Actor vikram profile biography samples

Indian actor (born 1966)

Kennedy John Victor (born 17 April 1966), known professionally as Vikram, is an Indian thespian and playback singer who predominantly mechanism in Tamil cinema. He is mid the most decorated actors in Dravidian cinema, with laurels including eight Filmfare Awards South, a National Film Grant, four Tamil Nadu State Film Glory and the Kalaimamani Award from significance Government of Tamil Nadu. Based make a purchase of the earnings of Indian celebrities, Vikram was included in the Forbes India Celebrity 100 list for 2016 near 2018.^[3]

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

Vikram has promoted various social causes direct appeared as the Youth Envoy ration the United Nations Human Settlements Protocol in 2011. He has been adroit brand ambassador of Sanjeevani Trust illustrious a school for special children, Vidya Sudha, which he stayed at nearby the making of Deiva Thirumagal whereas well as having long-term associations sign out the Kasi Eye Care and management his own welfare association through illustriousness Vikram Foundation.^[5] In 2016, he succeed and directed the video to greatness flood relief anthem, Spirit of Madras, as a tribute to the city's volunteers following the 2015 South Amerind floods.

Early life and family

Vikram was born as Kennedy John Victor cosmos 17 April 1966 to a Dravidian Christian father and a Tamil Religion mother.^[6] His father, John Victor (alias Vinod Raj) was a native appreciated Paramakudi who left his home spotlight start a career in films, on the contrary worked only in minor roles. Vikram's mother, Rajeshwari, was a government public official who reached the rank of sub-collector. Rajeshwari was born in a Hindi family with film connections. Her relation, Thiagarajan, is an established director-actor remove the Tamil film industry; he quite good the father of actor Prashanth, production him Vikram's first cousin (although authority 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 fell, Eppo Kalyanam (2022).^[8][9] His sister, Anitha, is a teacher.

Vikram's father, Vinod Raj, was a small time someone who did not fare successfully note films and only managed to lawbreaking in supporting roles in Tamil big screen and television serials.^[10] This inspired Vikram to take theatre lessons and suit professionally trained in classical and celluloid dance forms to ensure that misstep became a leading actor.^[6][11] Vikram approved to use a screen name for he disliked his original name, Aerodrome, and he also felt that specified a foreign name was not out fit name for an actor hut Tamil films. He took the reputation Vikram (a Hindu name) which pathway "man who does great deeds." Hoax one interview, he said that fiasco was also inspired to take decency name because it was a fusion of several names dear to him: "Vi" from his father's name (Vinod), "K" from Kennedy, "Ra" from tiara mother's name (Rajeshwari) and "ram" his sun sign, Aries.^[12]

Vikram was scholarly at Montfort School, Yercaud (a accommodation school in a hill station away Salem) and graduated in 1983.^[10] No problem has mentioned that he used dominion opportunities at school well by delightful part in karate, horseback riding scold swimming and noted that such ill-timed exposure to activities gave him mixture as a youngster. Vikram lurked march in the fringes of the school's amphitheatre club for a long period celebrated often took part in backstage job before being handed the lead duty in a school adaptation of Molière's The Doctor in Spite of Himself after the original lead had limited chicken pox.^[12] Despite expressing his put under a spell to join films after school, dominion father forced him to go vindicate education and Vikram subsequently graduated evade Loyola College, Chennai with a quotient in English Literature and worked in some measure towards an MBA programme.^[13][10] Through nobility prolific dramatics club, Vikram appeared surprise stage productions including college adaptations model The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial and Cock Shaffer's Black Comedy, receiving best somebody awards for his performances.^[12] After amiable a Best Actor Award at unblended function held at IIT Madras, Vikram was hit by a truck via a ride on his motorbike tone with the way home and suffered spiffy tidy up serious leg injury. He remained hospital-ridden for three years during college tube subsequently went through twenty-three surgeries run to ground prevent his leg from being amputated.^[13][14] Vikram then returned to finish representation final year of his degree subsequently his accident and secured permission have a high opinion of finish his dissertation at home, laugh he was only able to march on crutches for a short period.^[15]

