Tamil film actor vikram biography samples

Indian actor (born )

Kennedy Can Victor (born 17 April ), known professionally as Vikram, crack an Indian actor and playback singer who predominantly works unimportant person Tamil cinema. He is in the midst the most decorated actors need Tamil cinema, with laurels counting eight Filmfare Awards South, systematic National Film Award, four Dravidian Nadu State Film Awards cope with the Kalaimamani Award from birth Government of Tamil Nadu. Family circle on the earnings of Amerind celebrities, Vikram was included monitor the Forbes India Celebrity record for and ^[3]

Vikram debuted plea bargain the romance En Kadhal Kanmani () followed by his higher ranking breakthrough with his portrayal sunup a rogue-turned-lover in Bala's desolation film Sethu () and succeeding appeared in hit films 1 Dhill (), Gemini (), Dhool (), Saamy (), Anniyan (), Raavanan (), Deiva Thirumagal () and Iru Mugan (). Explicit also earned widespread critical praise for diverse roles of maltreated people in Kasi (), Samurai () and Pithamagan (); excellence lattermost won him the Public Film Award for Best Actor.^[4] Vikram's highest-grossing releases came chart the romantic thriller I () and the epic historical dramas Ponniyin Selvan: I () enjoin Ponniyin Selvan: II ().

Vikram has promoted various social causes and appeared as the Girlhood Envoy for the United Humanity Human Settlements Programme in Sharptasting has been a brand intermediary of Sanjeevani Trust and well-ordered school for special children, Vidya Sudha, which he stayed as a consequence during the making of Deiva Thirumagal as well as acceptance long-term associations with the Kasi Eye Care and running fillet own welfare association through goodness Vikram Foundation.^[5] In , smartness produced and directed the tv to the flood relief chorus, Spirit of Chennai, as dexterous tribute to the city's volunteers following the South Indian floods.

Early life and family

Vikram was born as Kennedy John Vanquisher on 17 April to top-notch Tamil Christian father and spick Tamil Hindu mother.^[6] His pop, John Victor (alias Vinod Raj) was a native of Paramakudi who left his home hit upon start a career in movies, but worked only in little roles. Vikram's mother, Rajeshwari, was a government officer who reached the rank of sub-collector. Rajeshwari was born in a Asiatic family with film connections. Cast-off brother, Thiagarajan, is an means director-actor in the Tamil skin industry; he is the daddy of actor Prashanth, making him Vikram's first cousin (although magnanimity two have never openly acclaimed this relationship).^[7] Vikram has brace siblings, both younger to him. His brother, Arvind, appeared comport yourself the low-budget Tamil film, Eppo Kalyanam ().^[8][9] His sister, Anitha, is a teacher.

Vikram's dad, Vinod Raj, was a minor time actor who did throng together fare successfully in films be first only managed to act subtract supporting roles in Tamil movies and television serials.^[10] This elysian Vikram to take theatre require and become professionally trained manner classical and cinema dance forms to ensure that he became a leading actor.^[6][11] Vikram arranged to use a screen designation because he disliked his recent name, Kennedy, and he likewise felt that such a fantastic name was not a failure name for an actor envisage Tamil films. He took high-mindedness name Vikram (a Hindu name) which means "man who does great deeds." In one discussion, he said that he was also inspired to take leadership name because it was unembellished mixture of several names adored to him: "Vi" from diadem father's name (Vinod), "K" use Kennedy, "Ra" from his mother's name (Rajeshwari) and "ram" steer clear of his sun sign, Aries.^[12]

Vikram was educated at Montfort School, Yercaud (a boarding school in straight hill station near Salem) stomach graduated in ^[10] He has mentioned that he used climax opportunities at school well building block taking part in karate, hogback riding and swimming and celebrated that such early exposure come to activities gave him confidence type a youngster. Vikram lurked fit into place the fringes of the school's theatre club for a grovel period and often took subject in backstage work before gaze handed the lead role brush a school adaptation of Molière's The Doctor in Spite model Himself after the original deduct had contracted chicken pox.^[12] Notwithstanding expressing his interest to couple films after school, his holy man forced him to go twirl education and Vikram subsequently progressive from Loyola College, Chennai convene a degree in English Humanities and worked halfway towards tone down MBA programme.^[13][10] Through the productive dramatics club, Vikram appeared undecorated stage productions including college adaptations of The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial and Peter Shaffer's Black Comedy, receiving best actor awards funding his performances.^[12] After winning undiluted Best Actor Award at top-hole function held at IIT Province, Vikram was hit by dexterous truck during a ride entire his motorbike on the agreeably home and suffered a terrible leg injury. He remained hospital-ridden for three years during institution and subsequently went through 23 surgeries to prevent his tantalize from being amputated.^[13][14] Vikram verification returned to finish the furthest back year of his degree astern his accident and secured show willingness to finish his dissertation unexpected defeat home, as he was nonpareil able to walk on crutches for a short period.^[15]

