Vikram (actor): Difference between revisions

{{short description|Indian actor and playback singer}}

| image              = Vikram_as_Dhruva.jpg

| caption            =  

| birth_date        = {{birth date and age|df=y|1966|04|17}}<ref>[http://www.sify.com/movies/surprise-b-day-cake-for-vikram-on-sketch-set-news-tamil-rerkcviaiejij.html Surprise b`day cake for Vikram on `Sketch` set] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180207064350/http://www.sify.com/movies/surprise-b-day-cake-for-vikram-on-sketch-set-news-tamil-rerkcviaiejij.html |date=7 February 2018 }}. Sify.com (17 April 2017). Retrieved on 17 September 2018.</ref><ref>Vasudevan, K.V. (23 April 2016) [http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/actor-vikram-turned-50-last-wee/article8513713.ece Actor vikram turned 50 last week] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206190438/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/actor-vikram-turned-50-last-wee/article8513713.ece |date=6 February 2018 }}. The Hindu. Retrieved on 17 September 2018.</ref>

| alma_mater        = [[Loyola College, Chennai|Loyola College]], [[Chennai district|Chennai]]

'''Kennedy John Victor''' (born 17 April 1966), better known by his stage name '''Vikram''', is an [[Cinema of India|Indian actor]] and [[playback singer]] who predominantly works in [[Tamil cinema]] and has also acted in [[Malayalam cinema|Malayalam]], [[Telugu cinema|Telugu]] and [[Hindi cinema|Hindi]] films. He is among the [[List of awards and nominations received by Vikram|most decorated actors in Tamil cinema]], with awards including seven [[Filmfare Awards South]], a [[National Film Awards|National Film Award]] and a [[Tamil Nadu State Film Awards|Tamil Nadu State Film Award]]. Amongst his other honours include the [[Kalaimamani]] Award from the [[Government of Tamil Nadu]] in 2004 and an honorary doctorate by the [[Università Popolare di Milano|Popular University of Milan]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Vikram was awarded an Honorary Doctorate – Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/did-you-know/Vikram-was-awarded-an-Honorary-Doctorate/articleshow/36146891.cms|access-date=16 November 2020|website=The Times of India|language=en|archive-date=10 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110220533/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/did-you-know/Vikram-was-awarded-an-Honorary-Doctorate/articleshow/36146891.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Vikram conferred with doctorate by Italian university – Indian Express|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/vikram-conferred-with-doctorate-by-italian-university/801496/|access-date=16 November 2020|website=archive.indianexpress.com|archive-date=10 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110220532/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/vikram-conferred-with-doctorate-by-italian-university/801496/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=June 4, 2011|first1=Priyanka Sood Mitali|last1=Patel|title=Tamil superstar Vikram is first Indian actor to get doctorate from European varsity in acting|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/eyecatchers/story/20110613-tamil-superstar-vikram-first-indian-actor-to-get-honorary-doctorate-from-european-varsity-746365-2011-06-04|access-date=16 November 2020|website=India Today|language=en|archive-date=10 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110220545/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/eyecatchers/story/20110613-tamil-superstar-vikram-first-indian-actor-to-get-honorary-doctorate-from-european-varsity-746365-2011-06-04|url-status=live}}</ref> in May 2011. Vikram is the first Indian actor to receive the Doctorate in the history of the European Universities in acting. Based on the earnings of Indian celebrities, Vikram was included in the ''[[Forbes India]]'' Celebrity 100 list for 2016 and 2018.<ref>{{cite web|title=Vikram – Forbes India Magazine|url=https://www.forbesindia.com/celebprofile2016/vikram/1587/143|website=Forbes India|language=en|access-date=1 May 2020|archive-date=3 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200603181311/https://www.forbesindia.com/celebprofile2016/vikram/1587/143|url-status=live}}</ref>

