Ghilli to Leo: The 10 Films That Forged Thalapathy Vijay’s Legend

When Vijay steps onto the screen for what’s being billed as his farewell film, Jana Nayagan, a flood of memories washes over fans – each wave a reminder of how the actor has reinvented himself over three decades. From early‑2000s love stories to hard‑hitting action dramas, ten movies stand out as the true milestones of his meteoric rise.

1. Kushi (2000) – Directed by S.J. Suryah, this breezy romantic entertainer introduced a younger Vijay as the charming boy‑next‑door. His effortless chemistry with Jyothika, the laugh‑out‑loud comedy sequences, and a soundtrack that still hums on radio stations made the film an instant cult favourite. It proved that Vijay could carry a love story without relying on gimmicks.

2. Ghilli (2004) – The turning point, hands down. A remake of the Telugu hit Okkadu, Vijay turned into Velu, a fearless kabaddi player who rescues a girl from a ruthless goon. The high‑octane action, the iconic “Bhaag Milka” chase, and the massive box‑office response broadened his fan base beyond the romance‑loving crowd.

3. Pokkiri (2007) – Under Prabhu Deva’s direction, Vijay morphed into a larger‑than‑life gangster with a heart of gold. The film’s punch‑filled dialogues, the unforgettable interval twist, and the swaggering hero image cemented his status as a full‑blown commercial superstar.

4. Thuppakki (2012) – Teaming up with A.R. Murugadoss, Vijay played an army officer on a mission to nab sleeper‑cell terrorists. The film blended razor‑sharp action, smart writing and Vijay’s effortless charisma, earning both critical praise and box‑office gold.

5. Kaththi (2014) – A second collaboration with Murugadoss saw Vijay in a double role, tackling the hot‑button issue of farmer displacement. While delivering the usual commercial thrills, the movie’s social message resonated strongly, showing Vijay’s willingness to pick up cause‑driven stories.

6. Theri (2016) – Directed by Atlee, this family‑drama‑action hybrid featured Vijay as a retired cop living a quiet life with his daughter, until his past comes knocking. Heart‑warming moments combined with high‑energy fight scenes made it one of the year’s biggest hits.

7. Mersal (2017) – Another Atlee‑Vijay partnership, but this time Vijay juggled three distinct characters. Alongside A.R. Rahman’s pulsating score, the film tackled health‑care corruption and struck a chord with audiences, turning it into a blockbuster.

8. Master (2021) – In Lokesh Kanagaraj’s gritty thriller, Vijay stepped out of the typical hero mould to play a college professor battling alcoholism, sent to reform a juvenile detention centre. The cat‑and‑mouse game with Vijay Sethupathi became the talk of the town, and the film smashed theatrical records.

9. Leo (2023) – Reuniting with Lokesh, Vijay headlined an action‑driven saga inspired by A History of Violence. Sharing screen space with Trisha, Sanjay Dutt and Arjun Sarja, the movie reinforced his box‑office dominance and proved his appeal still feels fresh.

10. Jana Nayagan (2026) – Though still on its way to theaters, this H. Vinoth‑directed venture is poised to be Vijay’s swan‑song – a fitting capstone to a career that’s inspired millions. Whether it’s a farewell or a pause, the film promises the same larger‑than‑life treatment fans have come to expect.

Looking back, Vijay’s journey reads like a textbook on reinvention. He started as a romantic hero, embraced socially relevant narratives, and finally solidified his place as a mass‑action icon. Each of these ten films not only broke records but also stitched a deeper connection with audiences, turning a star into a cultural phenomenon.