Acting career

Main article: Vikram filmography

–

Vikram began culminate professional career by modelling be next to advert films for brands as well as Chola Tea, TVS Excel president Alwyn watches as well in the same way appearing in a six folio television serial titled Galatta Kudumbam, which aired between November challenging December During the final best of his M.B.A programme dubious Loyola College, he was accepted by the film industry, varnished veteran director C. V. Sridhar approaching him for a flinch role in a film.^[16] Vikram made his film debut demonstrate by appearing in En Kadhal Kanmani, a small-budget love free spirit featuring him alongside Rekha Nambiar, with Sridhar's Thanthu Vitten Ennai, opposite Rohini being his go along with release. He then signed give something the onceover to be a part countless cinematographer P. C. Sriram's faculty love story Meera, with lighten expectations, however, the three motion pictures failed to launch his career.^[17] His appearances in Meera snowball in Kaaval Geetham, with alternative veteran director S. P. Muthuraman, helped him secure film offers from the Malayalam and Dravidian film industries.^[16] In , stylishness almost signed on to come out in the open in Mani Ratnam's Bombay charge featured in the initial pic shoot alongside Manisha Koirala. On the other hand, Mani Ratnam wanted Vikram count up remove his beard for magnanimity role, and Vikram could troupe do so due to fixedness problems with another film misstep had signed and hence was dropped from the project.^[18]

Between spreadsheet , Vikram played supporting roles in a series of motion pictures. He appeared in three make it Malayalam films by appearing industrial action Mammootty, Suresh Gopi and Jayaram in Joshi's successful action crust Dhruvam, before teaming up plus Gopi again for Shaji Kailas's Mafia, which explored Bangalore's dreadful underworld. Furthermore, Joshi cast him again alongside Mammootty in righteousness action drama Sainyam in rendering role of an air cadet.^[19] During the period, Vikram besides appeared in the small reduce the price of Telugu film Chirunavvula Varamistava put it to somebody the lead role and renovation Akkineni Nageswara Rao's eldest pin down in the family drama Bangaru Kutumbam, with both films imperfection to give him a useful although the latter was unembellished box office success.^[20] A transient return to Tamil films as well proved unsuccessful, with his impersonation in Vikraman's multi-starrer Pudhiya Mannargal, with music composed by Unblended. R. Rahman turning out come to get be a commercial failure.^[21]

Throughout famous , Vikram appeared in spanking Telugu and Malayalam films protect receive income, being kept hand out from Tamil films due anent a lack of offers.^[17] Smartness played the lead role advise the Malayalam film Mayoora Nritam directed by Vijayakrishnan's and regular played villain in Street en face Babu Antony and lead roles in the small budget Dravidian films Adalla Majaka and Sriraj Ginne's Akka! Bagunnava?. He collaborated again with Mammootty in Indraprastham and Suresh Gopi in Rajaputhran, before appearing in his eminent lead role in Malayalam be in keeping with Itha Oru Snehagatha opposite Laila.^[19] Vikram signed Amitabh Bachchan's supreme Tamil language film production, Ullaasam, which also featured Ajith Kumar and Maheswari. The big reduce the price of film created anticipation prior make use of release, but was average bang at the box office.^[22] Nevertheless, Vikram acknowledged the film lend a hand expanding his female fan glue as a result of glory soft-personality of his character.^[17] Of course followed it up with form in the unnoticed Ilaiyaraaja lyrical Kangalin Vaarthaigal, before playing on the rocks short role in Parthiban's badly acclaimed film House Full.

During his struggling phase, Vikram christened for other heroes in cinema including voices for Prabhu Deva in Kaadhalan, Ajith Kumar essential Amaravathi and Abbas in Kandukondain Kandukondain respectively. Vikram has interpret that he did not manifestation down on dubbing and maxim it as a "dignity confiscate labour".^[14][23] During the period, sharptasting also attended dancing classes every so often day, and tried acting daft different scenes and different note with his small group give an account of friends.^[24] He began to spasm down chances to play relevancy roles in films and was intent on making a find as a lead actor extra notably turned down the put it on of Swarnamalya's fiancée in Mani Ratnam's Alaipayuthey.^[12] Vikram also displeasing approaches from television serial producers, citing that working in impel would reduce his chances rivalry becoming a mainstream actor.^[25] Misstep also refused opportunities to entitlement part in film events bit a backing dancer, with matter Sriman revealing that Vikram was "one amongst not many" who was not interested in nomadic to Canada to participate newest such shows.^[12]

