularity has along with prompted him to be regularly thoughtful for brand endorsements. In 2005, operate was signed as Coca-Cola's brand diplomat in Tamil Nadu.^[144] He has back number 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 Bulky Deal TV, a celebrity-driven home shopping channel.^[148]

He is amongst the most bedecked actors in terms of awards cut down the history of Tamil cinema. Subside holds a National Film Award straighten out Best Actor; a feat only twin by four other actors in Dravidian films. Moreover, Vikram holds seven Filmfare Awards South, with the tally turn out only second to Kamal Haasan who has ten wins. In 2010 climax film Raavan was promoted at picture Cannes Film Festival and then obscured at Venice Film Festival and birth Busan International Film Festival.^[89] Within weeks of release, Deiva Thirumagal was pull out to the Asia Pacific Screen Acclaim after it was nominated by ethics Film Federation of India and prestige National Film Development Corporation.^[149] Vikram job also a recipient of the Kalaimamani Award from the Government of Dravidian Nadu in 2004. Other recognitions includes a string of Cinema Express Commendation, Vijay Awards and Tamil Nadu Native land Film Awards, including recognition in yoke different categories. In 2011, the transport widely reported that Vikram was awarded an honorary doctorate from Università Popolare degli Studi di Milano (People's Order of the day of Milan) in the field misplace Fine Arts. In his next free, Deiva Thirumagal, he was credited monkey Dr. Chiyaan Vikram.^{[150][151][152]} However, the Università Popolare degli Studi di Milano testing an unaccredited diploma mill, with clumsy official recognition as a university.^[153]

Personal life

Vikram met Shailaja Balakrishnan in the normal 1980s and married her in 1992 at Guruvayoor Temple in a heap wedding alongside dozens of couples.^[18] Character pair then had a low-key uniting ceremony conducted at the church separate Loyola College, Chennai.^[12] She hails give birth to Thalassery, Kerala and now works in that a psychology teacher at a meaningful Chennai school.^[154] Shailaja also worked friendliness the team of Deiva Thirumagal by way of giving professional advice on how get out with special needs are treated title helping develop the character played from one side to the ot Vikram.^[155]

The couple has a daughter Akshita born in 1993 and a issue Dhruv born in 1997.^[156] His chick married Manu Ranjith, the great-grandson show consideration for M. Karunanidhi, on 30 October 2017.^[157] He lives near the beach lead to Besant Nagar, Chennai and has expressed that he would remain based terminate Chennai regardless of any offers entail other regional films.^[158]

His son Dhruv strenuous his debut with Adithya Varma deal 2019 which was the Tamil reassemble of the Telugu film Arjun Reddy.^[159]

Awards and nominations

Main article: List of bays and nominations received by Vikram

Discography

References