‍Vijay Sethupathi: The Unconventional Star of Tamil Cinema

Vijay Sethupathi, often hailed as “Makkal Selvan” (People’s Treasure), is one of the most celebrated and versatile actors in Tamil cinema. Unlike conventional superstars who rise through the ranks with larger-than-life action films and mass appeal, Vijay Sethupathi carved his own niche with his natural acting, unique script choices, and ability to seamlessly transform into any character. His journey from a struggling actor to one of the most sought-after performers in Indian cinema is nothing short of inspiring.

A Rise That Redefined Tamil Cinema

Born into a middle-class family with no industry connections, Vijay Sethupathi started his career in minor uncredited roles before getting his breakthrough in Thenmerku Paruvakaatru (2010), which won a National Award. However, it was with films like Pizza (2012) and Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom (2012) that he truly established himself as an actor to watch out for. Unlike many of his contemporaries, who relied on stereotypical hero-centric roles, Vijay Sethupathi challenged the norms by taking up unconventional characters that prioritized storytelling over star power.

Versatility and Unique Acting Style

One of Vijay Sethupathi’s biggest strengths is his effortless ability to switch between roles across genres. Whether it’s playing a quirky romantic hero in 96 (2018), a menacing villain in Master (2021), or a morally ambiguous character in Super Deluxe (2019), he brings an authenticity that makes his performances deeply relatable. His dialogue delivery, body language, and expressions never feel rehearsed, making him one of the most natural actors in the industry.

His willingness to embrace grey-shaded and even antagonist roles, rather than sticking to conventional "hero" characters, sets him apart from mainstream Tamil cinema’s leading men. Unlike other actors who focus on commercial elements, he prioritizes content-driven films, making him a favorite among cinephiles.

Impact on Indian Cinema

Vijay Sethupathi’s influence goes beyond Tamil cinema. He has successfully ventured into Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi films, proving that language is no barrier to great acting. His performances in movies like Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy (2019) and Uppena (2021) in Telugu, and his Bollywood debut in Mumbaikar (2023), showcase his pan-Indian appeal.

More importantly, he has changed the perception of what it means to be a lead actor in Indian cinema. In an industry where physical appearance and commercial viability often dictate success, Vijay Sethupathi has redefined stardom with his focus on strong narratives, unconventional roles, and natural performances. His presence in a film often guarantees quality content, and his ability to elevate scripts with his acting has made him one of the most respected performers of his generation.

As he continues to explore new territories and challenge stereotypes, Vijay Sethupathi remains an icon of modern Indian cinema—an actor who proves that talent and passion can outshine the glitz and glamour of stardom.

Early Career and Breakthrough Roles

Initial Struggles and Journey into Films

Vijay Sethupathi’s journey into cinema was far from conventional. Unlike many actors who enter the industry with a strong backing or film lineage, he started from scratch, working multiple jobs before finding his footing in Tamil cinema. Born in Rajapalayam and raised in Chennai, Vijay Sethupathi pursued a degree in commerce and later moved to the Middle East for work. However, his passion for acting brought him back to India, where he joined the legendary Koothu-P-Pattarai theatre group, honing his skills in stage acting.

His initial years in the film industry were filled with struggles, as he appeared in uncredited and minor roles in films like Pudhupettai (2006) and Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu (2009). Despite facing numerous rejections, he remained persistent, working behind the scenes in TV serials and short films while waiting for his breakthrough moment.

Thenmerku Paruvakaatru (2010) – National Award-Winning Debut

Vijay Sethupathi’s first major role came in Thenmerku Paruvakaatru (2010), a rural drama directed by Seenu Ramasamy. The film, set in a village backdrop, depicted the poignant relationship between a mother and son. Although the movie did not gain mainstream success initially, it won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil, putting Vijay Sethupathi on the map. His performance as a responsible yet conflicted son caught the attention of filmmakers, marking the beginning of his rise in the industry.

Pizza (2012) – A Game-Changer in the Horror-Thriller Genre

In 2012, Pizza became a turning point in Vijay Sethupathi’s career. Directed by Karthik Subbaraj, this psychological horror-thriller revolved around a pizza delivery boy caught in a terrifying supernatural situation. The film was a commercial and critical success, redefining Tamil horror cinema with its gripping screenplay and unexpected twists.

Vijay Sethupathi’s portrayal of Michael, the unsuspecting protagonist who gets trapped in a haunted house, was widely praised. His ability to convey fear, confusion, and intelligence in a single performance showcased his immense talent. The film’s climax twist became one of the most talked-about moments in Tamil cinema, further solidifying his status as an emerging star.

Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom (2012) – A Cult Comedy Classic

The same year, Vijay Sethupathi stunned audiences with Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom (NKPK), a quirky comedy based on a real-life incident. Directed by Balaji Tharaneetharan, the film followed the story of a man who suffers temporary memory loss just days before his wedding.

Vijay Sethupathi’s role as Prem Kumar, who keeps repeating the phrase “Enna achu theriyala da” (“I don’t know what happened”), became iconic. His comedic timing, natural expressions, and effortless performance made the film a massive success, especially among younger audiences. NKPK quickly gained cult status, with its dialogues becoming popular memes and references in Tamil pop culture.

The Breakthrough Year: 2012

With Pizza and NKPK, Vijay Sethupathi had two back-to-back hits in the same year, proving his versatility in both thriller and comedy genres. These films broke the stereotype of conventional Tamil cinema heroes, as Vijay Sethupathi played relatable, ordinary men rather than larger-than-life characters. This fresh approach resonated with audiences, making him one of the most exciting new actors in the industry.

These early successes paved the way for Vijay Sethupathi’s career, allowing him to experiment with diverse roles and establish himself as an actor who values content-driven cinema over commercial formulas. His journey from playing minor roles to becoming a bankable star is a testament to his perseverance, talent, and ability to break the mold of traditional Tamil heroes.

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Top Movies List Vijay Sethupathi
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1. Vikram Vedha - Disney+ Hotstar

The first best Vijay Sethupathi movie we have for you is Vikram Vedha, which is about Vikram, a police officer who is on a mission to catch Vedha, a well-known criminal. However, one day he decides to voluntarily surrender, which causes confusion in Vikram’s mind, and Vikram begins to question Vedha and discovers a dark deep secret about him. Watch Vikram Vedha find out what the twist is all about.

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2. Super Deluxe  - Netflix

Super Deluxe is one of those films in which you will completely fall in love with Vijay Sethupathi. Vijay plays the role of a transgender person and depicts the cruel society that transgender people must face to live a peaceful life. The film also depicts two other stories about a confused wife and an angry boy, but the main highlight has to be Vijay Sethupathi’s outstanding performance in this movie.

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3. Sethupathi - ZEE5

Sethupathi was one of the first best Vijay Sethupathi movies through which he started his genesis of acting. Nonetheless, he has done an outstanding job as a tough police officer assigned to investigate the murder of an inspector. Later, he discovers that the reason for the murder was a very powerful person, but if he catches this powerful person, his family and career will be in big trouble. What do you think Sethupathi will do? Watch to find out now!

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4. 96 - Amazon Prime

Grab your tissue, actually grab a whole box, because 96 is that one movie that will not only remind you of your college days but will also show you a glimpse of unspoken and unrequited love. This film stars Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha, who studied in the same school but drifted apart for unknown reasons. They reunite after many years and discover that they both had feelings for each other, but that love was always incomplete and will remain so.

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5. Soodhu Kavvum - ZEE5

Next on the list of best Vijay Sethupathi Movies is Sodhu Kavvum, which revolves around Das kidnapping Arumai, who is the son of a politician. He has been planning this kidnapping to extract money from his father, but problems arise when a determined police officer is assigned to handle this case. It's one of the best movies on Zee5.

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6. Rekha - Disney+ Hotstar

Rekha is a 2016 movie that falls rightly under the best Vijay Sethupathi Movies . The film shows the idea of a group of people helping brides in reuniting them with the men they truly love. But somehow a lawyer makes a huge blunder by kidnapping the fiance of a local gangster who appears to be very atrocious and full of power. What will happen next?

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7. Kaathuvaakula Rendu Kaadhal - Disney+ Hotstar

Next up on the best Vijay Sethupathi Movies  we have is Kaathuvaakula Rendu Kaadhal is a new generation movie released in 2022. It stars Vijay Sethupathi, Samantha, and Nayanthara as love interests. The main concept of this film is to show that you can fall in love with two people at the same time. The film depicts Vijay Sethupathi falling in love with both of these women at different times of the day, but he finds himself genuinely caring for both of them, but will fate agree to such a union.

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8. Imaikkaa Nodigal - Amazon Prime

Our next recommendation for best Vijay Sethupathi Movies is based on Anjali Vikramadityan, a CBI officer who goes on a quest to find a serial killer who the police have already declared dead a long time ago. However, as the investigation progresses, her family is targeted, and she faces numerous obstacles during her quest to discover the truth. Vijay Sethupathi plays Vikram, who assists her. Watch Imaikkaa Nodigal now on Amazon Prime!

