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Vijayaraj Alagarswami (25 August 1952 – 28 December 2023), known by his stage name Vijayakanth, was an Indian actor, filmmaker, philanthropist and politician. He worked in Tamil cinema in a career spanning four decades. He ventured into politics in the later part of his career and founded his own party Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam.

Key Information

Vijayakanth acted in over 150 films in his career. Some of his popular films include Vaidehi Kathirunthal (1984), Amman Kovil Kizhakale (1986), Poonthotta Kaavalkaaran (1988), Senthoora Poove (1988), Pulan Visaranai (1990), Chinna Gounder (1992), Honest Raj (1994), Thayagam (1996), Vaanathaippola (2000) and Ramanaa (2002). He was nicknamed "Captain" following his role in the film Captain Prabhakaran (1991). He was also credited as "Puratchi Kalaignar" (revolutionary artist) in the film titles as he often appeared in roles as a law enforcer, vigilante, or a village head. He won two Filmfare Awards South, three Tamil Nadu State Film Awards and was awarded the Kalaimamani title in 2001.

Vijayakanth served as the president of the Nadigar Sangam (actors association) from 2000 to 2006. He is credited with bringing the association out of debt and establishing a charitable trust that paid pension to low-income members of the film industry. He was likened to former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. G. Ramachandran for his humanitarian work and for his role in supporting impoverished personnel from the Tamil film industry. He accepted deferred remuneration for certain films to help struggling film producers and also preached for food equality on film sets, demanding that all the crew members must be given the same quality meals that he was served.

After founding his own party in 2005, he served as a Member of Legislative Assembly for two terms from 2006 to 2016, representing the constituencies of Virudhachalam and Rishivandiyam respectively. He led his party to win the second-most seats in the 2011 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election and served as the leader of the opposition in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly from 2011 to 2016. He remained as the leader of his party until his death in 2023. He was known for his "open and bold stance" during his political career. In January 2024, he was posthumously awarded India's third-highest civilian honour, the Padma Bhushan, by the Government of India.

Early and personal life

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Vijayakanth was born as Vijayaraj Alagarswami in Madurai on 25 August 1952.[2][3][4] His parents were K. N. Alagarswami and Aandal.[5] Vijayakanth grew up idolising M. G. Ramachandran and displayed passion towards community and societal issues.[6] During his young age, his father was concerned about Vijayakanth as he showed less interest towards studies and was more interested in cinema.[7] His father ran a rice mill at Keeraithurai where Vijayakanth went on to work and surprised him with his administrative skills.[8]

Vijayakanth married Premalatha on 31 January 1990 and had two sons. His son Shanmuga Pandian is also an actor.[9][10]

Film career

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Further information: Vijayakanth filmography

1978 to 1989: Early career

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In 1978, Vijayakanth engaged in a photo shoot in Rasi Studios in Madurai with the aim of acting in films, which helped him garner attention.[11] He later gave credit to the chief photographer R. Asaithambi, indicating that the photographs eventually helped him earn a spot in the film industry.[12] Vijayakanth traveled to Chennai to pursue his passion in acting, even though he did not have any cinematic background.[6] He was cast in a supporting role as Rajnikanth's younger brother in En Kelvikku Enna Bathil (1978) by the director P. Madhavan, for which he received an advance of ₹100 (equivalent to ₹2,700 or US$32 in 2023).[13] However, he was later replaced by Ceylon Manohar after the director was unimpressed with Vijayakanth's acting.[14][15] He claimed to have lost several film opportunities during the early stages of his acting career largely due to his darker complexion.[16][17][18] In 1979, Vijayakanth made his first film appearance in M. A. Kaja's Inikkum Ilamai (1979), when he was first credited with his screen name "Vijayakanth".[19] The film was a critical and commercial failure.[20] Though his subsequent films Agal Vilakku (1979), Neerottam (1980) and Samanthipoo (1980) also did not perform well at the box office, his film Doorathu Idi Muzhakkam was screened at the International Film Festival of India.[21] The later film was lauded by viewers and became a turning point in his career.[22]

Vijayakanth (third from the right) during his early film career.

In the next few years, Vijayakanth often portrayed the character of an angry young man in films with revolutionary story lines such as Sivappu Malli (1981) and Jadhikkoru Needhi (1981).[20] He became a popular commercial hero after his role in Sattam Oru Iruttarai (1981), directed by S. A. Chandrasekhar, with whom he collaborated in numerous films thereafter.[23] The film became a hit and was remade in several other Indian languages.[24] He played the villain in Om Shakti (1982), which was his last antagonist part in a film.[25] His subsequent commercial films included Dowry Kalyanam (1983), Nooravathu Naal (1984) and Vaidhegi Kaathirunthaal (1984), which became successes.[23] He became lead actor to appear in the most films in 1984.[26] He acted in Annai Bhoomi (1985), the first 3D film made in the Tamil film industry, alongside Radha Ravi and Tiger Prabhakar.[27] He co-starred with Vishnuvardhan in Eetti (1985) and acted in the commercially successful romantic comedy Naane Raja Naane Mandhiri (1985).[28][29] He went on to act in Amman Kovil Kizhakale (1986), which earned him a Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil; the film ran for 150 days in theatres.[30] In 1986, he appeared in Manakanakku, the only film in which he worked alongside Kamal Haasan.[31]

Vijayakanth's next film was Oomai Vizhigal (1986), which became a cult classic and was lauded as a film way ahead of its time.[32][33][34] It portrayed him in a role of an aged cop and made him one of the popular actors of the time alongside Rajinikanth, and Kamal Haasan.[35] In 1987, he co-starred with Sivaji Ganesan in Veerapandiyan, and acted in Ninaive Oru Sangeetham. He was given the epithet "Puratchi Kalaigner" by film's producer Kalaipuli S. Thanu after his performance in Cooliekkaran.[36] On 21 October 1987, Vijayakanth had two theatrical releases as both Uzhavan Magan and Sattam Oru Vilayaattu, both of which were commercially successful.[37] Uzhavan Magan also marked the first collaboration between Vijayakanth and his longtime friend Ibrahim Rowther, who produced the film.[38] In 1988, he worked in films such as Therkathi Kallan, Nallavan and Poonthotta Kaavalkaaran.[39] He won a Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor for his performance in Senthoora Poove.[40][41] In 1989, he starred in the commercially successful films Paattukku Oru Thalaivan, and Ponmana Selvan.[42] This was followed by the crime thriller Rajanadai and devotional film Meenakshi Thiruvilayadal.[43]

1990 to 1999: Action roles

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Vijayakanth with then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu M. Karunanidhi and director K. Balachandar in a function in 1997.