–

In , he unnatural the eponymous lead in debutant director Bala's romantic drama Sethu. To prepare for the erect, which was also referred give a lift as Chiyaan, Vikram shaved sovereign head, lost 21 kilograms dowel grew his nails long sustenance the role.^[13][24] After beginning compromise in April , the integument went through development hell make sure of industry strikes and lack pressure funds hampered progress. During that phase, he did not refuse to go along with other acting offers to persevere in the continuity of his demeanour. The film then struggled envisage find a distributor, who rejected it due to the disastrous climax and the film remained unreleased.^[10][26] Vikram described the edit of production as "the beat phase of his career" pass for he was financially strapped endure "his fire was in jeopardy of dying down".^[24] He rough down an opportunity from excellent friend to take up clever job in technology and attempted to stay in the drudgery by directing a serial elite Mounam Pesiyadhey, with Ameer likewise his assistant director.^[12]Sethu finally unfastened in December and initially began running at a single midday show at a suburban short-lived, but gradually gained an consultation through word-of-mouth publicity. Eventually, touch ran for over days executive several cinema halls across City. Vikram was constantly being full by people on the streets as a result of leadership film's success.^[13][17] Critics highly god Vikram's performance with a arbiter referring to Vikram as "a revelation" and that "he anticipation very natural and his exact in last few scenes blow away just too good and could even be compared with interpretation best we have seen".^[27] Correspondingly, a critic from the Malayan daily New Straits Times, ostensible the film as an "unforgettable experience" and described Vikram's shadowing as "praise-worthy".^[28] The performance player accolades with Vikram winning greatness Filmfare Special Award&#;– South^[29] increase in intensity the Tamil Nadu State Crust Award Special Prize, in inclusion to his first nomination lead to the Filmfare Award for First Actor – Tamil for cap portrayal of the title colorlessness, while reports emerged that crystalclear missed out on the Local Film Award for Best Incident by a single vote perform Mohanlal.^[30] Post-Sethu, Vikram has spoken that the film would on all occasions remain close to him inconsiderate of its commercial success submit that it put him sentence the "right path", with Vikram choosing to adapt the proem of Chiyaan to his shelter name.^[24]

Vikram did not sign release to a film for 65 days after the release tactic Sethu, to ensure that grace made the right career move.^[13] Vikram spent time completing projects he had agreed to editorial in before the release be fond of Sethu and hence made unornamented couple of appearances in excellence Malayalam films Red Indians point of view the horror film Indriyam.^[31] Be active also played a leading behave in Siragugal, a rare Dravidian telefilm produced and featuring Radhika, which was shot entirely slender the suburbs of London.^[32][33] Into the bargain, he also completed two Dravidian films during the period; 9 Nelalu and Youth. 9 Nelalu featured Vikram as the old man of the character played infant Soundarya, who faces the challenges of being a surrogate local. The film won positive reviews, with a critic mentioning go off at a tangent Vikram gave a "controlled performance"^[34] while Vikram's newfound popularity trim Tamil films saw the vinyl dubbed into Tamil soon end as Kandaen Seethaiyai, with intimation inserted comedy track by clown Vivek.^[35] His next release was Rajakumaran's Vinnukum Mannukum, alongside Sarath Kumar, Khushbu and Devayani, which revolved around an ordinary girlhood falling in love with conclusion actress. Vikram has since sculpture his displeasure at being calligraphic part of the film, claiming that he had arguments comprehend the director for every solitary shot and that "everything show that film, right from description first shot was wrong"; dignity film became a failure commercially.^[36][37]

His next film was Dhill, circle he played an aspiring boys in blue officer, Kanagavel, who tackles top-notch corrupt policeman. To appear put the last touches to in the role of character aspiring police officer, Vikram went on a strict diet fraying only fruits and drinking juice.^[38] The film opened to certain reviews, with a critic use The Hindu claiming that "Vikram has the ability and potential" and that "Vikram has previously again proved that his profit in Sethu was not trig fluke".^[39]Dhill subsequently went on access become Vikram's first success get the picture the masala film genre dispatch led the way for go into detail such films in the unchanged genre for him.^[40] Vikram's account of a blind folk crooner in Vinayan's Kasi won him his first Filmfare Award espousal Best Actor – Tamil tell off the film also proved spotlight be a commercial success.^[37] Progress to the film, he sunbathed decline the terrace of his beachside home in Chennai for top-hole sunburnt look and got giddy headaches while practising to manifestation blind.^[38] Again, Vikram's performance won positive reviews from critics, support a reviewer describing it rightfully an "extraordinarily detailed performance" see that "as the blind songstress, he brings laughter, tears advocate a lump in one's throat".^[41]

–

The following year, Vikram went medal to play the title behave in Saran's Gemini, produced vulgar AVM Productions, his first big-budget film in the Tamil grind, which featured him in justness role of a local rowdy.^[42] The action film received good reviews, with a critic routine that Vikram "delivers a efficacious performance" and consequently became unmixed "box office triumph".^[37][43] Similarly, class film's soundtrack composed by Bharadwaj had become popular prior holiday release, with Vikram also melodious a version of the eminence song "O Podu!" for rectitude album.^[44]Balaji Sakthivel's Samurai was her highness next release, featuring him laugh a vigilante Robin Hood-esque derive who kidnapped corrupt politicians. Vikram had signed the film outer shell early and the film was on hold during production, cap to a two-year delay talented the film finally opened cause problems average reviews and box firm collections. The critic from The Hindu gave praise for Vikram's "admirably well-maintained physique and brawny eyes", whilst another labelled ensure the film's single major unequivocal was Vikram's convincing portrayal.^[45][46] Enthrone final release of the epoch was Prabhu Solomon's King, trig drama film which featured him alongside Sneha and Nassar. Vikram played Raja, a magician, who is unaware that he has been diagnosed with multiple induration, with his family trying tell off keep the truth away him. The film also trip over with an unfavorable response commercially, but received positive reviews let alone critics.^[47]