Vikram debuted with the romance ''[[En Kadhal Kanmani]]'' (1990) followed by his major breakthrough with his portrayal of a rogue-turned-lover in [[Bala (director)|Bala]]'s tragedy film ''[[Sethu (film)|Sethu]]'' (1999) and next appeared in hit films like ''[[Dhill]]'' (2001), ''[[Gemini (2002 Tamil film)|Gemini]]'' (2002), ''[[Dhool]]'' (2003), ''[[Saamy]]'' (2003), ''[[Anniyan]]'' (2005), ''[[Raavanan (2010 film)|Raavanan]]'' (2010), ''[[Deiva Thirumagal]]'' (2011) and ''[[Iru Mugan]]'' (2017). He also earned widespread critical acclaim for diverse roles of [[disadvantaged]] people in ''[[Kasi (film)|Kasi]]'' (2001), ''[[Samurai (2002 film)|Samurai]]'' (2002) and ''[[Pithamagan]]'' (2003); the lattermost won him the [[National Film Award for Best Actor]].<ref name="pithwin">{{cite web|author=Kumar, Ashok |date=20 August 2004 |title=Vikram, the Victor |access-date=31 July 2011 |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2004/08/20/stories/2004082001760100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150201091647/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2004/08/20/stories/2004082001760100.htm |work=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date= 1 February 2015 }}</ref> Vikram's highest-grossing releases came with the romantic thriller ''[[I (2015 film)|I]]'' (2015) and the epic historical drama ''[[Ponniyin Selvan: I]]'' (2022).

Vikram was born as Kennedy John Victor on 17 April 1966 to a Christian father and a Hindu mother.<ref name="SouthernSpice" /> His father, John Victor (alias [[Vinod Raj (Tamil actor)|Vinod Raj]]) was a native of Paramakudi and ran away from home to start a career in films, but worked only in minor roles. Vikram's mother, Rajeshwari, was a government officer who reached the rank of sub-collector. Rajeshwari was born in a Hindu family with film connections. Her brother, [[Thiagarajan]], is an established director-actor in the Tamil film industry; he is the father of actor [[Prashanth]], in this way, Vikram and Prashanth are first cousins.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/did-you-know-/Vikram-and-Prashanth-are-cousins/articleshow/39683316.cms|title=Prasand and Vikram are cousins|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=5 August 2014|access-date=16 August 2014|archive-date=27 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527030816/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/did-you-know-/Vikram-and-Prashanth-are-cousins/articleshow/39683316.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> Vikram has two siblings, both younger to him. His brother, Arvind, appeared in the low-budget Tamil film, ''Eppo Kalyanam'' (2022).<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/kollywood/100819/chiyaan-vikrams-brother-arvind-victor-forays-into-films.html#:~:text=Chiyaan%20Vikram%27s%20younger%20brother%20Arvind,will%20play%20the%20female%20leads. | title=Chiyaan Vikram's brother Arvind Victor forays into films | date=10 August 2019 }}</ref><ref name="arvind">{{cite web|date=19 October 2007 |title=Shruti Kamal snubs Venkat Prabhu |website=Behindwoods |access-date=31 July 2011 |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/oct-07-03/19-10-07-ezhu.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720115031/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/oct-07-03/19-10-07-ezhu.html |archive-date=20 July 2011 }}</ref> His sister, Anitha, is a teacher.

Vikram's father, Vinod Raj, was a small time actor who did not fare successfully in films and only managed to act in supporting roles in Tamil films and television serials. This inspired Vikram to take theatre lessons and become professionally trained in classical and cinema dance forms to ensure that he became a leading actor.<ref name="SouthernSpice">{{cite web|author=Sreedhar, Sridevi |date=4 June 2006 |title=Southern spice |work=[[The Telegraph (Calcutta)|The Telegraph]] |access-date=31 July 2011 |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060604/asp/look/story_6303930.asp |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102154911/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060604/asp/look/story_6303930.asp |archive-date= 2 November 2012 }}</ref><ref name="fatheractor">{{cite web |author=Narasimham, N. L |date=4 March 2005 |title=Still the regular guy |access-date=31 July 2011 |url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2005/03/04/stories/2005030401210200.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050321043429/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2005/03/04/stories/2005030401210200.htm|url-status=dead|work=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=21 March 2005}}</ref> Vikram decided to use a screen name because he disliked his original name, Kennedy, and he also felt that such a foreign name was not a fit name for an actor in Tamil films. He took the name Vikram (a Hindu name) which means "man who does great deeds." In one interview, he said that he was also inspired to take the name because it was a mixture of several names dear to him: "Vi" from his father's name (Vinod), "K" from Kennedy, "Ra" from his mother's name (Rajeshwari) and "ram" from his sun sign, [[Aries (astrology)|Aries]].<ref name="caravan">{{cite web|author=Rangan, Baradwaj |date=1 December 2013 |title=Man of Steel |work=The Caravan Magazine |access-date=8 April 2014 |url=http://www.caravanmagazine.in/arts/man-steel |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150918094317/http://www.caravanmagazine.in/arts/man-steel |archive-date=18 September 2015 }}</ref>