In the 1990s, Vijayakanth established himself as an action icon with a consistent box-office appeal. He was best known for low-budget films that often featured gravity-defying stunts in which he would single-handedly dispatch his enemies.[44] Rowther produced many of his films and played an instrumental role in Vijayakanth's rise as an actor in the early 1990s. He also assisted Vijayakanth in choosing the film scripts.[45] Rowther and Vijayakanth combined for many of the films including Pulan Visaranai (1990), Captain Prabhakaran (1991), Bharathan (1992), Rajadurai (1993), Sakkarai Devan (1993), En Aasai Machan (1994), Gandhi Pirantha Mann (1995), Karuppu Nila (1995), Ulavuthurai (1998), Dharma (1998) and Simmasanam (2000).[46] Pulan Visaranai, which was directed by R. K. Selvamani and featured R. Sarathkumar as the antagonist, became one of the most popular crime thrillers of the time.[47][48][49] He later starred as an honest cop in the hit flick Sathriyan, produced by Mani Ratnam.[24] After the success of Pulan Visaranai, he collaborated with Selvamani for Captain Prabhakaran (1991), which was Vijayakanth's 100th film.[50] The film became one of the highest grossing films in 1991 and ran for over 500 days in theaters.[51][52] He got the sobriquet "captain" after the success of the film.[53][51]

Vijayakanth acted in the movies Maanagara Kaaval and Moondrezhuthil En Moochirukkum in the same year. In 1992, he appeared in the role of a village chief in the film Chinna Gounder, which turned out to be an experimental film and a cult classic in the later years.[54][55] The song "Antha Vaanatha Pola" from the movie became popular, and eventually became a popular meme in the later years.[56] He later appeared in films such as Koyil Kaalai (1993), Ezhai Jaathi (1993), Sakkarai Devan (1993), Rajadurai (1993) and Enga Muthalali (1993). He co-starred with Vijay in Senthoorapandi (1993), where he plays the role of elder brother.[57][58] He played an extended cameo role in this film for which he did not take any remuneration.[57][59][60] In 1994, he appeared in Sethupathi IPS, Honest Raj, Pathavi Pramanam, En Aasai Machan and Periya Marudhu.[58][61] His later films included Karuppu Nila (1995), Thirumoorthy (1995) and Gandhi Pirantha Mann (1995). He won a Tamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize for his performance in the action film Thayagam (1996).[40] This was followed by Tamizh Selvan and Alexander in 1996.[62] In 1997, he appeared in the film Dharma Chakkaram which was directed by K. S. Ravikumar.[63] He acted in his 125th film Ulavuthurai in 1998, followed by Dharma (1998) and Veeram Vilanja Mannu in the same year. In 1999, he acted in Kallazhagar, and Periyanna, in which he acted alongside Suriya.[64] He later starred in R. B. Choudary's production, Kannupada Poguthaiya.[65]

2000 to 2009: Experienced roles

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In 2000, Vijayakanth played a dual role in Vaanathai Pola, a rural family drama directed by Vikraman, which won two awards; a Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Film of the year and National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.[24][66] His acting in Vallarasu received widespread attention, in which he played a cop who took on a terrorist group.[58] He played three different roles in his next movie Simmasanam.[67] He acted in action films Vaanchinathan (2001) directed by Shaji Kailas and Narasimha (2001). Though the later failed at the box office, Vijayakanth was praised for his action, and the film became a unique component in Tamil pop culture.[58][68][69] Narasimha was considered as a spiritual sequel to Vallarasu.[58] He made a cameo appearance in Viswanathan Ramamoorthy and appeared in a dual role in the village drama Thavasi (2001).[70][71] His next film Raajjiyam (2002) failed to deliver in the box office and it turned out to be a box office bomb.[72] In 2002, he acted in guest appearance in Devan, directed by Arun Pandian.[73]

Vijayakanth at a function in 2007.

Vijayakanth collaborated with director AR Murugadoss in Ramanaa, in which he underplayed an action hero and anti-corruption crusader.[74] The film won a Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Film of the year and the film became commercially successful.[75] In 2003, he had two releases, Chokka Thangam, a family drama and Thennavan, a political film. In 2004, he appeared in a comedy-drama, Engal Anna which was a commercial success.[76] However, his next films Gajendra and Neranja Manasu, which were released in the same year, received negative reviews.[77] Later, he did a special appearance in Suriya's film Maayavi (2005).[78] In 2006, he acted in three action films, Sudesi, Perarasu and Dharmapuri, all of which failed to deliver at the box office and received negative reviews from critics.[79] The following year, he starred in Sabari (2007) and his 150th film was Arasangam (2008), which was about a police officer who discovers and unravels the mystery behind a terrorist plot.[80] He acted in the drama Mariyadhai (2009), in his second colloboration with director Vikraman, followed by the action film Engal Aasan (2009), in which he co-starred with Vikranth.[81][82]

