Thalapathy Vijay

Directed by his father S.A. Chandrasekhar. Vijay made his screen debut as a child actor, charming audiences with natural charisma. The film planted the seed of what would become one of Tamil cinema's greatest careers.

Vijay's official debut as lead hero. Again directed by S.A. Chandrasekhar. Though the film didn't create a splash at the box office, it established Vijay as a fresh face worth watching.

Vijay faced several years of moderate-to-average box office performance. Films like Rasigan, Vishnu, Coimbatore Mappillai, Chandralekha kept him in the public eye. He was known for his dance moves, charming screen presence, and improving acting craft. Despite setbacks, he persevered — a trait that defined his entire life.

The film that transformed Vijay into a superstar. Ghilli (directed by Dharani) became a massive blockbuster, collecting over ₹50 crore — a record at the time. The mass entertainer formula, Vijay's infectious energy, and the iconic "Appadi Podu" song created a cultural phenomenon. Vijay was no longer just an actor — he was Thalapathy.

Directed by Prabhu Deva, Pokkiri cemented Vijay's status as Tamil Nadu's #1 mass entertainer. The film was a record-breaker and redefined the mass hero genre. The title itself — meaning "rogue" — captured Vijay's screen persona perfectly.

Vijay's collaboration with director A.R. Murugadoss produced two landmark films. Thuppakki featured him as a military officer fighting terrorism — mass entertainment with substance. Kaththi was a political statement on farmer rights and corporate exploitation — Vijay's first truly socially conscious blockbuster.

Directed by Atlee, Mersal was a watershed moment in Tamil cinema. The film tackled healthcare corruption and questioned government health policies — and drew national controversy. Despite attempts to suppress it, Mersal became a massive success and demonstrated Vijay's willingness to use his platform for social commentary.

Atlee's Bigil featured Vijay as a sports coach championing a women's football team against societal odds. The film broke Vijay's own box office records and carried a powerful message about women's empowerment — themes that would later anchor his political manifesto.

Released during the COVID-19 pandemic, Master was one of the first major theatrical releases in Tamil Nadu post-lockdown. The film collected over ₹250 crore worldwide — a remarkable achievement given pandemic conditions. Vijay's drawing power proved unmatched even in the most challenging circumstances.

Vijay's 69th and final film as an actor. The title — meaning "People's Leader" — was prescient. Vijay chose to close his cinema chapter with a message of people power, social justice and democratic values. Shortly after release, he entered the election arena that would take him to the Chief Minister's chair.

85,000 fan clubs formally converted into a welfare movement — the unannounced foundation for what would become TVK.

Refused to cut dialogues criticising GST on healthcare despite heavy political pressure. Proved to millions he would not bow to power.

Formally launched TVK with Social Justice, Egalitarianism and Secularism as core ideology. Tamil Nadu had never seen a superstar make this sacrifice for public service.

TVK's first state conference — one of the largest political gatherings in Tamil Nadu history. 26 resolutions passed. The world watched a film icon become a mass political leader.

22 specific promises announced — free bus travel for women, TASMAC reform, NEET abolition, farmer MSP, government jobs and anti-corruption measures.

In its very first election, TVK won 108 seats. Vijay personally won from Perambur and Tiruchirappalli East. The scale of this debut election victory was unprecedented in Indian democratic history.

At Raj Bhavan, Chennai — with national leaders in attendance — Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar was sworn in as Tamil Nadu's 13th Chief Minister. 59 years of DMK-AIADMK alternation was broken. A new chapter for Tamil Nadu began.