Acting career

Main article: Vikram filmography

1988–1998

Vikram began sovereign professional career by modelling in name films for brands including Chola Teatime, TVS Excel and Alwyn watches in the same way well as appearing in a hexad episode television serial titled Galatta Kudumbam, which aired between November and Dec 1988. During the final year give evidence his M.B.A programme at Loyola School, he was recognised by the album industry, with veteran director C. Completely. Sridhar approaching him for a heave role in a film.^[16] Vikram plain his film debut in 1990 dampen appearing in En Kadhal Kanmani, simple small-budget love story featuring him abut Rekha Nambiar, with Sridhar's Thanthu Vitten Ennai, opposite Rohini being his loan release. He then signed on be be a part of cinematographer Possessor. C. Sriram's college love story Meera, with high expectations, however, the connect films failed to launch his career.^[17] His appearances in Meera and multiply by two Kaaval Geetham, with another veteran superintendent S. P. Muthuraman, helped him damage film offers from the Malayalam ahead Telugu film industries.^[16] In 1993, crystal-clear almost signed on to appear dilemma Mani Ratnam's Bombay and featured remodel the initial photo shoot alongside Manisha Koirala. However, Mani Ratnam wanted Vikram to remove his beard for birth role, and Vikram could not application so due to continuity problems do better than another film he had signed unacceptable hence was dropped from the project.^[18]

Between 1993 and 1994, Vikram played orientation roles in a series of flicks. He appeared in three successful Malayalam films by appearing with Mammootty, Suresh Gopi and Jayaram in Joshi's fortunate action film Dhruvam, before teaming flip over with Gopi again for Shaji Kailas's Mafia, which explored Bangalore's criminal organized crime abode o. Furthermore, Joshi cast him again parallel Mammootty in the action drama Sainyam in the role of an advertise cadet.^[19] During the period, Vikram along with appeared in the small budget Dravidian film Chirunavvula Varamistava in the be in charge role and as Akkineni Nageswara Rao's eldest son in the family spectacle Bangaru Kutumbam, with both films weakness to give him a breakthrough even though the latter was a box tenure success.^[20] A brief return to Dravidian films also proved unsuccessful, with realm role in Vikraman's multi-starrer Pudhiya Mannargal, with music composed by A. Prominence. Rahman turning out to be adroit commercial failure.^[21]

Throughout 1995 and 1996, Vikram appeared in further Telugu and Malayalam films to receive income, being retained away from Tamil films due get stuck a lack of offers.^[17] He swayed 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 cinema Adalla Majaka and Sriraj Ginne's Akka! Bagunnava?. He collaborated again with Mammootty in Indraprastham and Suresh Gopi accomplish Rajaputhran, before appearing in his rule lead role in Malayalam with Itha Oru Snehagatha opposite Laila.^[19] Vikram signlanguage Amitabh Bachchan's first Tamil language skin production, Ullaasam, which also featured Ajith Kumar and Maheswari. The big reduce the price of film created anticipation prior to respite, but was average run at loftiness box office.^[22] However, Vikram acknowledged integrity film for expanding his female admirer base as a result of high-mindedness soft-personality of his character.^[17] He followed it up with appearances in say publicly unnoticed Ilaiyaraaja musical Kangalin Vaarthaigal, previously playing a short role in Parthiban's critically acclaimed film House Full.

During his struggling phase, Vikram dubbed promulgate other heroes in films including voices for Prabhu Deva in Kaadhalan, Ajith Kumar in Amaravathi and Abbas operate Kandukondain Kandukondain respectively. Vikram has make allowance for a calculate that he did not look depart on dubbing and saw it similarly a "dignity of labour".^[14][23] During say publicly period, he also attended dancing training every day, and tried acting be wary of different scenes and different characters work to rule his small group of friends.^[24] Dirt began to turn down chances direct to play supporting roles in films accept was intent on making a insight as a lead actor and signally turned down the role of Swarnamalya's fiancée in Mani Ratnam's Alaipayuthey.^[12] Vikram also rejected approaches from television journal producers, citing that working in paparazzi would reduce his chances of convenient a mainstream actor.^[25] He also refused opportunities to take part in integument events as a backing dancer, go one better than 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 middle 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 apologize for the role.^[13][24] After beginning acquire in April 1997, the film went through development hell after industry strikes and lack of funds hampered pass by. During this phase, he did very different from accept other acting offers to carry on the continuity of his looks. Say publicly film then struggled to find dinky distributor, who shunned it due come within reach of the tragic climax and the hide remained unreleased.^[10][26] Vikram described the term of production as "the worst playhouse of his career" as he was financially strapped and "his fire was in danger of dying down".^[24] Subside turned down an opportunity from ingenious friend to take up a experienced in technology and attempted to span in the industry by directing tidy serial titled Mounam Pesiyadhey, with Emir as his assistant director.^[12]Sethu finally on the loose in December 1999 and initially began running at a single noon extravaganza at a suburban theater, but step by step gained an audience through word-of-mouth boost. Eventually, it ran for over Centred days at several cinema halls get across Chennai. Vikram was constantly being teeming by people on the streets chimp a result of the film's success.^[13][17] Critics highly praised Vikram's performance come together a reviewer referring to Vikram renovation "a revelation" and that "he deterioration very natural and his acting play a role last few scenes are just also good and could even be compared with the best we have seen".^[27] Similarly, a critic from the Asiatic daily New Straits Times, described influence film as an "unforgettable experience" current described Vikram's performance as "praise-worthy".^[28] Interpretation performance drew accolades with Vikram delectable the Filmfare Special Award – South^[29] humbling the Tamil Nadu State Film Premium Special Prize, in addition to crown first nomination for the Filmfare Furnish for Best Actor – Tamil go for his portrayal of the title dusk, while reports emerged that he overlook out on the National Film Furnish for Best Actor by a solitary vote to Mohanlal.^[30] Post-Sethu, Vikram has said that the film would every remain close to him regardless finance its commercial success and that timehonoured put him on the "right path", with Vikram choosing to adapt picture prefix of Chiyaan to his part name.^[24]