2010 to 2015: Later projects

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In 2010, Vijayakanth acted and directed the film, Virudhagiri, a remake of the French film Taken.[83][84] After a hiatus of five years, he made a cameo appearance in his son Shanmuga Pandian's first film Sagaptham in 2015.[85] In November 2015, he started acting in Arun Ponnambalam's Thamizhan Endru Sol, alongside his son. The film was later suspended due to Vijayakanth's political commitments and his deteriorating health.[86] In 2022, director Vijay Milton attempted to rope in Vijayakanth in a short role for his film Mazhai Pidikatha Manithan alongside Vijay Antony.[87] The film later went ahead without Vijayakanth due to his health issues.[88] In a film career spanning more than 30 years, he acted in 154 movies.[89]

Political career

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On 14 September 2005, Vijayakanth announced the formation of Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), a regional political party at Madurai.[90][91] His party contested in all the 234 seats in[92][93] As per the results, the party secured higher number of votes than the winning margins of candidates in about 25 constituencies.[94] The party contested without an alliance in the 2009 Indian general elections and secured about 10.28% of the votes in Tamil Nadu.[95][96] In the 2011 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election, the party contested as a part of the AIADMK-led alliance.[97][98] Vijayakanth led the party's campaign for the elections despite opposition from other party leaders such as S. Ramadoss, the founder of Pattali Makkal Katchi, who expressed his dissatisfaction with people from the film industry entering politics.[99][100] During the runup to the elections, Vijayakanth developed a feud with actor Vadivelu, Vijayakanth's co-star in a number of his films.[101][102] This led to attack of Vadivelu's residence by men, whom Vadivelu claimed were from Vijayakanth's party and subsequent legal cases.[103] This was refuted by Vijayakanth.[104] Vadivelu subsequently campaigned against Vijayakanth in the elections.[105][106]

Vijayakanth with his party delegation in a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015.

DMDK won 29 seats and emerged as the second largest party in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.[107][108] Vijayakanth won from Rishivandiyam, after securing 53.2% of the votes polled.[109] Following its performance in the 2011 assembly elections, DMDK was officially recognised as a state party by the Election Commission of India and Vijayakanth was elected as the Leader of Opposition in the Tamil Nadu assembly.[110][111] Over the next two years, rifts developed between Vijayakanth and then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and leader of AIADMK Jayalalithaa, which resulted in separation between the two alliance partners.[112][113][114] For the 2014 Indian general elections, Vijayakanth entered into the National Democratic Alliance led by the Bharatiya Janata Party.[115] His party contested 14 seats but did not win a single seat.[116]

In February 2016, Vijayakanth lost his position as the Leader of Opposition in the Tamil Nadu assembly after ten of his party MLAs resigned from the assembly.[117] For the 2016 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections, he led the People's Welfare Front alliance.[118] During the election campaign, he criticised actor Rajinikanth, which caused backlash from the supporters of Rajinikanth.[119][120][121] He was also criticised for making obscene gestures in public, often towards journalists.[122][123] This led to several memes targeting him in the social media.[124][125] He lost the election from Ulundurpet to R. Kumaraguru of the AIADMK and his party-led alliance failed to win any seats in the assembly.[126][127] Despite being part of the winning alliance, his party fared poorly and failed to win any seat in the subsequent 2019 Indian general elections.[128] In the 2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election, his party secured just 0.43% of the total votes polled.[129][130] He continued to serve as the general secretary of DMDK till his death in December 2023.[131] He was often known for his "open and bold stance" during his political career.[132]

Election results

[edit]
Elections Assembly Constituency Party Result Vote percentage Opposition Candidate Opposition Party Opposition vote percentage
2006 13th Vridhachalam DMDK Won 40.49 R. Govindasamy PMK 31.2[92]
2011 14th Rishivandiyam DMDK Won 53.19 S. Sivaraj INC 35.22[109]
2016 15th Ulundurpet DMDK Lost 15.14 R. Kumaraguru AIADMK 36.03[127]

Positions held

[edit]
Elections Position Elected constituency Term in office
Assumed Left Time in office
2006 Member of Legislative Assembly Vriddhachalam 17 May 2006 14 May 2011 4 years, 362 days
2011 Leader of the Opposition Rishivandiyam 27 May 2011 21 February 2016 4 years, 270 days
2011 Member of Legislative Assembly Rishivandiyam 22 February 2016 21 May 2016 89 days

Other work

[edit]

During his film career, Vijayakanth accepted deferred remuneration for certain films to help struggling film producers and also preached for food equality on film sets, demanding that all the crew members must be given the same quality meals that he was served.[133][134] He was involved in philanthropic work and offered food and meals through his office.[135] He had also assisted several actors by offering consultancy and required financial help.[136] In 2000, Vijayakanth was elected as the president of South Indian Film Artistes' Association and served till 2006. He is credited with bringing the association out of debt.[137][138] He led the establishment of a charitable trust that paid pension to low-income members of the film industry.[139][140]

In 2001, Vijayakanth founded Shri Andal Alagar College of Engineering. Vijayakanth launched a television channel Captain TV on 14 April 2010.[141] Vijayakanth later launched a news channel Captain News on 29 August 2012.[142]

Health decline and death

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Since mid-2010s, Vijayakanth faced health issues, as his speech slurred and he was unsteady during some political rallies and speeches. In 2017, he remarked that thyroid problems affected his vocal cord.[143] In 2020, he tested positive for COVID-19, after which he had limited public appearance, often sporting a face mask.[144] In 2022, he underwent surgery to amputate three of his toes due to complications from diabetes, which confined Vijayakanth to wheelchair.[145] In November 2023, he was admitted to hospital due to liver-related issues and tested positive for COVID-19 while he was in the hospital.[146][147]

On 28 December 2023, Vijayakanth died at the age of 71.[148][149][150] His death was condoled by various political leaders,[151][152][153] and members of the film industry.[154][155][156] The Government of Tamil Nadu announced full state honours for his funeral.[157] His body was kept in state at his residence in Saligramam, later at the Island Grounds for the public to pay their tributes.[158] On the evening of 29 December 2023, his body was taken on a public procession and the last rites were performed. He was buried with state honours in a sandalwood casket in the premises of the headquarters of Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam in Koyambedu.[159][160] On 3 January 2024, the Indian prime minister Narendra Modi wrote a tribute to Vijayakanth on his website.[161][162]

