Vijayakanth: Difference between revisions

{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2022}}

| name               = Vijayakanth

| image               = Vijaykanth at the Sagaptham Audio Launch.jpg

| office             = 16th [[List of leaders of the opposition in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly|Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly]]

| term_start         = 27 May 2011

| term_end           = 21 February 2016

| 1blankname         = Chief Minister

| 1namedata           = [[J. Jayalalithaa]]

| predecessor         = [[J. Jayalalithaa]]

| successor           = [[M. K. Stalin]]

| constituency       = [[Rishivandiyam Assembly constituency|Rishivandiyam]]

| office1             = Member of [[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly]]

| term_start1         = 23 May 2011

| term_end1           = 21 May 2016

| 1blankname1         = Chief Minister

| 1namedata1         = [[J. Jayalalithaa]]

| predecessor1       = [[S. Sivaraj]]

| successor1         = Vasantham K. Karthikeyan

| constituency1       = [[Rishivandiyam Assembly constituency|Rishivandiyam]]

| term_start2         = 29 May 2006

| term_end2           = 14 May 2011

| 1blankname2         = Chief Minister

| 1namedata2         = [[M. Karunanidhi]]

| predecessor2       = R. Govindasamy

| successor2         = [[V. Muthukumar]]

| constituency2       = [[Virudhachalam Assembly constituency|Virudhachalam]]

| office3             = President of the [[Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam]]

| term_start3         = 14 September 2005

| term_end3           =  

| predecessor3       = ''Position established''

| successor3         =  

| office4             = General Secretary of the [[Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam]]

| office5            = President of the [[Nadigar Sangam|South Indian Artistes' Association]]

| term_start5        = 2000

| term_end5          = 2006

| predecessor5        = [[Radha Ravi]]

| successor5          = [[R. Sarathkumar]]

| birth_name         = Vijayaraj Azhagarswami

| birth_date         = {{Birth date and age|1952|08|25|df=y}}

| birth_place         = [[Madurai]], [[Madras State]], [[India]]<br />{{smaller|(present-day [[Tamil Nadu]])}}

| death_date         =  

| death_place         =  

| resting_place       =  

| nationality         = Indian

| party               = [[Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam]]

| spouse             = {{unbulleted list|{{marriage|Premalatha|31 January 1990}}}}

| children           = 2, including Shanmuga Pandian

| residence           = 54 – 12A, Kannammal Street, [[Saligramam]], [[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]]

| profession         = {{Hlist|Film actor|director|producer|politician|philanthropist}}

| awards             = [[Kalaimamani]] (2001)

| nickname           = ''Captain'', ''Karuppu MGR'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thefederal.com/states/south/tamil-nadu/is-vijayakant-reviving-the-black-mgr-image-amid-covid-19-pandemic/amp/|title=Is Vijayakant reviving the 'Black MGR' image amid COVID-19 pandemic?|date=22 April 2020|website=thefederal.com}}</ref> ''Puratchi kalaignar''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theweek.in/theweek/statescan/vijayakanth-finds-himself-nowhere-in-tamil-nadu-politics.html|title=Captain's curse|date=12 June 2016|website=theweek.in}}</ref>

'''Narayanan Vijayaraj Alagarswami ''' (born 25 August 1952),<ref name=":0">{{cite news|title=Tongues wag as Elangovan greets Captain|url=http://newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/article208185.ece|access-date=10 July 2013|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=26 August 2010}}</ref> better known by his stage name '''Vijayakanth''', is an Indian politician and former actor who has worked predominantly in [[Tamil cinema]]. He was the [[Leader of the Opposition]] in the [[Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly]] from 2011 to 2016. Before entering politics Vijayakanth was a successful actor, producer and director. Vijayakanth is also the current DMDK chairman of Tamil Nadu legislative assembly. He is the founder and president, general secretary of the [[Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam]] (DMDK) Political party and served as a [[Member of Legislative Assembly]] twice representing the constituency of [[Virudhachalam (state assembly constituency)|Virudhachalam]] and [[Rishivandiyam (State Assembly Constituency)|Rishivandiyam]] respectively.

