Vijayakanth death: A look back at the Tamil star's popular films

Popular Tamil actor and former leader of the opposition in the Tamil Nadu assembly, Vijayakanth, passed away today, December 28, at a private hospital in Chennai. The 71-year-old actor was the founder of Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK). Officials at Miot Hospital confirmed his death. The actor, known by fans as the "Captain" for his portrayal of military characters, was admitted for the treatment of pneumonia and was on ventilator support. He tested positive for Covid-19. 

The actor who made his debut in 1979, starred in over 150 movies in his lifetime. The veteran actor earned a reputation as one of the respected action stars in the Tamil film industry. After playing the lead role in Captain Prabhakaran, the 100th film of his career, he earned the title, 'Captain'. 

Captain Vijayakanth the ‘revolutionary artist’ 

Vijayakanth, a successful action hero, earned the title "Puratchi Kalaignar," meaning revolutionary artist. He made his debut with Inikkum Ilamai in 1979, as a villain and went on to become an action icon in the 1980s and 1990s. His superhit movie Sattam Oru Iruttarai was remade in Hindi as Andhaa Kanoon starring Rajinikanth and Hema Malini. It was also remade in Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada languages. In 1984, he had 18 releases, becoming the only Tamil cinema actor to release maximum films in a year in the lead role. He appeared in 154 movies and was one of the most adored film personalities in the Tamil film industry.  

Vijayakanth saw an increase in popularity in the 1980s when he played revolutionary roles. Initially, he played the role of the antagonist in movies. It was only after Om Shakti (1982), that he ventured into playing the lead roles in commercial films. He also scripted history by starring in the first 3D film from the Tamil industry, Annai Bhoomi 3D. Some of the actor’s popular films include Naane Raja Naane Mandhiri and Amman Kovil Kizhakkale, among others. The actor had joined the likes of Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth in Tamil cinema. 

TN govt announces state honours for Vijayakanth's funeral

On December 28, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin announced full state honours for DMDK founder-leader Vijayakanth's funeral. In his condolence message, Stalin expressed shock and grief over Vijayakanth's death and hailed him as an achiever; both as an actor and as a leader in public life. As a mark of homage, the government will accord full state honours for Vijayakanth's funeral, Stalin announced. 

(With inputs from agencies)