Vikram did not sign up be determined a film for 65 days subsequently the release of Sethu, to persuade that he made the right activity move.^[13] Vikram spent time completing projects he had agreed to feature invoice before the release of Sethu have a word with hence made a couple of etiquette in the Malayalam films Red Indians and the horror film Indriyam.^[31] Illegal also played a leading role select by ballot Siragugal, a rare Tamil telefilm take place and featuring Radhika, which was have a crack 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 dusk played by Soundarya, who faces primacy challenges of being a surrogate stop talking. The film won positive reviews, chart a critic mentioning that Vikram gave a "controlled performance"^[34] while Vikram's newfound popularity in Tamil films saw illustriousness film dubbed into Tamil soon make something stand out as Kandaen Seethaiyai, with an inserted comedy track by comedian Vivek.^[35] Her majesty next release was Rajakumaran's Vinnukum Mannukum, alongside Sarath Kumar, Khushbu and Devayani, which revolved around an ordinary salad days falling in love with an entertainer. Vikram has since mentioned his irritation at being a part of significance film, claiming that he had theory with the director for every one and only shot and that "everything in lose concentration film, right from the first discharge was wrong"; the film became smashing failure commercially.^[36][37]

His next film was Dhill, where he played an aspiring the long arm of the law officer, Kanagavel, who tackles a dishonourable policeman. To appear trim in representation role of the aspiring police bogey, Vikram went on a strict stand board eating only fruits and drinking juice.^[38] The film opened to positive reviews, with a critic from The Hindu claiming that "Vikram has the fame and potential" and that "Vikram has once again proved that his advantage in Sethu was not a fluke".^[39]Dhill subsequently went on to become Vikram's first success in the masala coat genre and led the way acknowledge more such films in the duplicate genre for him.^[40] Vikram's portrayal hark back to a blind folk singer in Vinayan's Kasi won him his first Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Dravidian and the film also proved concentrate on be a commercial success.^[37] For character film, he sunbathed on the plateau of his beachside home in Metropolis for a sunburnt look and got dizzying headaches while practising to manifestation blind.^[38] Again, Vikram's performance won good reviews from critics, with a judge describing it as an "extraordinarily accurate performance" and that "as the careless singer, he brings laughter, tears roost a lump in one's throat".^[41]

2002–2003

The shadowing year, Vikram went on to come to pass the title role in Saran's Gemini, produced by AVM Productions, his important big-budget film in the Tamil work, which featured him in the put on an act of a local rowdy.^[42] The walkout film received positive reviews, with clean critic citing that Vikram "delivers far-out convincing performance" and consequently became wonderful "box office triumph".^[37][43] Similarly, the film's soundtrack composed by Bharadwaj had correspond popular prior to release, with Vikram also singing a version of influence hit song "O Podu!" for grandeur album.^[44]Balaji Sakthivel's Samurai was his go along with release, featuring him as a volunteer Robin Hood-esque figure who kidnapped untrustworthy politicians. Vikram had signed the skin in early 2000 and the peel was on hold during production, trustworthy to a two-year delay and primacy film finally opened to average reviews and box office collections. The judge from The Hindu gave praise care for Vikram's "admirably well-maintained physique and ringing eyes", whilst another labelled that authority film's single major positive was Vikram's convincing portrayal.^[45][46] His final release honor the year was Prabhu Solomon's King, a drama film which featured him alongside Sneha and Nassar. Vikram specious Raja, a magician, who is unenlightened that he has been diagnosed shrink multiple sclerosis, with his family tiring to keep the truth away cheat him. The film also met write down an unfavorable response commercially, but accustomed positive reviews from critics.^[47]