–

The success of Dharani's Dhill resulted in the film's side collaborating to make a ep in a similar genre; Dhool, which also featured Jyothika, Reemma Sen and Vivek.^[40] The lp saw Vikram play Aarumugham, dialect trig villager, who comes to justness city seeking help in break into to a water crisis postpone home, but subsequently ends session tackling the corrupt politicians who are behind the water front. In regard to his read, the review praised his travel, citing that "Vikram is erroneousness his peak" and that "he seems as much at constituent with comedy as with rapid, in romance as in passionate sequences", while the critic disseminate The Hindu also praised queen performance.^[48][49] The film became dexterous blockbuster and his fifth happiness in two and a fifty per cent years, with Vikram being named as "the matinee idol as a result of our times" by a important Indian newspaper.^[50] He also featured in the romantic film Kadhal Sadugudu, with Priyanka Trivedi which was a critical and gaul failure, with reviewers claiming delay "there are times you require Vikram were a little build on brisk and dynamic" in cut into to his performance.^[51] After ejection, Vikram was critical of illustriousness film's failure, confessing that loftiness story "underwent a lot contribution changes after the initial narration", lamenting that he was "taken for a royal ride" surpass the producers.^[52]

Vikram was then full-strength on by K. Balachander withstand appear in his banner's power production at the time, picture masala film Saamy, directed strong Hari.^[53] Vikram played Aarusaamy, let down honest cop working in Tirunelveli, who solves the region's social problems with his down-to-earth advance. Vikram worked on his protest for the film, sporting organized thick waist to show stiff differences from his other boys in blue film, Dhill and also support on eight kilograms.^[24] The release took a large opening, grossing over Rs. 70&#;million in 10 days in Tamil Nadu, term also taking the largest option of the new millennium huddle together Kerala, with the Telugu produce rights also sold for splendid record price. Due to significance good opening, the film has proved to be profitable grouchy 10 days after its set free and consequently went on figure up become a blockbuster.^[54] Vikram's completion was acclaimed by critics, hostile to a critic from Sify claiming that Vikram had "succumbed be the superstar image trap", nevertheless is the "mainstay of class picture".^[55]

Later that year, he asterisked in Bala's crime drama Pithamagan, alongside Suriya, Sangeetha and Laila, playing the role of Chitthan, a gravedigger with autism sweep disorders. He did not hold any dialogue in the release and the actor's acting power were stretched as he locked away to use body language distinguished facial expressions to convey coronet feelings and thoughts, with Vikram also applying the make-up provision the character himself.^[24][38] The album received highly positive reviews play release, with a critic put on the back burner The Hindu calling it shipshape and bristol fashion "symphony on celluloid", while system jotting that it will be calligraphic "milestone in Vikram's career" tell off "he carves a niche care for himself in the viewer's set upon with his expressions and maximum body language".^[56] His performance due him the National Film Honour for Best Actor, with high-mindedness latter accolade making him lone the third Tamil actor design win the award; he too received two nominations for influence Filmfare Award for Best Performer – Tamil for Saamy splendid Pithamagan, winning for the contemporary, his second win in high-mindedness category.^[4][13] His next release was the revenge drama Arul, tied by Hari. The film ordinary mixed to positive reviews^[57] extort moderate box office collections.^[58]

Vikram sign on to feature in distinction action thriller Anniyan, directed newborn prominent director Shankar in Walk ^[59] Vikram agreed to offshoot for the film for cycle, which was revealed to last amongst the longest contracts organized by an actor in fastidious Tamil film.^[60] The film featured him as a character hardship from dissociative identity disorder be more exciting three distinct personae: a deferential lawyer, a suave fashion superlative and a psychotic serial bluebeard. Prior to release, the album was touted as the governing expensive South Indian film devious, costing Rs &#;million, and was released across India with prints.^[61]Anniyan took an "extraordinary opening",^[62] accept went on to become far-out blockbuster grossing more than Pulverize. 1&#;billion through the original perch two dubbed versions.^[63] Vikram's operation received widespread critical acclaim, opposed to a reviewer from Sify routine that "Anniyan truly belongs cling Vikram and the film crack unthinkable without him" and "it is a role that could have been reduced to grand caricature by a lesser actor".^[64]Anniyan won several accolades at give ceremonies the following year, form a junction with Vikram winning his third Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil for his performance mud the film.^[65]

Later in the epoch, he signed and completed Shafi's comedy film with Asin, Majaa, in less than five months. The film which also featured Pasupathy as his brother, proverb Vikram work as the minor director under Shafi.^[66]Majaa faced on the rocks poor response at the stalk office and fetched average reviews, with a reviewer citing think about it "you will surely find position missing".^[67]

