Tamil Actor Ilaya Thalapathi Vijay - His Accomplishments and Failures

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Vijay was born into the Tamil film industry, with his father S. A. Chandrasekhar being a well-known producer and director. His mother, Shoba Chandrasekhar, is a playback singer and carnatic vocalist. Vijay's entry into cinema seemed almost predestined. Despite his first film, "Naalaya Theerpu" (1992), being a commercial failure, Vijay's persistence and talent eventually led him to stardom.

Rise to Stardom

Vijay's breakthrough came with the film "Poove Unakkaga" (1996), which established him as a romantic hero. Over the years, he has delivered numerous hits such as "Ghilli" (2004), "Thuppakki" (2012), and "Mersal" (2017). His films often focus on themes that resonate with women and children, making him a family favorite.

Box Office Hits

• Ghilli (2004): Grossed over ₹50 crore, making it one of the highest-grossing Tamil films at the time.
• Thuppakki (2012): Collected over ₹180 crore worldwide.
• Mersal (2017): Grossed over ₹250 crore globally.

Comparisons and Rivalries

Vijay is often compared to the legendary Rajinikanth, although he has expressed that no one can replace Rajinikanth in Tamil cinema. His rivalry with Ajith Kumar is well-known, with fans of both actors often clashing. Despite this, Vijay and Ajith have maintained a cordial relationship, even embracing each other at the launch of the film "Tirupathi."

Charitable Works

Vijay is not just a film star; he is also a philanthropist. After reading about a school topper struggling to fund her higher education, Vijay sponsored her studies. This act of kindness inspired him to contribute more, and he now donates notebooks and books to 50,000 underprivileged students every year on his birthday.

Notable Charitable Contributions

• Education Sponsorship: Vijay has sponsored the education of numerous students.
• Annual Donations: Provides educational materials to 50,000 students annually.

Career Setbacks

While Vijay has had many successes, he has also faced significant failures. Films like "Azhagiya Tamil Magan" (2007), "Kuruvi" (2008), "Sura" (2010), and "Villu" (2009) were commercial flops. Critics argue that the repetitive nature of his roles and predictable storylines contributed to these failures.

Notable Flops

• Azhagiya Tamil Magan (2007): Despite high expectations, the film failed to impress at the box office.
• Sura (2010): Another high-budget film that did not perform well commercially.

Financial Aspects

Vijay is one of the highest-paid actors in the Tamil film industry, reportedly earning around ₹9 crore per film. However, his high remuneration has also led to him being labeled as an "expensive flop hero" during periods of consecutive box office failures.

Earnings

• Per Film Compensation: Approximately ₹9 crore.

Personal Interests

Apart from acting, Vijay is an avid sports enthusiast. He excels in various sports, including basketball, football, cricket, and volleyball. His cheerful demeanor and dedication to his craft have made him a beloved figure both on and off the screen.

Conclusion

Vijay's journey in the Tamil film industry is a testament to his resilience and talent. Despite facing numerous setbacks, he has managed to carve out a niche for himself, becoming one of the most beloved actors in Southern India. His charitable efforts and sportsmanship further add to his multifaceted personality, making him a true icon.

For more information on Vijay's career and personal life, you can visit The Hindu and Times of India.

Sources:

1. The Hindu
2. Times of India
3. IMDb
4. Box Office India