Vijay Sethupathi Tamil Movie List
If you are new to Tamil cinema or just want to binge-watch his best, here is a quick list categorized by genre:
The Must-Watch Classics:
For A Good Laugh:
The Intense Dramas:
The Mass Entertainers:
Why watch: The king of dark comedies. Sethupathi plays a hilarious, philosophy-spouting kidnapper. Perfect writing, perfect acting.
In this blockbuster, he played Bhavani, a ruthless gangster who uses children for his gains. The clash between his character and Thalapathy Vijay’s was the highlight of the film. It showed that Sethupathi could be terrifyingly villainous while still commanding a massive fan following.
Conclusion
With over 50 films and counting, Vijay Sethupathi continues to redefine Tamil cinema. Whether you are a fan of intense dramas, light-hearted comedies, or edge-of-the-seat thrillers, his filmography has something for everyone.
Which Vijay Sethupathi movie is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
The Ultimate Fan
It was a typical Sunday evening in Chennai, and Rajan, a die-hard Vijay Sethupathi fan, was browsing through his favorite Tamil movie streaming platform. He stumbled upon a list of Vijay Sethupathi's movies and couldn't resist watching a few of his old favorites.
As he scrolled through the list, he noticed that it included some of his all-time favorite films like "Petta", "Master", "Jalaikattu", and "Kadala Meengal". He decided to start with "Petta", which he had watched multiple times but still couldn't get enough of.
As he watched the movie, Rajan was transported back to the streets of Chennai, where he had grown up listening to Vijay Sethupathi's songs and watching his films with his family. He remembered the first time he watched "Petta" and how he was blown away by Vijay Sethupathi's performance.
After finishing "Petta", Rajan decided to explore more of Vijay Sethupathi's filmography. He watched "Master", which he had heard was one of the actor's best works. He was impressed by Vijay Sethupathi's versatility and range, and how he could effortlessly switch between comedy and drama.
As the night went on, Rajan watched a few more of Vijay Sethupathi's movies, including "Jalaikattu" and "Kadala Meengal". With each film, he was reminded of why he loved Vijay Sethupathi so much - his talent, his dedication to his craft, and his ability to connect with his fans.
The next morning, Rajan woke up feeling inspired. He decided to create his own list of Vijay Sethupathi's top Tamil movies and share it with his friends and fellow fans on social media. He spent hours researching and debating which films to include, and finally came up with his top 10 list.
To his surprise, his post went viral, and soon, fans from all over Tamil Nadu were sharing and commenting on his list. Rajan was thrilled to see how his passion for Vijay Sethupathi's movies had brought people together.
From that day on, Rajan became known as the ultimate Vijay Sethupathi fan, and his list was widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive and accurate tributes to the actor's remarkable filmography.
Vijay Sethupathi Tamil Movie List (a sample list):
Vijay Sethupathi, often called "Makkal Selvan" (People's Treasure), has built one of the most versatile filmographies in Tamil cinema. Known for choosing content-driven scripts over typical "mass" hero formulas, his movie list spans quirky comedies, gritty thrillers, and heartfelt dramas. Essential Vijay Sethupathi Movies
Based on critical acclaim and fan rankings as of early 2026, these are the standout titles:
Vijay Sethupathi , affectionately known as "Makkal Selvan" (People’s Treasure), is one of the most prolific and versatile actors in contemporary Tamil cinema. He is widely recognized for his natural acting style, ability to portray complex characters, and his willingness to take on unconventional roles, ranging from everyman protagonists to menacing villains. Career Overview
Following a brief stint as an NRI accountant in Dubai, Sethupathi began his film journey as a background actor for several years before landing his first lead role in Seenu Ramasamy's Thenmerku Paruvakaatru (2010). His career reached a turning point in 2012 with a string of critical and commercial successes including Pizza and Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom. Major Tamil Films & Career Milestones
His filmography includes over 50 films, with several marked as significant milestones in Indian cinema. Notable Films Key Highlights Early Success (2010–2014) Thenmerku Paruvakaatru , , Soodhu Kavvum , Pannaiyarum Padminiyum
Established him as a versatile performer with a "natural" style. Rising Stardom (2015–2017) Naanum Rowdy Dhaan , Sethupathi , Dharma Durai , Vikram Vedha Vikram Vedha is widely considered one of his best works. Critical Acclaim (2018–2021) , Super Deluxe , ,
Won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Super Deluxe Recent Hits (2022–2024) , Viduthalai Part 1 & 2,
(2024) served as his 50th film and was a major international success. Complete Tamil Lead Filmography (Alphabetical Order)
Vijay Sethupathi , affectionately known as "Makkal Selvan" (People's Treasure), is one of the most versatile and influential actors in contemporary Tamil cinema. His career trajectory is marked by a unique transition from a background actor to a National Award-winning superstar who seamlessly blends commercial appeal with experimental storytelling.