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9. Pannaiyarum Padminiyum -  Amazon Prime

Our next recommendation for best Vijay Sethupathi Movies  is a story about a landlord who looks after his friend's car while he is away. However, his family becomes emotionally attached to it and cannot bear the thought of them being away from the car. The point of this film is to demonstrate that emotions and attachment play a huge role in controlling a person.

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10. Dharmadurai - Disney+ Hotstar

Next up on the best Vijay Sethupathi Movies is Dharma Durai, a fun family film starring Vijay Sethupathi and Tamannaah. Together, they share a great chemistry that the audience adores. It is based on a heartbroken doctor who turns to alcohol for comfort and is also unappreciated by his family. However, when he runs into an old friend, he decides to change his life with her help.

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11. Master - Amazon Prime

Everyone loves Vijay, as we all know, but what happens when you combine Vijay and Vijay Sethupathi? A blockbuster!. Master is one such movie that has gained a lot of success without a doubt, but the story revolves around a teacher who decides to move on from his past and begin teaching corrupt people around him a lesson. In this case, Vijay Sethupathi plays the role of a villain, but the audience is definitely in awe of his acting, which is why you should watch Master right away.

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12. Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom - Sun NXT

Next recommendation on best Vijay Sethupathi Movies  is Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom, in which Prem meets with an accident two days before his wedding, causing him to completely forget a whole year of his life; he doesn't even remember his friends, his fiance, or that he has a wedding at all. Watch Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom and find the twist now.

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13. Pizza - Disney+ Hotstar

The next movie recommendation on best Vijay Sethupathi Movies  will send shivers down your spine. This is a horror film about Michael, who delivers pizza and lives with a new friend who is a horror fiction writer. One day, while delivering food to a bungalow, strange and mysterious events begin to occur. Watch this movie right now, but make sure to grab someone's hand to comfort your fear! LOL

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14. Naanum Rowdy Thaan - Sun NXT

Next we have Naanum Rowdy Thaan, which is based on Pandian, a police officer's son who falls in love with Kadambari, a girl who has hearing problems. She agrees to marry Pandiyan but stipulates that she will only continue the relationship if he kills the gangster who caused the death of her parents. Naanum Rowdy Thaan is unquestionably a beautiful film that you should see to witness the chemistry of Vijay Sethupathi and Nayanthara.

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15. Petta - Netflix

We already know that Rajinikanth fans are very familiar with this next movie or are even more familiar with the name itself. Petta is a movie that stars Rajinikanth playing the role of Kaali, a humble warden who guards a hostel but when he crosses paths with Jitthu, a very dangerous gangster, things take a turn that is not so planned. Watch Petta now and find out the suspense.

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16. Idharkuthaane Aasaipattai Balakumara - Disney+ Hotstar

Next under best Vijay Sethupathi Movies we have Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara which depicts a young man who gets into trouble after becoming involved with a banker who is annoyed by his boss. This is a very funny movie that will make you laugh a lot, so we highly recommend that you watch it with your friends. Vijay Sethupathi portrays the colorful character of a young boy who is the perfect entertainer for this film.

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17. Annabelle Sethupathi - Disney+ Hotstar

Our next recommendation stars Vijay Sethupathi and Taapsee Pannu, who is also a well-known actress. The plot revolves around Rudra, a small thief who discovers an isolated castle. However, she learns of the tragedy that occurred in the castle and makes sure that she helps all of the people who are in the castle. The real twist, however, is that there are no people in the castle, and you can only find out who they are by watching Annabelle Sethupathi now.

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18. Vikram - Disney+ Hotstar

Vikram is one of the most anticipated comebacks of Kamal Haasan in many years. This film has gotten a lot of attention, not just on the Southside, but all over the world. This is undoubtedly one of the major blockbusters that will be remembered. In the film, Vijay Sethupathi plays a well-informed opponent to Kamal Haasan, and the plot revolves around members of the Black Ops team who must eliminate a gang of masked murderers first. Vikram will debut on Hotstar on July 8th. This is undoubtedly a film that you should not miss and truly one of the top films by Vijay Sethupathi.

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19. Kadaisi Vivasayi - SonyLiv

The title Kadaisi Vivasayi translates to "Last Farmer," which is exactly what our next best Vijay Sethupathi movie’s concept is about. The film depicts the life of an elderly farmer in a small village in Tamil Nadu. The main idea of this film is to highlight the various hardships and instances that a farmer must face to live up to his name. It also depicts the last farmer standing in his village, cultivating and carrying on the farming tradition. Watch this top film by Vijay Sethupathi on SonyLiv now.