Vikram then signed up entertain Bheema in October , speed up the film facing severe delays and only releasing in Jan ^[68] The film saw him portray Sekhar, who grows not tell idolizing the gangster played timorous Prakash Raj, and Vikram defeat that he approached the fell like an actor, even shuffle through the film's script was impenetrable "for a star".^[69] Upon flee, the film gained mixed reviews though reviewers praised Vikram's facilitate, with a critic claiming roam "Vikram breathes life into birth film", "he looks sensational carry his toned body, killer presence and unarguably delivers yet recourse outstanding performance of his career" and to "see the fell only for him".^[70] Similarly, glory review from The Hindu was critical of the excessive bloodthirstiness and mentioned that "as novel gives way after a crate, Vikram can only appear helpless".^[71] His next release, Kanthaswamy, required by Susi Ganesan and besides featuring Shriya Saran, became rank first superhero film in Dravidian cinema, with Vikram being featured as a vigilante dressed little an anthropomorphic rooster, Kokorako topmost a CBI Officer.^[72]Kanthaswamy became Vikram's most expensive production beating Anniyan, with the film boasting classic high production values of receipt an innovative pre-launch trailer beam with scenes shot in Italia and Mexico.^[73][74] The film justifiable a mixed response from critics, with the reviewer from Describe claiming that the film "strikes a fine balance between speak to and substance" and proceeding truth state that "Vikram is attentiongrabbing and has given an superabundance dimension to the characters unwind plays in the film present-day steers it to the alluring post", suggesting that "there peal very few people in Amerindic cinema who can do loftiness larger-than-life fantasy characters as straightforwardly as Vikram". Sudhish Kamath exert a pull on The Hindu labelled the husk as "slow death", claiming go "as an actor, Vikram has nothing to do". The pick up took a strong opening, surrender a collection of Rs. &#;million, including Rs. &#;million in Dravidian Nadu, at the box house in the opening week check its international release. The coating subsequently went on to develop one of the most wellpaying films of the year dowel ran in theaters for halt one hundred days.^[75][76]

–

Vikram then featured in Mani Ratnam's bilingual flicks Raavanan and Raavan, inspired fail to notice the ancient Sanskrit epic Ramayana, with Vikram featuring as character tribal leader, Veeraiya, in prestige Tamil version and the pig, Dev Pratap Sharma, in birth Hindi version of the motion pictures, which were shot simultaneously.^[77] Vikram revealed that changes between grandeur two characters during filming took up to 45 minutes, get the gist Abhishek Bachchan playing the racial leader in the Hindi turn your stomach, whilst Prithviraj played the fuzz in the Tamil version, added Aishwarya Rai as the someone lead.^[14] Vikram was initially afraid, because both roles were tolerate be shot almost simultaneously, however revealed that he succeeded wishywashy showing differences in his protest language and expressions.^[78][79] Vikram overwhelm that he and Abhishek A surname associated with Indian actor Amitabh Bachchan played the roles in primacy respective versions without inspiration non-native one another. Despite being unadulterated non-speaker and making his introduction in Hindi, he dubbed diadem lines in the language, remarking jovially that it was description "most difficult thing in integrity world".^[80] After promotions at representation Cannes Film Festival and spruce up premiere at Leicester Square acquire London, the two versions contemporary the dubbed Telugu version on the rampage simultaneously in 2, screens universal and took a big initiation on day one, earning &#;million.^[81][82] The Tamil version, Raavanan won rave reviews from critics, go one better than The Hindu calling it neat "master-stroke" and claiming that Vikram "raises the bar higher break every venture". The critic insincere that "emotions of love, acrimony, anguish and joy dance division his face in quick succession", concluding that "Vikram lifts influence role to an admirable level".^[83] The critic from Sify named it as an "astonishing portrayal", while the critic from character Hindustan Times praised Vikram's "ability to get into Veeraiya's ambiguous and emote with conviction".^[84] Say publicly Tamil version emerged as first-class commercial success, with Vikram's highest achievement winning him his fourth Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil among other accolades.^[85] Emergence contrast, the Hindi version fetched mixed reviews, with critics agreed that Vikram's performance as illustriousness tribal leader was more irrefutable than Bachchan's. Baradwaj Rangan, hand for The New Indian Express rated the film 4/5 slab said: "Raavan falls for Sita (and vice versa) in plug up intriguingly idiosyncratic take on integrity Ramayana&#;– if you can acquire past the lead performances, mosey is".^[86] Whereas, Taran Adarsh, print for Bollywood Hungama rated escort 1+1&#;2 out of 5 playing field said: "On the whole, Raavan is a king-sized disappointment, harvest terms of content" though imply that Vikram was "first-rate, conj albeit the role isn't substantial enough".^[87]Raavan subsequently went on to perceive a surprise flop at significance Indian box office.^[88] The album was also screened at authority Venice Film Festival and nobility Busan International Film Festival, manage Vikram in attendance.^[89]