Vijayakanth was born as Vijayaraj Alagarswami in [[Madurai]] on 25 August 1952.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Govardan |first1=D. |title=Vijayakant birthday: DMDK cadre celebrate it as poverty alleviation day |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/vijayakant-birthday-dmdk-cadre-celebrate-it-as-poverty-alleviation-day/articleshow/77734133.cms |access-date=25 May 2022 |work=The Times of India |date=25 August 2020}}</ref> his parents are K. N. Alagarswami and Aandal Azhagarswami.{{Citation needed|date=May 2023}} He married Premalatha on 31 January 1990 and has two sons, including Shanmuga Pandian, an actor who starred in ''[[Sagaptham]]'' (2015) and ''[[Madura Veeran]]'' (2018).<ref>{{Cite web|date=27 April 2016|title=Anchor of Captain's ship: In conversation with Premalatha, first lady of TN's third front|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/anchor-captains-ship-conversation-premalatha-first-lady-tns-third-front-42250|access-date=19 May 2021|website=The News Minute|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=25 August 2020|title=Captain Vijayakanth's birthday special selfie goes viral - Don't miss the happy family pic|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-16/captain-vijayakanths-birthday-special-selfie-goes-viral-dont-miss-the-happy.html|access-date=19 May 2021|website=Behindwoods}}</ref>

Vijayakanth is one of very few Tamil actors to have acted only in Tamil films throughout his career. His films have mostly been dubbed into [[Telugu language|Telugu]] and [[Hindi language|Hindi]]. Vijayakanth, had the title "Puratchi Kalaignar" (revolutionary artist) in the film industry.<ref>{{cite news |title=Difference between a mere actor and a star is a grandiose appellation in the glitzy world of South Indian cinema |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/difference-between-a-mere-actor-and-a-star-is-a-grandiose-appellation-in-the-glitzy-world-of-south-indian-cinema/articleshow/18359967.cms |access-date=30 March 2021 |work=The Economic Times |date=6 February 2013}}</ref> He is also known for portraying a patriotic, village do-gooder and dual role acting in his films. Many refused to play with him and great filmmakers did not show up to make films. He has acted in more than 20 films as a police officer.<ref name="m.behindwoods.com">{{Cite web|url=http://m.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/slideshow/10-lesser-known-facts-about-vijayakanth/the-only-actor-after-mgr-and-shivaji.html|title=10 Lesser known facts about Vijayakanth|date=12 May 2016|website=Behindwoods|access-date=21 September 2018|archive-date=21 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180921034753/http://m.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/slideshow/10-lesser-known-facts-about-vijayakanth/the-only-actor-after-mgr-and-shivaji.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> He is best known for low-budget films that showcased gravity-defying stunts in which he would single-handedly dispatch his enemies.<ref>{{cite news |title=If these videos are anything to go by, Vijayakanth is already the TN CM |url=https://scroll.in/reel/805567/if-these-videos-are-anything-to-go-by-vijayakanth-is-already-the-tn-cm |access-date=13 March 2021 |work=Scroll.in |date=23 March 2016}}</ref> Most of his films revolved around corruption, honesty and keeping up promises.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Murali |first1=Harish |title=Decoding the rise and fall of DMDK's Captain Vijayakanth |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-decriphering-the-rise-and-fall-of-dmdk-s-captain-vijayakanth-2215553 |access-date=13 March 2021 |work=DNA India |date=23 May 2016 |language=en}}</ref> He worked 3 shifts per day and that was his dedication towards his craft. Vijayakanth took delayed remunerations and sometimes didn't take them at all to benefit the struggling producers. More importantly, he didn't try to publicize these and had let the world see it for themselves and take inspiration.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenewstuff.in/captain-word-suits-him-sure|title=Captain... The word suits him for sure!|date=21 April 2020}}</ref> Upon entering the film industry to pursue an acting career, he changed to "Vijayakanth", dropping the "Raj" out of his name and suffixing it with "Kanth," by his first film M. A. Kaja's ''[[Inikkum Ilamai]]'' (1979). He then had success with ''[[Sattam Oru Iruttarai]]'' (1981), directed by [[S. A. Chandrasekhar]]; with whom he did movies mostly. In the 1980s and 1990s, he was an action icon with a consistent box-office appeal. He got the sobriquet "Captain" after the 100th film, ''[[Captain Prabhakaran]]'' (1991).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/a-silver-toast-to-the-golden-year-of-tamil-cinema/297311|title=A Silver Toast to the Golden Year Of Tamil Cinema|website=Outlook (India)|date=4 February 2022 }}</ref>