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20. Ka Pae Ranasingam - VI movies & TV

Last but not least on the list of best Vijay Sethupathi Movies , we have Ka Pae Ranasingam based on a poor woman who wishes to bring her husband's body back to India from Dubai but is unable to do so due to a variety of political and other reasons. This film is said to be based on a true story about a woman named Iranji who chose to speak out against the system. Vijay Sethupathi plays the deceased husband and will undoubtedly capture your attention with his effortless acting skills.

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5 Five Reasons Why We Love Vijay Sethupathi

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5 reasons? I'm sure anyone who is a fan of Vijay Sethupathi has nothing but unlimited reasons why they love him. Born in a humble abode in Chennai, Vijay Sethupathi  has come a long way in establishing himself as one of the top heroes of the South Indian industry, and he has also been approached to work in several other films apart from the Southside. 5 reasons why we love Vijay Sethupathi should definitely be

- Simple to the core

- Effortless acting

- Generous

- Shy but naughty

Hit after hit movies

“I don't even read the script completely because I have such faith in the director” - This is exactly the faith we have with Vijay Sethupathi in delivering amazing movies that always touch the audiences. Which is why he is rightly known as Makkal Selvam, which means “people's treasure”.

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FAQs:

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1. Which is Vijay Sethupathi's best movie?

If you ask us, one of the best Vijay Sethupathi Movies  has to be Super Deluxe, in which he plays the role of a transgender. Watch Super Deluxe on Netflix now to understand the struggles of a transgender which is beautifully portrayed by Vijay Sethupathi.

2. How many movies has Vijay Sethupathi acted as a hero?

Fondly known as Makkal Selvam, Vijay Sethupathi has acted in almost 50 movies and most of them are major hits!

3. How Vijay Sethupathi became famous?

It all started with one of Vijay Sethupati's most famous films, Soodhu Kavvum, in which he plays a 40-year-old kidnapper, which drew a lot of attention and positive reviews for his outstanding acting abilities.

4. Why is Vijay so popular?

Vijay Sethupathi, known for his off-screen simplicity, has amassed a large following of fans who admire not only his acting abilities but also his great nature as a simple human being.

Exciting Upcoming Films in Tamil, Telugu, and Bollywood

Vijay Sethupathi is one of the busiest actors in Indian cinema, known for juggling multiple projects across languages. His upcoming films continue to reflect his diverse choice of roles, ensuring that audiences always see something fresh from him.

1. Tamil Cinema:
   • Vijay Sethupathi will be seen in several exciting Tamil films, including Maharaja, a gritty action drama where he plays a never-seen-before intense character.
   • He is also part of Viduthalai Part 2, the sequel to Vetrimaaran’s critically acclaimed film, where he plays a revolutionary leader caught in a battle against authority.
   • His collaboration with director Manikandan in Kaathuvaakula Rendu Kaadhal 2 (rumored) is another film that fans are eagerly waiting for.
2. Telugu Cinema:
   • After making a mark with Uppena and Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy, Vijay Sethupathi is set to star in more Telugu films.
   • His upcoming role in Pushpa: The Rule is rumored to be significant, possibly as a major antagonist opposite Allu Arjun.
3. Bollywood and Pan-India Films:
   • Following his impressive Bollywood debut in Merry Christmas alongside Katrina Kaif, Vijay Sethupathi has signed more Hindi projects.
   • He is expected to feature in Jawan 2 (if it materializes) after his memorable role in Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan (2023).
   • A rumored collaboration with Aamir Khan and Rajkumar Hirani could further cement his position in Bollywood.

Expectations from His Diverse and Unconventional Choices

Vijay Sethupathi’s ability to pick unconventional roles has made him one of the most respected actors in Indian cinema. Unlike most stars who focus on either mass entertainers or critically acclaimed films, he strikes a perfect balance between both. His future projects are expected to:

• Explore new genres – He constantly experiments, whether it’s playing a romantic lead (96), a terrifying villain (Master), or a morally complex character (Super Deluxe).
• Work with top directors – He continues to collaborate with visionary filmmakers, ensuring that his films remain unique and engaging.
• Expand his pan-Indian appeal – With projects in Hindi, Telugu, and Malayalam, he is set to become one of India’s biggest cross-industry stars.

His Foray into Other Languages

While Vijay Sethupathi made his name in Tamil cinema, his talent and versatility soon led him to explore opportunities in other Indian film industries. His ability to seamlessly adapt to different languages, cultures, and storytelling styles has made him a sought-after actor across Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi cinema.

Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy (2019) – Telugu Debut Alongside Chiranjeevi

Vijay Sethupathi made his grand entry into Telugu cinema with Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy, a historical action drama starring megastar Chiranjeevi. Directed by Surender Reddy, the film was based on the life of Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy, a freedom fighter who led one of the first revolts against British rule in India.