Vikram was educated at [[Montfort School, Yercaud]] (a boarding school in a hill station near [[Salem, Tamil Nadu|Salem]]) and graduated in 1983. He has mentioned that he used his opportunities at school well by taking part in karate, horseback riding and swimming and noted that such early exposure to activities gave him confidence as a youngster. Vikram lurked in the fringes of the school's theatre club for a long period and often took part in backstage work before being handed the lead role in a school adaptation of [[Molière]]'s ''[[Le Médecin malgré lui|The Doctor in Spite of Himself]]'' after the original lead had contracted chicken pox.<ref name="caravan" /> Despite expressing his interest to join films after school, his father forced him to go through education and Vikram subsequently graduated from [[Loyola College, Chennai]] with a degree in English Literature and worked halfway towards an MBA programme.<ref name="redwin" /> Through the prolific dramatics club, Vikram appeared in stage productions including college adaptations of ''[[The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial]]'' and [[Peter Shaffer]]'s ''[[Black Comedy (play)|Black Comedy]]'', receiving best actor awards for his performances.<ref name="caravan" /> After winning a Best Actor Award at a function held at [[Indian Institute of Technology Madras|IIT Madras]], Vikram was hit by a truck during a ride on his motorbike on the way home and suffered a serious leg injury. He remained hospital-ridden for three years during college and subsequently went through twenty-three surgeries to prevent his leg from being amputated.<ref name="redwin">{{cite web|author=Warrier, Shobha |date=17 August 2004 |title=Vikram's obsession gets its reward |publisher=[[Rediff]] |access-date=31 July 2011 |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2004/aug/17vikram.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718203136/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2004/aug/17vikram.htm |archive-date=18 July 2011 }}</ref><ref name="mint">{{cite web|author=Sukumaran, Shradha |date=17 June 2010 |title='My blood group is B+ and that's my motto' |work=[[Mint (newspaper)|Mint]] |access-date=31 July 2011 |url=http://www.livemint.com/2010/06/17200701/8216My-blood-group-is-B-an.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100621065336/http://www.livemint.com/2010/06/17200701/8216My-blood-group-is-B-an.html |archive-date=21 June 2010 }}</ref> Vikram then returned to finish the final year of his degree after his accident and secured permission to finish his dissertation at home, as he was only able to walk on crutches for a short period.<ref name="vikacc">{{cite web|author=Muthiah, Wani |date=28 July 2011 |title=Long, winding path to success for Vikram |work=[[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]] |access-date=31 July 2011 |url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/7/28/nation/9176084&sec=nation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019105521/http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2011%2F7%2F28%2Fnation%2F9176084&sec=nation |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 October 2012 }}</ref>

