Vijay (actor): Difference between revisions

{{Short description|Indian actor and singer (born 1974)}}

| image              = Vijay at Puli Audio Launch.jpg

| birthname          = Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar

'''Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar''' (born 22 June 1974),<ref name="DOB">{{Cite web |last=Manoj Kumar R |date=22 June 2022 |title='Thalapathy' Vijay, the last superstar of Tamil box office |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/opinion-entertainment/thalapathy-vijay-birthday-the-last-superstar-of-tamil-box-office-7982426/ |access-date=27 October 2022 |website=[[The Indian Express]] |language=en |archive-date=27 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027094938/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/opinion-entertainment/thalapathy-vijay-birthday-the-last-superstar-of-tamil-box-office-7982426/ |url-status=live }}</ref> known professionally as '''Vijay''', is an Indian actor and singer who works predominantly in [[Tamil cinema]].<ref name="dance">{{cite web | title=Vijay's energetic dance moves | website=The Times of India | date=15 October 2015 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/photo-features/five-reasons-why-we-love-vijay/photostory/49378314.cms | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712160604/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/photo-features/five-reasons-why-we-love-vijay/photostory/49378314.cms | archive-date=12 July 2021 | access-date=12 July 2021 | url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref><ref name="Indiatodaynews2021">{{cite magazine | title=Thalapathy Vijay to join hands with director Vamsi Paidipally for his next film | magazine=India Today | date=30 May 2021 | url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/thalapathy-vijay-to-join-hands-with-director-vamsi-paidipally-for-his-next-film-1808605-2021-05-30 | access-date=19 June 2021 | archive-date=21 June 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210621145341/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/thalapathy-vijay-to-join-hands-with-director-vamsi-paidipally-for-his-next-film-1808605-2021-05-30 | url-status=live }}</ref> He is among the highest paid actors in India.<ref name="herald-4" /><ref name="economic times">{{cite web | title=Thalapathy Vijay's first-look from 'Thalapathy 66' wins over fans, makers to reveal more details ahead of actor's 48th birthday | website=The Economic Times | date=June 20, 2022 | url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/thalapathy-vijays-first-look-from-thalapathy-66-wins-over-fans-makers-to-reveal-more-details-ahead-of-actors-48th-birthday/articleshow/92330866.cms | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220110711/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/thalapathy-vijays-first-look-from-thalapathy-66-wins-over-fans-makers-to-reveal-more-details-ahead-of-actors-48th-birthday/articleshow/92330866.cms | archive-date=December 20, 2022 | url-status=live | access-date=December 20, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.indiaglitz.com/thalapathy-66-latest-updates-directed-by-vamshi-produced-by-dil-raju-thalapathy-67-updates-beast-updates-tamil-news-293387|title = Breaking! Vijay confirms 'Thalapathy 66', becomes South India's highest paid actor – Tamil News|date = 19 August 2021|access-date = 29 August 2021|archive-date = 29 August 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210829073538/https://www.indiaglitz.com/thalapathy-66-latest-updates-directed-by-vamshi-produced-by-dil-raju-thalapathy-67-updates-beast-updates-tamil-news-293387|url-status = live}}</ref><ref name="top paid">{{cite news|url = https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vijay-confirms-thalapathy-66-for-highest-salary-in-south/articleshow/85480625.cms|title = Vijay confirms 'Thalapathy 66' for highest salary in south? - Times of India|newspaper = [[The Times of India]]|access-date = 29 August 2021|archive-date = 29 August 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210829073537/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vijay-confirms-thalapathy-66-for-highest-salary-in-south/articleshow/85480625.cms|url-status = live}}</ref><ref name="dtNext.in 2021">{{cite web | title=Vijay to get a whopping Rs 110 crore for his 66th? | website=dtNext.in | date=12 May 2021 | url=https://www.dtnext.in/News/Cinema/2021/05/12014737/1293540/Vijay-to-get-a-whopping-Rs-110-crore-for-his-66th.vpf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512062432/https://www.dtnext.in/News/Cinema/2021/05/12014737/1293540/Vijay-to-get-a-whopping-Rs-110-crore-for-his-66th.vpf | url-status=dead | archive-date=12 May 2021 | access-date=19 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=10 Highest paid actors in Kollywood|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/photo-features/10-highest-paid-actors-in-kollywood/photostory/48385784.cms|access-date=27 April 2021|newspaper=The Times of India|archive-date=27 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427144736/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/photo-features/10-highest-paid-actors-in-kollywood/photostory/48385784.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> He has played the lead in [[Vijay filmography|66 films]] and the ''[[International Business Times]]'' framed him as a "consistent performer".<ref name="Upadhyaya 2017">{{cite web |last=Upadhyaya |first=Prakash |date=13 November 2017 |title=Mersal box office collection: Vijay crowned the king of Rs 100 crore club; consistent performer than Rajinikanth, Ajith |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/mersal-box-office-collection-vijay-crowned-king-rs-100-crore-club-consistent-performer-749164 |access-date=14 May 2021 |website=IBTimes India |archive-date=6 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180606073646/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/mersal-box-office-collection-vijay-crowned-king-rs-100-crore-club-consistent-performer-749164 |url-status=live }}</ref> Referred to as "Thalapathy", Vijay has a significant following internationally.<ref name="herald-4">{{cite web | last=Sriram | first=Sowmiya | title=29 Years of Vijay Supremacy | website=indiaherald.com | date=December 3, 2021 | url=http://www.indiaherald.com/Movies/Read/994449433/-Years-of-Vijay-Supremacy | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220062002/https://www.indiaherald.com/Movies/Read/994449433/-Years-of-Vijay-Supremacy | archive-date=December 20, 2022 | access-date=December 20, 2022}}</ref><ref name="economic times" /> He has [[List of awards and nominations received by Vijay|won several awards]], including a [[South Indian International Movie Awards|South Indian International Movie Award]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/vijay-collects-his-iara-award-mersal-person-93275#:~:text=The%20International%20Achievement%20Recognition%20Awards,gave%20the%20event%20a%20miss.|title=Vijay collects his IARA Award for 'Mersal' in person|date=13 December 2018|access-date=23 December 2020|archive-date=17 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417121006/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/vijay-collects-his-iara-award-mersal-person-93275#:~:text=The%20International%20Achievement%20Recognition%20Awards,gave%20the%20event%20a%20miss.|url-status=live}}</ref>

Vijay was born as Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar in  a Tamil speaking family on 22 June 1974 in Madras (now [[Chennai]]), [[Tamil Nadu]]. His father [[S. A. Chandrasekhar]] is a Tamil film director<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-11-10 |title=The Hindu : Metro Plus Coimbatore : 'Message' man |website=[[The Hindu]] |url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2005/03/21/stories/2005032101490100.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161110133330/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2005/03/21/stories/2005032101490100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2016-11-10 |access-date=2022-11-12 }}</ref> and his mother [[Shoba Chandrasekhar]] is a playback singer and carnatic vocalist.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lakshmansruthi.com |url=http://profiles.lakshmansruthi.com/index.php?uid=684 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808051617/http://profiles.lakshmansruthi.com/index.php?uid=684 |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 August 2014 |access-date=2022-11-12 |website=profiles.lakshmansruthi.com}}</ref> His father is of Christian descent and his mother is Hindu.<ref name="VJ bio" /><ref name="tradition">{{cite web | last=Daily | first=Keralakaumudi | title="I was born as a Christian, my wife is a Hindu": Vijay's father SA Chandrasekhar responds to allegations | website=Keralakaumudi Daily | date=21 February 2020 | url=https://keralakaumudi.com/en/news/news.php?id=249358&u=i-was-born-as-a-christian-my-wife-is-a-hindu-vijays-father-sa-chandrasekhar-responds-to-allegations-249358 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220104152739/https://keralakaumudi.com/en/news/news.php?id=249358&u=i-was-born-as-a-christian-my-wife-is-a-hindu-vijays-father-sa-chandrasekhar-responds-to-allegations-249358 | archive-date=4 January 2022 | url-status=live | access-date=4 January 2022}}</ref> Vijay was [[Baptism|baptised]] at the age of 12.<ref name="VJ bio">{{cite web | title=Latest biography news about vijay | website=www.vikatan.com | date=27 December 2021 | url=https://www.vikatan.com/topics/vijay-person-2 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211227053108/https://www.vikatan.com/topics/vijay-person-2 | archive-date=27 December 2021 | url-status=bot: unknown | access-date=27 December 2021 }}</ref> Vijay had a sister, Vidhya, who died when she was two years old.<ref>[http://starsbiography.weebly.com/vijay.html "Vijay"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224031640/http://starsbiography.weebly.com/vijay.html |date=24 December 2016 }}. ''starsbiography''.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/vijay-rare-childhood-picture-sister-vidhya-chandrasekhar-thalapathy-sukran-cameo-tamil-news-230281|title=Rare picture of Vijay with his sister – Tamil News|date=25 February 2019|website=IndiaGlitz.com|access-date=23 December 2020|archive-date=12 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512141909/https://www.indiaglitz.com/vijay-rare-childhood-picture-sister-vidhya-chandrasekhar-thalapathy-sukran-cameo-tamil-news-230281|url-status=live}}</ref>

Initially attending Fathima Matriculation Higher Secondary School<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1Ecr-4c5F0 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/t1Ecr-4c5F0| archive-date=12 December 2021 |url-status=live|title=Vijay speaks about his childhood schooling in fathima matriculation school chennai|website=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> at [[Kodambakkam]], Vijay later joined the Balalok Matriculation Higher Secondary School<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/slideshow/which-celebritiy-belongs-to-your-schoolcollege/vijay.html|title=Vijay {{!}} Which Celebrity belongs to your school/college?|website=Behindwoods|date=23 April 2016|access-date=28 December 2017|archive-date=28 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228171818/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/slideshow/which-celebritiy-belongs-to-your-schoolcollege/vijay.html|url-status=live}}</ref> at [[Virugambakkam]] and went on to pursue a degree in Visual Communications from [[Loyola College, Chennai|Loyola College]]. While studying, at the age of 18, he asked his father if "he would launch him".<ref name="Vidya">{{Cite web |date=2016-05-08 |title="I would love to act as Vijays' mother" - Shoba Chandrashekar - Tamil News |url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/mothers-day-special-interview-with-illayathalapathy-vijay-mother-shobha-chandrasekhar-tamil-news-158472.html |access-date=2022-11-12 |website=IndiaGlitz.com |archive-date=12 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112032805/https://www.indiaglitz.com/mothers-day-special-interview-with-illayathalapathy-vijay-mother-shobha-chandrasekhar-tamil-news-158472.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Vijay started to play lead roles at the age of 18 starting with ''[[Naalaiya Theerpu]]'' (1992).<ref name="hindu">[http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/style-of-his-own/article2274239.ece "Style of his own"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170625123513/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/style-of-his-own/article2274239.ece |date=25 June 2017 }}.</ref> Vijay then appeared in the films ''[[Sendhoorapandi]]'', ''[[Rasigan]]'', ''[[Deva (1995 film)|Deva]]'' and ''[[Coimbatore Mappillai]].'' They were commercially successful, though not critically acclaimed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-16/sanghavi-recalls-her-experience-working-with-ilayathalapathy-vijay.html|title=''Rasigan success''|website=Behindwoods|date=16 February 2017|access-date=17 March 2021|archive-date=27 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627160136/https://m.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-16/sanghavi-recalls-her-experience-working-with-ilayathalapathy-vijay.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vikatan.com/cinema/tamil-cinema/news/93079-hidden-secrets-in-mersal-movie-poster.html|title='மெர்சல்' ஃபர்ஸ்ட்லுக்கில் இந்த விஷயங்களை எல்லாம் கவனிச்சீங்களா..?|first=Dharmik|last=Lee|date=22 June 2017|access-date=24 November 2017|archive-date=8 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808195622/http://www.vikatan.com/cinema/tamil-cinema/news/93079-hidden-secrets-in-mersal-movie-poster.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Coimbatore mappilai success">{{cite web | title=successful Pongal releases for Vijay | website=Behindwoods | date=3 January 2017 | url=http://m.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/slideshow/13-pongal-releases-for-vijay/index.html | access-date=6 May 2021 | archive-date=13 February 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200213144024/http://m.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/slideshow/13-pongal-releases-for-vijay/index.html | url-status=live }}</ref>