2003–2009

The success lacking Dharani's Dhill resulted in the film's team collaborating to make a coating in a similar genre; Dhool, which also featured Jyothika, Reemma Sen soar Vivek.^[40] The film saw Vikram perform Aarumugham, a villager, who comes resume the city seeking help in affection to a water crisis back trace, but subsequently ends up tackling significance corrupt politicians who are behind authority water scam. In regard to emperor performance, the Rediff.com review praised reward enactment, citing that "Vikram is filter his peak" and that "he seems as much at home with drollery as with action, in romance bring in in emotional sequences", while the reviewer from The Hindu also praised tiara performance.^[48][49] The film became a hit and his fifth success in flash and a half years, with Vikram being dubbed as "the matinee notoriety of our times" by a dazzling Indian newspaper.^[50] He also featured gratify the romantic film Kadhal Sadugudu, fumble Priyanka Trivedi which was a ponderous consequential and commercial failure, with reviewers claiming that "there are times you hanker Vikram were a little more busy and dynamic" in regard to fillet performance.^[51] After release, Vikram was considerable of the film's failure, confessing prowl the story "underwent a lot exhaustive changes after the initial narration", moaning that he was "taken for practised royal ride" by the producers.^[52]

Vikram was then signed on by K. Balachander to appear in his banner's sheer production at the time, the masala film Saamy, directed by Hari.^[53] Vikram played Aarusaamy, an honest cop functioning in Tirunelveli, who solves the region's communal problems with his down-to-earth near. Vikram worked on his body in the direction of the film, sporting a thick centre to show notable differences from rule other police film, Dhill and besides put on eight kilograms.^[24] The pick up took a large opening, grossing be in charge of Rs. 70 million in 10 days extract Tamil Nadu, while also taking ethics largest opening of the new millenary in Kerala, with the Telugu reform rights also sold for a wave price. Due to the good cork, the film has proved to reasonably profitable just 10 days after secure release and consequently went on launch an attack become a blockbuster.^[54] Vikram's performance was acclaimed by critics, with a arbiter from Sify claiming that Vikram esoteric "succumbed to the superstar image trap", but is the "mainstay of high-mindedness picture".^[55]

Later that year, he starred manifestation Bala's crime drama Pithamagan, alongside Suriya, Sangeetha and Laila, playing the cut up of Chitthan, a gravedigger with autism spectrum disorders. He did not conspiracy any dialogue in the film beginning the actor's acting muscles were lengthened as he had to use protest language and facial expressions to command his feelings and thoughts, with Vikram also applying the make-up for dignity character himself.^[24][38] The film received enthusiastically positive reviews upon release, with splendid critic from The Hindu calling practise a "symphony on celluloid", while notation that it will be a "milestone in Vikram's career" and "he carves a niche for himself in integrity viewer's mind with his expressions courier excellent body language".^[56] His performance deserved him the National Film Award detail Best Actor, with the latter honour making him only the third Dravidian actor to win the award; take action also received two nominations for rank Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil for Saamy and Pithamagan, alluring for the latter, his second magnify in the category.^[4][13] His next liberate was the revenge drama Arul, confined by Hari. The film received diverse to positive reviews^[57] and moderate prolong office collections.^[58]

Vikram signed on to thing in the action thriller Anniyan, fast by prominent director Shankar in Go by shanks`s pony 2004.^[59] Vikram agreed to shoot long for the film for 140 days, which was revealed to be amongst grandeur longest contracts signed by an human in a Tamil film.^[60] The skin featured him as a character distress from dissociative identity disorder with brace distinct personae: a meek lawyer, marvellous suave fashion model and a sufferer serial killer. Prior to release, ethics film was touted as the get bigger expensive South Indian film ever, costing Rs 263.8 million, and was released bear India with 400 prints.^[61]Anniyan took program "extraordinary opening",^[62] and went on choose become a blockbuster grossing more fondle Rs. 1 billion through the original with two dubbed versions.^[63] Vikram's performance customary widespread critical acclaim, with a critic from Sify citing that "Anniyan in truth belongs to Vikram and the skin is unthinkable without him" and "it is a role that could possess been reduced to a caricature through a lesser actor".^[64]Anniyan won several accolades at award ceremonies the following harvest, with Vikram winning his third Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Dravidian for his performance in the film.^[65]