In 1997, he played the eponymous lead in debutant director [[Bala (director)|Bala]]'s romantic drama ''[[Sethu (film)|Sethu]]''. To prepare for the character, which was also referred to as Chiyaan, Vikram shaved his head, lost 21 kilograms and grew his nails long for the role.<ref name="redwin" /><ref name="front" /> After beginning production in April 1997, the film went through [[development hell]] after industry strikes and lack of funds hampered progress. During this phase, he did not accept other acting offers to maintain the continuity of his looks. The film then struggled to find a distributor, who shunned it due to the tragic climax and the film remained unreleased.<ref>{{cite news|title=Making films for the real world |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/lf/2003/01/02/stories/2003010206620200.htm |access-date=7 November 2011 |date=2 January 2003 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607041653/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/lf/2003/01/02/stories/2003010206620200.htm |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date= 7 June 2013 }}</ref> Vikram described the period of production as "the worst phase of his career" as he was financially strapped and "his fire was in danger of dying down".<ref name="front" /> He turned down an opportunity from a friend to take up a job in technology and attempted to stay in the industry by directing a serial titled ''Mounam Pesiyadhey'', with [[Ameer (director)|Ameer]] as his assistant director.<ref name="caravan" /> ''Sethu'' finally released in December 1999 and initially began running at a single noon show at a suburban theater, but gradually gained an audience through word-of-mouth publicity. Eventually, it ran for over 100 days at several cinema halls across [[Chennai]]. Vikram was constantly being mobbed by people on the streets as a result of the film's success.<ref name="redwin" /><ref name="redset" /> Critics highly praised Vikram's performance with a reviewer referring to Vikram as "a revelation" and that "he is very natural and his acting in last few scenes are just too good and could even be compared with the best we have seen".<ref name="indolinksethu">{{cite web |author=Hariharan, Easwaran |date=December 1999 |title=Sethu |publisher=Indolink.com |access-date=31 July 2011 |url=http://www.indolink.com/tamil/cinema/Reviews/articles/Sethu_191236.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110806185746/http://www.indolink.com/tamil/cinema/Reviews/articles/Sethu_191236.html |archive-date=6 August 2011 }}</ref> Similarly, a critic from the Malaysian daily [[New Straits Times]], described the film as an "unforgettable experience" and described Vikram's performance as "praise-worthy".<ref name="nst">{{cite web|author=Vijayan, K. N.|date=12 February 2000|title=Laughs and tears galore in 'Sethu'|work=[[New Straits Times]]|access-date=31 July 2011|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=9lRIAAAAIBAJ&pg=3969,1961135&dq=vikram+sethu&hl=en|archive-date=10 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110220553/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=9lRIAAAAIBAJ&pg=3969%2C1961135&dq=vikram+sethu&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref> The performance drew accolades with Vikram winning the [[Filmfare Special Award&nbsp;– South]]<ref>{{cite news|title=Nuvvu Nenu wins 4 Filmfare awards |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2002-04-06/hyderabad/27122602_1_filmfare-film-award-actor-award |access-date=5 January 2012 |date=6 April 2002 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150201075354/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Nuvvu-Nenu-wins-4-Filmfare-awards/articleshow/6011249.cms?referral=PM |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |archive-date= 1 February 2015 }}</ref> and the [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize]], in addition to his first nomination for the [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil]] for his portrayal of the title character, while reports emerged that he missed out on the [[National Film Award for Best Actor]] by a single vote to [[Mohanlal]].<ref name="missedsethu">{{cite web|author=Rajitha |date=21 July 2000 |title=Ajit backs off Nanda |work=[[Rediff.com]] |access-date=31 July 2011 |url=http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2000/jul/21spice.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026145436/http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2000/jul/21spice.htm |archive-date=26 October 2012 }}</ref> Post-''Sethu'', Vikram has said that the film would always remain close to him regardless of its commercial success and that it put him on the "right path", with Vikram choosing to adapt the prefix of Chiyaan to his screen name.<ref name="front" />