In 1996, Vijay performed in the [[Vikraman]]-directed ''[[Poove Unakkaga]]'', which he states gave him his "initial breaks" and caused his popularity to "reach great heights".<ref name="hits">{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/tamil/interview.php?id=13647189&cid=2408|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050113190938/http://sify.com/movies/tamil/interview.php?id=13647189&cid=2408|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 January 2005|title=Vijay blockbusters|date=20 January 2007|website=[[Sify]]|access-date=24 April 2014}}</ref> In 1997, Vijay acted in ''[[Kaalamellam Kaathiruppen]]'' which received positive response from critics,<ref name="Behindwoods 2018">{{cite web | title=Kaalamellam Kaathiruppen – When Thalapathy Vijay played negative roles – Complete list here | website=Behindwoods | date=22 October 2018 | url=https://m.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/slideshow/list-of-films-in-which-thalapathy-vijay-played-negative-roles/kaalamellam-kaathiruppen.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624074257/https://m.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/slideshow/list-of-films-in-which-thalapathy-vijay-played-negative-roles/kaalamellam-kaathiruppen.html | archive-date=24 June 2021 | url-status=live | access-date=24 June 2021}}</ref> and ''[[Love Today (1997 film)|Love Today]],'' which was applauded by audiences.<ref name="positive reviews">{{cite web |date=17 June 2020 |title='Shajahan' – 2001 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/love-today-to-vettaikaran-ten-times-when-vijay-delivered-a-super-hit-film-with-a-debutant-director/photostory/76425194.cms |access-date=14 December 2020 |website=The Times of India |ref={{sfnref | The Times of India | 2020}} |archive-date=16 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210216154745/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/love-today-to-vettaikaran-ten-times-when-vijay-delivered-a-super-hit-film-with-a-debutant-director/photostory/76425194.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>

He also starred in the films ''[[Nerrukku Ner]]'', ''[[Kadhalukku Mariyadhai]]'', ''[[Ninaithen Vandhai]]'', ''[[Priyamudan]]'' and ''[[Thulladha Manamum Thullum]]'' which released to positive reviews and were commercially successful.<ref name="Indiatodayreview">{{cite web |title=Happy Birthday Vijay: 10 best films of Ilayathalapathy as a performer |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/photo/happy-birthday-vijay-best-films-of-ilayathalapathy-vijay-19869-2016-06-22 |access-date=5 August 2019 |website=India Today |language=en |archive-date=5 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190805123701/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/photo/happy-birthday-vijay-best-films-of-ilayathalapathy-vijay-19869-2016-06-22 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Straits Times">{{cite web | title=Vijay flag flys high as an anti-hero | website=New Straits Times | date=23 June 2021 | url=https://mobile.twitter.com/VijayIsMyLife/status/1403445876815581188/photo/1 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623163943/https://mobile.twitter.com/VijayIsMyLife/status/1403445876815581188/photo/1 | archive-date=23 June 2021 | url-status=live | access-date=23 June 2021}}</ref> He then performed in ''[[Nilaave Vaa]]''. This was followed by the films ''[[Endrendrum Kadhal]]'', ''[[Nenjinile]],'' and ''[[Minsara Kanna]]''.<ref name="India Today 2021">{{cite web | title=Master is blockbuster but can Vijay now step out of his comfort zone? | website=India Today | date=16 January 2021 | url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/master-is-blockbuster-but-can-vijay-now-step-out-of-his-comfort-zone-1759706-2021-01-16 | access-date=17 May 2021 | archive-date=3 May 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503111825/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/master-is-blockbuster-but-can-vijay-now-step-out-of-his-comfort-zone-1759706-2021-01-16 | url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2000, he performed in ''[[Kannukkul Nilavu]]'', which was Vijay's 25th critically successful film,<ref name="India Today">{{cite web | title=Happy Birthday Vijay: 10 best films of Ilayathalapathy as a performer | website=India Today | date=22 June 2016 | url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/photo/happy-birthday-vijay-best-films-of-ilayathalapathy-vijay-19869-2016-06-22 | access-date=26 November 2020 | archive-date=3 December 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203164753/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/photo/happy-birthday-vijay-best-films-of-ilayathalapathy-vijay-19869-2016-06-22 | url-status=live }}</ref> alongside two commercially successful romance films, ''[[Kushi (2000 film)|Kushi]]'' and ''[[Priyamaanavale]]''. His next successful films were ''[[Friends (2001 film)|Friends]],'' ''[[Badri (2001 film)|Badri]]'' and ''[[Shahjahan (film)|Shahjahan]].'' In 2002, he starred in the action film ''[[Thamizhan]]'' alongside Hindi actress [[Priyanka Chopra]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://ibnlive.com/news/thamizhan-was-hit-because-of-vijay-imman/303460-71.html|title='Thamizhan' was hit because of Vijay: Imman|website=CNN-IBN|date=2 November 2012|access-date=10 December 2012|archive-date=20 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220234859/https://www.news18.com/|url-status=live}}<br />- {{cite web|url=http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/BFB69CAB26ED7A73E5256BB1001949FF|title=April brings cheer to Tamil film industry|work=The Times of India|date=3 May 2002|access-date=12 December 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322150013/http://www.cscsarchive.org:8081/MediaArchive/art.nsf/(docid)/BFB69CAB26ED7A73E5256BB1001949FF|archive-date=22 March 2012}}</ref><ref name="positive reviews" /> Later, he featured in the romantic film ''[[Youth (2002 film)|Youth]]'' and the action film ''[[Bagavathi]]''.<ref name="toi films">{{cite web | title='Priyamanavale' to 'Pokkiri': Five superhit Tamil films of Vijay | website=The Times of India | date=3 April 2020 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/priyamanavale-to-pokkiri-five-blockbuster-tamil-films-of-vijay-that-were-remade-from-telugu/photostory/74968711.cms | ref={{sfnref | The Times of India | 2020}} | access-date=25 November 2020 | archive-date=4 May 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504103643/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/priyamanavale-to-pokkiri-five-blockbuster-tamil-films-of-vijay-that-were-remade-from-telugu/photostory/74968711.cms | url-status=live }}</ref>

Vijay began 2003 with the comedy film ''[[Vaseegara (film)|Vaseegara]]'' and the supernatural film ''[[Pudhiya Geethai]]''.<ref>{{cite web | last=R | first=Manoj Kumar | title=Vijay's impressive comic-timing in Vaseegara | website=The Indian Express | date=22 June 2021 | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/opinion-entertainment/wishlist-vijay-should-collaborate-with-these-five-impressive-filmmakers-7369728/ | access-date=5 July 2021 | archive-date=9 July 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182601/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/opinion-entertainment/wishlist-vijay-should-collaborate-with-these-five-impressive-filmmakers-7369728/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="toi films" />

Following the action-romance flick ''[[Thirumalai]]'' in 2003'','' ''[[Ghilli]]'', a film directed by [[S. Dharani]] and produced by [[A. M. Rathnam]], was released. It co-starred [[Trisha Krishnan|Trisha]] and [[Prakash Raj]] with Vijay as the lead.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/9966.html |title=Ghilli's record break |website=Indiaglitz.com |date=24 July 2004 |access-date=10 May 2013 |archive-date=21 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921060746/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/9966.html |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Ghilli'' was the first Tamil film of all time to gross over {{INR}}500 million, or {{INR}}50 crore, in the domestic box office.<ref name="Nair 2016" />  The film grossed nearly $500,000 in the Malaysian market.<ref name=":10">{{cite web |date=17 April 2018 |title=14 years of Vijay's Ghilli&nbsp;– Things you din't know about the blockbuster |url=http://www.suryanfm.in/suryan-stories/14-years-ilayathalapthy-vijays-ghilli-facts/ |access-date=12 June 2020 |website=Suryan FM |language=en-US |archive-date=12 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612085138/http://www.suryanfm.in/suryan-stories/14-years-ilayathalapthy-vijays-ghilli-facts/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Ghilli'' also broke the record for the most people seeing a movie in the first week of its release, previously held by [[M. G. Ramachandran]]'s ''[[Adimai Penn]]'' (1969).<ref name=":10" /> ''Ghilli'' received favourable reviews.<ref>{{cite news |last1=S |first1=Srivatsan |title=When Janaki Sabesh and Ashish Vidyarthi had a 'Ghilli' reunion |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/the-ghilli-reunion/article31778167.ece |access-date=11 April 2021 |work=The Hindu |date=8 June 2020 |language=en-IN |archive-date=11 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411110633/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/the-ghilli-reunion/article31778167.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[The Hindu]]'' stated that "Vijay, the hero whom the masses today identify with, and [[Prakash Raj]], the inimitable villain in tow, this flick, "Ghilli"...on a winning track".<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2004/04/23/stories/2004042301450300.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040705172302/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2004/04/23/stories/2004042301450300.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=5 July 2004 | location=Chennai, India | work=[[The Hindu]] | title=Ghilli | date=23 April 2004}}</ref>[[File:Vijayat2007.jpg|thumb|Vijay at a function in 2007|173x173px]]

''Ghilli'' was followed by commercially successful films ''[[Madhurey]]'' and ''[[Thirupaachi]]'' in 2005.<ref name="The Times of India">{{cite web | title='Love Today' to 'Vettaikaran': Ten times when Vijay delivered a super hit film with a debutant director | website=The Times of India | date=17 June 2020 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/love-today-to-vettaikaran-ten-times-when-vijay-delivered-a-super-hit-film-with-a-debutant-director/photostory/76425194.cms | access-date=25 November 2020 | archive-date=16 February 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210216154745/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/love-today-to-vettaikaran-ten-times-when-vijay-delivered-a-super-hit-film-with-a-debutant-director/photostory/76425194.cms | url-status=live }}</ref> Later, Vijay starred in the commercially and critically successful films ''[[Sachein]]'', ''[[Sivakasi (film)|Sivakasi]]'' and ''[[Pokkiri]]''.<ref name="The Times of India" /> ''Pokkiri'' was one of the highest-grossing films in his career at that time.<ref>{{cite web | title='Pokkiri' to 'Bairavaa': Five times when Vijay rocked the box office during Pongal | website=The Times of India | date=11 January 2021 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/pokkiri-to-bairavaa-five-times-when-vijay-rocked-the-box-office-during-pongal/photostory/80214638.cms | access-date=29 September 2021 | archive-date=29 September 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929164825/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/pokkiri-to-bairavaa-five-times-when-vijay-rocked-the-box-office-during-pongal/photostory/80214638.cms | url-status=live }}</ref>

