Vijayakanth: Difference between revisions

{{Short description|Indian actor and politician (1952–2023)}}

{{Infobox officeholder

| image = Vijaykanth at the Sagaptham Audio Launch.jpg

| caption = Vijaykanth in 2015

| successor1 = [[Vasantham K. Karthikeyan]]

| 1blankname1 = Chief Minister

| constituency1 = Rishivandiyam

| term_start2 = 29 May 2006

| term_end4 = 14 December 2023

| predecessor4 = S. Ramu Vasanthan

| office5 = President of the [[South Indian Artistes' Association]]

| term_start5 = 2000

| predecessor5 = [[Radha Ravi]]

| successor5 = [[R. Sarathkumar]]

| birth_date = {{Birth date|1952|08|25|df=y}}

| birth_place = [[Madurai]], [[Madras State]], India

| spouse = {{marriage|Premalatha Vijayakanth|1990|}}

| children = 2

| awards = [[Padma Bhushan]] (2024) (posthumous)

| nickname = {{hlist|Captain|Karuppu M.G.R.<ref name="Ramanujam 2023 v580">{{cite web | last=Ramanujam | first=Srinivasa | title=Why is Vijayakanth called 'Captain'? A throwback to the actor's 100th film | website=The Hindu | date=28 December 2023 | url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/why-is-vijayakanth-called-captain-a-throwback-to-the-actors-100th-film/article67682565.ece | access-date=28 December 2023 | archive-date=28 December 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228082310/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/why-is-vijayakanth-called-captain-a-throwback-to-the-actors-100th-film/article67682565.ece | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://thefederal.com/states/south/tamil-nadu/is-vijayakant-reviving-the-black-mgr-image-amid-covid-19-pandemic/amp/|title=Is Vijayakant reviving the 'Black MGR' image amid COVID-19 pandemic?|date=22 April 2020|website=thefederal.com|access-date=27 September 2020|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011224440/https://thefederal.com/states/south/tamil-nadu/is-vijayakant-reviving-the-black-mgr-image-amid-covid-19-pandemic/amp/|url-status=live}}</ref>|Puratchi Kalaignar<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theweek.in/theweek/statescan/vijayakanth-finds-himself-nowhere-in-tamil-nadu-politics.html|title=Captain's curse|date=12 June 2016|website=theweek.in|access-date=27 September 2020|archive-date=6 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190706025158/https://www.theweek.in/theweek/statescan/vijayakanth-finds-himself-nowhere-in-tamil-nadu-politics.html|url-status=live}}</ref>}}

}}

 

He acted in [[Vijayakanth filmography|over 150 films]] in his career spanning four decades. He was well known for his performances in ''[[Vaidehi Kathirunthal]]'' (1984), ''[[Amman Kovil Kizhakale]]'' (1986), ''[[Poonthotta Kaavalkaaran]]'' (1988), ''[[Senthoora Poove]]'' (1988), ''[[Pulan Visaranai]]'' (1990), ''[[Chinna Gounder]]'' (1992), ''[[Honest Raj]]'' (1994), ''[[Thayagam]]'' (1996) and ''[[Vaanathaippola]]'' (2000).<ref name=":5">{{cite news|last=Chandar|first=Bhuvanesh|date=28 December 2023|title=Adios, Captain Vijayakanth: The quintessential cop and crusader on-screen|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/adios-captain-vijayakanth-the-quintessential-cop-and-crusader-on-screen/article67682992.ece|access-date=30 December 2023|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=30 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230012220/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/adios-captain-vijayakanth-the-quintessential-cop-and-crusader-on-screen/article67682992.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>

He won two [[Filmfare Awards South]] and three [[Tamil Nadu State Film Awards]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 December 2023 |title=Passing of Tamil Cinema icon & DMDK founder 'Captain' Vijayakanth leaves a void that will be hard to fill: PM Modi |url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/passing-of-tamil-cinema-icon-and-dmdk-founder-captain-vijayakanth-leaves-a-void-that-will-be-hard-to-fill-pm-modi-13553282.html |access-date=30 December 2023 |website=Firstpost |language=en |archive-date=30 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230051732/https://www.firstpost.com/india/passing-of-tamil-cinema-icon-and-dmdk-founder-captain-vijayakanth-leaves-a-void-that-will-be-hard-to-fill-pm-modi-13553282.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":8">{{Cite news |date=28 December 2023 |title='Vijayakanth was known for his open and bold stance' |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/vijayakanth-was-known-for-his-open-and-bold-stance/articleshow/106342370.cms |access-date=30 December 2023 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=30 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230051732/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/vijayakanth-was-known-for-his-open-and-bold-stance/articleshow/106342370.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> For his role in ''Senthoora Poove'', Vijayakanth won the [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor]] in 1988. In 1996, he was awarded the [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize]] for his role in ''Thayagam''. He was also the recipient of two [[Cinema Express Awards]] and one Filmfare Awards South. Vijayakanth was one of very few Tamil lead actors to have acted only in Tamil films throughout his career. His films have mostly been dubbed into [[Telugu language|Telugu]] and [[Hindi]].

