(This article is authored by Alar)

Vijayakanth, who passed away on 28 December 2023 at the age of 71, was one of the most popular and versatile actors of Tamil cinema. He had a long and illustrious career spanning over four decades, in which he acted in more than 150 films in various genres. He was known for his powerful performances, screen presence, and social commitment.

He earned the nickname “Captain” after his 100th film, Captain Prabhakaran (1991), which was a blockbuster hit. Let's stroll down memory lane and explore some of his timeless masterpieces that have etched his legacy in the hearts of fans.

Vaidehi Kathirunthal (1984):

Vaidehi Kathirunthal is a romantic drama film that is written and directed by R. Sundarrajan. The film stars Vijayakanth and Revathi in the lead roles. The film is about a young man who had a tragic end of his love life and crosses life with a widow (Revathi). The film was a hit, and had a memorable soundtrack by Ilaiyaraaja.

Nooravathu Naal (1984):

Nooravathu Naal is a suspense thriller that follows the story of a woman who witnesses a murder and gets entangled in a web of mystery and danger. Vijayakanth plays the aid who tries to solve the case and find the culprit. The film was a trendsetter in the genre and inspired many remakes in other languages.

Directed by actor- director R. Manivannan, it is an unofficial adaptation of the 1977 Italian giallo film Sette Note in Nero. The film was remade in Malayalam as Aayiram Kannukal and in Hindi as 100 Days.

Oomai Vizhigal (1986):

Oomai Vizhigal is a crime thriller that revolves around a serial killer who targets young women. Vijayakanth plays the role of DSP Deenadayalan who investigates the case and exposes the culprit. The film was a critical and commercial success and won several awards.

Amman Koil Kizhakkaalae (1986):

Amman Koil Kizhakkaalae is a romantic drama that depicts the love story of a village guy (Vijayakanth) and a city woman (Radha). The film explores the contrast between urban and rural lifestyles and the challenges faced by the couple. The film was a musical hit, with songs composed by Ilaiyaraaja.

Chatriyan (1990):

Chatriyan is a crime drama film that is directed by K. Subash, and based on a story by Mani Ratnam. The film stars Vijayakanth, Bhanupriya, and Thilakan in the lead roles. The film is about an honest police officer (Vijayakanth) who clashes with a powerful local goon (Thilakan). The film was a hit, and was praised for its screenplay and performances. Chatriyan, a Tamil film released in the early 1990s, has achieved cult status and remains one of the highest-grossing films of its time.

Captain Prabhakaran (1991):

Captain Prabhakaran is an action film that portrays the life of a forest officer (Vijayakanth) who fights against a terrorist group led by a notorious smuggler (Mansoor Ali Khan). The film was a massive hit, and established Vijayakanth as a leading star of Tamil cinema. The film also marked his 100th film, and gave him the title of “Captain”. And the title of the film was inspired from Velupillai Prabhakaran, the leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.

Chinna Gounder (1991):

Chinna Gounder is a drama film that depicts the conflict between two village chiefs over a land dispute. Vijayakanth plays the role of a benevolent and progressive leader who tries to bring peace and justice to his people. The film was a hit and was praised for its realistic portrayal of rural life.

Sethupathi I.P.S (1994):

Sethupathi I.P.S is an action film that stars Vijayakanth and Meena in the lead roles. The film is about a honest and brave IPS  officer (Vijayakanth) who takes on a terrorist Sivasubramaniam and his henchmen. The film was a blockbuster, and was appreciated for its thrilling action sequences and dialogues.

Periyanna (1999):

Periyanna is an action drama film directed by SA Chandrasekhar, that features Vijayakanth in a pivotal brief cameo who plays as the chief of the village, Periyanna. The film was a hit and marked the fourth debut of Suriya in Tamil cinema. 

Vaanathaipola (2000):

Vaanathaipola is a family drama directed by Vikraman, that narrates the bond between three brothers (Vijayakanth, Prabhu Deva, and Livingston) who live together and support each other. The film deals with the issues of love, marriage, and family values. The film was a huge success, and remade in Kannada and Telugu.

Ramana (2002):

Ramana is a social thriller film that is directed by A. R. Murugadoss, and stars Vijayakanth, Simran, and Ashima Bhalla in the lead roles. The film is about a college professor (Vijayakanth) who forms a vigilante group with his ex-students to eradicate corruption from the society. The film was a hit, and won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Film.

In the reel world of flashing badges and gripping crime dramas, Vijayakanth wasn't just an actor—he was the "Puratchi Kalingar" of the police uniform, leaving an indelible mark in more than 20 films donning the cop attire. But rewind to 1979, he made his first debut in cinema as an antagonist in Inikkum Ilamai, a film orchestrated by M. A. Kaja.

However, it was the silver screen debut as a hero in Doorathu Idi Muzhakkam in 1980 that truly set the stage ablaze. The film not only captured hearts but also graced the screens at the Indian Panorama of the International Film Festival of India. With a stellar track record of 154 movies, Vijayakanth effortlessly secured his spot as one of the most cherished faces in the lively realm of Tamil cinema.