Vijayakanth was cast in ''[[Inikkum Ilamai]]'' (1979), his first film where he played an antagonist, which was directed by M. A. Kaja. His subsequent films ''[[Agal Vilakku]]'' (1979), ''Neerottam'' (1980) and ''Saamanthippoo'' (1980) were box-office flops.<ref name="indiatoday.in">{{Cite magazine|last=K.|first=Janani|date=16 April 2018|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/vijayakanth-40-years-in-tamil-cinema-sa-chandrasekar-1213179-2018-04-16|title=Vijayakanth's 40 years in cinema: What the last 4 decades have meant for Kollywood|magazine=India Today|access-date=30 April 2022}}</ref> His film ''[[Doorathu Idi Muzhakkam]]'' (1980), was screened at the Indian Panorama of the [[International Film Festival of India]]. However the film that strongly launched him as a commercial hero was ''[[Sattam Oru Iruttarai]]'' (1981), directed by [[S. A. Chandrasekhar]]. It was remade in [[Hindi language|Hindi]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Malayalam]] and [[Kannada]] languages. In his formative years, Vijayakanth acted in films carrying revolutionary and radical thoughts such as ''[[Sivappu Malli]]'' (1981) and ''[[Jadhikkoru Needhi]]'' (1981). In these films, he brilliantly portrayed the angry young revolutionist characters. He then played a villain role in ''[[Om Shakti]]'' (1982) but after which he has never portrayed antagonist characters in his career.<ref>{{cite news |title=Tuesday Trivia! - 40 Years of Captain Vijayakanth - Tamil News |url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/tuesday-trivia-40-years-of-captain-vijayakanth-tamil-news-210695 |access-date=12 October 2020 |work=IndiaGlitz.com |date=3 April 2018}}</ref>

Slowly he started acting in commercial films on action, romance and sentiment themes and gradually rose to the top and with many super hits films like ''[[Nooravathu Naal]]'' (1984) and ''[[Vaidhegi Kaathirunthaal]]'' (1984). This year, he had 18 releases. He became the Tamil cinema actor to release the most films in a year in the lead role.<ref>{{cite news |title=Vijayakanth celebrates 40 years in cinema 8 |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/vijayakanth-celebrates-40-years-in-cinema-imagegallery-8-kollywood-serkvBhiffcgh.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418070428/http://www.sify.com/movies/vijayakanth-celebrates-40-years-in-cinema-imagegallery-8-kollywood-serkvBhiffcgh.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 April 2018 |access-date=12 October 2020 |work=Sify |language=en}}</ref> He acted in ''[[Annai Bhoomi 3D]]'' (1985), the first 3D film made in the Tamil film industry where he acted alongside [[Radha Ravi]] and Kannada actor [[Tiger Prabhakar]]. He co-starred with Kannada superstar actor [[Vishnuvardhan (actor)|Vishnuvardhan]] in ''[[Eetti (1985 film)|Eetti]]'' (1985). The romantic comedy ''[[Naane Raja Naane Mandhiri]]'' (1985) was a commercial success. He acted in ''[[Amman Kovil Kizhakale]]'' (1986), which earnt him a [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil]]. He also acted in ''[[Manakanakku]]'' (1986), the only film where [[Kamal Haasan]] and Vijayakanth worked together, followed by ''[[Oomai Vizhigal]]'' (1986) which became a cult classic. It portrayed him in an unusual role of an aged cop. He became an indisputable competitor of stalwarts [[Rajinikanth]] and [[Kamal Haasan]]. In 1987, he co-starred with [[Sivaji Ganesan]] in ''[[Veerapandiyan]]'', followed by successful movies as ''[[Cooliekkaran]]'', ''[[Veeran Veluthambi]]'', ''[[Ninaive Oru Sangeetham]]'', ''[[Sattam Oru Vilayaattu]]'' and ''[[Uzhavan Magan]]''. In 1988, he worked in films such as ''[[Therkathi Kallan]]'', ''[[Nallavan (1988 film)|Nallavan]]''  and ''[[Poonthotta Kaavalkaaran]]''. In ''[[Senthoora Poove]]'', Vijayakanth won a [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor]]. In 1989, he also starred in two other super hit films such as ''[[Paattukku Oru Thalaivan]]'' and ''[[Ponmana Selvan]]''. This followed the crime ''[[Rajanadai]]'' and the Hindu devotional film ''[[Meenakshi Thiruvilayadal]]''.