 

 

He was known for his "open and bold stance" during his political career.<ref name=":8" /> After founding the [[Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam]] (DMDK) in 2005, he served as an [[MLA (India)|MLA]] twice, representing the constituencies of [[Virudhachalam (state assembly constituency)|Virudhachalam]] and [[Rishivandiyam (state assembly constituency)|Rishivandiyam]] respectively from 2006 to 2016. The DMDK saw early success as it won the second-most seats in the [[2011 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election|2011 election]] and Vijayakanth became the [[Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly|leader of the opposition in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly]], serving until 2016. He remained leader of the DMDK during his health decline and until his death in 2023. In January 2024, he was [[posthumously awarded]] India's third-highest civilian honour, the [[Padma Bhushan]], by the [[Government of India]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Padma Awardees List 2024 |url=https://www.padmaawards.gov.in/Content/PadmaAwardees2024.pdf |website=Padma Awards |date=25 January 2024 |access-date=26 January 2024 |archive-date=25 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125173137/https://www.padmaawards.gov.in/Content/PadmaAwardees2024.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=K. |first=Janani |date=26 January 2024 |title=Actor-politician Vijayakanth awarded Padma Bhushan posthumously |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/actor-politician-vijayakanth-awarded-padma-bhushan-posthumously-2493786-2024-01-26 |magazine=India Today |access-date=26 January 2024 |archive-date=26 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126054903/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/actor-politician-vijayakanth-awarded-padma-bhushan-posthumously-2493786-2024-01-26 |url-status=live }}</ref>

 

==Early life==

 

 

He married Premalatha on 31 January 1990 and had two sons, including Shanmuga Pandian, an actor who starred in ''[[Sagaptham]]'' (2015) and ''[[Madura Veeran]]'' (2018).<ref>{{Cite web|date=27 April 2016|title=Anchor of Captain's ship: In conversation with Premalatha, first lady of TN's third front|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/anchor-captains-ship-conversation-premalatha-first-lady-tns-third-front-42250|access-date=19 May 2021|website=The News Minute|language=en|archive-date=19 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519175001/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/anchor-captains-ship-conversation-premalatha-first-lady-tns-third-front-42250|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=25 August 2020|title=Captain Vijayakanth's birthday special selfie goes viral – Don't miss the happy family pic|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-16/captain-vijayakanths-birthday-special-selfie-goes-viral-dont-miss-the-happy.html|access-date=19 May 2021|website=Behindwoods|archive-date=19 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519175002/https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-16/captain-vijayakanths-birthday-special-selfie-goes-viral-dont-miss-the-happy.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

 

==Acting career==

===1978 to 1989: Early career===

 

[[File:With Vijaya kanth and Dir R Sundar Rajan and my First chief Raja Rajan sir.jpg|thumb|left|Vijayakanth (third from the right) along with his crew during his early film career]]

 

Vijayakanth was then cast in a supporting role as Rajnikanth's younger brother in ''[[En Kelvikku Enna Bathil]]'' (1978) by the director [[P. Madhavan]]; he received an advance of Indian Rupees 100 for the film.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 December 2023 |title=விஜயகாந்திற்கு கேப்டன் என்ற அடைமொழி எப்போ வந்தது தெரியுமா? |url=https://tamil.news18.com/entertainment/why-actor-vijayakanth-called-captain-1288448.html |access-date=31 December 2023 |website=News18 தமிழ் |language=ta |archive-date=31 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231122054/https://tamil.news18.com/entertainment/why-actor-vijayakanth-called-captain-1288448.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="youtube.com"/>

His 1980 film, ''[[Doorathu Idi Muzhakkam]]'' was screened at the Indian Panorama of the [[International Film Festival of India]].<ref name="indiatoday.in" /> ''Doorathu Idi Muzhakkam'' gave Vijayakanth the limelight and fame as his performance in the film was lauded by viewers and it became a turning point in his illustrious career.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=28 December 2023 |title=Vijayakant's film journey: How Captain managed to hold his ground |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/tamil-nadu/tamil-naduvijayakant-film-journey-how-captain-managed-to-hold-his-ground |access-date=31 December 2023 |website=The News Minute |language=en |archive-date=29 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229060310/https://www.thenewsminute.com/tamil-nadu/tamil-naduvijayakant-film-journey-how-captain-managed-to-hold-his-ground |url-status=live }}</ref>

 

 