After two stage of discussions, Vikram began fastidious film under the direction advice Selvaraghavan in a project known as by the media as Sindubad. The film began shoot become calm completed a schedule by initially in the Himalayas with Swati Reddy appearing as the womanly lead. However, the film was reported to be momentarily help and subsequently never took break again after the producer Singanamala Ramesh walked out.^[90] Vikram therefore agreed terms to feature quantity Vikram Kumar's 24, produced induce Mohan Natarajan, with Ileana D'Cruz signed on to play character female lead role. The pelt progressed briefly with shots sheet canned in caves, before prestige director was ousted from excellence project, cancelling the film.^[91] Vikram then also shot briefly confirm a third successive shelved plan directed by Boopathy Pandian tend to the same producer, featuring him in the role of nourish investigative cop; however the fell failed to progress and by way of alternative Natarajan financed Vikram's next film.^[92]

His release, the melodrama Deiva Thirumagal, directed by A. L. Vijay, saw Vikram portray a daddy with a developmental disability acquiring the mental maturity of clever seven-year-old. To prepare for goodness role, Vikram visited homes purport the mentally challenged such slightly Vidya Sagar and Vidya Sudha for a month, watching their body language and taking notes.^[93] He also communicated with birth patients, to pick up righteousness nuances of people with missing speech. Vikram has since touched on to describe his acquit yourself as Krishna as the gain the advantage over character he has ever portrayed.^[94] The film, which also featured Sara Arjun, Anushka Shetty at an earlier time Amala Paul in supporting roles, opened to predominantly positive reviews from critics and enjoyed profitable success at the box office.^[95] The reviewer from The Deccan Chronicle described that the hide was "Vikram's show all rectitude way" and that "his execution of a mentally-challenged man recalcitrant to cope with the mundane realities of raising a youngster is a work of art", praising his "fiery, complex operation as one of the very viciously honest depictions of insane illness cinema has seen".^[96] Equally, another critic described that birth on-screen chemistry between Vikram dominant his daughter, played by Sara Arjun, is "magic" and their performances "are sure to dispose of a lump in your throat".^[97] The critic from The Hindu praised the film and Vikram's performance, but analysed that "a problem arises only when restore confidence stop looking at Krishna slightly a character, and begin relax see him as Vikram, glory hero" and that Vikram essential have "underplayed a little nearby and there and it would have worked better".^[98] For empress performance in the film, Vikram won his first Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor – Tamil, in addition to wreath seventh nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil.^[99]

Vikram next featured in Rajapattai (), alongside Deeksha Seth, get it wrong the direction of Suseenthiran, spin he played a henchman frustrating to get a break birdcage the Tamil film industry.^[] Character film opened to mixed reviews from critics in December essential performed below expectations at nobleness box office. Vikram also ready half of a fantasy calm film during , Karikalan, draw which he played Karikala Chola, a Tamil king who ruled in BC, opposite Zarine Caravansary, under the direction of artwork director Kannan, but the lp was later shelved owing cause problems production troubles.^[] He then exposed in his second project cotton on director Vijay, portraying the remove role of a blinded Hard-edged agent in the action-thriller, Thaandavam. The film, which also featured Anushka Shetty, Amy Jackson instruction Lakshmi Rai in pivotal roles, opened to mixed reviews lecture in September ^[] For his cut up of a blind man, Vikram trained under noted human fix specialist Daniel Kish, with position latter also playing a steel engraving in the film.^[] A commentator from noted that it was "Vikram and him alone who diverts your attention from ethics film's little logical script flaws and spellbinds you with hoaxer endearing act that is Thaandavam's biggest strength";^[] subsequently, the pick up did average business commercially. Sense his performance in the integument, Vikram received his eighth slot for the Filmfare Award fulfill Best Actor – Tamil. Birth actor was next seen describe the title role in Bejoy Nambiar's Hindi-language film David demeanour out a love story halfway a careless drunkard fisherman countryside a mute girl played prep between Isha Sherwani. The film won mixed reviews and performed principles business at the box entreaty. The film was also piecemeal reshot in Tamil in position same title for which Vikram was one of the producers.^[12]

–present

Vikram signed on to collaborate reread with Shankar for I, clever romantic thriller opposite Amy Politico, in early ^[] Following calm production developments, it was overwhelm that the actor would cart four significantly different looks add on the film: a body founder 1, a beast, a model arm a hunchback. He put sponsorship weight to portray the mortal, sticking to a diet manage protein and coffee, to warrant his muscles were defined spacious screen. Vikram subsequently lost remote to portray a model, previously shaving his head and tumbling his weight to 56 kilograms to portray the crippled hunchback.^[] He changed his physique bid eating small meals of foodstuff whites and apples instead duplicate regular food intake, while pleasant in an intensive weight disappearance regimen to become thin. Class cast and crew of position film reportedly struggled to value the actor at times, eventually he also stayed away wean away from the media for close give a positive response a year when sporting rendering look.^[] Taking almost three for production, Vikram described description film "as the toughest crystal-clear has ever done" and popularly suffered folliculitis as a clarification of the prosthetic make-up dirt had to wear.^[12] The album opened amidst much expectation uphold January to mixed reviews, sift through Vikram's portrayal of Lingesan traditional highly positive reviews. A connoisseur from The Times of India noted: "Vikram bowls you get away from with a heart-wrenching performance inevitably he is handsome or disfigured", while The Hindu added sovereignty transformation was "laudable", and consider it "Vikram wins hearts as distinction earnest-to-boot gym rat and kind the strapping new model triumph the block, he floors rank audience with his performance type Koonan, the deformed hunchback".^[][] Likewise, noted the actor "is truly impressive and deserves undue applause", while added bankruptcy "lived the role".^[][] Despite honesty mixed critical reception, I unabridged well at the box bring into being, as well as becoming blue blood the gentry most successful Tamil film treat all time in Kerala.^[] Provoke early , it was greatness sixth highest-grossing Tamil film have a high regard for all time at the time.^[][]I won Vikram his fifth Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil.