In late 2007, Vijay starred in the romantic [[Thriller film|thriller]] film ''[[Azhagiya Tamil Magan]]'', where he played the role of the protagonist and antagonist at the same time.<ref>{{cite web | title=When a star was his own villain! | website=The Times of India | date=August 31, 2016 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/photo-features/when-a-star-was-his-own-villain/photostory/53946087.cms | access-date=November 12, 2022 | archive-date=12 November 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112071529/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/photo-features/when-a-star-was-his-own-villain/photostory/53946087.cms | url-status=live }}</ref> ''Azhagiya Tamil Magan'' collected $1.043 million overseas, a top grosser at overseas box offices in 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/intl/?page=&country=ZA&id=_fAZHAGIYATAMIZHMA01|title=Azhagiya Tamizh Magan (2007)|website=www.boxofficemojo.com|access-date=15 May 2019|archive-date=20 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220234915/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl768771073/weekend/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Screen Daily]], a'' British magazine, reported that ''Azhagiya Tamil Magan'' had entered the top ten Asian films box office hit chart in Malaysia in 2007.<ref>{{cite web | last=Wong | first=Silvia | title=Malaysian box office hits all-time high of $100m | website=Screen | date=5 February 2008 | url=https://www.screendaily.com/malaysian-box-office-hits-all-time-high-of-100m/4037013.article | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206052007/https://www.screendaily.com/malaysian-box-office-hits-all-time-high-of-100m/4037013.article | archive-date=6 December 2021 | url-status=live | access-date=6 December 2021}}</ref> Barring the commercially successful ''[[Vettaikaaran (2009 film)|Vettaikaaran]]'' (2009),<ref>{{cite web |date=28 January 2010 |title=Chennai Box Office–Jan 22 to 24 |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=pluprFijeeaec |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170221074110/http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=pluprFijeeaec |archive-date=21 February 2017 |url-status=dead |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref> all of his subsequent releases from ''Azhagiya Tamil Magan'', ''[[Kuruvi]]'' and ''[[Villu (film)|Villu]]'' were average successes; all three films were more successful overseas.<ref>{{cite web |date=4 December 2007 |title=CBO&nbsp;– Nov 30 to Dec 2 |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=plupn1acchbad |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20171219123951/http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=plupn1acchbad |archive-date=19 December 2017 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=17 June 2008 |title=Chennai Box-Office (June 13–15) |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=plupovhjhhacc |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20171219123953/http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=plupovhjhhacc |archive-date=19 December 2017 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=3 February 2009 |title=Chennai Box Office (Jan 30 to February 1, 2009) |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=pluppHedibbbf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20171219123953/http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=pluppHedibbbf |archive-date=19 December 2017 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref> In 2009, Vijay became one of the highest paid actors in South India.<ref>{{cite web | title=Sreedhar Pillai: 2009 Tamil actors market salary rates- Vijay is the highest paid actor after Rajini and Kamal in 2009 | website=Twitter | date=Jul 9, 2022 | url=https://mobile.twitter.com/sri50/status/7163372624 | access-date=Jul 9, 2022 | archive-date=9 July 2022 | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220709070710/https://mobile.twitter.com/sri50/status/7163372624 | url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref> In 2010, he acted in the action comedy film ''[[Sura (film)|Sura]]'', which was a box office failure. Sura was Vijay's 50th film as a lead actor.<ref name="Indian TV channels">{{cite web|date=23 November 2017|title=BARC Wk 45: Movies from south spike viewership of Hindi channels|url=https://www.exchange4media.com/media-tv-news/barc-wk-45movies-from-south-spike-viewership-of-hindi-channels-87298.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210723164333/https://www.exchange4media.com/media-tv-news/barc-wk-45movies-from-south-spike-viewership-of-hindi-channels-87298.html|archive-date=23 July 2021|access-date=17 August 2021|website=Indian Advertising Media & Marketing News – exchange4media}}</ref><ref name="timesindia">{{cite web | title=Did you know Vijay's 'Sura' director SP Rajkumar was going to team up with Ajith a few years back? | website=The Times of India | date=30 April 2020 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/did-you-know/did-you-know-vijays-sura-director-sp-rajkumar-was-going-to-team-up-with-ajith-a-few-years-back/articleshow/75472908.cms | access-date=7 June 2021 | archive-date=27 August 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827102800/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/did-you-know/did-you-know-vijays-sura-director-sp-rajkumar-was-going-to-team-up-with-ajith-a-few-years-back/articleshow/75472908.cms | url-status=live }}</ref>

In early 2011, Vijay joined up with director [[Siddique (director)|Siddique]] for the romantic comedy ''[[Kaavalan]].'' It received positive responses from both viewers and critics, with a box office collection of {{INR}}102 crore worldwide.<ref name="businessworld.in 2015">{{cite web | title=The South Side Story | website=businessworld.in | date=19 February 2015 | url=http://www.businessworld.in/news/null/the-south-side-story/696844/page-1.html | archive-url=https://archive.today/20141214014842/http://www.businessworld.in/news/null/the-south-side-story/696844/page-1.html | archive-date=14 December 2014 | url-status=dead | access-date=5 March 2021}}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110128024128/http://www.sify.com/movies/vijay-s-kaavalan-is-a-hit-news-tamil-lbzkgaadefh.html Kaavalan is a Hit]. Sify.com. Retrieved 6 June 2011.</ref> ''Kaavalan'' was screened at the [[Shanghai International Film Festival]] in China.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/south-kaavalan-at-the-shanghai-film-festival/20110509.htm|title=Vijay's Kaavalan at the Shanghai film festival|work=Rediff|access-date=10 September 2018|archive-date=11 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911045110/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/south-kaavalan-at-the-shanghai-film-festival/20110509.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Kaavalan'' was a commercial success in China.<ref>{{cite web | title=Ilaya Thalapathy Vijay Wows China – Vijay – Kavalan – Shanghai Film Festival – Tamil Movie News | website=Behindwoods.com | date=23 June 2021 | url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/jun-11-02/vijay-kavalan-13-06-11-02.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623054853/https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/jun-11-02/vijay-kavalan-13-06-11-02.html | archive-date=23 June 2021 | url-status=live | access-date=23 June 2021}}</ref> During [[Diwali]] the same year, his next film, the action film ''[[Velayudham]]'', directed by [[M. Raja]] and produced by [[Venu Ravichandran]], was released.<ref name="Nair 2016" /> ''Velayudham'' became one of the top-grossing films of 2011.<ref name="Nair 2016">{{cite web | last=Nair | first=Sree Prasad | title=From Ghilli to Theri: 10 Ilayathalapathy Vijay action blockbusters one should know! | website=CatchNews.com | date=19 May 2016 | url=https://www.catchnews.com/regional-cinema/list-of-ilayathalapathy-vijay-action-packed-films-actor-vijay-filmography-theri-movie-box-office-records-top-south-indian-action-films-from-ghilli-to-theri-movie-news-1463648578.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213072110/https://www.catchnews.com/regional-cinema/list-of-ilayathalapathy-vijay-action-packed-films-actor-vijay-filmography-theri-movie-box-office-records-top-south-indian-action-films-from-ghilli-to-theri-movie-news-1463648578.html | access-date=21 December 2020| archive-date=13 December 2021 }}</ref> ''Velayudham'' was a critical success among Japanese audiences.<ref name="Zee News 2013">{{cite web | title=Velayudham popularity in Japan | website=Zee News | date=16 April 2013 | url=https://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/regional/hansika-motwani-touched-by-japanese-fans_132222.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220116100114/https://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/regional/hansika-motwani-touched-by-japanese-fans_132222.html | archive-date=16 January 2022 | access-date=21 May 2021}}</ref>

Vijay's next release in 2012 was ''[[Nanban (2012 film)|Nanban]]''. ''Nanban'' was screened at the [[Melbourne International Film Festival]] in Australia.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/priyanka-vijay-other-stars-at-indian-film-festival-of-melbourne-news-bollywood-mgor5dfjgcgsi.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150814184816/http://www.sify.com/movies/priyanka-vijay-other-stars-at-indian-film-festival-of-melbourne-news-bollywood-mgor5dfjgcgsi.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 August 2015|title=Priyanka, Vijay & other stars at Indian Film Festival of Melbourne|work=Sify|access-date=14 December 2017}}</ref> Vijay's performance in the film received critical acclaim.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-01-23/news-interviews/30655364_1_kamal-haasan-ulaganayagan-verdict |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130520111634/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-01-23/news-interviews/30655364_1_kamal-haasan-ulaganayagan-verdict |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 May 2013 |title=Kamal Haasan's verdict on Nanban |date=23 January 2012 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=13 August 2012}}</ref> ''Nanban'' went on to have a 100-day theatrical run.<ref>{{cite web|title=Movie Review: Nanban|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/nanban-review-tamil-14988520.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925162351/http://www.sify.com/movies/nanban-review-tamil-14988520.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 September 2013|website=[[Sify]]|access-date=12 January 2012}}<br />- {{cite web|last=Srinivasan|first=Pavithra|title=Review: Nanban is worth a watch|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/south-review-nanban-is-worth-a-watch/20120112.htm|website=Rediff.com|access-date=12 January 2012|archive-date=26 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170226145641/http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/south-review-nanban-is-worth-a-watch/20120112.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[The Indian Express]]'' reported the film ''Nanban'' grossed {{INR}}150 crore at the box office.<ref name="express">{{cite news |last1=Pereira |first1=Priyanka |title=Foreign Return |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/foreign-return/984421/ |access-date=19 March 2021 |work=Indian Express |date=6 August 2012 |archive-date=4 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220304043041/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/foreign-return/984421/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The action thriller ''[[Thuppakki]]'', directed by [[AR Murugadoss|A. R. Murugadoss]] and produced by [[S. Dhanu]], was released on Diwali 2012 to positive reviews.<ref>{{cite web | last=Srinivasan | first=Pavithra | title=Review: Thuppaki is dull | website=Rediff | date=13 November 2012 | url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/review-thuppaki-is-dull/20121113.htm | access-date=3 July 2021 | archive-date=9 July 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183730/https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/review-thuppaki-is-dull/20121113.htm | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/dec-11-01/vijay-thuppaki-05-12-11.html |title=Vijay's Thupakki starts! |website=Behindwoods.com |date=5 December 2011 |access-date=28 June 2012 |archive-date=18 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120418060500/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/dec-11-01/vijay-thuppaki-05-12-11.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The film became the third Tamil film to enter the {{INR}}1 billion club domestically.<ref>{{cite web | title='Thuppakki' Box Office Collection Crosses ₹100 Crore Mark: Vijay's Biggest Grosser Ever | website=IBTimes India | date=27 November 2012 | url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/039thuppakki039-box-office-collection-crosses-100-crore-mark-vijay039s-biggest-grosser-ever-408828 | access-date=26 January 2021 | archive-date=14 June 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614124609/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/039thuppakki039-box-office-collection-crosses-100-crore-mark-vijay039s-biggest-grosser-ever-408828 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-01-10/news-interviews/36257239_1_crore-club-thuppakki-vijay-film |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130417193911/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-01-10/news-interviews/36257239_1_crore-club-thuppakki-vijay-film |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 April 2013 |work=[[The Times of India]] |title=Ilayathalapathy Vijay joins the Rs 100 crore club!|access-date=10 January 2013}}</ref> ''Thuppakki'' became the [[List of highest-grossing Indian films|highest-grossing film]] of Vijay's career at the time, and the first of his films to gross over {{INR}}1,800,000,000.<ref name="catchnews">{{Cite news|url=http://www.catchnews.com/regional-cinema/list-of-ilayathalapathy-vijay-action-packed-films-actor-vijay-filmography-theri-movie-box-office-records-top-south-indian-action-films-from-ghilli-to-theri-movie-news-1463648578.html|title=From Ghilli to Theri: 10 Ilayathalapathy Vijay action blockbusters one should know!|work=CatchNews.com|access-date=14 December 2017|archive-date=13 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213072110/https://www.catchnews.com/regional-cinema/list-of-ilayathalapathy-vijay-action-packed-films-actor-vijay-filmography-theri-movie-box-office-records-top-south-indian-action-films-from-ghilli-to-theri-movie-news-1463648578.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.catchnews.com/regional-cinema/theri-crosses-the-rs-150-crore-mark-at-the-box-office-all-set-to-break-vijay-s-highest-grosser-thuppakki-1461844410.html|title=Vijay's Theri crosses Rs 150 crore mark at Box Office, all set to break records of Thuppakki|work=CatchNews.com|access-date=14 December 2017|archive-date=15 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215001822/http://www.catchnews.com/regional-cinema/theri-crosses-the-rs-150-crore-mark-at-the-box-office-all-set-to-break-vijay-s-highest-grosser-thuppakki-1461844410.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Thuppakki'' was screened at the Russian film festival.<ref>{{cite web | title=Thuppakki will be screened in Russia as part of their celebration | website=Behindwoods | date=3 October 2013 | url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-10/thuppakki-vettaiyadu-vilayadu-and-aadukalam-will-be-screened-in-russia-as-part-of-their-celebrations-of-100-years-of-indian-cinema.html | access-date=12 July 2021 | archive-date=12 July 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712093306/https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-10/thuppakki-vettaiyadu-vilayadu-and-aadukalam-will-be-screened-in-russia-as-part-of-their-celebrations-of-100-years-of-indian-cinema.html | url-status=live }}</ref> [[File:Tamil Film actor Vijay Celebrating World Environment Day at the U.S. Consulate Chennai 18.jpg|thumb|Vijay as the ambassador of "v go green" movement organised by [[Consulate General of the United States, Chennai|Consulate General of the America, Chennai]] in 2013|204x204px]] His next film ''[[Thalaivaa]]'', directed by [[A. L. Vijay]], was released on 9 August 2013 worldwide to mixed reports,<ref>{{cite web | title='Thalaivaa' Review Roundup: Watch it for Vijay | website=IBTimes India | date=9 August 2013 | url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/039thalaivaa039-review-roundup-watch-it-for-vijay-498010 | access-date=3 July 2021 | archive-date=9 July 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182748/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/039thalaivaa039-review-roundup-watch-it-for-vijay-498010 | url-status=live }}</ref> and had a delayed release in Tamil Nadu.<ref>[http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/review/17140.html Thalaiva Tamil Movie Review&nbsp;– cinema preview stills gallery trailer video clips showtimes] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140217003318/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/review/17140.html |date=17 February 2014 }}. Indiaglitz.com (9 August 2013). Retrieved 21 July 2014.</ref> ''Thalaivaa'' was overall a box office failure.<ref name="Nair 2016" />