Awards and honors

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Vijayakanth won two Filmfare Awards South, three Tamil Nadu State Film Awards and was awarded the Kalaimamani title in 2001.[163] In January 2024, he was posthumously awarded India's third-highest civilian honour, the Padma Bhushan, by the Government of India.[164][165]

Vijayakanth was credited as "Puratchi Kalaignar" (revolutionary artist) and "Captain" in the film titles as he often appeared in roles as a law enforcer, vigilante, or a village head.[166][167][168] In 2014, an ex-serviceman lodged a complaint against Vijayakanth at the Madras High Court for using the title "captain", arguing that the term is attached to the Indian Army, is an insult to servicemen and is illegal for common people to use it.[169] He was listed amongst the top 20 best Tamil actors of all time by Cinemaholic in 2022.[170] He was likened to former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. G. Ramachandran for his humanitarian work and was often referred to as "Black M.G.R.".[171]

References

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Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Vijayakanth

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from Grokipedia
Vijayakanth (25 August 1952 – 28 December 2023), born Narayanan Vijayaraj Alagarswami in Madurai, , was an Indian actor, producer, director, and politician renowned for his contributions to and his entry into state politics. Over a career spanning four decades, he appeared in more than 150 Tamil films, frequently portraying action-oriented, patriotic heroes that resonated with mass audiences and earned him the enduring nickname "Captain." In 2005, he launched the (DMDK) to address socio-economic issues and combat corruption, disrupting 's bipolar Dravidian political dominance by securing a seat in the 2006 elections and briefly serving as . His political alliances shifted over time, including partnerships with major parties, but the DMDK struggled to maintain early momentum amid internal and electoral challenges. Beyond entertainment and politics, Vijayakanth was noted for philanthropic initiatives, such as distributing free meals to supporters, reflecting his self-made ethos and appeal to subaltern voters. He died in from pneumonia-related complications at age 71.

Early life and background

Family origins and upbringing

Vijayakanth, born Vijayaraj Alagarswami on August 25, 1952, in Nadu, hailed from a modest family. His parents were K. N. Alagarswami and Aandal, who raised him and his siblings in a lower-middle-class environment marked by early financial hardships. The family's roots in Madurai's vibrant cultural milieu, centered around ancient temples and traditional practices, exposed young Vijayaraj to the region's social fabric and community-oriented values from an early age. He assisted in family responsibilities while pursuing basic schooling, fostering a grounded perspective shaped by rural-adjacent influences in the . This upbringing instilled resilience and a sense of service, traits that resonated in his later public image as a patriotic figure. Local traditions, including exposure to Madurai's and everyday social challenges, contributed to his formative , emphasizing amid limited resources. The emphasis on familial and ties in his household mirrored broader Tamil cultural norms, laying the groundwork for his enduring appeal as an accessible, value-driven persona.

Education and early influences

Vijayakanth, born Vijayaraj Alagarswami on August 25, 1952, in Nadu, to parents K. N. Alagarswami Naidu and from a modest non-elite , basic schooling amid regional relocations that underscored his grounded, self-reliant upbringing. He completed his sixth standard at M.C. High in Madurai, a local institution reflecting the practical, community-oriented typical of middle-class families in the area. For seventh and eighth standards, he shifted to De Britto High School in , a move likely tied to family needs, further emphasizing real-world adaptability over prolonged academic stability. He concluded his formal at the tenth standard level, forgoing higher studies or to prioritize hands-on experiences that honed skills essential for his later independent entry into the film industry, free from nepotistic advantages. Early influences drew from Madurai's vibrant Tamil cultural environment, fostering a pragmatic aligned with local traditions and , though documented personal pursuits in or emerged closer to his professional debut rather than childhood. This foundation of limited formal schooling and emphasis on highlighted his trajectory as a self-made figure, unburdened by elite institutional pedigrees.

Film career

Debut and breakthrough roles (1978–1989)

Vijayakanth entered the Tamil film industry in the late 1970s, initially taking on minor supporting roles in films such as Inikkum Ilamai (1979), directed by M. A. Kaja, marking his screen debut. These early appearances involved limited screen time and did little to establish him prominently, as he competed in an era dominated by established stars like Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, with production houses favoring proven actors for lead parts. His breakthrough arrived in 1981 with , directed by , where he portrayed a vigilante cop avenging personal losses against corrupt elements, a role that resonated with audiences seeking narratives of individual amid perceived institutional failures. The film achieved commercial success as a hit, propelled by its straightforward action formula and Vijayakanth's physicality in fight sequences, which aligned with growing viewer demand for protagonists confronting without relying on systemic aid. This performance shifted him from periphery to lead antagonist-turned-hero archetypes, evidenced by subsequent roles in hits like Doorathu Idi Muzhakkam (1980) and (1981), both commercially viable for their emphasis on moral retribution. From 1982 to 1989, Vijayakanth starred in dozens of action-dramas, solidifying his image as a reliable in low-to-mid-budget productions that prioritized mass appeal over artistic innovation, with films like (1986) reinforcing his persona through plots involving underground crime and personal vendettas. Box-office performance during this phase was inconsistent but trended upward for titles featuring themes, such as Poonthotta Kaavalkaaran (1988), which capitalized on rural-urban tensions and drew strong attendance in theaters due to its accessible storytelling and stunt-driven excitement. This period's success stemmed from causal alignment with audience preferences for unyielding heroes in an industry transitioning toward formulaic action amid economic pressures on smaller producers, though exact gross figures remain scarce outside anecdotal reports of profitability for select releases.