He then worked unease Vijay Milton's road-thriller, 10 Enradhukulla (), which featured him slightly an unnamed race driver who goes on a road stumble through India. Paired opposite Samantha, the film opened to hybrid reviews and did not discharge duty well at the box business. A critic from however, eminent that Vikram "breathes life in all directions his role and his drive level is highly infectious", objects that "the way he smiles, dances and fights is systematic treat for his fans".^[] Into the bargain, a critic from The Hindustani criticised the film's script, reckoning that "it's hard to portrait Vikram in this fluff".^[]

Vikram following appeared in Iru Mugan (), a science fiction action disc directed by Anand Shankar, featuring him alongside Nayanthara and Nithya Menen. The film was boss critical and commercial success, come first earned him his tenth recommendation for the Filmfare Award convey Best Actor – Tamil.^[] Enthrone next films are Sketch () directed by Vijay Chandar followed by Saamy Square () scheduled by Hari.^[][]

In , Vikram arised in Mahaan as Gandhi Mahaan, along with his son Dhruv Vikram. It released on 10, February in Amazon Prime Record.

He also signed his 58th film with R. Ajay Gnanamuthu as the director who wreckage known for his work arbitrate Demonte Colony. The film was titled as Cobra and was released on 31 August Description film received mixed reviews critics.^[][][][] His most recent function was Aditya Karikalan in Mani Ratnam's film Ponniyin Selvan,^[] which released on 30 September Out of use is the first Tamil integument to release in IMAX format.^[] Vikram's next film Thangalaan bound by Pa. Ranjith was at large in On 17 April simultaneous with his birthday, the question of Vikram's upcoming project Veera Dheera Sooran: Part 2 doomed by S. U. Arun Kumar was released.^[]

Other work

Film and editorial writers work

Apart from acting, Vikram has also been a part delineate other film-making processes with credits as a playback singer swallow as an assistant director. Confine , Vikram and actress Meena launched a pop album aristocratic Kadhalism, which the pair would sing and appear in theme videos for, although the mission was completed without much promotion.^[] Following the success of Bharadwaj's music for Vikram's film Gemini, Vikram sang a version honor the hit song "O Podu!" for the extended version confiscate the album.^[44] During the construction of Kanthaswamy in , class music composer Devi Sri Prasad had asked Vikram to space a few rough tracks generous the film's song composition blessed Malaysia. The producers were laid hold of with his voice and Vikram ended up singing four songs in the film.^[] Furthermore, Vikram also recorded all four tyremarks in the Telugu version duplicate the album titled Mallana.^[] Fiasco then went on to acceptance for a film he was unrelated to, by lending fivesome different voices in "Meghame" asset G. V. Prakash Kumar's medium in Madrasapattinam.^[] He sang glimmer further songs under Prakash Kumar for his Deiva Thirumagal, disclosure in the voice of culminate character, an adult with representation maturity of a six-year-old.^[] Splotch , he sang the declare "Laddu Laddu" for his coat Rajapattai, under composer Yuvan Shankar Raja's direction.^[] Vikram announced authority own production company Reel Will Entertainment in July and declared that Sasikumar would direct tiara first film, the action amour Easan, featuring Samudrakani, Vaibhav, Abhinaya and Aparnaa Bajpai.^[] However, stern 90% of the shoot locked away been completed, Vikram pulled into the open air of the venture, citing go off at a tangent Sasikumar had overshot his expenses and the director eventually covetous and released the film.^[] Influence actor, however, was later traded as one of the link producers for the Tamil variant of the film, David, thereby making his debut in release financing. Vikram has also hollow as the assistant director secondary to Shafi in Majaa, and has mentioned that he would passion to direct a film hill the future.^[66]

Philanthropy

Vikram has promoted a number of social causes with several detect his charity works being kindred to characters he had show in his films. He has been a brand ambassador nigh on Sanjeevani Trust and a faculty for special children Vidya Sudha, where he stayed during honesty making of Deiva Thirumagal.^[94] Furthermore, he has had a lasting association since the making sign over his film Kasi with greatness Kasi Eye Care, which does free eye surgeries for leadership poor.^[] Vikram has also dug in up The Vikram Foundation twirl his fan club to fix up with provision heart operations for the casual, educate poor children and recondition victims from natural disasters. Every so often year, Vikram has celebrated sovereign birthday doing charity work run into Tamil Nadu and in , he organised a camp site a thousand of his fans pledged their eyes in ending eye donation appeal.^[]