The Early Years: Supporting Roles and Breakthrough (2004–2011)
After a stint as an accountant in Dubai, Sethupathi returned to India and began his film career playing minor uncredited roles. His early appearances included small parts in films like Pudhupettai (2006), (2007), and Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu
(2009). His maiden lead role came in 2010 with the National Award-winning drama Thenmerku Paruvakaatru , directed by Seenu Ramasamy. Rise to Popularity (2012–2016)
Vijay Sethupathi , popularly known as "Makkal Selvan" (People's Treasure), has built a prolific career in Tamil cinema, transitioning from uncredited background roles to becoming one of India's most versatile and sought-after lead actors vijay sethupathi tamil movie list
. After working as an accountant in Dubai, he returned to India and joined the theatre group Koothu-P-Pattarai
to observe acting from close quarters before landing his first lead role in 2010. Early Career & Supporting Roles (2004–2011)
Before his breakthrough, Sethupathi spent several years playing minor, often uncredited roles as a friend or henchman. M. Kumaran Son of Mahalakshmi : Appears as a boxing student. Pudhupettai : Played the role of Anbu’s henchman. : Featured as Leelatharan's friend. Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu : Appeared as a Kabaddi player. Naan Mahaan Alla : Played the character Ganesh. Thenmerku Paruvakaatru
: His first lead role as Murugan, a shepherd, in a film that won three National Film Awards. Breakthrough & Rise to Stardom (2012–2016)
2012 served as a massive turning point, with three consecutive hits that showcased his range across genres. Sundarapandian : Played a villainous role (Jegan) and won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Villain
: A horror-thriller where he played Michael, earning him critical acclaim and his first Filmfare nomination. Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom
: A cult black comedy where he portrayed a man with short-term memory loss. Soodhu Kavvum
: Played a 40-year-old kidnapper named Das, solidifying his reputation for unconventional role choices. Naanum Rowdy Dhaan
: A major commercial hit where he played a wannabe rowdy alongside Nayanthara. Sethupathi : His first role as an energetic police officer. Established Star & Critical Acclaim (2017–2021)
In this period, he became a powerhouse performer, often taking on multi-starrers and complex characters.
Vijay Sethupathi , affectionately known as "Makkal Selvan" (People's Treasure), has built one of the most diverse filmographies in Tamil cinema. From his early days as an uncredited background actor to reaching his 50th film milestone
in 2024, his journey reflects a constant willingness to experiment with genres and unconventional roles. Breakthrough Hits (2012–2013)
This period established him as a leading star capable of handling both thriller and comedy genres.
: A horror-thriller where he played a delivery boy trapped in a supernatural mystery. Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom
: A cult classic comedy based on a real incident of a man losing his memory days before his wedding. Soodhu Kavvum
: A dark comedy-thriller featuring him as a middle-aged kidnapper with unique rules. Iconic Career Milestones
Sethupathi is widely praised for his ability to transform into complex characters rather than sticking to "hero" archetypes. Vikram Vedha
: He played the cunning gangster Vedha, creating a legendary cat-and-mouse dynamic opposite Madhavan.
: A tender romantic drama where his portrayal of Ram, a nostalgic photographer, became a career milestone. Super Deluxe
: His performance as Shilpa, a transgender woman, earned him the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor Kadaisi Vivasayi
: A critically acclaimed drama where he appeared alongside an elderly farmer, highlighting the plight of rural agriculture.
: His 50th film, a gripping action-drama that was both a critical and commercial international success. Notable Antagonist & Supporting Roles
Sethupathi has frequently taken on powerful villainous roles in big-budget action films. : Played the menacing Bhavani opposite Thalapathy Vijay.
: Starred as the ruthless drug lord Sandhanam in Lokesh Kanagaraj's action thriller.
: His major Hindi debut (also released in Tamil) as the arms dealer Kaalie Gaikwad. Upcoming 2026 Releases
He continues his busy streak with several projects slated for 2026:
Vijay Sethupathi, affectionately known as "Makkal Selvan" (People's Treasure), has evolved from a background actor into one of Indian cinema's most versatile and sought-after stars. His journey is marked by unconventional role choices, ranging from a middle-aged kidnapper to a transgender woman. Early Career & Breakthrough (1996–2012)
Sethupathi began his career with uncredited and minor supporting roles for over five years, appearing in films like Pudhupettai (2006) and Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu (2009). His first lead role came in the National Award-winning drama Thenmerku Paruvakaatru (2010). However, 2012 proved to be his breakthrough year with three consecutive major hits:
Sundarapandian (2012): Played a villainous role that earned him the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Villain.
Pizza (2012): A horror-thriller that established him as a leading actor in Tamil cinema.
Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom (2012): A cult comedy based on real-life short-term memory loss. The Rise to Superstardom (2013–2018)
During this period, Sethupathi solidified his reputation for selecting unique scripts and working with debutant directors: If you are new to Tamil cinema or
Soodhu Kavvum (2013): A landmark black comedy where he played a quirky 40-year-old kidnapper.
Naanum Rowdy Dhaan (2015): A massive commercial success that boosted his stardom.
Vikram Vedha (2017): His performance as the charismatic gangster Vedha is widely considered one of his best works.
'96 (2018): A nostalgic romantic drama that became an instant classic, earning him multiple awards. National Recognition & Pan-Indian Appeal (2019–Present)
Sethupathi began taking on significant roles in other languages while continuing to dominate the Tamil industry:
Super Deluxe (2019): His portrayal of Shilpa, a trans woman, won him the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Master (2021) & Vikram (2022): Played formidable antagonists against superstars Vijay and Kamal Haasan, respectively.
Jawan (2023): Marked his high-profile Bollywood entry as the main antagonist alongside Shah Rukh Khan.
Maharaja (2024): His 50th film as a lead, which became a significant international critical and commercial success. Vijay Sethupathi Tamil Movie List (Chronological)
Note: This list focuses on lead or major supporting roles in Tamil cinema.
The Cartography of Chaos: A Deep Essay on the Filmography of Vijay Sethupathi
In the densely populated galaxy of Tamil cinema, where stars are often born into dynasties and heroes are sculpted from marble perfection, Vijay Sethupathi emerged as a glorious anomaly. He is the antithesis of the traditional matinee idol. He does not possess the chiseled physique of a demi-god nor the fair complexion historically prized by the industry. He looks, deliberately and defiantly, like one of us. Yet, within this unassuming exterior lies a volatility that has redefined the parameters of acting in South Indian cinema.
To examine the filmography of Vijay Sethupathi is not merely to list movies; it is to trace the evolution of a "everyman" who learned to weaponize his ordinariness to portray the extraordinary. His career can be broadly categorized into distinct arcs: the struggling artist finding his voice, the commercial renegade subverting the system, the antagonist who steals the soul of the film, and the pan-Indian icon blurring boundaries.
This period saw him consciously avoid formulaic mass roles, instead choosing offbeat scripts and author-backed characters.
| Year | Film | Why It Matters | |------|------|----------------| | 2013 | Soodhu Kavvum | Dark comedy about kidnappers. He played a philosophical, middle-aged, pot-bellied gangster. Subverted the “young hero” trope. | | 2013 | Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara | Drunken, flawed, lovable loser — a role no mainstream hero would touch. | | 2014 | Pannaiyarum Padminiyum | Car-loving village head. Warm, restrained, nostalgic. Showed his range in non-commercial space. | | 2015 | Naanum Rowdy Dhan | Rowdy with a heart. Quirky romance + dark comedy. His chemistry with Nayanthara became legendary. |
Deep take: During this phase, Sethupathi rejected the “mass hero” template. Instead, he built a character-hero brand — audiences came to see his portrayal, not heroics.
Why watch: A soulful journey of first love. Sethupathi plays the soft-spoken, nostalgic Ram. He won the National Award for this role. Keep tissues handy.
What makes Vijay Sethupathi unique is his refusal to be typecast. He can play a 40-year-old father (Orange Mittai), a menacing don (Petta), a romantic hero (96), or a transgender woman (Super Deluxe) with equal conviction. His filmography is not just a list of movies; it is a masterclass in acting.
As he continues to explore new territories—including his recent ventures in Hindi and Telugu cinema—one thing remains certain: whether he is the hero, the villain, or the comedian, Vijay Sethupathi will always leave an indelible mark on the screen.
Which Vijay Sethupathi movie is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
The Versatile Vijay Sethupathi: A List of His Most Iconic Tamil Movies
Vijay Sethupathi is a name that needs no introduction in the Tamil film industry. With a career spanning over a decade, he has established himself as one of the most versatile and talented actors in Kollywood. From romantic comedies to intense dramas, Vijay Sethupathi has played a wide range of roles that have captivated audiences and critics alike.
In this blog post, we'll take you through a list of some of the most notable Tamil movies featuring Vijay Sethupathi. Get ready to revisit some of his most iconic performances!
Early Years and Breakthrough
Before we dive into his notable films, let's take a brief look at Vijay Sethupathi's journey. Born on January 9, 1976, in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, he began his career as a television anchor and later transitioned to acting. His breakthrough role came in 2012 with the Tamil film Neethaandaan, which earned him critical acclaim and recognition.