Peak popularity and action hero phase (1990–1999)

Vijayakanth achieved peak popularity in the 1990s through a series of formulaic action films that established him as a mass in , often portraying characters who embodied vigilante justice and nationalistic fervor. His 100th film, Captain Prabhakaran (1991), directed by , marked a turning point, earning him the enduring nickname "" due to his lead role as a determined combating militancy, which resonated with audiences amid real-world insurgencies. The film was a commercial success, solidifying his image as an unyielding action protagonist. In this phase, Vijayakanth appeared in over 20 films between 1990 and 1999, with several achieving blockbuster status through high box-office returns driven by rural and semi-urban viewership. Notable successes included Pulan Visaranai (1990), Chinna Gounder (1992), which grossed approximately Rs. 9.79 crore and ranked as the second-highest grosser of its year, and Senthoorapandi (1993), a romantic action drama that further boosted his stardom by combining family themes with high-stakes confrontations. These films emphasized a signature style where Vijayakanth's characters functioned as one-man armies, single-handedly dismantling criminal networks and corrupt elements without relying on institutional support, promoting themes of individual self-reliance and moral absolutism. This approach redefined Tamil action cinema by prioritizing raw physicality and patriotic undertones over nuanced plotting. Despite criticisms from urban critics labeling his films as repetitive—with formulaic narratives of wronged heroes seeking extrajudicial retribution—Vijayakanth's appeal endured through aspirational that aligned with the frustrations of lower-middle-class and rural audiences, who viewed his characters as embodiments of uncompromised . His popularity was sustained by a vast network of fan clubs, which organized screenings and celebrations, particularly in rural , where box-office dominance reflected grassroots loyalty rather than metropolitan acclaim. This era's hits underscored a causal link between his on-screen —rooted in self-dependent heroism—and real-world admiration for figures who challenged systemic failures, evidenced by consistent commercial viability amid a crowded field of action stars.

Production, direction, and mature roles (2000–2009)

In the early 2000s, Vijayakanth co-founded the production house Captain Cine Creations with his brother-in-law L. K. Sudheesh, marking his deeper involvement in controlling creative and financial aspects of filmmaking. The banner produced multiple Tamil films featuring Vijayakanth in lead roles, such as (2001), a centered on familial and , running for 139 minutes and receiving moderate audience response. This expansion allowed him to select scripts emphasizing vigilante and systemic critique, diverging from formulaic action while retaining mass appeal through his established heroic persona. A pivotal project under this phase was Ramanaa (2002), where Vijayakanth portrayed M. Ramana, a college professor who assembles a covert team to execute corrupt government officials after personal tragedy exposes bureaucratic graft. The film, spanning 140 minutes, highlighted themes of anti-corruption vigilantism, with Ramana's group targeting one high-ranking offender per department to deter systemic abuse. It garnered strong viewer ratings for its narrative intensity and Vijayakanth's restrained performance as an intellectual avenger, contributing to commercial viability despite broader industry shifts toward younger leads. Subsequent productions like Thennavan (2003) and Engal Anna (2004) showcased Vijayakanth in more nuanced paternal and leadership roles, blending family loyalty with moral confrontations against injustice, though box-office returns varied amid rising competition from emerging stars. His output averaged 2-3 films annually, reflecting fan loyalty that sustained profitability for socially themed vehicles, even as market saturation diluted per-film grosses; for instance, Ramanaa's success stemmed from targeted messaging resonating with audiences disillusioned by real-world administrative failures, evidenced by its enduring replay value on home video. This period's roles prioritized causal depictions of individual agency against institutional rot, prioritizing empirical critiques over spectacle.

Final films and industry transition (2010–2015)

, released on 10 December 2010, marked Vijayakanth's directorial debut alongside his lead role as the titular honest police officer thwarting an international plot. The film incorporated patriotic themes and political allusions, drawing criticism for prioritizing image-building dialogues over narrative coherence, with reviewers noting its reliance on punchy one-liners aimed at the camera. Its performance was modest, reflecting a broader decline in his lead roles amid intensifying political engagements following the 2006 assembly elections. Following a five-year hiatus from acting, Vijayakanth appeared in a cameo as an Indian embassy officer in , his son Shanmuga Pandian's debut vehicle released in April 2015. The action , centered on a rural combating a racket abroad, earned poor critical reception for its sluggish pacing and formulaic plot, though Vijayakanth's brief patriotic intervention was cited by some as a redeeming factor amid the film's mediocrity. This selective involvement signaled a transition from prolific lead to occasional mentor figure, with his output limited to one feature per half-decade, prioritizing cameos in family projects over commercial leads as audience preferences shifted toward contemporary styles. His enduring fanbase retained nostalgic value for his straightforward heroism, yet critiques highlighted the dated action-hero archetype's mismatch with evolving aesthetics.

Philanthropic activities

Charitable initiatives and public service

Vijayakanth engaged in numerous philanthropic efforts, often funding them personally and conducting them discreetly to aid the underprivileged without seeking publicity. He regularly provided free meals to those in need, ensuring availability at his office premises around the clock for visitors and the destitute. This practice stemmed from his personal commitment to addressing immediate hunger, extending to broader disaster relief where he donated substantial sums, such as Rs 10 lakhs to support victims of the tragedy. In education, Vijayakanth annually contributed Rs 2 lakhs to the Defence Personnel Children Education Fund, prioritizing support for families of through direct financial rather than institutional programs. He also donated to a medical college in , , to bolster healthcare infrastructure in underserved regions. During natural calamities, his responses included Rs 5 lakhs to the Kargil relief fund in 1999 and Rs 1 to the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund following the 2018 floods, focusing on rapid, tangible assistance like rebuilding efforts and survivor support. Amid the , Vijayakanth offered a portion of his private land for the burial or cremation of victims, addressing logistical shortages in without tying the gesture to public or political platforms. Posthumously, the Vallal Vijayakant Memorial Annathana Trust was established in his name to combat hunger through sustained , reflecting the continuity of his ethos of self-reliant aid over dependency-creating welfare models. These initiatives, drawn from personal resources accumulated via his film career, underscored a pragmatic approach to charity, emphasizing verifiable outcomes like beneficiary counts in relief distributions over symbolic gestures.