Vikram signed on to feature in the action thriller ''[[Anniyan]]'', directed by prominent director [[S. Shankar|Shankar]] in March 2004.<ref name="anniyan">{{cite web|date=4 March 2004 |title=First look: Shankar's 'Anniyan' |website=[[Sify]] |access-date=31 July 2011 |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/first-look-shankars-anniyan-news-tamil-kkfvMHaaefa.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022060041/http://www.sify.com/movies/first-look-shankars-anniyan-news-tamil-kkfvMHaaefa.html |archive-date=22 October 2012 }}</ref> Vikram agreed to shoot for the film for 140 days, which was revealed to be amongst the longest contracts signed by an actor in a Tamil film.<ref name="anniyanoneforty">{{cite web|date=16 June 2005 |title=History made, history waits |website=IndiaGlitz |access-date=31 July 2011 |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/15221.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024045949/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/15221.html |archive-date=24 October 2012 }}</ref> The film featured him as a character suffering from [[dissociative identity disorder]] with three distinct personae: a meek lawyer, a suave fashion model and a psychotic serial killer. Prior to release, the film was touted as the most expensive South Indian film ever, costing Rs 263.8&nbsp;million, and was released across India with 400 prints.<ref name="anniyanbig">{{cite web|author=Pillai, Sreedhar |date=18 June 2005 |title=The mother of all biggies |access-date=31 July 2011 |url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2005/06/18/stories/2005061803170200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019072806/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2005/06/18/stories/2005061803170200.htm |work=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=19 October 2013 }}</ref> ''Anniyan'' took an "extraordinary opening",<ref name="anniyanopening">{{cite web|date=18 June 2005 |title=Extraordinary opening! |website=[[Sify]] |access-date=31 July 2011 |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/extraordinary-opening-news-tamil-kkfv3rcigha.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022060145/http://www.sify.com/movies/extraordinary-opening-news-tamil-kkfv3rcigha.html |archive-date=22 October 2012 }}</ref> and went on to become a blockbuster grossing more than Rs. 1&nbsp;billion through the original and two dubbed versions.<ref name="aparachitbb">{{cite web|author=Us Salam, Ziya |date=19 May 2006 |title='Aparichit' no more |access-date=31 July 2011 |url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/05/19/stories/2006051901290100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110120026/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/05/19/stories/2006051901290100.htm |work=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=10 November 2012 }}</ref> Vikram's performance received widespread critical acclaim, with a reviewer from ''[[Sify]]'' citing that "''Anniyan'' truly belongs to Vikram and the film is unthinkable without him" and "it is a role that could have been reduced to a caricature by a lesser actor".<ref name="anniyarv">{{cite web|date=18 June 2005 |title=Anniyan |website=[[Sify]] |access-date=31 July 2011 |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/anniyan-review-tamil-13873632.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030045503/http://www.sify.com/movies/anniyan-review-tamil-13873632.html |archive-date=30 October 2014 }}</ref> ''Anniyan'' won several accolades at award ceremonies the following year, with Vikram winning his third FIlmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil for his performance in the film.<ref name="anniyanaward">{{cite web|date=10 September 2006 |title='Anniyan' sweeps Filmfare Awards! |website=[[Sify]] |access-date=31 July 2011 |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/anniyan-sweeps-filmfare-awards-news-tamil-kkfvinigibe.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140926074039/http://www.sify.com/movies/anniyan-sweeps-filmfare-awards-news-tamil-kkfvinigibe.html |archive-date=26 September 2014 }}</ref>

