Today marks the 57th birthday celebration of Tamil superstar 'Chiyaan' Vikram, who has made a name for himself by portraying a diverse range of characters on screen. Through his unwavering dedication, Vikram has climbed to the top of the industry, having first gained recognition for his acting skills in Malayalam movies such as 'Dhruvam'. Known for his adaptability and range as an actor, fans across the nation eagerly anticipate his upcoming releases, such as PS-2. On this special day, let us reflect on some of his most versatile performances in the Tamil film industry:
Anniyan
This psychological thriller movie directed by Shankar is considered to be Vikram's career-defining role. He portrayed a man with dissociative identity disorder, playing three distinct personalities - Ambi, Remo, and Anniyan - each with their own unique traits and physical appearance. Vikram's remarkable performance received widespread praise for his physical transformation and nuanced portrayal of each character's personality, mannerisms, and physical appearance, particularly as Anniyan. His acting skills were exceptional, captivating audiences with his realistic and impressive portrayal of each character. This role marked a significant turning point in Vikram's career, cementing his position as a versatile and talented actor.
Raavanan
'Raavanan', the 2010 action-adventure film, was directed by Mani Ratnam and featured Vikram, Aishwarya Rai, and Prithviraj in the lead roles. The movie draws inspiration from the Indian epic Ramayana. Vikram portrayed the character of Veeraiya, a bandit who kidnaps the wife of a police officer. Vikram's portrayal of Veeraiya was remarkable, with a nuanced and multi-dimensional performance that showcased the character's various shades of grey. His depiction was complex and captivating, making the character all the more interesting. Vikram's performance was highly acclaimed, especially for his portrayal of Veeraiya's inner turmoil as he struggles with his love and his moral obligation to protect his tribe. In Raavanan, Vikram's role was a departure from his previous heroic characters, showcasing his flexibility as an actor.
I
Director Shankar and Vikram once again delivered a hit with 'I', which showcased the actor's exceptional versatility. The film narrates the story of a bodybuilder named Lingesan, who is infected with a virus that transforms him into a deformed hunchback, prompting him to embark on a revenge mission against his wrongdoers. Vikram played a dual role in the film, portraying both the muscular Lingesan and his deformed version. 'I' received widespread acclaim for its breathtaking visual effects and Vikram's impressive physical transformation, which was a testament to his unwavering commitment to his craft.
Deiva Thirumagal
In 'Deiva Thirumagal', Vikram delivers another powerful performance, playing the role of Krishna, a man with an intellectual disability who fights for the custody of his young daughter. The film received critical acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of the characters and their relationships, and Vikram's performance was widely praised for his heartfelt and nuanced portrayal of Krishna. Vikram portrays the character's innocence and vulnerability with great sensitivity and empathy, and his performance is particularly effective in conveying the emotional struggles and challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. The film's climax sequence is particularly poignant, leaving a lasting impact on viewers and moving many to tears.
Ponniyin Selvan
Vikram's portrayal of the glorious Chola empire crown prince Aditha Karikalan in Mani Ratnam's epic film 'Ponniyin Selvan' left audiences in awe. The sheer look of Vikram in the movie gave viewers goosebumps, transporting them back to the golden days of the Chola dynasty. But it was his masterful performance that truly brought the character to life.
Through Vikram's nuanced portrayal, viewers could feel Aditha Karikalan's pain and longing for Nandini (played by Aishwarya Rai), as well as his anguish and helplessness. Despite the character's inner turmoil, he remains a figure of magnificence and glory, and Vikram's performance did justice to the complexity of his role.