=== 1990 to 1999: Action roles===

Throughout the 1990s, Vijayakanth excelled in versatile roles in a variety of films falling under various genres though he is more popular as an action hero including ''[[Pulan Visaranai]]'' and had [[R. Sarathkumar]] portraying the antagonist. Directed by [[R. K. Selvamani]], this film was considered to be one of the best Tamil crime thrillers of its time.<ref>{{cite news |title=30 Years of Pulan Visaranai: A nostalgic look-back at one of the best crime thrillers ever made in Tamil |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/photos/slideshows/2020/jan/18/30-years-of-pulan-visaranai-a-nostalgic-look-back-at-one-of-the-best-crime-thrillers-ever-made-in-t-859.html |access-date=12 October 2020 |work=[[Cinema Express]] |date=18 January 2020}}</ref> Vijayakanth starred superhit cop flick ''[[Sathriyan]]'', produced by [[Mani Ratnam]], about an honest cop and a corrupt politician. After the success of ''Pulan Visaranai'', Rowther decided to start another project with Vijayakanth and director R. K. Selvamani, titled ''[[Captain Prabhakaran]]'' (1991). It was Vijayakanth's 100th film, after which he earned the sobriquet "Captain" ever since he portrayed an IFS officer.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/people/who-is-vijayakanth-or-captain-553197|title=Who is Vijayakanth or Captain?|work=NDTV|access-date=3 December 2020}}</ref> After [[M. G. Ramachandran|M.G.R]], [[Sivaji Ganesan]] and [[J. Jayalalithaa|Jayalalithaa]], he is the only actor to have tasted a silver jubilee hit in his 100th film.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://m.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/slideshow/10-lesser-known-facts-about-vijayakanth/the-only-actor-after-mgr-and-shivaji.html|title = 10 Lesser known facts about Vijayakanth|date = 12 May 2016}}</ref> The film was a commercial success upon its release,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/tamil-film-industry-100th-film-jinx-grips-the-mighty-sans-captain/article8595803.ece|title=100th film jinx grips the mighty sans 'Captain'|first=N.|last=Kesavan|date=14 May 2016|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> followed by ''[[Maanagara Kaaval]]'' (1991) and ''[[Moondrezhuthil En Moochirukkum]]'' (1991). Vijayakanth worked in films such as ''[[Chinna Gounder]]'' (1992). This film was radically different from Vijayakanth's earlier portrayals, as he was donning the role of a soft-spoken village chieftain. This film was ranked third in [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Film]], followed by ''[[Bharathan (1992 film)|Bharathan]]'' (1992), ''[[Thai Mozhi]]'' (1992) and ''[[Kaviya Thalaivan (1992 film)|Kaviya Thalaivan]]'' (1992). He has also appeared in various roles such as ''[[Koyil Kaalai]]'' (1993), ''[[Ezhai Jaathi]]'' (1993), ''[[Sakkarai Devan]]'' (1993), ''[[Rajadurai (film)|Rajadurai]]'' (1993) and  ''[[Enga Muthalali]]'' (1993). He co-starred with the son of the director [[S. A. Chandrasekhar]], [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]] in ''[[Sendhoorapandi]]'' (1993), where Vijayakanth plays the role of elder brother. Director SAC thought a film with Vijayakanth would give an impetus to Vijay's film career. Vijayakanth played an extended cameo role in this film for which he did not take any remuneration.<ref name="m.behindwoods.com"/> He turned out to be a hit.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2018/apr/16/sac-recalls-vijayakanths-help-for-vijay-5555.html|title=SAC recalls Vijayakanth's help for Vijay|date=16 April 2018|newspaper=[[Cinema Express]]|access-date=8 April 2022}}</ref>  In 1994, he appears in ''[[Sethupathi IPS]]'', ''[[Honest Raj]]'', ''[[Pathavi Pramanam]]'', ''[[En Aasai Machan]]'' and ''[[Periya Marudhu (film)|Periya Marudhu]]''. He then acted in ''[[Karuppu Nila]]'' (1995), ''[[Thirumoorthy]]'' (1995) and ''[[Gandhi Pirantha Mann]]'' (1995). For his performance in the action film ''[[Thayagam]]'' (1996), he won a [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize]]. This was followed by ''[[Tamizh Selvan]]'' and ''[[Alexander (1996 film)|Alexander]]''. In 1997, his film ''[[Dharma Chakkaram]]'' (1997), was directed by [[K. S. Ravikumar]]. He acted in his 125th film ''[[Ulavuthurai]]'' (1998), followed by ''[[Dharma (1998 film)|Dharma]]'' (1998) and ''[[Veeram Vilanja Mannu]]'' (1998). His following films were  ''[[Kallazhagar]]'' (1999), ''[[Periyanna]]'' (1999) where he played alongside [[Suriya]]. He also starred in [[R. B. Choudary]]'s production, ''[[Kannupada Poguthaiya]]'' (1999) under the banner [[Super Good Films]].