However the film that launched him as a commercial hero was ''[[Sattam Oru Iruttarai]]'' (1981), directed by [[S. A. Chandrasekhar]], with whom he collaborated in numerous films thereafter.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=Rajendran |first=Gopinath |date=28 December 2023 |title=Vijayakanth: The man who redefined the 'act' in action |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/vijayakanth-the-man-who-redefined-the-act-in-action/article67682957.ece |access-date=30 December 2023 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=29 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229225107/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/vijayakanth-the-man-who-redefined-the-act-in-action/article67682957.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> It was remade in [[Hindi language|Hindi]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Malayalam]] and [[Kannada]] languages.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |title=Top 10 Vijayakanth movies |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/photo-features/top-10-vijayakanth-movies/photostory/48666048.cms |access-date=30 December 2023 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=30 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230032127/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/photo-features/top-10-vijayakanth-movies/photostory/48666048.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> It was only after his success in ''Sattam Oru Iruttarai'', ''[[Vaidehi Kathirunthal]]'', and ''[[Oomai Vizhigal]]'' that top actresses, Raadhika and Radha, decided to work with him.<ref name=":10" />

He then played a villain role in ''[[Om Shakti]]'' (1982), but after that never portrayed antagonist characters in his films.<ref>{{cite news |title=Tuesday Trivia! – 40 Years of Captain Vijayakanth – Tamil News |url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/tuesday-trivia-40-years-of-captain-vijayakanth-tamil-news-210695 |access-date=12 October 2020 |work=IndiaGlitz.com |date=3 April 2018 |archive-date=12 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612200222/https://www.indiaglitz.com/tuesday-trivia-40-years-of-captain-vijayakanth-tamil-news-210695 |url-status=live }}</ref> Most of his films revolved around corruption, honesty and keeping promises.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Murali |first1=Harish |title=Decoding the rise and fall of DMDK's Captain Vijayakanth |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-decriphering-the-rise-and-fall-of-dmdk-s-captain-vijayakanth-2215553 |access-date=13 March 2021 |work=DNA India |date=23 May 2016 |language=en |archive-date=1 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601214450/https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-decriphering-the-rise-and-fall-of-dmdk-s-captain-vijayakanth-2215553 |url-status=live }}</ref> He portrayed a police officer in more than 20 films.<ref name="m.behindwoods.com">{{Cite web|url=http://m.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/slideshow/10-lesser-known-facts-about-vijayakanth/the-only-actor-after-mgr-and-shivaji.html|title=10 Lesser known facts about Vijayakanth|date=12 May 2016|website=Behindwoods|access-date=21 September 2018|archive-date=21 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180921034753/http://m.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/slideshow/10-lesser-known-facts-about-vijayakanth/the-only-actor-after-mgr-and-shivaji.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=":5" /> He was also known for portraying a patriotic, village do-gooder and performing in dual roles in his films.

 

 

Vijayakanth went on to act in ''[[Amman Kovil Kizhakale]]'' (1986), which earned him a [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil]]; the film ran for 150 days in theatres.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 August 2020 |title=Happy Birthday Vijayakanth: 5 Popular Films of the Actor-turned-politician |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/happy-birthday-vijayakanth-5-popular-films-of-the-actor-turned-politician-2817595.html |access-date=30 December 2023 |website=News18 |language=en |archive-date=30 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230040318/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/happy-birthday-vijayakanth-5-popular-films-of-the-actor-turned-politician-2817595.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He also acted in ''[[Manakanakku]]'' (1986), the only film in which he worked with [[Kamal Haasan]].

 

 

In 1987, he co-starred with [[Sivaji Ganesan]] in ''[[Veerapandiyan]]'', followed by successful movies as ''[[Cooliekkaran]]'', ''[[Ninaive Oru Sangeetham]]'', ''[[Sattam Oru Vilayaattu]]'' and ''[[Uzhavan Magan]]''. ''Uzhavan Magan'' (1987) marked the first collaboration between Vijayakanth and his longtime friend [[Ibrahim Rowther]] who was a film producer. Ibrahim Rowther decided to lend a helping hand to his friend Vijayakanth by agreeing to produce ''Uzhavan Magan'' in order to promote Vijayakanth as a prominent actor in the film industry.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 July 2015 |title=Tamil film producer Ibrahim Rowther dead |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/tamil-film-producer-ibrahim-rowther-dead/ |access-date=31 December 2023 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=31 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231111523/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/tamil-film-producer-ibrahim-rowther-dead/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On [[List of Tamil films of 1987|21 October 1987]], Vijayakanth, as the lead actor, had two theatrical releases as both ''Uzhavan Magan'' and ''Sattam Oru Vilayaatu'' were released on the same day, and coincidentally, both films became blockbusters in the box office. It became one of the rare occasions for any main lead male actor to have two high-profile releases on the same day in theatres.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 November 2021 |title=Friday Fury - Captain Vijayakanth's double blockbuster release on single day - Top 10 Cinema |url=https://top10cinema.com//article/45250/friday-fury-captain-vijayakanths-double-blockbuster-release-on-single-day |access-date=31 December 2023 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108002234/https://top10cinema.com//article/45250/friday-fury-captain-vijayakanths-double-blockbuster-release-on-single-day |archive-date=8 November 2021 }}</ref>