Vikram then featured in [[Mani Ratnam]]'s bilingual films ''[[Raavanan (2010 film)|Raavanan]]'' and ''[[Raavan (2010 Hindi film)|Raavan]]'', inspired by the ancient [[Sanskrit]] epic [[Ramayana]], with Vikram featuring as the tribal leader, Veeraiya, in the Tamil version and the cop, Dev Pratap Sharma, in the Hindi version of the films, which were shot simultaneously.<ref name="ravsifint">{{cite web |author=Sreedhar, Sridevi |date=10 June 2010 |title=I am flying, thrilled and intoxicated: Vikram |website=[[Sify]] |access-date=31 July 2011 |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/i-am-flying-thrilled-and-intoxicated-vikram-news-tamil-kkfq0xhegdc.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724144159/http://www.sify.com/movies/i-am-flying-thrilled-and-intoxicated-vikram-news-tamil-kkfq0xhegdc.html |archive-date=24 July 2011 }}</ref> Vikram revealed that changes between the two characters during filming took up to 45 minutes, with [[Abhishek Bachchan]] playing the tribal leader in the Hindi version, whilst [[Prithviraj Sukumaran|Prithviraj]] played the cop in the Tamil version, with [[Aishwarya Rai]] as the female lead.<ref name="mint" /> Vikram was initially apprehensive, because both roles were to be shot almost simultaneously, but revealed that he succeeded by showing differences in his body language and expressions.<ref name="diffs">{{cite news|author=Rangarajan, Malathi |date=6 May 2010 |title='Raavanan', a re-incarnation |work=The Hindu |access-date=7 January 2011 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article423184.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100903110236/http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article423184.ece |archive-date= 3 September 2010 }}</ref><ref name="diffstwo">{{cite web|date=13 June 2010|title=I had the arrogance for it: Vikram|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=7 August 2011|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-06-13/news-interviews/28285463_1_vikram-mani-ratnam-anti-hero|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120919214533/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-06-13/news-interviews/28285463_1_vikram-mani-ratnam-anti-hero|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 September 2012}}</ref> Vikram revealed that he and Abhishek Bachchan played the roles in the respective versions without inspiration from one another. Despite being a non-speaker and making his debut in Hindi, he dubbed his lines in the language, remarking jovially that it was the "most difficult thing in the world".<ref name="ubb">{{cite web|author=Ramsubramaniam, Nikhil|date=9 June 2010|title="Abhishek has been the best co-star I have ever worked with till date"&nbsp;– Vikram|website=[[Bollywood Hungama]]|access-date=7 August 2011|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2010/06/09/6336/}}{{dead link|date=October 2013}}</ref><ref name="rediffraavnan">{{cite web|author=N, Patcy |date=17 June 2010 |title=When Vikram picked up Abhishek and threw him! |work=[[Rediff.com]] |access-date=7 August 2011 |url=http://movies.rediff.com/slide-show/2010/jun/17/slide-show-1-vikram-on-raavan.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110410043255/http://movies.rediff.com/slide-show/2010/jun/17/slide-show-1-vikram-on-raavan.htm |archive-date=10 April 2011 }}</ref> After promotions at the [[Cannes Film Festival]] and a premiere at [[Leicester Square]] in London, the two versions and the dubbed Telugu version released simultaneously in 2,200 screens worldwide and took a big opening on day one, earning 200&nbsp;million.<ref name="raavanpremiere">{{cite web|date=18 June 2010 |title=Raavan has a star-studded premiere in London |access-date=7 August 2011 |url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/06/18/stories/2010061855652200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100721215342/http://www.hindu.com/2010/06/18/stories/2010061855652200.htm |work=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=21 July 2010 }}</ref><ref name="raavanopening">{{cite web|date=19 June 2010 |title='Raavan' earns Rs 20 crore worldwide on opening day |work=[[Deccan Herald]] |access-date=7 August 2011 |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/76426/raavan-earns-rs-20-crore.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110630151022/http://www.deccanherald.com/content/76426/raavan-earns-rs-20-crore.html |archive-date=30 June 2011 }}</ref> The Tamil version, ''Raavanan'' won rave reviews from critics, with ''[[The Hindu]]'' calling it a "master-stroke" and claiming that Vikram "raises the bar higher with every venture". The critic cited that "emotions of love, animus, anguish and joy dance on his face in quick succession", concluding that "Vikram lifts the role to an admirable level".<ref name="raavananhin">{{cite web|author=Rangarajan, Malathi |date=25 June 2010 |title=A masterstroke yet again&nbsp;– Raavanan |access-date=7 August 2011 |url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2010/06/25/stories/2010062550400201.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100701032556/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2010/06/25/stories/2010062550400201.htm |work=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date= 1 July 2010 }}</ref> The critic from Sify labelled it as an "astonishing portrayal", while the critic from the ''[[Hindustan Times]]'' praised Vikram's "ability to get into Veeraiya's skin and emote with conviction".<ref name="raavanantimes">{{cite web|author=Bhaskaran, Gauthaman |date=19 June 2010 |title=Gautaman Bhaskaran's Review: Raavanan |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |access-date=7 August 2011 |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Gautaman-Bhaskaran-s-Review-Raavanan/Article1-560002.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100627152149/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Gautaman-Bhaskaran-s-Review-Raavanan/Article1-560002.aspx |archive-date=27 June 2010 }}</ref> The Tamil version emerged as a commercial success, with Vikram's performance winning him his fourth Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil among other accolades.<ref name="raavananhhit">{{cite news|author=Reddy, Krithika |date=2 July 2010 |title=Rock and role |work=The Hindu |access-date=7 August 2011 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article496828.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100814123146/http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article496828.ece |archive-date=14 August 2010 }}</ref> In contrast, the Hindi version fetched mixed reviews, with critics agreeing that Vikram's performance as the tribal leader was more convincing than Bachchan's. [[Baradwaj Rangan]], writing for ''[[The New Indian Express]]'' rated the film 4/5 and said: "Raavan falls for Sita (and vice versa) in an intriguingly idiosyncratic take on the Ramayana&nbsp;– if you can get past the lead performances, that is".<ref>{{cite web|first=Baradwaj |last=Rangan |title='Raavan' Review |work=[[The New Indian Express]] |date=19 June 2010 |url=http://baradwajrangan.wordpress.com/2010/06/19/review-raavan/ |access-date=19 June 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100621082438/http://baradwajrangan.wordpress.com/2010/06/19/review-raavan/ |archive-date=21 June 2010 }}</ref> Whereas, [[Taran Adarsh]], writing for [[Bollywood Hungama]] rated it 1.5/5 and said: "On the whole, ''Raavan'' is a king-sized disappointment, in terms of content" though mentioning that Vikram was "first-rate, although the role isn't substantial enough".<ref>{{cite web|last=Adarsh |first=Taran |title=Raavan: Movie Review |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/review/14148/index.html |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |access-date=18 June 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100623075355/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/review/14148/index.html |archive-date=23 June 2010 }}</ref> ''Raavan'' subsequently went on to become a surprise flop at the Indian box office.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hits continue to evade Bollywood as ''Raavan'' flops |url=http://movies.rediff.com/report/2010/jun/28/box-office-raavan-flops.htm |publisher=[[Rediff]] |access-date=8 July 2010 |date=28 June 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100701042457/http://movies.rediff.com/report/2010/jun/28/box-office-raavan-flops.htm |archive-date= 1 July 2010 }}</ref> The film was also screened at the [[Venice Film Festival]] and the [[Busan International Film Festival]], with Vikram in attendance.<ref name="venice">{{cite web|author=Sangeetha|date=11 September 2010|title=Vikram: I was never so excited|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=7 August 2011|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-09-11/news-interviews/28215529_1_vikram-chiyaan-suhasini|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120919214551/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-09-11/news-interviews/28215529_1_vikram-chiyaan-suhasini|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 September 2012}}</ref>