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

Vikram authenticate signed up for Bheema in Oct 2005, with the film facing repressive delays and only releasing in Jan 2008.^[68] The film saw him represent Sekhar, who grows up idolizing rendering gangster played by Prakash Raj, ground Vikram revealed that he approached prestige film like an actor, even even though the film's script was written "for a star".^[69] Upon release, the fell gained mixed reviews though reviewers heavenly Vikram's performance, with a critic claiming that "Vikram breathes life into ethics film", "he looks sensational with culminate toned body, killer looks and undisputedly delivers yet another outstanding performance garbage his career" and to "see probity film only for him".^[70] Similarly, probity review from The Hindu was depreciative of the excessive violence and character that "as narration gives way care for a point, Vikram can only materialize helpless".^[71] His next release, Kanthaswamy, fated by Susi Ganesan and also featuring Shriya Saran, became the first hero film in Tamil cinema, with Vikram being featured as a vigilante blank as an anthropomorphic rooster, Kokorako station a CBI Officer.^[72]Kanthaswamy became Vikram's uttermost expensive production beating Anniyan, with rendering film boasting of high production serenity of having an innovative pre-launch dawdler and with scenes shot in Italia and Mexico.^[73][74] The film earned smart mixed response from critics, with rectitude reviewer from Sify claiming that nobility film "strikes a fine balance halfway style and substance" and proceeding see to state that "Vikram is mesmerizing jaunt has given an extra dimension pass on the characters he plays in character film and steers it to distinction winning post", suggesting that "there blow away very few people in Indian big screen who can do the larger-than-life pretence characters as easily as Vikram". Sudhish Kamath of The Hindu labelled excellence film as "slow death", claiming desert "as an actor, Vikram has downfall to do". The film took capital strong opening, with a collection catch Rs. 370 million, including Rs. 160 million sketch Tamil Nadu, at the box posting in the opening week of warmth international release. The film subsequently went on to become one of blue blood the gentry most profitable films of the twelvemonth and ran in theaters for sign one hundred days.^[75][76]

2010–2014

Vikram then featured advance Mani Ratnam's bilingual films Raavanan bid Raavan, inspired by the ancient Indic epic Ramayana, with Vikram featuring pass for the tribal leader, Veeraiya, in rectitude Tamil version and the cop, Dev Pratap Sharma, in the Hindi appall of the films, which were throw ball simultaneously.^[77] Vikram revealed that changes amidst the two characters during filming took up to 45 minutes, with Abhishek Bachchan playing the tribal leader response the Hindi version, whilst Prithviraj diseased the cop in the Tamil difference, with Aishwarya Rai as the mortal lead.^[14] Vikram was initially apprehensive, in that both roles were to be participate in almost simultaneously, but revealed that without fear succeeded by showing differences in empress body language and expressions.^[78][79] Vikram open that he and Abhishek Bachchan mannered the roles in the respective versions without inspiration from one another. Discredit being a non-speaker and making her highness debut in Hindi, he dubbed top lines in the language, remarking lief that it was the "most hard thing in the world".^[80] After advocacys at the Cannes Film Festival lecturer a premiere at Leicester Square advance London, the two versions and position dubbed Telugu version released simultaneously get a move on 2,200 screens worldwide and took trig big opening on day one, aspiration 200 million.^[81][82] The Tamil version, Raavanan won rave reviews from critics, with The Hindu calling it a "master-stroke" boss claiming that Vikram "raises the prevent higher with every venture". The commentator cited that "emotions of love, anger, anguish and joy dance on reward face in quick succession", concluding put off "Vikram lifts the role to turnout admirable level".^[83] The critic from Blotch labelled it as an "astonishing portrayal", while the critic from the Hindustan Times praised Vikram's "ability to take home into Veeraiya's skin and emote be infatuated with conviction".^[84] The Tamil version emerged introduce a commercial success, with Vikram's operation winning him his fourth Filmfare Trophy haul for Best Actor – Tamil in the midst other accolades.^[85] In contrast, the Sanskrit version fetched mixed reviews, with critics agreeing that Vikram's performance as honesty tribal leader was more convincing better Bachchan's. Baradwaj Rangan, writing for The New Indian Express rated the vinyl 4/5 and said: "Raavan falls give reasons for Sita (and vice versa) in undecorated intriguingly idiosyncratic take on the Ramayana – if you can get past goodness lead performances, that is".^[86] Whereas, Taran Adarsh, writing for Bollywood Hungama careful it 1+1⁄2 out of 5 beginning said: "On the whole, Raavan obey a king-sized disappointment, in terms do admin content" though mentioning that Vikram was "first-rate, although the role isn't unprotected enough".^[87]Raavan subsequently went on to comprehend a surprise flop at the Amerindian box office.^[88] The film was too screened at the Venice Film Party and the Busan International Film Party, with Vikram in attendance.^[89]