Vijay Sethupathi's Tamil Movie List
Here are some of the most notable Tamil movies featuring Vijay Sethupathi:
Honorable Mentions
Some other notable mentions in Vijay Sethupathi's filmography include:
Conclusion
Vijay Sethupathi's filmography is a testament to his hard work and dedication to his craft. With a wide range of roles under his belt, he has proven himself to be one of the most versatile actors in Tamil cinema. This list is not exhaustive, but it highlights some of his most iconic and memorable performances.
If you're a fan of Vijay Sethupathi or just discovering his work, this list is a great starting point to explore his filmography. Enjoy revisiting some of his most notable movies and experience the magic of his performances! For A Good Laugh:
Vijay Sethupathi , popularly known as "Makkal Selvan" (People’s Treasure), has built one of the most diverse filmographies in Tamil cinema
. From his early days as a background actor to becoming a National Award winner, he is celebrated for his versatility and willingness to take on unconventional roles.
Below is a categorized list of his key Tamil movies, including upcoming projects for 2026 and beyond. Latest & Upcoming Tamil Movies (2025–2027)
The actor has a packed schedule with high-profile collaborations, including a much-anticipated project with director Mani Ratnam.
Vijay Sethupathi , affectionately known as "Makkal Selvan" (People's Treasure), has established himself as one of the most versatile and prolific actors in Indian cinema. From his early days as an uncredited background artist to becoming a pan-Indian star, his career is marked by experimental roles and critical acclaim.
Below is a detailed list of his major Tamil filmography, categorized by career milestones and recent releases as of April 2026. 🗓️ Recent & Upcoming Releases (2024–2026)
As of early 2026, Vijay Sethupathi continues to balance high-octane blockbusters with experimental cinema. Gandhi Talks
(January 30, 2026): A high-profile silent film directed by Kishor Pandurang Belekar, starring alongside Arvind Swami and Aditi Rao Hydari. Kadhal Kadhai Sollava
(February 6, 2026): A romantic drama featuring Sethupathi in a lead role.
(Upcoming 2026): A highly anticipated collaboration with director Vetri Maaran, currently in filming/post-production. Thalaivan Thalaivii
(July 25, 2025): An action-comedy directed by Pandiraj, featuring Sethupathi as Aagasaveeran.
(May 23, 2025): A crime-comedy set in Malaysia, marking his 51st lead role. Viduthalai Part 2
(December 20, 2024): Reprising his role as "Vaathiyaar" (Perumal) in Vetri Maaran's acclaimed period drama.
(June 14, 2024): His landmark 50th film, which received widespread critical and commercial success. 🏆 Critical Masterpieces & Award Winners
These films are widely regarded as his finest work, often earning him National and State accolades. Super Deluxe
(2019): Sethupathi won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Shilpa, a transgender woman.
(2018): A soulful romantic drama that earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil. Vikram Vedha
(2017): His iconic portrayal of the gangster Vedha alongside Madhavan cemented his status as a leading star and won him another Filmfare Award. Kadaisi Vivasayi
(2022): A critically lauded performance in a film highlighting the plight of rural farmers, which holds a 100% "Fresh" score on Rotten Tomatoes. Viduthalai Part 1
(2023): A gritty performance as a separatist leader that received immense critical praise. 🎭 Breakthrough & Cult Classics
The early roles that defined his "everyman" charm and unique script selection. Thenmerku Paruvakaatru
(2010): His debut as a lead actor under director Seenu Ramasamy.
(2012): A supernatural thriller that served as his major commercial breakthrough. Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom
(2012): A cult classic comedy based on a real-life incident of temporary memory loss. Soodhu Kavvum
(2013): An experimental black comedy that became a massive success and remains a fan favourite. Naanum Rowdy Dhaan (2015): A romantic-comedy hit directed by Vignesh Shivan. 🍿 Notable Antagonist & Cameo Roles
Sethupathi is famous for taking on powerful antagonist roles even at the peak of his hero career.
(2021): Played the ruthless villain "Bhavani" opposite Thalapathy Vijay.
(2022): Portrayed the drug lord "Sandhanam" in Lokesh Kanagaraj's blockbuster action universe.
(2023): His major Bollywood debut as the primary antagonist against Shah Rukh Khan. (2019): Appeared as Jithu in this Rajinikanth starrer. 📺 Television & OTT
Beyond films, he has expanded into hosting and digital series. Bigg Boss Tamil (2024–Present): Host from Season 8 onwards on Star Vijay.
(2023): A hit Hindi web series on Amazon Prime Video, where he played the task force officer Michael.
(2026): An upcoming 10-episode TV series on Jio Hotstar where he serves as both actor and producer. Thalaivan Thalaivii
Before he became a lead, Vijay Sethupathi paid his dues. His early filmography consists of minor supporting roles that hinted at his latent talent.
The Breakout: Sundarapandian (2012) – Technically his first lead, this rural drama established him as a viable hero. His performance as the easy-going, loyal friend was a hit, signaling that a new "everyman" had arrived.