In the film, Vijay Sethupathi played the role of Raja Paandi, a Tamil rebel warrior who joins Narasimha Reddy in his fight against the British. Despite sharing screen space with powerhouse actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Kichcha Sudeep, and Jagapathi Babu, Vijay Sethupathi’s presence was memorable. His character added emotional depth to the film, and his dialogues in Telugu were well received, proving his ability to transcend linguistic barriers.

While his role was not the lead, it marked an important milestone in his career, showcasing him to a wider audience beyond Tamil cinema.

Uppena (2021) – An Impactful Negative Role in Telugu Cinema

Following his debut in Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy, Vijay Sethupathi took on a more complex and impactful role in Uppena, a Telugu romantic drama directed by Buchi Babu Sana. The film starred newcomers Panja Vaisshnav Tej and Krithi Shetty, but it was Vijay Sethupathi’s portrayal of the antagonist, Rayanam, that left a lasting impact.

Rayanam was a ruthless and influential zamindar who would go to any extent to uphold his family’s honor. Unlike typical villains in commercial cinema, Rayanam was not just physically intimidating but also deeply patriarchal, believing in caste-based oppression. Vijay Sethupathi brought a terrifying realism to the character, making Rayanam one of the most memorable villains in recent Telugu cinema.

What made his performance even more remarkable was his ability to add emotional depth to the antagonist. Despite being the villain, there were moments where the audience could understand his motivations, showcasing Vijay Sethupathi’s nuanced acting skills. His controlled aggression, commanding screen presence, and mastery of Telugu dialogue further cemented his place in the industry.

Uppena was a massive box-office success, and his role became a benchmark for negative characters in Telugu films. His performance won him critical acclaim and further expanded his pan-Indian appeal.

Mumbaikar (2023) – His Entry into Bollywood

After proving his mettle in Tamil and Telugu cinema, Vijay Sethupathi made his official Bollywood debut with Mumbaikar (2023), a remake of the acclaimed Tamil film Maanagaram (2017). Directed by Santosh Sivan, the film was a multi-narrative thriller set in Mumbai’s underworld and featured an ensemble cast, including Vikrant Massey and Sanjay Mishra.

Vijay Sethupathi played an unconventional and quirky role in the film, which was in stark contrast to his serious performances in Telugu cinema. His character brought a blend of humor, intensity, and unpredictability, making him one of the most captivating elements of the movie.

While Mumbaikar did not become a major box-office success, it introduced Vijay Sethupathi to Hindi audiences, paving the way for more significant Bollywood roles. His ability to effortlessly adapt to a new industry and language impressed critics and filmmakers alike.

This debut was just the beginning. Following Mumbaikar, he took on an even more high-profile role in Merry Christmas (2024), where he starred opposite Katrina Kaif in a suspense thriller directed by Sriram Raghavan. His performance in Merry Christmas was widely praised, solidifying his place as a powerhouse performer in Bollywood.

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Conclusion

Vijay Sethupathi’s Contribution to Indian Cinema as an Actor Who Defies Norms

Vijay Sethupathi’s rise to stardom is a story of perseverance, talent, and the willingness to take risks. Unlike many mainstream actors who follow a formulaic approach to success, he has built his career by choosing unique, content-driven films that challenge traditional storytelling. His unconventional path has not only made him a favorite among cinephiles but also set a new standard for aspiring actors.

His Ability to Switch Between Mass and Content-Driven Films Effortlessly

Few actors can balance commercial success and critical acclaim as well as Vijay Sethupathi. Whether it's starring in an intense arthouse film like Super Deluxe or a big-ticket entertainer like Master, he adapts seamlessly to the tone and demands of every film. His unpredictability keeps audiences excited, as they never know what kind of role he will take up next.

Why He Remains a Fan Favorite and a Powerhouse Performer

• Relatable persona: Unlike larger-than-life superstars, Vijay Sethupathi connects with audiences through his natural acting and everyday charm.
• Fearless choices: He is unafraid to take on unconventional roles, breaking stereotypes at every turn.
• Versatility: From comedy to crime thrillers, romance to psychological dramas, he excels in every genre.
• Pan-Indian presence: His growing popularity in Hindi, Telugu, and Malayalam industries makes him one of the most influential actors in Indian cinema today.

As he continues to redefine stardom with his script-driven approach, Vijay Sethupathi proves that true cinematic greatness comes from talent, dedication, and the courage to be different. His journey is an inspiration for aspiring actors and a gift for audiences who love meaningful, powerful storytelling.

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