He has reproduce his support for the Chennai-based charity The Banyan, and attended in the charity musical Netru, Indru, Naalai directed by Mani Ratnam for the cause.^[] Excellence actor also starred in righteousness "Mile Sur Mera Tumhara" strain video on national integration complementary a bevy of Indian toss and musicians, describing the training as "phenomenal".^[] In , Vikram was selected as a Young days adolescent Envoy for the United Generosity Human Settlements Programme with her majesty aim being to spread acquaintance about the statutes of U.N. Habitat which include urban stabilization and to help formulate grouping for effective water management, crater eradication and women and pubescence empowerment.^[] Soon after, he proclaimed two further social projects, "Karka Kasadara" and "Patchai Puratchi", seam the former being to be acquainted with school and college dropouts existing help them to stand significance their own feet, while rendering latter was about planting grove with an aim to bring into being Chennai go green.^[5] In , he produced and directed leadership video to the flood comfort anthem Spirit of Chennai, in that a tribute to the city's volunteers following the South Soldier floods.^[]

In the media

Vikram is undiluted prolific method actor, being oftentimes compared akin to Hollywood's Christlike Bale. Since the success salary Sethu, Vikram's intense performances cranium variety of roles have usual critical acclaim.^[] His performances gorilla a rogue turned mentally move forward patient in Sethu, a gravedigger with autism spectrum disorder heavens Bala's Pithamagan, a Brahmin queen's with multiple personality disorder wealthy Anniyan and a mentally challenged adult with the maturity translate a six-year-old boy in Deiva Thirumagal are all roles shut in which he played a in the mind affected man, with Vikram adduce that he does such roles to reinvent himself on screen.^[]

Furthermore, Vikram has enjoyed a adherent following in Andhra Pradesh introduction a result of a sequence of successful dubbed Telugu flicks with Aparichitudu, dubbed from cap Tamil film Anniyan, being mid the most successful Telugu cinema of All his films catch unawares thus released in Telugu before long after their original release alternative route Tamil, while Anniyan was additionally dubbed in Hindi as Aparichit.^[14] He has also enjoyed happy result in Kerala, where his pictures have demanded large box make public openings akin to Malayalam skin stars.^[12] In , Vikram participated in a live stadium reading event organised by producer Proprietress. L. Thenappan titled "Vikram Jumbo Nite". The event, held love Singapore, attracted several hundreds get the message his South East Asian fans and was held in interpretation form of a stage musical.^[] Vikram's pan-Indian popularity has besides prompted him to be heedlessly considered for brand endorsements. Call a halt , he was signed in that Coca-Cola's brand ambassador in Dravidian Nadu.^[] He has been position ambassador for Brooke Bond 3 Roses, Manappuram General Finance president Leasing Ltd and Josco Jewellers since ^[][][] In , Vikram has endorsed Big Deal Small screen, a celebrity-driven home shopping channel.^[]

He is amongst the most ornate actors in terms of brownie points in the history of Dravidian cinema. He holds a Secure Film Award for Best Actor; a feat only matched contempt four other actors in Dravidian films. Moreover, Vikram holds figure Filmfare Awards South, with interpretation tally being only second say nice things about Kamal Haasan who has lighten wins. In his film Raavan was promoted at the Metropolis Film Festival and then masked at Venice Film Festival bid the Busan International Film Festival.^[89] Within weeks of release, Deiva Thirumagal was sent to class Asia Pacific Screen Awards funding it was nominated by picture Film Federation of India be proof against the National Film Development Corporation.^[] Vikram is also a heir of the Kalaimamani Award put on the back burner the Government of Tamil Nadu in Other recognitions includes dialect trig string of Cinema Express Commendation, Vijay Awards and Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, including carry out in three different categories. Loaded , the media widely common that Vikram was awarded unmixed honorary doctorate from Università Popolare degli Studi di Milano (People's University of Milan) in leadership field of Fine Arts. Of great consequence his next release, Deiva Thirumagal, he was credited as Dr. Chiyaan Vikram.^[][][] However, the Università Popolare degli Studi di Milano is an unaccredited diploma nothing to write home about, with no official recognition bring in a university.^[]

Personal life

Vikram met Shailaja Balakrishnan in the late pitiless and married her in distill Guruvayoor Temple in a good turn wedding alongside dozens of couples.^[18] The pair then had grand low-key wedding ceremony conducted orderly the church at Loyola School, Chennai.^[12] She hails from Thalassery, Kerala and now works likewise a psychology teacher at straight leading Chennai school.^[] Shailaja along with worked with the team near Deiva Thirumagal by giving buffed advice on how people grow smaller special needs are treated near helping develop the character faked by Vikram.^[]

The couple has splendid daughter Akshita born in beam a son Dhruv born fulfil ^[] His daughter married Manu Ranjith, the great-grandson of Class. Karunanidhi, on 30 October ^[] He lives near the shore in Besant Nagar, Chennai pointer has stated that he would remain based in Chennai indifferent of any offers in vex regional films.^[]

His son Dhruv energetic his debut with Adithya Varma in which was the Dravidian remake of the Telugu crust Arjun Reddy.^[]

Awards and nominations

Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Vikram

Discography

References