The film ''[[Jilla]]'' released in 2014 and ended up as a box office hit.<ref>[http://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/regional/tamil/news-interviews/Vijays-Jilla-set-to-roll-from-May/articleshow/18588307.cms Vijay's 'Jilla' set to roll from May!&nbsp;– TOI Mobile | The Times of India Mobile Site] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130221054334/http://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/regional/tamil/news-interviews/Vijays-Jilla-set-to-roll-from-May/articleshow/18588307.cms |date=21 February 2013 }}. ''The Times of India''. (20 February 2013). Retrieved 25 April 2013.<br />- [http://www.inreporter.com/tag/jilla-100-day-box-office-collection/ Jilla 100 Day Box Office Collection] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715003215/http://www.inreporter.com/tag/jilla-100-day-box-office-collection/ |date=15 July 2014 }}. ''InReporter'', 10 April 2014.<br />- [http://m.ibtimes.co.in/box-office-collection-vijay039s-039jilla039-outperforms-ajith039s-039veeram039-at-worldwide-bo-534906 Box Office Collection: Vijay's 'Jilla' Outperforms Ajith's 'Veeram' at Worldwide BO] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714200025/http://m.ibtimes.co.in/box-office-collection-vijay039s-039jilla039-outperforms-ajith039s-039veeram039-at-worldwide-bo-534906 |date=14 July 2014 }}. ''International Business Times''. (18 January 2014). Retrieved 21 July 2014.</ref> Vijay again worked with AR Murugadoss in the action thriller ''[[Kaththi]]''. The film released to critical acclaim.<ref>Sangeetha Seshagiri (22 October 2014) [http://www.ibtimes.co.in/kaththi-review-vijay-excels-dual-roles-treat-fans-611999 'Kaththi' Review Roundup: Vijay Gives Sharp Performance; Worth a Watch] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705170244/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/kaththi-review-vijay-excels-dual-roles-treat-fans-611999 |date=5 July 2017 }}. ''International Business Times''</ref> The ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' called ''Kaththi'' a "success in style".<ref name="latimes">{{cite web | title=Kaththi a success in style | website=www.latimes.com | date=3 July 2021 | url=https://ibb.co/dg7cZRC | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703074019/https://ibb.co/dg7cZRC | url-status=dead | archive-date=3 July 2021 | access-date=3 July 2021}}</ref> ''Kaththi'' collected {{INR}}130 crore at the box office.<ref>{{cite web | last=Seshagiri | first=Sangeetha | title=Box Office: Vijay's 'Kaththi' Completes 75 Days | website=IBTimes India | date=5 January 2015 | url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/box-office-rajinis-lingaa-enters-25th-day-vijays-kaththi-completes-75-days-619327 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102054325/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/box-office-rajinis-lingaa-enters-25th-day-vijays-kaththi-completes-75-days-619327 | archive-date=2 January 2022 | access-date=2 January 2022}}</ref><ref name="Upadhyaya ibt">{{cite web | last=Upadhyaya | first=Prakash | title=Vijay's film racing towards Rs 150 crore mark | website=IBTimes India | date=23 October 2017 | url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/mersal-5-days-box-office-collection-vijays-film-racing-towards-rs-150-crore-1st-weekend-746518 | access-date=25 August 2021 | archive-date=26 December 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226083638/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/mersal-5-days-box-office-collection-vijays-film-racing-towards-rs-150-crore-1st-weekend-746518 | url-status=live }}</ref> It was the second-highest-grossing Tamil film of 2014.<ref>[http://www.ibtimes.co.in/vijays-kaththi-biggest-tamil-hit-2014-box-office-613580 "'Kaththi' Box Office: Vijay Starrer Becomes Biggest Tamil Hit of 2014"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150101232339/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/vijays-kaththi-biggest-tamil-hit-2014-box-office-613580 |date=1 January 2015 }}. ''International Business Times''. 10 November 2014.</ref>

In 2015, the [[fairy tale]] [[fantasy film]] ''[[Puli 2015|Puli]]'' was released, directed by [[Chimbu Deven]]. ''Puli'' received mixed reviews from critics,<ref>{{cite web|last=IBTimes|date=4 October 2015|title='Puli' movie review roundup: Vijay-starrer bags mixed reviews, poor ratings from Telugu critics|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/puli-movie-review-roundup-vijay-starrer-bags-mixed-reviews-poor-ratings-telugu-critics-649076|access-date=22 April 2020|website=International Business Times, India Edition|language=en|archive-date=8 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200608123213/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/puli-movie-review-roundup-vijay-starrer-bags-mixed-reviews-poor-ratings-telugu-critics-649076|url-status=live}}</ref> though Vijay was praised for venturing into a new genre.<ref>{{cite web|date=1 October 2015|title=PULI MOVIE REVIEW|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/puli/puli-review.html|website=Behindwoods|access-date=8 June 2020|archive-date=1 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001123015/http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/puli/puli-review.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Upadhyaya ibt" /><ref name="Bangalore Mirror 2015">{{cite web | title=Puli roars at the box office | website=Bangalore Mirror | date=5 October 2015 | url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/south-masala/puli-roars-at-the-box-office/articleshow/49232877.cms | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301040136/https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/south-masala/puli-roars-at-the-box-office/articleshow/49232877.cms | archive-date=1 March 2022 | url-status=live | access-date=1 March 2022}}</ref> ''Puli'' was one of the highest-grossing films of 2015 in its entire run.<ref name="Bangalore Mirror 2015" /> The film's satellite rights and distribution rights were sold for {{INR}}100 crore.<ref name="Bangalore Mirror 2015" /><ref>{{cite web | title=Vijay's latest release crosses Rs 100 crore in pre-release business-Entertainment News , Firstpost | website=Firstpost | date=17 October 2017 | url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/mersal-vijay-atlees-diwali-release-crosses-rs-150-crore-in-pre-release-business-4150357.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301040828/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/mersal-vijay-atlees-diwali-release-crosses-rs-150-crore-in-pre-release-business-4150357.html | archive-date=1 March 2022 | url-status=live | access-date=1 March 2022}}</ref> Since director Deven is a cartoonist, the film's half-demon theme was partially based on Japanese hit anime manga series ''[[Inuyasha]]'', similar to which, Vijay played a "Tiger-demon" with tiger's teeth and blue eyes.<ref>{{cite web | title=Inuyasha influenced Vijay's Tiger demon character concept in Puli with Tiger fangs | website=Spacebox | date=14 July 2022 | url=https://m.imdb.com/title/tt0290223/movieconnections/?ref_=tt_trv_cnn | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714104139/https://m.imdb.com/title/tt0290223/movieconnections/?ref_=tt_trv_cnn | archive-date=14 July 2022 | url-status=live | access-date=14 July 2022}}</ref><ref name="CNN-News18 2015">{{cite web | title='Puli' is a film that everybody can enjoy: Chimbu Deven | website=News, Breaking News, Latest News, News Headlines, Live News, Today News CNN-News18 | date=29 September 2015 | url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/puli-is-a-film-that-everybody-can-enjoy-chimbu-deven-1121995.html | access-date=19 May 2021 | archive-date=11 May 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511133916/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/puli-is-a-film-that-everybody-can-enjoy-chimbu-deven-1121995.html | url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]'' stated Vijay excels as a "Tiger-demon" in the film.<ref>{{cite web | title=Vijay excels as a Tiger demon | website=www.smh.com.au | date=4 July 2021 | url=https://archive.org/download/the-sydney-morning-herald-latest-entertainment-updates/The%20Sydney%20Morning%20Herald%20Latest%20Entertainment%20Updates.png | access-date=4 July 2021}}</ref> ''[[IB Times]]'' reported ''Puli'' was successful in foreign markets and is regarded as one of the Indian films that took the standard to an international level.<ref name="IBTimes India 2015">{{cite web | title='Baahubali', 'Puli', 'Rudhramadevi' effect: IIFA to celebrate South Cinema; Rana to be ambassador? | website=IBTimes India | date=14 October 2015 | url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/baahubali-puli-rudhramadevi-effect-iifa-celebrate-south-cinema-rana-be-ambassador-650576 | access-date=11 May 2021 | archive-date=12 May 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512060026/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/baahubali-puli-rudhramadevi-effect-iifa-celebrate-south-cinema-rana-be-ambassador-650576 | url-status=live }}</ref>

The action-thriller ''[[Theri (film)|Theri]]'' directed by [[Atlee (director)|Atlee]] was released in April 2016 to mixed reviews from critics and audiences, with one reviewer criticizing the actor's performance and the "predictable" storyline.<ref name="VS 2020">{{cite web | last=VS | first=Goutham | title=Theri movie review: Vijay's limitations as an actor exposed in a predictable storyline | website=The Indian Express | date=5 June 2020 | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/theri-movie-review-vijay-gimmicks-too-less-a-factor-to-be-excited-about-a-predictable-storyline/ | access-date=29 June 2021 | archive-date=21 September 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921232459/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/theri-movie-review-vijay-gimmicks-too-less-a-factor-to-be-excited-about-a-predictable-storyline/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>Upadhyaya, Prakash. [http://www.ibtimes.co.in/theri-box-office-collection-vijay-starrer-strikes-gold-chennai-set-complete-75-days-theatres-684012 "'Theri' box office collection: Vijay-starrer strikes gold in Chennai, set to complete 75 days in theatres"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019123755/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/theri-box-office-collection-vijay-starrer-strikes-gold-chennai-set-complete-75-days-theatres-684012 |date=19 October 2017 }}.</ref> It was the second-highest-grossing Tamil film of 2016 and Vijay's second film to gross over {{INR}}1,710,000,000.<ref name="Nair 2016" /> In 2017, the [[masala film]] ''[[Bairavaa]]'' was released. It received mixed reviews and it collected {{INR}}115 crore at the box office.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/vijay-gifts-gold-ornaments-bairavaa-bhairava-unit-following-its-success-box-office-714946|title=Vijay gifts gold ornaments to Bairavaa (Bhairava) unit following its success at box office|last=Upadhyaya|first=Prakash|work=International Business Times, India Edition|access-date=16 December 2017|language=en|archive-date=17 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171217014140/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/vijay-gifts-gold-ornaments-bairavaa-bhairava-unit-following-its-success-box-office-714946|url-status=live}}</ref>

