R. K. Selvamani This film gave him the nickname "Captain." He plays an army officer hunting down terrorists. The patriotism, the combat sequences, and his iconic dialogue "Naan oru mudhalaali illai, naan oru Captain" (I am not a businessman, I am a Captain) still echo in political rallies.
The slow-burn intensity and the psychological warfare between Vijayakanth and the villain (played brilliantly by Thilakan) make it a masterclass in filmmaking. 5. Sattam Oru Vilaiyaattu (1987)
P. Vasu This film proves Vijayakanth could act beyond action. He plays a loyal driver (Walter) who is abused by his rich employers. When his unborn child is killed, the transformation into a vengeful "Vetrivel" is heartbreaking and explosive.
The ultimate highlights the career of one of Tamil cinema’s most resilient icons, affectionately known as "Captain" . Over a career spanning more than 150 films, Vijayakanth carved out a unique space as a fierce action hero, a righteous savior of the masses, and a highly versatile performer. vijayakanth movie list top
Before diving into the list, it is crucial to understand the Vijayakanth formula. Unlike the glossy heroes of his era (Rajinikanth’s style or Kamal Haasan’s versatility), Vijayakanth was the "common man’s superman." He played upright police officers, righteous village chieftains, and angry young men who solved problems with fists and fire. His films were low on logic but high on "mass" moments.
: His breakthrough commercial hit directed by S.A. Chandrasekhar, which was remade in several languages. Vaidehi Kathirunthal
(1986)
This blockbuster was a major milestone, earning Vijayakanth his first Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor. The film's story, which deals with a young girl mistreated by her stepmother and the man who comes to her rescue, ran for an impressive 200 days in theaters. This powerful performance proved he was not just a mass hero but also a critically acclaimed actor capable of delivering award-winning performances.
: A cult investigative thriller where he plays DCP "Honest" Raj, inspired by real-life crime cases. Oomai Vizhigal
This film was a game-changer, firmly establishing Vijayakanth as a "mass hero". Set in a rural landscape, his portrayal of a fearless village do-gooder solidified his connection with the masses. The film showcased his ability to carry a film on his shoulders with charisma and power, giving his fans the quintessential larger-than-life hero they adored. The patriotism, the combat sequences, and his iconic
This film is a cornerstone in Vijayakanth’s career and gave him the enduring title "Captain." Directed by R.K. Selvamani, the action-thriller features Vijayakanth as a daring forest officer tackling a sandalwood smuggler. Its massive success paved the way for his image as an invincible action hero. 2. Chatriyan (1990)
This 100th film milestone solidified his status as an action icon and gave him the nickname . He portrays a forest officer hunting a sandalwood smuggler, a role inspired by the real-life forest brigand Veerappan. The film was a massive commercial success, running for nearly 300 days. 3. Vaanathaippola (2000)