Vijayakanth (1952-2023): Tamil Nadu loses its Captain

Vijayakanth began his acting journey with Inikkum Ilamai (1979). His unassuming looks and powerful screen presence quickly made him a popular figure among the audience. His first significant break happened with Sattam Oru Iruttarai (1981), directed by Vijay’s father SA Chandrasekhar. He then collaborated with SAC for many ventures like Nenjile Thunivirunthal, Needhi Pizhaithathu, and Pattanathu Rajakkal, which made him a bankable newcomer.

Nooravathu Naal, directed by Manivanan and released in 1984, became his first film to run for more than 200 days. Post the film, Vijayakanth became a force to reckon with in Tamil cinema, on par with the leading stars of the industry, including Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan.

If you want to gauge how realistic and funny Vijayakanth can be, Naane Raja Naane Mandhiri (1985) is the film you need to watch. The film is about a rich village youngster, and Vijayakanth effortlessly played the role of good-for-nothing Rangamani, who gets his way with force and money. It is hard to like him, but it is hard to hate him too. That’s the sweet spot Vijayakanth hit with his performance with this one. Amman Kovil Kizhakale, Poondhthotta Kaaval Kaaran, and Cooliekkaran are other notable works of the actor from the period. He also started using the moniker Puratchi Kalaingar (Revolutionary Artist) after the release of the film, Cooliekkaran. 

Though widely known for his roles as a police officer in films during the ’90s, Vijayakanth was a versatile actor in his formative years. At the age of 34, he played an ageing police officer in Oomai Vizhigal (1986), which ended up as a blockbuster. He portrayed the role of a homeless man in Vaidhegi Kaathirunthaal (1984). The image of him from the film, sitting outside the temple and singing ‘Rasaathi Unna’, will remain etched in Tamil mainstream’s collective consciousness.

He won the Tamil Nadu State Award for Senthoora Poove in 1988, and he again won the award for Thyagam in (1996).

The Emergence of Captain

In the ’90s, there was an evident shift in the kind of films Vijayakanth made. He increasingly started playing the role of a police officer starting from Pulan Visaranai. After Chatriyan (1990), another feather in his cap, came Captain Prabhakaran (1991), which propelled his stature to superstardom. The moniker Captain from the film stuck with him for life. Sethupathi IPS (1994), Maanagara Kaaval (1991), Rajadurai (1993), Thai Mozhi (1993), and Honest Raj (1994) are some of the other notable police films in his career. 

On one side, Vijayakanth positioned himself as the quintessential police hero in Tamil cinema, and simultaneously, he was catering to his hardcore audience in the villages with rural dramas. Chinna Gounder (1992), directed by RV Udhayakumar, is an iconic film not just in Vijayakanth’s filmography, but in Tamil cinema. Despite bearing a caste name in its title, the film ended up impressing people across the state. The romanticisation of Panchayat justice that is purported in the film might not sit well with the modern audience, but the film mostly won hearts for its drama and rural sentiments. He continued catering to this audience even through the 2000s with Vaanathai Pola (2000), Thavasi (2001), and Chokka Thangam (2003). 

However, for a modern Tamil cinema fan, Vijayakanth will be well-known for his role in AR Murugadoss’s Ramana. When the actor was mostly seen in silly masala films like Vallarasu and Narasimma, AR Murugadoss showed the world what Vijayakanth is capable of with Ramana, which became the biggest hit of the actor after decades. Yet, the film also came at a time when the actor was migrating to the political plateau of Tamil Nadu. After Ramana, Captain acted for six years and called it quits after Virudhagiri (2010) to concentrate on his political journey. He later played a cameo in Sagaptham (2015), which was his last on-screen appearance.

Political Stalwart

Beyond the realm of entertainment, Vijayakanth ventured into politics, establishing the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) party in 2005. His foray into the political arena marked a significant chapter in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape. With only DMK and ADMK ruling the roost in Tamil Nadu, the entry of Vijayakanth changed the equation. He was perceived to be an alternative to the two mammoths. He contested several elections, leaving an indelible impact on the state’s political discourse.

From social justice to the fight against oppression, Vijayakanth positioned himself as the leader of the downtrodden. Eradicating poverty and protecting farmers were some of the tenets of his political ideology. He became the Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly in 2011 and served the term until 2016. Due to his failing health, Vijayakanth couldn’t be at his best in the later stages of his career, and this took a toll on the electoral performance of DMDK.

Legacy of Captain Vijayakanth

When one thinks of Vijayakanth, he will be fondly remembered for his innocent demeanor as seen in many of his films, and he will also be remembered for his boldness; an odd but affable combo. One cannot forget the stern warning he gave to ADMK MLAs at the state assembly in front of the formidable former CM J Jayalalithaa. Captain will also be remembered for his funny and at times notorious interactions with media personnel. From cracking jokes at them to walking out of press conferences, Vijayakanth has always been honest about his feelings.

Vijayakanth also might end up as the last star who could win in both cinema and politics. With the change in the current political scenario, the long-lasting link between Tamil cinema and its politics has lost its strength. Rajinikanth staying away from politics and Kamal Haasan’s failure are some of the evidence of the new change in the scene. In that context, Vijayakanth could end up as the last significant political force that emerged in Tamil cinema. Some call him Karuppu MGR (Black MGR) for the very reason. But Vijayakanth need not be recalled in reference to another leader because he was unique. May Captain rest in peace.