Vikram next featured in ''[[Rajapattai]]'' (2011), alongside [[Deeksha Seth]], under the direction of [[Suseenthiran]], where he played a [[henchman]] trying to get a break in the [[Tamil cinema|Tamil film]] industry.<ref name="rajap">{{cite web|date=26 July 2011 |title=Vikram's role in Raja Pattai |website=Behindwoods |access-date=31 July 2011 |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/jul-11-04/vikram-raja-pattai-26-07-11.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926094022/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/jul-11-04/vikram-raja-pattai-26-07-11.html |archive-date=26 September 2011 }}</ref> The film opened to mixed reviews from critics in December 2011 and performed below expectations at the box office. Vikram also completed half of a fantasy period film during 2011, ''Karikalan'', in which he played [[Karikala Chola]], a Tamil king who ruled in 270 BC, opposite [[Zarine Khan]], under the direction of graphics director Kannan, but the film was later shelved owing to production troubles.<ref name="karikalan">{{cite web|date=13 May 2011 |title=Vikram & Zarine in Karikalan |website=[[Sify]] |access-date=31 July 2011 |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/vikram-zarine-in-karikalan-news-tamil-lfnlLCijcdb.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110819072713/http://www.sify.com/movies/vikram-zarine-in-karikalan-news-tamil-lfnlLCijcdb.html |archive-date=19 August 2011 }}</ref> He then appeared in his second project with director [[A. L. Vijay|Vijay]], portraying the lead role of a blinded [[Research and Analysis Wing|RAW agent]] in the action-thriller, ''[[Thaandavam]]''. The film, which also featured [[Anushka Shetty]], [[Amy Jackson]] and [[Lakshmi Rai]] in pivotal roles, opened to mixed reviews in September 2012.<ref name="vijayamy">{{cite web|author=Ramanujam, Srinivasa|date=10 July 2011|title=Amy in Vikram's next?|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=31 July 2011|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-07-10/news-interviews/29757850_1_amy-jackson-hindi-version-vikram-vijay|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120919214619/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-07-10/news-interviews/29757850_1_amy-jackson-hindi-version-vikram-vijay|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 September 2012}}</ref> For his role of a blind man, Vikram trained under noted [[human echolocation]] specialist [[Daniel Kish]], with the latter also playing a cameo in the film.<ref>{{cite news|agency=TNN |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-09-10/news-interviews/33736244_1_vikram-thaandavam-daniel-kish |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121101105810/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-09-10/news-interviews/33736244_1_vikram-thaandavam-daniel-kish |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 November 2012 |title=Vikram gets trained by Daniel Kish |date=10 September 2012 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=12 June 2013}}</ref> A critic from Sify.com noted that it was "Vikram and him alone who diverts your attention from the film's little logical script flaws and spellbinds you with an endearing act that is Thaandavam's biggest strength";<ref>{{cite web|title=Thaandavam |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/thaandavam-review-tamil-15008711.html |website=[[Sify]] |access-date=28 September 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131218212437/http://www.sify.com/movies/thaandavam-review-tamil-15008711.html |archive-date=18 December 2013 }}</ref> subsequently, the film did average business commercially. For his performance in the film, Vikram received his eighth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil. The actor was next seen portraying the title role in [[Bejoy Nambiar]]'s Hindi-language film ''[[David (2013 film)|David]]'' playing out a love story between a careless drunkard fisherman and a mute girl played by [[Isha Sherwani]]. The film won mixed reviews and performed average business at the box office. The film was also released in Tamil.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Rangan |first=Baradwaj |author-link=Baradwaj Rangan |date=1 December 2013 |title=Man of Steel&nbsp;– How suffering turned a college lad into a Tamil superstar |url=http://www.caravanmagazine.in/arts/man-steel |url-status=live |magazine=[[The Caravan]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150201165521/http://www.caravanmagazine.in/arts/man-steel |archive-date=1 February 2015 |access-date=1 February 2015}}</ref>