===2000 to 2009: Experience roles ===

In 2000s, Vijayakanth continued his success streak with blockbusters films as ''[[Vaanathai Pola]]'' a rural family drama directed by [[Vikraman]], which won two awards; a [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Film]] of the year and [[National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment]]. This was followed by ''[[Vallarasu]]'' and ''[[Simmasanam]]''. After this year, he again played in action films such as ''[[Vaanchinathan]]'' (2001) directed by [[Shaji Kailas]] and ''[[Narasimha (2001 film)|Narasimha]]'' (2001). Then came ''[[Viswanathan Ramamoorthy (film)|Viswanathan Ramamoorthy]]'' (2001), in which he made a cameo appearance and the village drama ''[[Thavasi]]'' (2001). All these films received mixed reviews from critics at the box office. In 2002, he acted in ''[[Raajjiyam]]'' followed by ''[[Devan (film)|Devan]]'', co-starring with the actor and directed by [[Arun Pandian]]. In director [[AR Murugadoss]]'s ''[[Ramanaa]]'', he underplayed as a realistic action hero and gave life to the role of an anti-corruption crusader.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/captain-vijayakanth-64th-birthday-special-article-malayalam-news-165866|title = What makes Vijayakanth so important for Tamil Nadu and its people? - Malayalam News|date = 25 August 2016}}</ref> He won a [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Film]] of the year and became a commercially successful. In 2003, he had two releases, ''[[Chokka Thangam]]'', a family drama and ''[[Thennavan]]'', a political film. In 2004, he appeared in  a comedy drama, ''[[Engal Anna]]'' which was a success,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/engal-anna/article28575474.ece|title=Engal Anna|date=23 January 2004|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> however ''[[Gajendra (2004 film)|Gajendra]]'' and ''[[Neranja Manasu]]'' received negative reviews.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/-review-tamil-movie-7100|title=Gajendra review. Gajendra Tamil movie review, story, rating|website=IndiaGlitz.com|access-date=8 April 2022}}</ref> Later, he did a special appearance in [[Suriya]]'s film ''[[Maayavi]]'' (2005). In 2006, he acted in three action films, ''[[Sudesi]]'', ''[[Perarasu (film)|Perarasu]]'' and ''[[Dharmapuri (film)|Dharmapuri]]''. The next year, he starred in ''[[Sabari]]'' (2007). His 150th film was ''[[Arasangam]]'' (2008), about a police officer who discovers and unravels the mystery behind a terrorist gang plotting to steal information about the growth of the Indian economy, set in Chennai then Toronto. He acted in the drama ''[[Mariyadhai]]'' (2009), in the second film with director Vikraman, after ''Vaanathai Pola'' followed by the action ''[[Engal Aasan]]'' (2009),<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kumar |first1=B. Aravind |title=Vijayakanth does a double role ahead of polls |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/vijayakanth-does-a-double-role-ahead-of-polls/articleshow/4242570.cms |access-date=6 April 2021 |work=The Times of India |date=9 March 2009 |language=en}}</ref> where he co-starred with [[Vikranth]], the cousin of actor [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Darshan |first1=Navein |title=Being Vijay anna's shadow was my biggest disadvantage: Actor Vikranth |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2019/jun/12/being-vijay-annas-shadow-was-my-biggest-disadvantage-1989146.html |access-date=6 April 2021 |newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]] |date=12 June 2019}}</ref> This year, Vijayakanth received a Filmfare Top 10 Legends of Tamil Cinema Award, over the course of his three-decade career as a screen star.

