Vijay Sethupathi is often affectionately known as ‘Makkal Selvan.’ The versatile actor continues to astound with a diverse filmography that features silent films and gritty gangster dramas. Rising from humble beginnings as a Dubai accountant and a background extra, Sethupathi’s journey is inspiring and worth reckoning. Following the release of his silent project ‘Gandhi Talks’ and his new series ‘Kaattaan,’ the actor is gearing up for a massive year with Vetrimaaran’s ‘Arasan,’ a reunion with Mani Ratnam and Sai Pallavi, and the highly anticipated return of ‘Farzi 2.’ Discover the true story behind the title and how he became a favorite.
Vijay Sethupathi’s early life struggles and entry into cinema
Before entering cinema, Vijay Sethupathi worked in Dubai to help his family financially. But his passion for acting brought him back to Chennai. To start with, he played supporting roles, worked as a body double, and took other uncredited roles. He was also cut out of the film. He also had monetary and family problems. Still in this tough situation, he never backed out of his talent and passion for acting. He then tried his best by attending auditions and exploring opportunities in cinema.
Vijay Sethupathi’s struggle to gain audience recognition
Initially, for years, Vijay Sethupathi struggled to capture the attention of audiences. But his popularity gradually grew with roles in ‘Thenmerku Paruvakaatru’, ‘Pizza’ and ‘Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom’. Audiences were drawn to his unpretentious on-screen style, which was further elevated by a natural screen presence and authentic performances. By prioritizing the depth of his characters over the traditional “superstar” image, he eventually earned the widespread respect of both fans and critics alike. This journey culminated in him being honored with the title ‘Makkal Selvan’—a name that celebrates him as a “man of the people” and a beloved success story.
Vijay Sethupathi’s unique filmography
A silent feature in Vijay Sethupathi’s growth is his non-linear choice of films. Instead of choosing to be a mainstream hero, he decided to experiment with dark roles. Movies such as ‘Super Deluxe,’ ’96,’ and ‘Vikram Vedha’ are worthy examples.
What’s next for Vijay Sethupathi?
‘Gandhi Talks’ was Vijay Sethupathi’s latest film, and the silent movie tanked at the box office. Coming up next, Vijay Sethupathi has a string of projects, including Vetrimaaran’s ‘Arasan’, Myskkin’s ‘Train’ and Thiagaraja Kumaraja’s ‘Pocket Novel,’ among others. He is reportedly in talks with Mani Ratnam for a romantic film.