His 61st film, the action thriller ''[[Mersal (film)|Mersal]]'', was directed by Atlee and released [[Diwali]] of 2017. It was both a critical and commercial success,<ref>{{cite web | last=Suganth | first=M | title=Mersal Review {3.5/5}: When you have a mass hero in full form like Vijay is in the film, how can things go wrong? | website=The Times of India | date=18 October 2017 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/mersal/movie-review/61127534.cms | access-date=29 June 2021}}</ref> becoming the first of Vijay's films to gross over {{INR}}2.5 billion.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/ilayathalapathy-vijays-mersal-creates-history-breaches-rs-250-crore-mark-750449|title=Ilayathalapathy Vijay's Mersal creates history; breaches Rs 250-crore mark|last=Upadhyaya|first=Prakash|work=International Business Times, India Edition|access-date=14 December 2017|archive-date=26 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171126001330/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/ilayathalapathy-vijays-mersal-creates-history-breaches-rs-250-crore-mark-750449|url-status=live}}</ref> The film was also released in Japan in the cities of Tokyo, Ebina, Osaka and Nakaya.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/entertainment/mersal-thalapathy-vijay-movie-becomes-1st-ever-tamil-film-to-create-this-big-record-find-out-what-it-is/889875/|title=Thalapathy Vijay's Mersal creates a big record even before its release; find out what it is|date=11 October 2017|work=The Financial Express|access-date=8 September 2018|archive-date=9 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180909001905/https://www.financialexpress.com/entertainment/mersal-thalapathy-vijay-movie-becomes-1st-ever-tamil-film-to-create-this-big-record-find-out-what-it-is/889875/|url-status=live}}</ref> For his role in ''Mersal'', Vijay was nominated for Best Actor at the [[National Film Awards UK]] in 2018. The film won the Best Foreign Language Film award at the same event.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/vijay-s-mersal-wins-international-award-78864|title=Vijay's 'Mersal' wins international award|date=2 April 2018|work=The News Minute|access-date=10 September 2018|archive-date=3 April 2019|archive-url=https://archive.today/20190403155318/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/vijay-s-mersal-wins-international-award-78864|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite tweet |author=National Film Awards |author-link=National Film Awards |user=NATFilmAwards |number=952837850898280449 |date=15 January 2018 |title=Congratulations to @actorvijay nominated for #BestSupportingActor at the #NationalFilmAwardsUK for his role on the film @MersalFilm Vote now @ https://t.co/m9o5bhrBeR #NationalFilmAwardsUK https://t.co/VhS8hRrSql |language=en |access-date=31 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508041501/https://twitter.com/natfilmawards/status/952837850898280449 |archive-date=8 May 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> The film was Vijay's third film to be released in China after ''Kaavalan'' (2011) and ''Puli'' (2015).<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://m.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-16/thalapathy-vijays-mersal-to-release-in-china.html|title=Thalapathy Vijay's Mersal to release in China|date=10 August 2018|work=Behindwoods|access-date=10 August 2018|archive-date=26 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226083456/https://m.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-16/thalapathy-vijays-mersal-to-release-in-china.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sify.com/movies/puli-to-release-in-japan-and-china-news-tamil-pj0ky8fdbhgie.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928225245/http://www.sify.com/movies/puli-to-release-in-japan-and-china-news-tamil-pj0ky8fdbhgie.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 September 2015|title='Puli' to release in Japan and China?|website=[[Sify]]}}</ref> The film was also screened at the [[Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival]] in South Korea.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-16/vijays-mersal-screened-at-bifan-film-festival.html|title=Vijay's Mersal screened at BIFAN Film Festival|date=30 July 2018|work=Behindwoods|access-date=10 September 2018|archive-date=3 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403231358/https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-16/vijays-mersal-screened-at-bifan-film-festival.html|url-status=live}}</ref>{{Quote box

| source =&nbsp;—Vijay speaking in 2017 on his film career<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/mersal-audio-launch-ignore-negativity-vijay-tells-his-fans/article19530258.ece|title=I ask my fans to Ignore negativity: Vijay|website=The Hindu|date=20 August 2017|access-date=20 August 2017|last1=Ramanujam|first1=Srinivasa|last2=Menon|first2=Vishal|archive-date=6 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191206114407/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/mersal-audio-launch-ignore-negativity-vijay-tells-his-fans/article19530258.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2018 the [[Political cinema|political film]] ''[[Sarkar (2018 film)|Sarkar]]'' was released with Vijay in the lead role, directed by AR Murugadoss. [[Keerthy Suresh|Keerthi Suresh]] played the female supporting role, it being her second collaboration with Vijay after ''Bairavaa''. Following its release on [[Diwali]] 2018,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/vijay-62-sun-pictures-produce-ar-murugadoss-next-film-732281|title=Vijay 62: Sun Pictures to produce AR Murugadoss' next film?|first=Prakash|last=Upadhyaya|website=[[International Business Times]]|date=26 June 2017|access-date=24 November 2017|archive-date=7 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207060636/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/vijay-62-sun-pictures-produce-ar-murugadoss-next-film-732281|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Sarkar'' broke several collection records and entered the [[100 Crore Club]] within two days.<ref>{{Cite news|date=8 November 2018|title=Vijay's 'Sarkar' joins Rs 100 crore club in just two days|work=The News Minute|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/vijays-sarkar-joins-rs-100-crore-club-just-two-days-91208|access-date=22 November 2018|archive-date=22 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122092133/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/vijays-sarkar-joins-rs-100-crore-club-just-two-days-91208|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'' mentioned Vijay as a man with "swag" in the film.<ref>{{cite web | title=Vijay a man with a swag | website=The Hollywood Reporter | date=4 November 2018 | url=https://archive.org/download/the-hollywood-reporter-movie-reviews-and-latest-updates/The%20Hollywood%20Reporter%20Movie%20Reviews%20and%20Latest%20Updates.png | access-date=5 July 2021}}</ref> ''Sarkar'' was his second film to gross over {{INR}}2.5 billion.<ref>{{cite web | last=Desk | first=Express Web | title=Sarkar box office collection: AR Murugadoss film crosses Rs 250 crore mark worldwide | website=The Indian Express | date=28 November 2018 | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/sarkar-box-office-collection-ar-murugadoss-film-crosses-rs-250-crore-mark-worldwide-5468590/ | access-date=18 August 2021 | archive-date=31 October 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211031234546/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/sarkar-box-office-collection-ar-murugadoss-film-crosses-rs-250-crore-mark-worldwide-5468590/ | url-status=live }}</ref> ''Sarkar'' was released in Spain and<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/vijay-s-sarkar-release-80-countries-1200-international-screens-90862 |title=Vijay’s 'Sarkar' to release in 80 countries, 1200 international screens |publisher=The News Minute |date=31 October 2018 |access-date=10 February 2022 |archive-date=22 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122092145/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/vijay-s-sarkar-release-80-countries-1200-international-screens-90862 |url-status=live }}</ref> screened in France<ref>{{cite web|url=https://legrandrex.cotecine.fr/film/258647/|title=Sarkar|website=Cinéma Paris – Le Grand Rex|language=fr|access-date=14 May 2019|archive-date=14 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190514183223/https://legrandrex.cotecine.fr/film/258647/|url-status=live}}</ref> and Japan.<ref>{{cite web | title=『インディアンムービーウィーク2020リターンズ』公式サイト｜インド映画、無双のラインナップ！ | website=『インディアンムービーウィーク2020リターンズ』公式サイト｜インド映画、無双のラインナップ！ | date=11 December 2020 | url=https://imwjapan.com/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201211165522/https://imwjapan.com/ | archive-date=11 December 2020 | url-status=live | language=ja | ref={{sfnref | 『インディアンムービーウィーク2020リターンズ』公式サイト｜インド映画、無双のラインナップ！ | 2020}} | access-date=11 December 2020}}</ref>

''[[Bigil]]'' was released in 2019, directed by Atlee, is a [[Sports film|football]] action film. Vijay underwent "special training" for his role in the film.<ref>{{cite web|last=Madhu|first=Vignesh|date=22 March 2019|title=Thalapathy 63: Vijay undergoes special special training in football|url=http://onlookersmedia.in/latestnews/thalapathy-63-vijay-undergoes-special-special-training-football/|access-date=26 March 2020|website=onlookersmedia|language=en-US|archive-date=26 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326093416/http://onlookersmedia.in/latestnews/thalapathy-63-vijay-undergoes-special-special-training-football/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Bigil'' was Vijay's last film of the decade. ''Bigil'' received mixed reviews from critics, but Vijay was praised for the portrayal of his characters within the film.<ref name="Subhakeerthana 2019">{{cite web | last=Subhakeerthana | first=S | title=Bigil movie review: A star is forced to remain a star throughout | website=The Indian Express | date=31 October 2019 | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/bigil-movie-review-rating-vijay-6088172/ | access-date=24 June 2021 | archive-date=16 March 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210316051423/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/bigil-movie-review-rating-vijay-6088172/ | url-status=live }}</ref> It was a commercial success, collecting more than {{INR}}300 crore,<ref>{{cite web | title=Tamil Star Vijay Reportedly Earned Rs 30 crore for Bigil, Reveal IT Raids | website=News18 | date=7 February 2020 | url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/tamil-star-vijay-reportedly-earned-rs-30-crore-for-bigil-reveal-it-raids-2491609.html | access-date=26 January 2021 | archive-date=1 November 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211101094219/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/tamil-star-vijay-reportedly-earned-rs-30-crore-for-bigil-reveal-it-raids-2491609.html | url-status=live }}</ref> became both the highest-grossing Tamil film of 2019—within three months of its release—and the highest-grossing film of Vijay's career. ''Bigil'' was also the first Tamil film released in [[Egypt]] and [[Jordan]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/after-egypt-vijays-bigil-marks-an-entry-in-jordan/articleshow/71917663.cms#:~:text='Bigil'%20will%20hit%20the%20screens,been%20composed%20by%20AR%20Rahman |title=After Egypt, Vijay's 'Bigil' marks an entry in Jordan &#124; Tamil Movie News |newspaper=[[Times of India]] |date= |access-date=10 February 2022 |archive-date=10 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211210085430/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/after-egypt-vijays-bigil-marks-an-entry-in-jordan/articleshow/71917663.cms#:~:text='Bigil'%20will%20hit%20the%20screens,been%20composed%20by%20AR%20Rahman |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2020, ''Bigil'' was the first Tamil film re-released in Germany.<ref>{{cite web | title=Thalapathy Vijay's Bigil re-release in Germany and France for the actor's birthday; fans rejoice | website=Entertainment News | date=17 June 2020 | url=https://www.zoomtventertainment.com/tamil-cinema/article/thalapathy-vijays-bigil-to-re-release-in-germany-and-france-for-the-actors-birthday-fans-rejoice/607747 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421195818/https://www.zoomtventertainment.com/tamil-cinema/article/thalapathy-vijays-bigil-to-re-release-in-germany-and-france-for-the-actors-birthday-fans-rejoice/607747 | archive-date=21 April 2022 | url-status=live | access-date=21 April 2022}}</ref>