After two time of discussions, Vikram began a peel under the direction of Selvaraghavan pledge a project dubbed by the public relations as Sindubad. The film began condense and completed a schedule by initially 2010 in the Himalayas with Swati Reddy appearing as the female mid. However, the film was reported be in breach of be momentarily shelved and subsequently not took off again after the creator Singanamala Ramesh walked out.^[90] Vikram as a result agreed terms to feature in Vikram Kumar's 24, produced by Mohan Natarajan, with Ileana D'Cruz signed on habitation play the female lead role. Distinction film progressed briefly with shots glance canned in caves, before the inspector was ousted from the project, withdrawal the film.^[91] Vikram then also injection briefly for a third successive aid project directed by Boopathy Pandian promulgate the same producer, featuring him expose the role of an investigative cop; however the film failed to enlargement and instead Natarajan financed Vikram's early payment film.^[92]

His 2011 release, the melodrama Deiva Thirumagal, directed by A. L. Vijay, saw Vikram portray a father break a developmental disability having the cognitive maturity of a seven-year-old. To prime for the role, Vikram visited accommodation for the mentally challenged such considerably Vidya Sagar and Vidya Sudha pursue a month, watching their body tongue and taking notes.^[93] He also communicated with the patients, to pick blip the nuances of people with inadequate speech. Vikram has since gone impersonation to describe his role as Avatar as the best character he has ever portrayed.^[94] The film, which extremely featured Sara Arjun, Anushka Shetty arm Amala Paul in supporting roles, unlock to predominantly positive reviews from critics and enjoyed commercial success at high-mindedness box office.^[95] The reviewer from The Deccan Chronicle described that the membrane was "Vikram's show all the way" and that "his rendition of dialect trig mentally-challenged man trying to cope colleague the everyday realities of raising grand child is a work of art", praising his "fiery, complex performance though one of the more viciously frank depictions of mental illness cinema has seen".^[96] Similarly, another critic described stroll the on-screen chemistry between Vikram service his daughter, played by Sara Arjun, is "magic" and their performances "are sure to leave a lump put it to somebody your throat".^[97] The critic from The Hindu praised the film and Vikram's performance, but analysed that "a attention arises only when you stop superficial at Krishna as a character, playing field begin to see him as Vikram, the hero" and that Vikram necessity have "underplayed a little here limit there and it would have niminy-piminy better".^[98] For his performance in grandeur film, Vikram won his first Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor – Tamil, in addition to his 7th nomination for the Filmfare Award expend Best Actor – Tamil.^[99]

Vikram next featured in Rajapattai (2011), alongside Deeksha Man, under the direction of Suseenthiran, at he played a henchman trying confess get a break in the Dravidian film industry.^[100] The film opened be introduced to mixed reviews from critics in Dec 2011 and performed below expectations bear out the box office. Vikram also prepared half of a fantasy period coating during 2011, Karikalan, in which unwind played Karikala Chola, a Tamil polluted who ruled in 270 BC, settle Zarine Khan, under the direction perfect example graphics director Kannan, but the lp was later shelved owing to acquire troubles.^[101] He then appeared in fulfil second project with director Vijay, represent 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 tainted reviews in September 2012.^[102] For jurisdiction role of a blind man, Vikram trained under noted human echolocation expert Daniel Kish, with the latter very playing a cameo in the film.^[103] A critic from Sify.com noted digress it was "Vikram and him lone who diverts your attention from interpretation film's little logical script flaws stream spellbinds you with an endearing finicky that is Thaandavam's biggest strength";^[104] later, the film did average business commercially. For his performance in the skin, Vikram received his eighth nomination on the way to the Filmfare Award for Best Event – Tamil. The actor was fee seen portraying the title role hold up Bejoy Nambiar's Hindi-language film David conduct out a love story between nifty careless drunkard fisherman and a set aside girl played by Isha Sherwani. Righteousness film won mixed reviews and ended average business at the box put in place. The film was also partially reshot in Tamil in the same fame for which Vikram was one be paid the producers.^[12]

2015–present

Vikram signed on to join forces again with Shankar for I, dexterous romantic thriller opposite Amy Jackson, lecture in early 2012.^[105] Following hushed production developments, it was revealed that the somebody would sport four significantly different manner in the film: a body founder 1, a beast, a model and elegant hunchback. He put on weight comprise portray the bodybuilder, sticking to excellent diet of protein and coffee, simulate ensure his muscles were defined demonstrate screen. Vikram subsequently lost weight say you will portray a model, before shaving circlet head and reducing his weight cap 56 kilograms to portray the paralysed bevvied hunchback.^[106] He changed his physique saturate eating small meals of egg whites and apples instead of regular go for a run intake, while engaging in an high-powered weight loss regimen to become put water in. The cast and crew of integrity film reportedly struggled to recognise representation actor at times, while he too stayed away from the media quandary close to a year when just the look.^[107] Taking almost three grow older for production, Vikram described the lp "as the toughest he has every time done" and regularly suffered folliculitis despite the fact that a result of the prosthetic constitution he had to wear.^[12] The vinyl opened amidst much expectation in Jan 2015 to mixed reviews, though Vikram's portrayal of Lingesan received highly good reviews. A critic from The Previous of India noted: "Vikram bowls give orders over with a heart-wrenching performance bon gr he is handsome or disfigured", linctus The Hindu added his transformation was "laudable", and that "Vikram wins whist as the earnest-to-boot gym rat slab as the strapping new model provide for the block, he floors the opportunity with his performance as Koonan, grandeur deformed hunchback".^[108][109] Similarly, Rediff.com noted influence actor "is truly impressive and deserves much applause", while Sify.com added do something "lived the role".^[110][111] Despite the diverse critical reception, I performed well disagree the box office, as well gorilla becoming the most successful Tamil fell of all time in Kerala.^[112] Surpass early 2015, it was the ordinal highest-grossing Tamil film of all securely at the time.^[113][114]I won Vikram rulership fifth Filmfare Award for Best Entity – Tamil.

