His performance as the charismatic gangster Vedha is widely considered one of his best works.
Before becoming a lead hero, Vijay Sethupathi spent more than a decade learning the ropes of the industry. He began his career as a background actor, taking on uncredited roles in films like Love Birds (1996) and M. Kumaran Son of Mahalakshmi (2004). In the acclaimed gangster drama Pudhupettai (2006), he played a henchman, marking his first notable supporting role.
As he watched the movie, Rajan was transported back to the streets of Chennai, where he had grown up listening to Vijay Sethupathi's songs and watching his films with his family. He remembered the first time he watched "Petta" and how he was blown away by Vijay Sethupathi's performance.
A cult comedy based on a true story. He played Prem, a groom who suffers temporary memory loss days before his wedding. His repetitive dialogue delivery (" Ennaachu? ") became an overnight pop-culture phenomenon. 2. Establishing the "Makkal Selvan" Brand (2013–2016)
Sethupathi clashed with Thalapathy Vijay as the brutal, ruthless villain "Bhavani." His terrifying screen presence, coupled with a dark sense of humor, made Bhavani one of modern Tamil cinema's most memorable villains. vijay sethupathi tamil movie list
Played a villainous role that earned him the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Villain.
By 2013, Vijay Sethupathi was recognized as a minimum-guarantee actor who championed quirky, content-driven cinema. He rejected the traditional larger-than-life hero tropes in favor of vulnerable, flawed characters.
The appeal of the Vijay Sethupathi Tamil movie list isn't just about the number of films, but the variety. He is an actor who is not afraid to: Play characters older than his actual age. Take on villainous roles in big-budget superstar movies. Support small, independent films with unique concepts. Maintain a natural, unpretentious screen presence.
This film is the crown jewel of his romantic filmography. Playing Ramachandran, a traveling photographer reuniting with his high school sweetheart, Sethupathi brought a quiet dignity and aching nostalgia to the screen. It wasn't just about romance; it was about the pain of letting go, a sentiment he portrayed with his eyes more than his words. His performance as the charismatic gangster Vedha is
For a quick reference, here is a concise list of Vijay Sethupathi’s most impactful Tamil films as a lead or primary antagonist: Movie Title Thenmerku Paruvakaatru Rural Drama Pizza Michael Karthikeyan Horror Thriller Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom Prem Kumar Soodhu Kavvum Dark Comedy Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara Pannaiyarum Padminiyum Naanum Rowdy Dhaan Pandiyan (Pondy Kumar) Romantic Comedy Sethupathi Inspector Sethupathi Action Cop Drama Kadhalum Kadandhu Pogum Romantic Drama Dharma Durai Dr. Dharma Durai Kavan Social Thriller Vikram Vedha Neo-noir Action Chekka Chivantha Vaanam Rasool Ibrahim Crime Drama 96 Ramachandran (Ram) Romantic Drama Petta Super Deluxe Hyperlink Drama Master Action Thriller Kaathuvaakula Rendu Kaadhal Romantic Comedy Vikram Action Thriller Maharaja Emotional Thriller Why Vijay Sethupathi's Filmography is Unique
A nostalgic romantic drama that became an instant classic, earning him multiple awards. National Recognition & Pan-Indian Appeal (2019–Present)
After years of small roles, Vijay Sethupathi broke into the limelight with a series of films that established his "boy-next-door" charm and intense acting range.
: Directed by Karthik Subbaraj, this indie horror-thriller featured Sethupathi as a terrified pizza delivery boy caught in a haunted house. The film became a massive sleeper hit and put his name on the map. Kumaran Son of Mahalakshmi (2004)
| Year | Movie Title | Role | Notes | |------|-------------|------|-------| | 2017 | Kavan | Udhay | Social thriller | | 2017 | Puriyatha Puthir | Kathir | Thriller | | 2017 | Vikram Vedha | Vedha | Cult classic | | 2017 | Oru Nalla Naal Paathu Solren | Nallathambi | Comedy | | 2018 | Junga | Junga | Comedy caper | | 2018 | Seethakaathi | Ayya | Meta-drama | | 2018 | 96 | Ram | Romantic drama – Blockbuster | | 2018 | Chekka Chivantha Vaanam | Rasool | Multi-starrer | | 2019 | Super Deluxe | Shilpa | Transgender role – Critical acclaim | | 2019 | Nadodigal 2 | Kasi | Drama | | 2019 | Sindhubaadh | Thiru | Action drama | | 2019 | Sanga Thamizhan | Himself | Cameo |
Directed by Vetrimaaran, featuring Sethupathi in a powerful, grounded role as the separatist leader Perumal "Vaathiyar."
: He pushed the envelope by playing Das, a middle-aged, low-stakes kidnapper with an imaginary girlfriend. This crime comedy solidified his reputation as an actor who favors content over conventional image.