Impact on social welfare

Vijayakanth's philanthropic efforts primarily targeted vulnerable populations, including orphans and the disabled, through direct financial contributions and material donations funded largely from his personal earnings and film industry revenues. He donated Rs. 50,000 annually to the MGR Blind School to support education for visually impaired children, alongside providing 1,000 beds and 50 color televisions to government hospitals for improved patient care. In 2014, he distributed two-wheelers to disabled individuals across Tamil Nadu, allocating four vehicles per district in all 33 districts to enhance mobility for party sympathizers and others in need. These initiatives, often executed without extensive NGO partnerships, emphasized rapid, personal intervention over bureaucratic processes, allowing for immediate relief in areas like healthcare access and daily support. Empirical assessments of long-term social welfare outcomes remain limited, with no publicly documented metrics such as sustained reductions in or disability-related rates in beneficiary communities attributable directly to his programs. His approach yielded short-term benefits, such as enhanced and mobility aids that improved for recipients, but lacked scalable structures for enduring impact beyond his lifetime. Supporters highlight the of these private efforts, noting quicker delivery compared to government schemes hampered by delays, as evidenced by his relief and medical camps that addressed acute needs without administrative overhead. Post his death on December 28, 2023, sustainability concerns have emerged, with the Vijayakanth Charitable Trust continuing outreach via appeals for to the needy, though operational scale appears diminished without his direct involvement. Critics, including those favoring state-led interventions, argue that individual like Vijayakanth's offers episodic rather than systemic reforms needed for broader welfare, potentially reinforcing dependency over self-sufficiency when not integrated with policy changes. This perspective contrasts with commendations for his model's responsiveness, which prioritized tangible, on-ground results over expansive but slower institutional frameworks.

Political involvement

Founding of DMDK and ideological foundations (2005)

On September 14, 2005, Vijayakanth formally launched the (DMDK), or National Progressive Dravidian Federation, during a conference in Nadu. The party's flag and name were unveiled at the event, marking its entry as a regional outfit aimed at contesting the entrenched dominance of the (DMK) and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), which had alternated in power since the 1960s through family-led structures and perceived patronage networks. Vijayakanth, leveraging his stature as a film actor known for portraying resolute, incorruptible characters, positioned the DMDK as a corrective to the alleged systemic and dynastic entrenchment in Tamil Nadu's Dravidian politics. The DMDK's ideological core emphasized measures, merit-based administration, and developmental , drawing implicitly from Vijayakanth's on-screen persona as a principled who championed against powerful elites. Unlike the rationalist of traditional , the DMDK incorporated a nationalist orientation—reflected in "Desiya" (national)—while retaining Dravidian cultural assertions through "Dravida Kazhagam," but subordinated to pragmatic governance reforms over ideological rigidity. This appealed to voters disillusioned with the DMK and AIADMK's repeated scandals, including allegations and inefficient resource allocation, by promising transparent, efficiency-driven policies untainted by familial . Initial organizational momentum stemmed from Vijayakanth's pre-existing fan networks, which he had restructured into quasi-political units with wings for students, , farmers, and professionals, enabling rapid cadre mobilization without reliance on established political machinery. Estimates placed his fan clubs at 30,000 to 40,000 by the mid-2000s, converting seamlessly into party functionaries and providing penetration in rural and semi-urban areas where Dravidian loyalty had waned due to governance failures. This fan-to-cadre transition underscored the DMDK's empirical foundation in personal loyalty and meritocratic appeal, fostering membership growth through voluntary enlistment rather than coercive incentives, though it later exposed vulnerabilities to charismatic dependence.

Electoral campaigns and results

DMDK made its electoral debut in the 2006 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election, contesting independently in 232 of 234 constituencies and securing a vote share of 8.4%, though it won only one seat—Vijayakanth's victory in Rishivandiyam constituency. In the for Tamil Nadu's 39 seats, the party again contested alone, polling 10.1% of votes but failing to win any seats. Entering an alliance with the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) for the 2011 election, DMDK contested 41 seats and emerged with 29 victories, achieving a 7.9% vote share and positioning itself as the second-largest party, which led to Vijayakanth serving as . Subsequent elections marked a decline; in the 2016 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly poll, allied with the People's Welfare Front (including left parties, MDMK, and TMC(M)), DMDK contested 104 seats but won none, with its vote share falling to approximately 2.4%, below the 6% threshold for state party recognition. In 2021, partnering with Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK), the party secured 0 seats and just 0.4% of votes across its allotted constituencies. This erosion has been attributed to intensified competition from other cinema-linked entrants like Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, fragmenting the anti-Dravidian major vote base.
ElectionAllianceSeats ContestedSeats WonVote Share (%)
2006 TN AssemblyIndependent23218.4
2009 (TN)Independent39010.1
2011 TN AssemblyAIADMK41297.9
2016 TN AssemblyPWF1040~2.4
2021 TN AssemblyAMMKVaries (alliance share)00.4

Legislative roles and alliances

Vijayakanth served as a (MLA) in the Assembly, first elected from the constituency in the 2006 elections as the sole representative of his newly formed (DMDK). He retained the seat in the 2011 elections, during which DMDK secured 29 seats, positioning the party as the primary opposition force. From May 2011 to February 2016, Vijayakanth held the role of , a position that amplified DMDK's influence in legislative debates despite not forming the government. In coalition dynamics, DMDK under Vijayakanth aligned with the (NDA) for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, joining a six-party front led by the () to contest seats in . This partnership reflected pragmatic outreach beyond Dravidian politics, with Vijayakanth publicly endorsing Narendra Modi's anti-corruption stance during campaigns. The alliance yielded no seats for DMDK but underscored its potential as a swing factor in fragmented polls. Subsequent alignments included a tie-up with the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, where DMDK was allocated four constituencies. Following Vijayakanth's death on December 28, 2023, his widow Premalatha Vijayakanth assumed leadership of DMDK and pursued alliances for the 2024 elections, expressing openness to partnerships with major fronts including AIADMK, DMK, and BJP provided they offered substantial seat shares such as 14 and one berth. This continued the party's strategy of leveraging coalitions for electoral relevance, maintaining its kingmaker potential in Tamil Nadu's multi-cornered contests through targeted negotiations.