During the same year, [[Lokesh Kanagaraj]] was selected as the director of Vijay's film ''[[Master (2021 film)|Master]]'' produced by Xavier Britto.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/thalapathy-64-eyes-a-summer-2020-release-vijay-5935094/|title=Thalapathy 64 eyes a summer 2020 release|date=25 August 2019|access-date=8 June 2020|archive-date=8 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200608120308/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/thalapathy-64-eyes-a-summer-2020-release-vijay-5935094/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Master'' was originally scheduled to be released on 9 April 2020, however, it was postponed due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in India|COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Vijay's 'Master' will be postponed to May or June? - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vijays-master-will-be-postponed-to-may-or-june/articleshow/74810813.cms|website=The Times of India|access-date=8 June 2020|archive-date=27 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327185930/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vijays-master-will-be-postponed-to-may-or-june/articleshow/74810813.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> It was released on 13 January 2021 in theatres.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.zoomtventertainment.com/tamil-cinema/article/pan-india-release-for-master-thalapathy-vijay-starrer-to-hit-the-screens-in-5-languages/581266|title=Pan India release for Master; Thalapathy Vijay-starrer to hit the screens in 5 languages|website=www.zoomtventertainment.com|access-date=16 January 2021|archive-date=21 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121051028/https://www.zoomtventertainment.com/tamil-cinema/article/pan-india-release-for-master-thalapathy-vijay-starrer-to-hit-the-screens-in-5-languages/581266|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Master'' was the highest-grossing film in [[United Arab Emirates]] (UAE) with a box office collection of $1.4 million within two days, surpassing the Hollywood releases ''[[Wonder Woman 1984]]'' and ''[[Tenet (film)|Tenet]]'' within the same country.<ref>{{cite web |date=15 January 2021 |title=Master Smashes Hollywood Records In UAE |url=https://boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=6136 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116055805/https://boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=6136 |archive-date=16 January 2021 |access-date=15 January 2021 |website=[[Box Office India]]}}</ref> It was the first Indian film to periodically hold the number one spot globally for its year. The film was screened at the International film festival of Alberta, Canada.<ref name="TicketsPI 2021">{{cite web | title=TicketsPI | website=TicketsPI | date=24 June 2021 | url=https://ticketspi.com/o/edmontonmovieclub | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624124040/https://ticketspi.com/o/edmontonmovieclub | archive-date=24 June 2021 | url-status=live | access-date=24 June 2021}}</ref> Upon release, it received both mixed to positive reviews from viewers and critics.<ref>{{cite web | last=Arikatla | first=Venkat | title=Master Movie Review: Lacks the Desired Effect | website=greatandhra.com | date=13 January 2021 | url=https://www.greatandhra.com/movies/reviews/master-review-lacks-the-desired-effect-110251 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223052318/https://www.greatandhra.com/movies/reviews/master-review-lacks-the-desired-effect-110251 | archive-date=23 February 2022 | url-status=live | access-date=23 February 2022}}</ref><ref name="S 2021">{{cite web | last=S | first=Srivatsan | title='Master' movie review: An in-form Vijay takes a backseat to have fun. But is that enough? | website=The Hindu | date=13 January 2021 | url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/reviews/master-movie-review/article33569018.ece | access-date=29 June 2021 | archive-date=8 February 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208063834/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/reviews/master-movie-review/article33569018.ece | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Upadhyaya 2021">{{cite web | last=Upadhyaya | first=Prakash | title=Master Movie Review and Ratings: Vijay's latest is Hit or Flop; Find it Out in Audience Tweets | website=IBTimes India | date=13 January 2021 | url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/master-movie-review-ratings-vijays-latest-hit-flop-find-it-out-audience-tweets-832086 | access-date=5 May 2021 | archive-date=19 January 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119093646/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/master-movie-review-ratings-vijays-latest-hit-flop-find-it-out-audience-tweets-832086 | url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Eastern Eye]], a'' British magazine, called ''Master'' "an entertaining massy action film" but stated that "the runtime is a bit long".<ref>{{cite web | title=Master movie review: An entertaining massy action film – EasternEye | website=EasternEye | date=13 January 2021 | url=https://www.easterneye.biz/master-movie-review-an-entertaining-massy-action-film/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121082430/https://www.easterneye.biz/master-movie-review-an-entertaining-massy-action-film/ | archive-date=21 November 2021 | url-status=dead | access-date=21 November 2021}}</ref> The film collected {{INR}}300 crore worldwide and it was declared as a box office hit.<ref>{{cite web |author=25 February 2021 – 12:17 |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/thalapathy-65-will-be-pan-indian-project-cinematographer-manoj-paramahamsa-144151 |title='Thalapathy 65' will be a pan-Indian project: Cinematographer Manoj Paramahamsa |publisher=The News Minute |date=25 February 2021 |access-date=10 February 2022 |archive-date=25 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425094035/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/thalapathy-65-will-be-pan-indian-project-cinematographer-manoj-paramahamsa-144151 |url-status=live }}</ref> The combined gross earnings of ''Mersal'', ''Sarkar'', ''Bigil'' and ''Master'' was determined to be over {{INR}}1000 crore according to trade analysts.<ref>{{cite web | title=Master BO Week 1: Thalapathy Vijay Starrer Crosses Rs 200 cr Worldwide, Rs 100 cr From TN Alone | website=India News, Breaking News &#124; India.com | date=21 January 2021 | url=https://www.india.com/entertainment/master-box-office-week-1-thalapathy-vijay-starrer-crosses-rs-200-cr-worldwide-rs-100-cr-from-tamil-nadu-alone-4346290/ | ref={{sfnref | India News, Breaking News &#124; India.com | 2021}} | access-date=26 January 2021 | archive-date=21 January 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121053004/https://www.india.com/entertainment/master-box-office-week-1-thalapathy-vijay-starrer-crosses-rs-200-cr-worldwide-rs-100-cr-from-tamil-nadu-alone-4346290/ | url-status=live }}</ref> The [[dark comedy|dark comedy action]] film ''[[Beast (2022 Indian film)|Beast]]'' released theatrically on 13 April 2022 worldwide.<ref>{{cite web | last=Latestly | first=Team | title=Thalapathy Vijay's Beast Film Titled As Raw In Hindi | website=LatestLY | date=Apr 5, 2022 | url=https://www.latestly.com/socially/entertainment/south/beast-thalapathy-vijays-film-titled-as-raw-in-hindi-3555910.html | access-date=Apr 14, 2022 | archive-date=14 April 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414063309/https://www.latestly.com/socially/entertainment/south/beast-thalapathy-vijays-film-titled-as-raw-in-hindi-3555910.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Thalapathy Vijay's Beast to release in April 2022. See new poster | website=India Today | date=1 January 2022 | url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/thalapathy-vijay-s-beast-to-release-in-april-2022-see-new-poster-1894770-2022-01-01 | access-date=4 January 2022 | archive-date=1 January 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220101125138/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/thalapathy-vijay-s-beast-to-release-in-april-2022-see-new-poster-1894770-2022-01-01 | url-status=live }}</ref> ''Beast'' received mixed reviews from critics.<ref>{{cite web | last=Chatterjee | first=Saibal | title=Beast (RAW) Review | website=NDTV.com | date=Apr 14, 2022 | url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/beast-raw-review-an-ill-formed-creature-even-firing-on-all-cylinders-vijay-cannot-pummel-into-shape-2-5-stars-2886949 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414061156/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/beast-raw-review-an-ill-formed-creature-even-firing-on-all-cylinders-vijay-cannot-pummel-into-shape-2-5-stars-2886949 | archive-date=14 April 2022 | url-status=live | access-date=Apr 14, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Beast Review: Thalapathy Vijay's 'One-man Show' Is A 'True Feast' | website=bollywood hungama | date=Apr 14, 2022 | url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/jWTHp | access-date=Apr 14, 2022}}</ref> [[Roger Ebert]], an American film critic website, reviewed the film ''Beast'' with 3/5 stars and called "Vijay as a multifaced tiger with a multifaceted avatar".<ref>{{cite web | last=Abrams | first=Simon | title=Beast movie review & film summary (2022) - Roger Ebert | website=www.rogerebert.com | date=Apr 17, 2022 | url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/beast-movie-review-2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417033429/https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/beast-movie-review-2022 | archive-date=17 April 2022 | url-status=live | access-date=Apr 17, 2022}}</ref> ''Beast'' was the highest grossing Tamil film in US premiere shows.<ref>{{cite web | title=Beast at No: 2 in Top 10 USA Premiere Grossing Tamil Films | website=boxoffice mojo | date=Apr 14, 2022 | url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/wpRHV | access-date=Apr 14, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title='Beast' USA premiere collection: Vijay starrer breaks Rajinikanth's film collection to become the Vijay's highest-grossing film | website=The Times of India | date=Apr 10, 2022 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/box-office/beast-usa-premiere-collection-vijay-starrer-breaks-rajinikanths-annaatthe-collection-to-become-the-formers-highest-grossing-film/articleshow/90761515.cms | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220416153443/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/box-office/beast-usa-premiere-collection-vijay-starrer-breaks-rajinikanths-annaatthe-collection-to-become-the-formers-highest-grossing-film/articleshow/90761515.cms | archive-date=16 April 2022 | url-status=live | access-date=Apr 16, 2022}}</ref> ''Beast'' made box office collection records in the international markets of New Zealand, Australia and Singapore.<ref>{{cite web | title='Beast' overseas box office collection: Vijay storms the international market | website=The Times of India | date=Apr 14, 2022 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/box-office/beast-overseas-box-office-collection-vijay-storms-the-international-market/articleshow/90841888.cms | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430055805/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/box-office/beast-overseas-box-office-collection-vijay-storms-the-international-market/articleshow/90841888.cms | archive-date=30 April 2022 | url-status=live | access-date=Apr 30, 2022}}</ref> The film was commercially successful, collecting {{INR}}250 crore worldwide,<ref>{{cite web | last=Desk | first=Entertainment | title=Beast box office collection day 5: Vjay-starrer earns Rs 200 crore worldwide, is declared a hit | website=The Indian Express | date=19 April 2022 | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/beast-box-office-collection-day-5-vijay-starrer-rs-200-crore-worldwide-7874311/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220420193205/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/beast-box-office-collection-day-5-vijay-starrer-rs-200-crore-worldwide-7874311/ | archive-date=20 April 2022 | url-status=live | access-date=20 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Beast 12 days box office report | website=Zee Hindustan Tamil | date=Apr 25, 2022 | url=https://zeenews.india.com/tamil/movies/beast-movie-beats-valimai-box-office-collection-less-than-12-days-390612 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426161256/https://zeenews.india.com/tamil/movies/beast-movie-beats-valimai-box-office-collection-less-than-12-days-390612 | archive-date=26 April 2022 | url-status=live | language=ta | access-date=Apr 26, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Kumar | first=Vineeta | title=Thalapathy Vijay's Beast Crosses Rs 250 Crore at Worldwide Box Office | website=India.com | date=May 6, 2022 | url=https://www.india.com/entertainment/thalapathy-vijay-beast-crosses-rs-250-crore-worldwide-box-office-despite-kgf-2-wave-check-detailed-collection-report-here-5377937/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220506165545/https://www.india.com/entertainment/thalapathy-vijay-beast-crosses-rs-250-crore-worldwide-box-office-despite-kgf-2-wave-check-detailed-collection-report-here-5377937/ | archive-date=May 6, 2022 | url-status=live | access-date=May 6, 2022}}</ref> and was one of the most viewed films on [[Netflix]] globally in 2022.<ref name="ndtv ott">{{cite web | title=Beast trending worldwide on Netflix in top spots | website=NDTV | date=May 14, 2022 | url=https://ndtv.in/bollywood/beast-trending-at-number-one-in-india-on-netflix-vijay-thalapathy-2972013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220514070357/https://ndtv.in/bollywood/beast-trending-at-number-one-in-india-on-netflix-vijay-thalapathy-2972013 | archive-date=May 14, 2022 | url-status=live | access-date=May 14, 2022}}</ref><ref name="netflix top global">{{cite web | title=Raw Hindi and Beast Netflix Top 10 - Global | website=top10.netflix.com | date=May 18, 2022 | url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/LeVTj | access-date=May 18, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=TOP 10 on Netflix in the World on 2022 - FlixPatrol | website=FlixPatrol | date=May 13, 2022 | url=https://flixpatrol.com/top10/netflix/world/today/full/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220513084706/https://flixpatrol.com/top10/netflix/world/today/full/ | archive-date=May 13, 2022 | url-status=live | access-date=May 13, 2022}}</ref><ref name="Raw beast">{{cite news | title=Beast TOP 10 in Netflix global - FlixPatrol | website=FlixPatrol | date=May 13, 2022 | url=https://flixpatrol.com/title/beast-2022/top10/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220513082925/https://flixpatrol.com/title/beast-2022/top10/ | archive-date=May 13, 2022 | url-status=live | access-date=May 13, 2022}}</ref> It was the first Tamil film released theatrically in [[Uzbekistan]].<ref>{{cite web | last=S | first=Deepa | title=First Tamil film to release in Uzbekistan Beast! | website=filmibeat.com | date=18 April 2022 | url=https://tamil.filmibeat.com/news/beast-movie-released-in-usbekistan-first-movie-to-get-this-pride-094655.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422051245/https://tamil.filmibeat.com/news/beast-movie-released-in-usbekistan-first-movie-to-get-this-pride-094655.html | archive-date=22 April 2022 | url-status=live | language=ta | access-date=22 April 2022}}</ref>