Vijayakanth acted and directed the film, ''[[Virudhagiri]]'' (2010), a remake of the French film ''[[Taken (film)|Taken]]''. After taking a hiatus of five years without films, he made a cameo appearance with his son, the first film of actor Shanmuga Pandian in ''[[Sagaptham]]'' (2015). In November 2015, he came back to acting in a  feature film - Arun Ponnambalam's ''Thamizhan Endru Sol'', alongside his son, Shanmuga Pandian, the second film with him. The film began production during November 2015, and had been temporarily suspended owing to the upcoming TN Assembly elections and the deteriorating health of Vijayakanth.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/vijayakanth-shanmuga-pandian-tamizhan-endru-sol-rumored-to-be-dropped-tamil-news-154910|title=Shocking: Vijayakanth's Tamizhan Endru Sol Dropped?? - Tamil News|date=17 March 2016|website=IndiaGlitz.com|access-date=1 May 2022}}</ref> He played 154 movies and is one of the most adored film personalities in the Tamil industry.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/vijayakanth-completes-40-years-in-cinema-stars-heap-praise-on-the-legend--tamil-news-211993 | title=Vijayakanth completes 40 years in cinema: Stars heap praise on the legend - Tamil News | date=20 April 2018 }}</ref> Vijayakanth is listed by The Cinemaholic among the top 20 best Tamil actors of all time.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kaluvakunta |first=Badrinath |date=3 June 2022 | url=https://thecinemaholic.com/best-tamil-actors-of-all-time/ | title=20 Greatest Tamil Actors of All Time | work=Cinemaholic |access-date=20 July 2022}}</ref>

==Filmography==

{{Main|Vijayakanth filmography}}

|[[Filmfare Awards South]]

|[[Tamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize]]

|}

<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:DMDK flag.PNG|upright=0.8|thumb|Official flag of Vijayakanth's party]] -->

The DMDK, led by Vijaykanth, proved to be an important player in the 2006 Tamil Nadu assembly election, garnering 10% of the voters and securing 10.1% in this [[Lok Sabha]] election. According to the study, it secured more votes than the winning margins of candidates in about 25 constituencies. In 2006, polling showed that DMDK was able to get more DMK votes than AIADMK votes, but in this election, they were able to wrestle more Congress voters from 2004 than any other party. Contrary to the claim of many in the AIADMK camp blaming DMDK for the defeat, there is no evidence for this to be true.<ref name="outlookindia">Iyengar, Pushpa (19 May 2008) [http://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/dark-horse-off-screen/237479 Dark Horse, Off Screen]. outlookindia.com{{subscription required}}</ref> Vijayakanth has declared that he would not ask donations for his party, and most of the funding for the party comes from his own pocket. He has so far rejected alliances with other political parties. In a by-election to Madurai Central assembly constituency, DMDK secured around 17000 votes, which is just 2000 votes less than AIADMK. DMDK was also able to secure a significant number of seats in Local Body elections.{{Citation needed|date=May 2023}}

===Leader of the opposition, 2011===

|bgcolor=98FB98|[[2016 Tamil Nadu state assembly election]]||[[Ulundurpet (State Assembly Constituency)|Ulundurpet]]||[[Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam|DMDK]] ||{{Lost}}|| 15.14||[[R. Kumaraguru]]||[[All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|AIADMK]]||36.03<ref name="ulun"/>

He founded [[Shri Andal Alagar College of Engineering]] in 2001. His wife is the chairperson of this college. On 1 October 2001, Vijayakanth declared that 1 October, which is actor [[Sivaji Ganesan]]'s birthday, be observed as Actors' Day in Tamil Nadu. In 2001, he was the former president of [[South Indian Film Artistes' Association]] and under his presidency, the debts of the association were cleared by organising celebrity shows overseas.<ref name="itgo">{{cite web|url=http://cinematoday2.itgo.com/Hot%20News1%20.htm|title=Hot New|publisher=cinematoday2.itgo.com|access-date=25 January 2014}}</ref> Vijayakanth has launched a 24-hour television channel called [[Captain TV]] on 14 April 2010.{{Citation needed|date=May 2023}} He later launched a 24-hour news channel called [[Captain News]] on 29 August 2012.