He also signed his 58th film with [[R. Ajay Gnanamuthu]] as the director who is known for his work in ''[[Demonte Colony]]''. The film was titled as ''[[Cobra (2022 film)|Cobra]]'' and was released on 31 August 2022. The film received mixed reviews from critics.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-05-21 |title=Vikram joins hands with Ajay Gnanamuthu for an action-thriller, see poster |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/vikram-joins-hands-with-ajay-gnanamuthu-for-an-action-thriller-see-poster/story-G2J8pIaVwnEG9NhLWWJdhN.html |url-status=live |access-date=2022-05-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220526061112/https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/vikram-joins-hands-with-ajay-gnanamuthu-for-an-action-thriller-see-poster/story-G2J8pIaVwnEG9NhLWWJdhN.html |archive-date=2022-05-26 |website=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Vikram's much-awaited film Cobra to hit the big screen in August|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/vikrams-much-awaited-film-cobra-hit-big-screen-august-164195|website=[[The News Minute]] |date=20 May 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523070212/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/vikrams-much-awaited-film-cobra-hit-big-screen-august-164195 |archive-date=2022-05-23 |access-date=2022-05-27 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=It's Official: Vikram's Cobra to release on August 31 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/its-official-vikrams-cobra-to-release-on-august-31/articleshow/93457758.cms |access-date=9 August 2022 |website=[[The Times of India]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title='Cobra' box office collection day 1: Vikram starrer mints Rs 12 crore|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/box-office/cobra-box-office-collection-day-1-vikram-starrer-mints-rs-12-crore/articleshow/93919709.cms|website=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=1 September 2022|quote=it got mixed reviews from the audience and critics.}}</ref> His most recent role was [[Aditya Chola II|Aditya Karikalan]] in [[Mani Ratnam]]'s film ''[[Ponniyin Selvan: I|Ponniyin Selvan]]'',<ref name="vikram">{{cite web |title=Chiyaan Vikram wraps up his portions in Mani Ratnam's Ponniyin Selvan |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/chiyaan-vikram-wraps-up-his-portions-in-mani-ratnam-s-ponniyin-selvan-1846732-2021-08-29 |access-date=29 August 2021 |website=[[India Today]] |archive-date=29 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829084328/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/chiyaan-vikram-wraps-up-his-portions-in-mani-ratnam-s-ponniyin-selvan-1846732-2021-08-29 |url-status=live }}</ref> which released on 30 September 2022. It is the first Tamil film to release in [[IMAX]] format.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2022/film/asia/ponniyin-selvan-imax-mani-ratnam-1235342343/|title='Ponniyin Selvan' to Become First Tamil Film to Release in IMAX|website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=16 August 2022 |access-date=16 August 2022}}</ref>

{{Commons category|Vikram}}