This actor is an undefinable entity in Tamil cinema. His versatility overrides a stable image that many actors in the film space get to enjoy. But his power is in this versatility, a black hole of untapped characters and performances that sometimes makes filmmakers tremble and fans wonder in curiosity. 

A man of steel

However, the journey for the master performer hasn’t been that glam at all. The struggle that the actor had to face in his initial years is somewhat of an herculean analogy to present day aspiring actors. Imagine an actor who gets a real break after 10 years in the industry, yes, that is Vikram for you. Even though his debut was ‘En Kadhal Kanmani’, he made a definitive impression upon the sudience as Chiyaan in ‘Sethu’. Perseverance was his middle name, Vikram sure was a man of steel.

A man of different avatars

Some of the striking images that may flash in a fan’s mind are Vikram as a blind in ‘Kasi’, a jacked up Mr.India aspirant body builder in ‘I’, his fierce role in ‘Pithamagan’, his effeminate portrayal in ‘Iru Mugan’ or his fumbling sketch of an innocent dad in ‘Deiva Thirumagal’. Vikram did also manage to ace the masala/commercial space with his outings like 'Saamy' and multiple personality disorder afflicted individual in his remarkable 'Anniyan'.

A Man of action 

For his role in ‘Kasi’ as a blind man, the actor had to practice to roll his eyes upwards continuously. It is said that sometimes he would be in that position for an entire day. Following the film, he had to start wearing glasses as a result. His extreme dedication for his role in ‘I’ is a well known fact. From beefing up to a monstrous size to starving himself to a meagre appearance, Chiyaan has done it all. It would be only moot to discuss upon them owing to the extensive literature on the same available.One lesson to take home, he was a man of action who took immediate steps to give justice to his roles rather than lazily passing through them.

Vikram as a playback singer

It might be interesting to know Vikram is also an excellent playback singer and dubbing artist as well. O Podu from ‘Gemini’, Maria Pitache from ‘David’, Kanave Kanave from ‘Sketch’, Meghame from ‘Madhrasapattinam’ all have one thing in common- Vikram crooned these songs.

Vikram's Thala Ajith connection

As a dubbing artist as well, Vikram has an impressive portfolio. He has even dubbed for leading artists including Thala Ajith for the films ‘Amaravathi’ and ‘Pasamalargal’, for Prabhu Deva in the film ‘Kadhalan’ as well. 

What makes Chiyaan a success

No doubt, his journey from just as a Kenny to Chiyaan is embroidered with much passion, determination and a grit that has only increased enormously with time and age. Though Vikram has had his share of disappointments interspersed with huge successes, his humble stability and grit is what ultimately makes him an extraordinary actor than a performer.

Vikram's immediate and most anticipated projects are 'Dhruva Natchathiram' with director Gautham Menon and 'Saamy Square' with director Hari.

We wish the prodigious actor an amazing birthday and a much more prosperous career ahead!