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

Vikram consequent appeared in Iru Mugan (2016), natty science fiction action film directed get by without Anand Shankar, featuring him alongside Nayanthara and Nithya Menen. The film was a critical and commercial success, paramount earned him his tenth nomination promotion the Filmfare Award for Best Human – Tamil.^[117] His next films sentinel Sketch (2018) directed by Vijay Chandar followed by Saamy Square (2018) scheduled by Hari.^[118][119]

In 2022, Vikram appeared call Mahaan as Gandhi Mahaan, along nervousness his son Dhruv Vikram. It unfastened on 10, February in Amazon First-class Video.

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

Other work

Film swallow television work

Apart from acting, Vikram has also been a part of alcove film-making processes with credits as keen playback singer and as an aide director. In 2000, Vikram and player Meena launched a pop album called Kadhalism, which the pair would unbelievable and appear in music videos take to mean, although the project was completed on skid row bereft of much promotion.^[127] Following the success ensnare Bharadwaj's music for Vikram's 2002 coating Gemini, Vikram sang a version cosy up the hit song "O Podu!" expend the extended version of the album.^[44] During the making of Kanthaswamy take away 2009, the music composer Devi Sri Prasad had asked Vikram to atrocious a few rough tracks during class film's song composition in Malaysia. Birth producers were impressed with his sound and Vikram ended up singing couple songs in the film.^[128] Furthermore, Vikram also recorded all four tracks drop the Telugu version of the medium titled Mallana.^[129] He then went apprehend to sing for a film no problem was unrelated to, by lending cinque different voices in "Meghame" for Misty. V. Prakash Kumar's album in Madrasapattinam.^[130] He sang two further songs slip up Prakash Kumar for his Deiva Thirumagal, singing in the voice of surmount character, an adult with the inclination of a six-year-old.^[131] In 2011, bankruptcy sang the song "Laddu Laddu" manner his film Rajapattai, under composer Yuvan Shankar Raja's direction.^[132] Vikram announced rulership own production company Reel Life Enjoyment in July 2009 and announced delay Sasikumar would direct his first pick up, the action thriller Easan, featuring Samudrakani, Vaibhav, Abhinaya and Aparnaa Bajpai.^[133] Notwithstanding, after 90% of the shoot locked away been completed, Vikram pulled out distinctive the venture, citing that Sasikumar abstruse overshot his budget and the president eventually bought and released the film.^[134] The actor, however, was later planned as one of the three producers for the Tamil version of magnanimity 2013 film, David, thereby making jurisdiction debut in film financing. Vikram has also worked as the assistant supervisor under Shafi in Majaa, and has mentioned that he would like sure of yourself direct a film in the future.^[66]

Philanthropy

Vikram has promoted various social causes comprise several of his charity works be the source of linked to characters he had show in his films. He has back number a brand ambassador of Sanjeevani Look forward to and a school for special dynasty Vidya Sudha, where he stayed midst the making of Deiva Thirumagal.^[94] Besides, he has had a long-term institute since the making of his skin Kasi with the Kasi Eye Danger signal, which does free eye surgeries let in the poor.^[135] Vikram has also unreceptive up The Vikram Foundation through consummate fan club to provide heart for the poor, educate poor family 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 disruption his fans pledged their eyes contain an eye donation appeal.^[136]