The [[action drama]] film ''[[Varisu]]'' was produced by Telugu film producer [[Dil Raju]] and directed by [[Vamshi Paidipally]]. [[Thaman S]] composed music and background score for the film.<ref>{{cite web | title=Music director Thaman shares a photo from the sets of 'Varisu' | website=The Times of India | date=6 August 2022 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/music-director-thaman-shares-a-photo-from-the-sets-of-varisu/articleshow/93387746.cms | access-date=9 August 2022 | archive-date=8 August 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808181916/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/music-director-thaman-shares-a-photo-from-the-sets-of-varisu/articleshow/93387746.cms | url-status=live }}</ref> ''Varisu'' released theatrically worldwide on 11 January 2023 to polarizing reviews.<ref>{{cite web | title='Varisu' first review out; Vijay's acting receives appreciation | website=The Times of India | date=January 9, 2023 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/varisu-first-review-out-vijays-acting-receives-appreciation/articleshow/96846599.cms | access-date=January 10, 2023 | archive-date=10 January 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110182909/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/varisu-first-review-out-vijays-acting-receives-appreciation/articleshow/96846599.cms | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Vijay's 'Varisu' to release over 600 locations in the USA; premiere bookings open now | website=The Times of India | date=December 28, 2022 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vijays-varisu-to-release-over-600-locations-in-the-usa-premiere-bookings-open-now/articleshow/96562983.cms | access-date=January 4, 2023 | archive-date=4 January 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104124455/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vijays-varisu-to-release-over-600-locations-in-the-usa-premiere-bookings-open-now/articleshow/96562983.cms | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Desk | first=Pinkvilla | title=Varisu: Thalapathy Vijay shoots an intense action sequence for Vamsi Paidipally's next; Watch the viral video | website=PINKVILLA | date=15 August 2022 | url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/varisu-thalapathy-vijay-shoots-intense-action-sequence-vamsi-paidipallys-next-watch-viral-video-1173953 | access-date=18 August 2022 | archive-date=18 August 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220818072940/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/varisu-thalapathy-vijay-shoots-intense-action-sequence-vamsi-paidipallys-next-watch-viral-video-1173953 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Impressed audience call Thalapathy Vijay's film Varisu a complete fun filled blockbuster | website=Regional-cinema News – India TV | date=January 11, 2023 | url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/regional-cinema/varisu-early-twitter-reviews-impressed-fans-call-thalapathy-vijay-rashmika-mandanna-south-film-blockbuster-2023-01-11-838205 | access-date=January 11, 2023 | archive-date=11 January 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111043853/https://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/regional-cinema/varisu-early-twitter-reviews-impressed-fans-call-thalapathy-vijay-rashmika-mandanna-south-film-blockbuster-2023-01-11-838205 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Team | first=DNA Web | title=Thalapathy Vijay-starrer Varisu's Hindi and Telugu dubbed theatrical versions to release on THESE dates | website=DNA India | date=January 9, 2023 | url=https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-thalapathy-vijay-varisu-hindi-telugu-dubbed-version-vaarasudu-to-release-on-these-dates-ajith-kumar-thunivu-3015765 | access-date=January 11, 2023 | archive-date=11 January 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111043842/https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-thalapathy-vijay-varisu-hindi-telugu-dubbed-version-vaarasudu-to-release-on-these-dates-ajith-kumar-thunivu-3015765 | url-status=live }}</ref> ''Varisu'' collected {{INR}}300 crore at the box office.<ref>{{cite web | title=Music composer S Thaman breaks the news on 'Varisu' original sound track | website=The Times of India | date=February 5, 2023 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/music-composer-s-thaman-breaks-the-news-on-varisu-original-sound-track/articleshow/97619826.cms | access-date=February 5, 2023 | archive-date=5 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205092807/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/music-composer-s-thaman-breaks-the-news-on-varisu-original-sound-track/articleshow/97619826.cms | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title='Varisu' Box office Collection: 'Varisu' becomes Vijay's highest-grossing movie, surpasses Rs. 300 crores globally | website=The Economic Times | date=Feb 7, 2023 | url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/varisu-box-office-collection-varisu-becomes-vijays-highest-grossing-movie-surpasses-rs-300-crores-globally/articleshow/97691510.cms | access-date=Feb 7, 2023 | archive-date=7 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207110808/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/varisu-box-office-collection-varisu-becomes-vijays-highest-grossing-movie-surpasses-rs-300-crores-globally/articleshow/97691510.cms | url-status=live }}</ref>

His upcoming project'', [[Leo (2023 Indian film)|Leo]]'' is directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, in his second collaboration with Vijay. It is scheduled to release on 19 October 2023 in theatres worldwide. The film's soundtrack was composed by [[Anirudh Ravichander|Anirudh]], in his fourth collaboration with Vijay.<ref>{{cite web | last=K | first=Janani | title=Lokesh Kanagaraj reveals when Thalapathy 67 with Vijay would go on floors | website=India Today | date=October 27, 2022 | url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/lokesh-kanagaraj-reveals-when-thalapathy-67-with-vijay-would-go-on-floors-2289924-2022-10-27 | access-date=November 5, 2022 | archive-date=2 November 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221102071612/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/lokesh-kanagaraj-reveals-when-thalapathy-67-with-vijay-would-go-on-floors-2289924-2022-10-27 | url-status=live }}</ref> ''Leo'' will release in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu and Kannada.<ref>{{cite web | title=Vijay's film with Lokesh Kanagaraj titled 'Leo' | website=The Times of India | date=February 3, 2023 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vijays-film-with-lokesh-kanagaraj-titled-leo/articleshow/97581241.cms | access-date=February 4, 2023 | archive-date=4 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204115239/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vijays-film-with-lokesh-kanagaraj-titled-leo/articleshow/97581241.cms | url-status=live }}</ref>

His 68th film will be a [[science-fiction]] directed by Pradeep Ranganathan.<ref>{{cite web | last=Online | first=IE | title=I've narrated a story to Vijay, confirms Love Today director Pradeep Ranganathan | website=The Indian Express | date=November 8, 2022 | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/ive-narrated-a-story-to-vijay-confirms-love-today-director-pradeep-ranganathan-8256516/ | access-date=February 4, 2023 | archive-date=26 December 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221226033353/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/ive-narrated-a-story-to-vijay-confirms-love-today-director-pradeep-ranganathan-8256516/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

Vijay married Sangeetha Sornalingam,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/1998/aug/17ss.htm |title=Rediff On The Net, Movies: Gossip from the southern film industry |website=Rediff.com |date=17 August 1998 |access-date=18 July 2010 |archive-date=3 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303181918/http://www.rediff.com/movies/1998/aug/17ss.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/interviews/14-07-98/vijaimar.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030814121404/http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/interviews/14-07-98/vijaimar.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 August 2003|title=dinakaran|date=14 August 2003}}</ref> a [[Sri Lankan Tamils|Sri Lankan Tamil]] whom he met in the United Kingdom, on 25 August 1999.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/photo-features/five-reasons-why-we-love-vijay/photostory/49378288.cms|title=Five reasons why we love Vijay|website=The Times of India|access-date=25 August 2018|archive-date=26 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826052512/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/photo-features/five-reasons-why-we-love-vijay/photostory/49378288.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/cinenews/29-08-99/vijaimar.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041124021932/http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/cinenews/29-08-99/vijaimar.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 November 2004|title=dinakaran|date=24 November 2004}}</ref> They have two children.<ref>{{cite web|title = Great Pillai Gallery -A list of PILLAI WHO'S WHO|url = http://www.saivaneri.org/pillai_greats.htm|website = www.saivaneri.org|access-date = 5 November 2015|archive-date = 10 November 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151110021641/http://www.saivaneri.org/pillai_greats.htm|url-status = live}}</ref> Vijay's son made a cameo appearance with his father in ''[[Vettaikaaran (2009 film)|Vettaikaaran]]'' (2009) and his daughter portrayed a small role as her father's pre-teen daughter in ''[[Theri (film)|Theri]]'' (2016).  