The media has widely publicized an ongoing dispute between Vijayakanth and comedic actor [[Vadivelu]], who was Vijayakanth's co-star in a number of notable films. On 21 September 2008, [[Vadivelu]]'s residence, located in [[Saligramam]] in [[Chennai]], was pelted with stones by a gang, leaving several windows and furniture damaged. Vadivelu reported that he suspected that it was Vijayakanth's men, because of a court case which he had filed against Vijayakanth for assault, for which the final court hearing was to take place the following day.<ref name="Indiaglitz41724">{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/41724.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080924125910/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/41724.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 September 2008|title=Vadivelu's house attacked – Tamil Movie News|website=IndiaGlitz.com|access-date=25 January 2014}}</ref> Filing another case for attempted murder against Vijayakanth, Vadivelu mentioned his interest in competing against him in the next assembly elections and "teaching him a lesson." In response, Vijayakanth told a press meet on that Vadivelu's allegations are based on hearsay.<ref name="behindwoods">{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/sep-08-04/vijayakanth-22-09-08.html|title=Vijayakanth explains|website=Behindwoods.com|access-date=25 January 2014}}</ref> During the legislative assembly elections in [[Tamil Nadu]] in 2011, Vadivelu vehemently campaigned for the [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] (DMK) and its alliance. During his public speeches, he predominantly condemned Vijayakanth, whose party, the [[Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam]] (DMDK), allied with the opposition party [[All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] (AIADMK). In a campaign speech in [[Tiruvarur]], Vadivelu stated that "(his) only aim is to sweep out Vijayakanth's whole team and to campaign vigorously for DMK's victory". Vadivelu was criticized as being biased, only supporting a DMK-led victory for personal gains and not once mentioning the then-official opposition, the AIADMK, or its leader, [[J. Jayalalitha]].{{Citation needed|date=June 2022}} In a turn of events, the election was eventually successful for the [[AIADMK]] alliance, while Vijayakanth was victorious by a significant margin in his own constituency.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newswire/story/vijayakanth-hits-back-at-jaya-for-criticising-party-workers/925483|title=Vijayakanth Hits Back at Jaya for Criticising Party Workers|website=Outlook|access-date=3 December 2020}}</ref> While speaking at an election campaign meeting in 2016, he criticized [[Rajinikanth]], causing a considerable backlash from supporters of [[Rajinikanth]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ndtv.com/tamil-nadu-news/sections-of-rajini-fans-back-dmk-after-vijayakanths-comments-1396620|title=Angry Rajinikanth Fans Snub Vijayakanth, Support DMK Candidate|newspaper=NDTV.com|access-date=5 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/assembly-elections/captain-vs-thalaivar-vijayakanth-s-statements-irk-rajinikanth-s-fans/story-eebch04IHhR2tzrIMjur7J.html|title=Captain vs Superstar: Vijayakanth's statements irk Rajinikanth's fans|date=18 April 2016|work=Hindustan Times|access-date=5 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Chellappan |first1=Kumar |title=No real Tamil-speaking leaders in TN! |url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2014/india/no-real-tamil-speaking-leaders-in-tn.html |access-date=9 March 2021 |work=The Pioneer |date=23 December 2014 |language=en}}</ref> He has been criticized for making obscene gestures in public, often towards journalists.<ref>{{cite news |title=Video Of DMDK Chief Vijayakanth Gesturing At Journalists Goes Viral |url=https://www.ndtv.com/tamil-nadu-news/video-of-dmdk-chief-vijayakanth-gesturing-at-journalists-goes-viral-1397592 |access-date=9 March 2021 |work=NDTV |date=21 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Not thalaivaa, only saliva: Vijayakanth spits at journalists; AIADMK lawyer files complaint for insulting Jaya |url=https://www.firstpost.com/politics/dmdk-chief-vijayakanth-faces-flak-after-behaving-in-uncivilised-manner-with-journalists-2561906.html |access-date=9 March 2021 |work=Firstpost |date=29 December 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=DMDK goes to police against Vijayakanth memes |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/DMDK-goes-to-police-against-Vijayakanth-memes/articleshow/46228416.cms |access-date=9 March 2021 |work=The Times of India |date=16 January 2017 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=DMDK files complaint against memes targetting Vijayakanth |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/dmdk-files-complaint-against-memes-targetting-vijayakanth-news-tamil-pcniX7febggff.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214200843/http://www.sify.com/movies/dmdk-files-complaint-against-memes-targetting-vijayakanth-news-tamil-pcniX7febggff.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 February 2015 |access-date=9 March 2021 |work=Sify |date=13 February 2015 |language=en}}</ref>

 

 

[[Category:Tamil people]]

[[Category:Tamil Nadu MLAs 2006–2011]]