Policy positions and governance attempts

Vijayakanth positioned the DMDK as an advocate for reforms and greater governmental transparency, leveraging his film roles portraying to critique entrenched political malpractices in . He repeatedly highlighted the need for accountability in , demanding stricter oversight to curb graft without relying on ideologically driven narratives from dominant parties. In , he called for proactive measures to stimulate industrial growth, accusing the AIADMK government in 2014 of inaction that hindered expansion and generation in the state. On agriculture, Vijayakanth urged the timely disbursement of payouts under national schemes like the , pressing for compensation to farmers hit by the 2016-17 failures rather than indefinite dependencies that could foster long-term reliance. His approach favored targeted, self-sustaining aid over broad redistributive programs, aligning with a critiqued by welfare-expansion advocates as insufficiently interventionist. Vijayakanth's signature was total alcohol prohibition, pursued through aggressive advocacy including a 2015 fast-unto-death threat, human chain protests leading to his arrest on August 6, 2015, and demands for phased rollout to mitigate liquor-related harms without abrupt economic shocks. efforts, hampered by DMDK's modest legislative footprint, centered on assembly interventions as MLA for Rishivandhiyur (2011-2016) and until February 2016, where he interrogated executive policies on development and welfare implementation, though no major independent schemes materialized due to lack of majority support. Proponents viewed this as principled realism prioritizing efficiency over populist excess, while detractors contended it neglected urgent redistributive demands in a state reliant on welfare for equity.

Criticisms, setbacks, and internal party dynamics

Vijayakanth's (DMDK) experienced significant electoral setbacks, particularly in the 2016 Assembly elections, where the , as part of a six- led by itself, secured less than 6% of the valid votes statewide, resulting in no seats won and the loss of its recognition as a state by the . This outcome marked a sharp decline from earlier performances, such as the 7.9% vote share and 29 seats gained in the elections through an with the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). The 2016 decision to form a broad but ultimately ineffective front, rather than aligning with major , drew criticism for strategic miscalculation, with observers attributing the wipeout to overambition and failure to consolidate voter bases beyond Vijayakanth's core fan following. Subsequent polls, including the 2019 elections where DMDK polled just 2.19% in , underscored a pattern of diminishing returns. Health issues increasingly hampered Vijayakanth's political involvement from around onward, leading to prolonged that exacerbated party disorganization and vacuums. His declining , including periods of hospitalization and reduced public appearances, limited his ability to steer the DMDK through turbulent alliances and internal challenges, with critics noting that the party's direction often shifted ideologically—such as a temporary rightward tilt—without his direct input. This contributed to perceptions of , as the DMDK frequently switched alliances for seat shares, including exits from the AIADMK-BJP front in over inadequate allocations and inconsistent partnerships thereafter. Internally, the DMDK grappled with factionalism and cadre attrition, exemplified by the resignation of 10 district secretaries and five parliamentary constituency heads in April 2016 amid disputes over candidate selections and strategy. The party's heavy reliance on Vijayakanth's personal charisma as a former action hero limited its institutionalization, fostering a structure vulnerable to his health constraints and unable to cultivate a broad ideological cadre, which analysts cited as a causal factor in its failure to transcend fan-based support into sustainable governance appeal. Following Vijayakanth's death in December 2023, leadership passed to his wife, Premalatha Vijayakanth, as general secretary, but the party faced ongoing viability questions amid alliance vacillations. In 2024, DMDK allied with AIADMK for Lok Sabha polls, expecting a Rajya Sabha seat in return, but by mid-2025, Premalatha expressed disappointment over the deferred promise and reviewed the tie-up, while engaging with DMK leaders like Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, signaling potential shifts toward the ruling front ahead of 2026 Assembly elections. Such maneuvers drew accusations of pragmatism overriding principle, highlighting the DMDK's post-Vijayakanth dependence on transactional politics rather than entrenched organizational strength.

Health decline, death, and immediate aftermath

Prolonged illness and medical history

Vijayakanth's documented health challenges escalated from 2020 onward, beginning with a diagnosis on September 22, 2020, which required approximately ten days of hospital treatment in . He had a prior history of renal issues, including a kidney transplant performed abroad, leading to recurrent need for specialized care and routine evaluations. On May 19, 2021, he was admitted to in experiencing fever and breathing difficulties; diagnostic tests confirmed negative for active and COVID-related pneumonia via chest , with his condition described as stable under evaluation. complications further manifested in June 2022, necessitating surgical amputation of three toes due to associated vascular issues, which limited his mobility thereafter. By November 18, 2023, Vijayakanth was readmitted to MIOT Hospital in Chennai for symptoms including persistent cough, cold, and sore throat, initially framed as a routine check-up but extending into prolonged treatment for pulmonary conditions. Over the following days, his condition showed mild deterioration, prompting minimal pulmonary support and an anticipated additional 14-day observation period to address respiratory distress linked to pneumonia. His wife, Premalatha Vijayakanth, oversaw aspects of his care during these episodes, coordinating with medical teams amid the ongoing management of his chronic conditions.