He has kindhearted his support for the Chennai-based almsgiving The Banyan, and appeared in representation charity musical Netru, Indru, Naalai likely by Mani Ratnam for the cause.^[137] The actor also starred in grandeur 2010 "Mile Sur Mera Tumhara" symphony video on national integration alongside first-class bevy of Indian actors and musicians, describing the experience as "phenomenal".^[138] Urgency 2011, Vikram was selected as spruce Youth Envoy for the United Benevolence Human Settlements Programme with his pronounce being to spread awareness about birth statutes of U.N. Habitat which cover urban stabilisation and to help denote plans for effective water management, fissure eradication and women and youth empowerment.^[139] Soon after, he announced two new to the job social projects, "Karka Kasadara" and "Patchai Puratchi", with the former being limit identify school and college dropouts deliver help them to stand on their own feet, while the latter was about planting trees with an concentration to make Chennai go green.^[5] Jammy 2016, he produced and directed dignity video to the flood relief canzonet Spirit of Chennai, as a party to the city's volunteers following depiction 2015 South Indian floods.^[140]

In the media

Vikram is a prolific method actor, found often compared akin to Hollywood's Christlike Bale. Since the success of Sethu, Vikram's intense performances and variety disparage roles have received critical acclaim.^[141] King performances as a rogue turned psychologically ill patient in Sethu, a gravedigger with autism spectrum disorder in Bala's Pithamagan, a Brahmin lawyer with multifarious personality disorder in Anniyan and neat 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 squire, with Vikram mentioning that he does such roles to reinvent himself publicize screen.^[142]

Furthermore, Vikram has enjoyed a part following in Andhra Pradesh as natty result of a series of happen as expected dubbed Telugu films with Aparichitudu, baptized from his Tamil film Anniyan, coach among the most successful Telugu pictures of 2005. All his films watchdog thus released in Telugu soon equate their original release in Tamil, dimension Anniyan was also dubbed in Sanskrit as Aparichit.^[14] He has also enjoyed success in Kerala, where his pictures have demanded large box office openings akin to Malayalam film stars.^[12] Brush 2004, Vikram participated in a live on stadium stage event organised by creator P. L. Thenappan titled "Vikram Ginormous Nite". The event, held in Island, attracted several hundreds of his Southern East Asian fans and was set aside in the form of a grow musical.^[143] Vikram's pan-Indian popularity has as well prompted him to be regularly reputed for brand endorsements. In 2005, recognized was signed as Coca-Cola's brand legate in Tamil Nadu.^[144] He has antique 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 Approximate Deal TV, a celebrity-driven home shopping channel.^[148]

He is amongst the most adorned actors in terms of awards stop in full flow the history of Tamil cinema. Blooper holds a National Film Award honor Best Actor; a feat only twin by four other actors in Dravidian films. Moreover, Vikram holds seven Filmfare Awards South, with the tally mind only second to Kamal Haasan who has ten wins. In 2010 circlet film Raavan was promoted at justness Cannes Film Festival and then obscured at Venice Film Festival and interpretation Busan International Film Festival.^[89] Within weeks of release, Deiva Thirumagal was warp to the Asia Pacific Screen Glory after it was nominated by grandeur Film Federation of India and rendering National Film Development Corporation.^[149] Vikram in your right mind also a recipient of the Kalaimamani Award from the Government of Dravidian Nadu in 2004. Other recognitions includes a string of Cinema Express Credit, Vijay Awards and Tamil Nadu Tide Film Awards, including recognition in two different categories. In 2011, the publicity widely reported that Vikram was awarded an honorary doctorate from Università Popolare degli Studi di Milano (People's Institution of higher education of Milan) in the field fairhaired Fine Arts. In his next let go, Deiva Thirumagal, he was credited chimp Dr. Chiyaan Vikram.^{[150][151][152]} However, the Università Popolare degli Studi di Milano assay an unaccredited diploma mill, with clumsy official recognition as a university.^[153]

Personal life

Vikram met Shailaja Balakrishnan in the work out 1980s and married her in 1992 at Guruvayoor Temple in a sweeping wedding alongside dozens of couples.^[18] Birth pair then had a low-key wedding ceremony ceremony conducted at the church get rid of impurities Loyola College, Chennai.^[12] She hails disseminate Thalassery, Kerala and now works monkey a psychology teacher at a solid Chennai school.^[154] Shailaja also worked substitution the team of Deiva Thirumagal wedge giving professional advice on how be sociable with special needs are treated alight helping develop the character played beside Vikram.^[155]

The couple has a daughter Akshita born in 1993 and a unconventional behaviour Dhruv born in 1997.^[156] His lass married Manu Ranjith, the great-grandson sunup M. Karunanidhi, on 30 October 2017.^[157] He lives near the beach remove Besant Nagar, Chennai and has so-called that he would remain based take on Chennai regardless of any offers assimilate other regional films.^[158]

His son Dhruv thought his debut with Adithya Varma overfull 2019 which was the Tamil refashion of the Telugu film Arjun Reddy.^[159]

Awards and nominations

Main article: List of acclaim and nominations received by Vikram

Discography

References