On 5 February 2020, the [[Income Tax Department]] raided Vijay's residence in [[Chennai]] and inquired about potential tax evasion, making note of his investment in [[Real property|immovable properties]], which he inherited from the production studio AGS Entertainment.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Kandavel|first=Sangeetha|date=6 February 2020|title=Over ₹77 crore seized from film producer; searches continue at actor Vijay's properties|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/over-77-crore-seized-from-film-producer-raids-continue-in-actor-vijays-properties/article30751954.ece|access-date=6 February 2020|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=6 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200206115538/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/over-77-crore-seized-from-film-producer-raids-continue-in-actor-vijays-properties/article30751954.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> It was reported that Vijay and AGS Entertainment producer Anbu Cheliyan were suspected of undisclosed payments and alleged tax fraud. Nearly {{INR}}65 crore was seized by the officials from Cheliyan's residence.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rs 65 crore recovered in IT raid from film financer of actor Vijay {{!}} Latest News & Updates at DNAIndia.com|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/video-rs-65-crore-recovered-in-it-raid-from-film-financer-of-actor-vijay-2812574|access-date=6 February 2020|website=DNA India|language=en|archive-date=6 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200206175855/https://www.dnaindia.com/india/video-rs-65-crore-recovered-in-it-raid-from-film-financer-of-actor-vijay-2812574|url-status=live}}</ref> The investigation took place while Vijay was shooting for his film ''Master'' in [[Cuddalore]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Grewal|first=Kairvy|date=6 February 2020|title=Actor Vijay under scrutiny over alleged tax evasion, fans trend #WeStandWithVijay|url=https://theprint.in/india/actor-vijay-under-scrutiny-over-alleged-tax-evasion-fans-trend-westandwithvijay/361059/|access-date=6 February 2020|website=ThePrint|language=en-US|archive-date=6 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200206175855/https://theprint.in/india/actor-vijay-under-scrutiny-over-alleged-tax-evasion-fans-trend-westandwithvijay/361059/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 12 March, officials stated that nothing significant was found during the raid.<ref>{{cite web|title=I-T search at Vijay's residence concludes, officials say he has paid all taxes|url=https://www.theweek.in/news/entertainment/2020/03/13/it-search-vijay-residence-conclude-officials-say-he-haspaid-all-taxes.html|access-date=15 March 2020|website=The Week|language=en|archive-date=15 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200315175126/https://www.theweek.in/news/entertainment/2020/03/13/it-search-vijay-residence-conclude-officials-say-he-haspaid-all-taxes.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Opponents of the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] accused them of politically targeting Vijay through such raids because he was critical of the them on [[Demonetization (currency)|demonetization]] and [[Goods and Services Tax (India)]] in the film ''[[Mersal (film)|Mersal]]''.<ref>{{cite web|title=IT raid controversy: DMK leader Dayanidhi Maran backs actor Vijay {{!}} City&nbsp;– Times of India Videos|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/city/chennai/it-raid-controversy-dmk-leader-dayanidhi-maran-backs-actor-vijay/videoshow/74066202.cms|access-date=15 March 2020|website=The Times of India|language=en|archive-date=17 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217033152/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/city/chennai/it-raid-controversy-dmk-leader-dayanidhi-maran-backs-actor-vijay/videoshow/74066202.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 13 July 2021, the [[Madras High Court]] dismissed a writ petition filed by Vijay in 2012 seeking exemption of the [[Entry Tax]] for his [[Rolls-Royce Ghost]] car that was imported from England. It imposed a fine of ₹1 lakh which was allotted to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's Public COVID relief fund. Justice S.M. Subramaniam said that Vijay's fan base considers him as a hero and he was expected to be one instead of a "reel" hero, further calling it an anti-national habit.<ref>{{cite news|last=S.|first=Mohamed Imranullah|date=13 July 2021|title=Court comes down hard on actor Vijay for seeking tax exemption for his Rolls-Royce Ghost|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/court-comes-down-hard-on-actor-vijay-for-seeking-tax-exemption-for-his-rolls-royce-ghost/article35295852.ece|access-date=16 July 2021|website=The Hindu|archive-date=16 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716023450/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/court-comes-down-hard-on-actor-vijay-for-seeking-tax-exemption-for-his-rolls-royce-ghost/article35295852.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> On 15 July 2021, Vijay filed an appeal against defamatory statements made by the judge against him in Madras High court.<ref>{{cite web|date=15 July 2021|title='என் மீது என்ன தவறு?' ரீல் ஹீரோ, ரியல் ஹீரோ விவகாரம்; அப்பீலுக்குப் போகும் விஜய் #VikatanExclusive – we will appeal against HC RollsRoyce entry tax case judgment says Actor Vijay's lawyer – Vijay Rolls-Royce|url=https://cinema.vikatan.com/tamil-cinema/we-will-appeal-against-hc-rollsroyce-entry-tax-case-judgment-says-actor-vijays-lawyer|access-date=16 July 2021|website=www.vikatan.com|language=ta|archive-date=16 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716045300/https://cinema.vikatan.com/tamil-cinema/we-will-appeal-against-hc-rollsroyce-entry-tax-case-judgment-says-actor-vijays-lawyer|url-status=live}}</ref> On 20 July 2021, Vijay's appeal against the tax exemption case issue and defamatory statements was moved to a different tax bench sector of the court.<ref>{{cite news | title=Tamil actor Vijay's Rolls-Royce tax case referred to another bench | website=The Economic Times | url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/actor-vijays-tax-case-referred-to-another-bench/articleshow/84574172.cms | access-date=22 July 2021 | archive-date=22 July 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210722094817/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/actor-vijays-tax-case-referred-to-another-bench/articleshow/84574172.cms | url-status=live }}</ref> On 27 July 2021, a two-judge bench of Madras High court stayed the earlier passed order by Judge S.M. Subramaniam that included the critical remarks and also stayed the order of a ₹1 lakh fine amount.<ref>{{cite web | title=Court Relief For Tamil Actor Vijay In Rolls-Royce Case, No Fine For Now | website=NDTV.com | date=28 June 2021 | url=https://www.ndtv.com/tamil-nadu-news/tax-evasion-vijay-rolls-royce-ghost-court-stays-1-lakh-fine-in-tax-row-over-tamil-actor-vijays-rolls-royce-2495862 | access-date=28 July 2021 | archive-date=28 July 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728013038/https://www.ndtv.com/tamil-nadu-news/tax-evasion-vijay-rolls-royce-ghost-court-stays-1-lakh-fine-in-tax-row-over-tamil-actor-vijays-rolls-royce-2495862 | url-status=live }}</ref> On 25 January 2022, the court dismissed and removed the defamatory critical statements made by Judge S.M. Subramaniam against Vijay.<ref>{{cite web | title=Madras High Court Bench Deletes Remarks Made By Single Judge Against Actor Vijay | website=NDTV.com | date=18 January 2022 | url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/hc-bench-deletes-remarks-made-by-single-judge-against-actor-vijay-2729301 | access-date=25 January 2022 | archive-date=25 January 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125153221/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/hc-bench-deletes-remarks-made-by-single-judge-against-actor-vijay-2729301 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=சொகுசு காருக்கு நுழைவு வரி விலக்கு கோரும் வழக்கில் நடிகர் விஜய்க்கு எதிரான தனி நீதிபதியின் கருத்து நீக்கம்..! ஐகோர்ட் உத்தரவு-Rollys Royce tax exemption case issue defamatory statements made by Judge Subramaniam against Vijay were removed by High court! | website=dinakaran.com | date=25 January 2022 | url=https://www.dinakaran.com/News_Detail.asp?Nid=737485 | access-date=25 January 2022 | archive-date=25 January 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125093039/https://www.dinakaran.com/news_detail.asp?Nid=737485 | url-status=live }}</ref> On 15 July 2022, the court declared that no fine should be imposed on the car imported by since he had paid the full entry tax before January 2019, closing out the case in the process.<ref>{{cite web | title=Chennai High court closes Vijay's Rolls-Royce case | website=The Times of India | date=15 July 2022 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/chennai-high-court-closes-vijays-rolls-royce-case/articleshow/92894757.cms | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220715152652/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/chennai-high-court-closes-vijays-rolls-royce-case/articleshow/92894757.cms | archive-date=15 July 2022 | url-status=live | access-date=15 July 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Car import case: Tamil superstar Vijay gets relief from Madras HC | website=The Statesman | date=15 July 2022 | url=https://www.thestatesman.com/entertainment/case-tamil-superstar-vijay-1503090309.html | access-date=15 July 2022 | archive-date=25 September 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925051506/https://www.thestatesman.com/entertainment/case-tamil-superstar-vijay-1503090309.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Madras HC relief to actor Vijay in car import case | website=The Hindu | date=15 July 2022 | url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/madras-hc-relief-to-actor-vijay-in-car-import-case/article65643041.ece | access-date=15 July 2022 | archive-date=15 July 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220715083642/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/madras-hc-relief-to-actor-vijay-in-car-import-case/article65643041.ece | url-status=live }}</ref>

As of 2021, Vijay's net worth is {{INR}}4200 million or {{INR}}420 crore.<ref>{{cite web|title=Vijay Net Worth – Golden Chennai|url=https://www.goldenchennai.com/celebrity/net-worth/vijay-net-worth/|access-date=1 January 2022|website=www.goldenchennai.com|language=en|archive-date=1 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220101183524/https://www.goldenchennai.com/celebrity/net-worth/vijay-net-worth/|url-status=live}}</ref> Vijay earned a {{INR}}100 crore salary for ''[[Beast (2022 Indian film)|Beast]]'',<ref name="net worth">{{cite web |date=22 June 2021 |title=Thalapathy Vijay turns 47: Luxury cars to hefty pay package, a look at Tamil actor's wealth |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/thalapathy-vijay-turns-47-luxury-cars-to-hefty-pay-package-a-look-at-tamil-actor-s-wealth-101624287592254.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211116033433/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/thalapathy-vijay-turns-47-luxury-cars-to-hefty-pay-package-a-look-at-tamil-actor-s-wealth-101624287592254.html |archive-date=16 November 2021 |access-date=27 December 2021 |website=Hindustan Times}}</ref> and also earned an estimated {{INR}}120 crore—{{INR}}150 crore for ''[[Varisu]]'', marking him among the highest paid Indian actors.<ref name="top paid" /><ref>{{cite web | last=S | first=Mohana Priya | title=அதிக சம்பளம் பெறும் தென்னிந்திய நடிகராகிறார் விஜய்...எவ்வளவு தெரியுமா | website=tamil.filmibeat.com | date=20 August 2021 | url=https://tamil.filmibeat.com/news/vijay-to-become-highest-paid-south-indian-actor-in-thalapathy-66-086244.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211229103930/https://tamil.filmibeat.com/news/vijay-to-become-highest-paid-south-indian-actor-in-thalapathy-66-086244.html | language=ta | archive-date=29 December 2021 | access-date=29 December 2021}}</ref>

[[Network18 Group|News 18]] describes Vijay as a "versatile actor" and a "fantastic playback singer, dancer and philanthropist".<ref name="versatile">{{cite web |date=22 June 2020 |title=Film facts about versatile actor Thalapathy Vijay |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/happy-birthday-vijay-thuppakki-to-bigil-5-of-thalapathys-biggest-blockbusters-2680957.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220726092912/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/happy-birthday-vijay-thuppakki-to-bigil-5-of-thalapathys-biggest-blockbusters-2680957.html |archive-date=26 July 2022 |access-date=26 July 2022 |website=News18}}</ref><ref name="best films">{{cite web |date=27 July 2022 |title=Priyamudan and other films of Vijay- Top 20 Best Films of Vijay |url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/slideshow/top-20-best-films-of-vijay/12-priyamudan1998.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220727063556/https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/slideshow/top-20-best-films-of-vijay/12-priyamudan1998.html |archive-date=27 July 2022 |access-date=27 July 2022 |website=Behindwoods}}</ref> Odisha TV reported that "While fans are crazy for [Vijay's] movies, he has a set of dedicated audience who enjoy his dance moves".<ref>{{cite web | title=Thalapathy Vijay got some octane dance moves | website=odisha news | url=https://odishatv.in/news/entertainment/thalapathy-vijay-got-some-serious-dance-moves-watch-throwback-video-179997 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220728090916/https://odishatv.in/news/entertainment/thalapathy-vijay-got-some-serious-dance-moves-watch-throwback-video-179997 | archive-date=28 July 2022 | url-status=live | access-date=28 July 2022}}</ref> [[Zee TV|Zee media]] reported that Vijay amazed audiences with his acting and screen presence.<ref>{{cite web | last=Shyam | first=Shrudi | title=Thalapathy Vijay's amazing acting skills | website=ZEE5 | date=24 June 2021 | url=https://www.zee5.com/zee5news/thalapathy-vijay-becomes-the-highest-paid-tamil-actor-charges-a-whopping-amount-for-beast | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808094400/https://www.zee5.com/zee5news/thalapathy-vijay-becomes-the-highest-paid-tamil-actor-charges-a-whopping-amount-for-beast | archive-date=8 August 2022 | url-status=live | access-date=8 August 2022}}</ref>

''[[The Times of India]]'' labelled Vijay's dance moves in his film songs as "energetic and effortless".<ref>{{cite web | title=Five reasons why we love Vijay | website=The Times of India | date=Oct 15, 2015 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/photo-features/five-reasons-why-we-love-vijay/photostory/49378314.cms | access-date=Nov 13, 2022 | archive-date=12 July 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712160604/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/photo-features/five-reasons-why-we-love-vijay/photostory/49378314.cms | url-status=live }}</ref>

Vijay received an honorary doctorate from the Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute in 2007 in honour of his achievements in the film industry.<ref name=":3">{{cite web|title=Vijay gets Doctorate|website=[[Sify]] |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/vijay-gets-doctorate-news-tamil-kkfuGojaggbsi.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170411012906/http://www.sify.com/movies/vijay-gets-doctorate-news-tamil-kkfuGojaggbsi.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 April 2017|access-date=24 November 2017}}</ref> Vijay was awarded the 'Best International Actor of 2018' in the United Kingdom for [[Mersal (film)|Mersal]].<ref>{{cite web | title=Thalapathy Vijay wins Best International Actor award | website=India Today | date=23 September 2018 | url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/vijay-best-international-actor-iara-awards-2018-1346857-2018-09-23 | access-date=31 December 2021 | archive-date=31 December 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211231072713/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/vijay-best-international-actor-iara-awards-2018-1346857-2018-09-23 | url-status=live }}</ref>

== References ==

{{Portal bar|Biography|India|Film|1970s}}