Death and public response

Vijayakanth died on December 28, 2023, at the age of 71 from while on ventilator support at in , following a recent positive test for COVID-19. His body was laid to rest the following day, December 29, 2023, at the DMDK party headquarters in , , with full state honors accorded by the government, including a and police escort. Thousands of mourners, including fans, party workers, and political figures, gathered despite traffic diversions and restrictions in the area, leading to long queues to pay respects. Public mourning was widespread, with tributes crossing political lines; described the loss as creating a "void hard to fill," praising Vijayakanth's contributions to cinema and politics. Chief Minister hailed him as an "achiever" and announced the state honors as a mark of homage. peers, including , who broke down while paying respects, and , who called him a man of "simplicity, friendship, and generosity," attended the funeral, reflecting his broad appeal beyond party affiliations.

Legacy and influence

Contributions to Tamil cinema

Vijayakanth debuted in Tamil cinema with the 1978 film , but gained prominence in the 1980s through action-oriented roles emphasizing patriotism and justice. His films, numbering over 150 as a lead actor, reformulated the action genre during the 1980s and 1990s by integrating high-stakes confrontations against corruption and anti-national elements, often portraying upright cops or villagers. Key works like (1985) and Captain Prabhakaran (1991) exemplified this subgenre, blending mass appeal with nationalist themes that resonated with audiences, leading to multiple silver jubilee runs and consecutive box-office hits, particularly from 1993 to 1994. These successes contributed to the industry's economic vitality by sustaining theater attendance and overseas markets through fan-driven viewership. Vijayakanth's formula—repetitive yet reliable tropes of heroism against odds—drew criticism for lacking innovation and relying on typecast performances, yet empirical box-office data affirmed its viability, with films like Poonthotta Kaavalkkaaran achieving widespread commercial returns. His fan clubs played a pivotal role in amplifying cinematic reach, organizing screenings and welfare tied to film promotions, fostering that translated into consistent for releases. This base ensured enduring influence, evident in post-2023 death re-releases such as Prabhakaran in 4K format on August 22, 2025, which sustained steady collections over nine days across theaters, underscoring sustained demand for his action archetype.

Role in Tamil Nadu politics

Vijayakanth entered Tamil Nadu politics in 2005 by founding the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), positioning it as a third force to challenge the long-standing bipolar dominance of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). In the 2006 assembly elections, DMDK contested 225 seats independently and secured approximately 8.4% of the vote share, winning one seat held by Vijayakanth himself, which fragmented the opposition vote and contributed to the narrow victory of the DMK-led alliance. This debut demonstrated DMDK's potential to disrupt established patterns by drawing support from disaffected voters, particularly those seeking alternatives to the Dravidian majors' perceived corruption and dynastic politics. By , Vijayakanth's strategic alliance with AIADMK yielded 29 seats for DMDK with a 7.9% vote share, enabling AIADMK to form the government and ousting the incumbent DMK after widespread allegations of graft, including the 2G spectrum scandal. This partnership positioned Vijayakanth as in the assembly, underscoring DMDK's influence in facilitating electoral alternations and compelling major parties to seek coalitions for viability. Empirical evidence of vote splits shows how DMDK's independent runs pressured incumbents; for instance, its 2006 performance siphoned votes that might otherwise have consolidated under AIADMK, while the 2011 tie-up amplified waves against DMK's failures. DMDK under Vijayakanth emphasized as a core plank, launching campaigns that highlighted systemic graft in and advocating for transparent governance to foster accountability. Though unable to secure chief ministership independently—evidenced by zero seats in 2016 despite alliances and further declines in 2021—Vijayakanth's efforts elevated public discourse on ethical politics, forcing rivals to address graft allegations more directly. Post-2023, following his death, DMDK's leadership under his widow Premalatha continued alliance deliberations for the 2026 polls, reflecting the enduring tactical leverage his third-force model provided in Tamil Nadu's fragmented landscape.

Broader cultural and social impact

Vijayakanth's self-made journey from a rural background to stardom exemplified individual agency and perseverance, inspiring emulation among rural and lower-income youth in who viewed him as a model of success against systemic barriers in the film industry. His persistence through early career rejections in the late and , culminating in breakthrough roles by the , underscored a of personal effort over entitlement, contrasting with calls for broader institutional reforms often emphasized in left-leaning critiques of opportunity structures. This resonated particularly with aspirants from modest origins, as evidenced by fan accounts portraying his life as inspirational for in cinema and beyond. His philanthropy emphasized efficient, direct aid over bureaucratic channels, funding medical emergencies and education for indigent film technicians without fanfare, and organizing fundraisers like star night shows to clear Nadigar Sangam's debts in the early 2000s. Notable contributions included Rs 1 crore to Kerala flood relief in 2018 and Rs 10 lakh to Tamil Nadu's chief minister's relief fund in 2021, prioritizing immediate relief for disaster victims and the underprivileged. Such acts modeled grassroots efficiency, appealing to those favoring personal initiative in social welfare over expansive state programs. As a cultural icon, Vijayakanth's portrayals of justice-fighting protagonists in over 150 films, often reflecting rural societal virtues and vices, cemented his status as a symbol of mass heroism, sparking debates on the efficacy of actor-politicians in delivering tangible change versus mere charisma. Media depictions varied, with some outlets framing him as a comedic figure amid political gaffes, yet his disruption of Tamil Nadu's bipolar political order highlighted the potential of fan-based mobilization rooted in individual leadership, challenging narratives that prioritize systemic overhauls. This duality fueled discussions on whether such figures empower personal agency or merely personalize politics, with proponents crediting his third-force emergence for broadening voter choices beyond entrenched alliances.

Awards and honors

Vijayakanth received multiple accolades for his performances in , including the – Tamil for Amman Kovil Kizhakale in 1986. He also won the Cinema Express Award for Best Actor for Poonthotta Kaavalkkaaran in 1988. Additionally, he earned three for his acting roles. In 2001, the conferred the Award upon him, recognizing his contributions to Tamil arts and cinema. Posthumously, on January 25, 2024, Vijayakanth was awarded the , India's third-highest civilian honor, for his distinguished service in art (cinema) and public affairs (politics); his wife Premalatha accepted it on his behalf during the ceremony on May 10, 2024.

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