 

 

=== 1990 to 1999: Action roles===

Starting in the 1990s, Vijayakanth established himself as an action icon with a consistent box-office appeal. He was best known for low-budget films that showcased gravity-defying stunts in which he would single-handedly dispatch his enemies.<ref>{{cite news |title=If these videos are anything to go by, Vijayakanth is already the TN CM |url=https://scroll.in/reel/805567/if-these-videos-are-anything-to-go-by-vijayakanth-is-already-the-tn-cm |access-date=13 March 2021 |work=Scroll.in |date=23 March 2016 |archive-date=4 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210404051018/https://scroll.in/reel/805567/if-these-videos-are-anything-to-go-by-vijayakanth-is-already-the-tn-cm |url-status=live }}</ref>

 

 

 

Vijayakanth starred in the superhit cop flick ''[[Sathriyan]]'', produced by [[Mani Ratnam]], about an honest cop and a corrupt politician.<ref name=":3" /> After the success of ''Pulan Visaranai'', Rowther decided to start another project with Vijayakanth and director R. K. Selvamani, titled ''[[Captain Prabhakaran]]'' (1991). It was Vijayakanth's 100th film, after which he earned the sobriquet "Captain" ever since he portrayed an IFS officer.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/people/who-is-vijayakanth-or-captain-553197|title=Who is Vijayakanth or Captain?|work=NDTV|access-date=3 December 2020|archive-date=25 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190925032015/https://www.ndtv.com/people/who-is-vijayakanth-or-captain-553197|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Who is Vijayakanth or Captain? |url=https://www.ndtv.com/people/who-is-vijayakanth-or-captain-553197 |access-date=30 December 2023 |website=NDTV.com |archive-date=25 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190925032015/https://www.ndtv.com/people/who-is-vijayakanth-or-captain-553197 |url-status=live }}</ref> He hit jackpot in his 100th film ''Captain Prabhakaran'', which became one of the biggest blockbuster Tamil films for the year 1991, running for over 500 days in the theatres and it be.<ref name=":9" /> It had its theatrical release with notable fanfare and it was a commercial success upon its release. Vijayakanth achieved the unique feat of scoring a blockbuster in his 100th film, a feat neither Kamal Haasan nor Rajinikanth achieved in their respective acting careers. After [[M. G. Ramachandran|M.G.R]], [[Sivaji Ganesan]] and [[J. Jayalalithaa|Jayalalithaa]], he was the only actor to have tasted a silver jubilee hit in his 100th film.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|url = https://m.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/slideshow/10-lesser-known-facts-about-vijayakanth/the-only-actor-after-mgr-and-shivaji.html|title = 10 Lesser known facts about Vijayakanth|date = 12 May 2016|access-date = 18 December 2021|archive-date = 1 June 2022|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220601163040/https://m.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/slideshow/10-lesser-known-facts-about-vijayakanth/the-only-actor-after-mgr-and-shivaji.html|url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/tamil-film-industry-100th-film-jinx-grips-the-mighty-sans-captain/article8595803.ece|title=100th film jinx grips the mighty sans 'Captain'|first=N.|last=Kesavan|date=14 May 2016|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=28 June 2018|archive-date=28 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628234546/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/tamil-film-industry-100th-film-jinx-grips-the-mighty-sans-captain/article8595803.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> followed by ''[[Maanagara Kaaval]]'' (1991) and ''[[Moondrezhuthil En Moochirukkum]]'' (1991).

 

 

He also appeared in various roles such as ''[[Koyil Kaalai]]'' (1993), ''[[Ezhai Jaathi]]'' (1993), ''[[Sakkarai Devan]]'' (1993), ''[[Rajadurai (film)|Rajadurai]]'' (1993) and ''[[Enga Muthalali]]'' (1993). He co-starred with the son of the director [[S. A. Chandrasekhar]], [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]], in ''[[Senthoorapandi]]'' (1993), where Vijayakanth plays the role of elder brother.<ref name=":6" /> Director SAC thought a film with Vijayakanth would give an impetus to Vijay's film career. Vijayakanth played an extended cameo role in this film for which he did not take any remuneration.<ref name="m.behindwoods.com"/><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2018/apr/16/sac-recalls-vijayakanths-help-for-vijay-5555.html|title=SAC recalls Vijayakanth's help for Vijay|date=16 April 2018|newspaper=[[Cinema Express]]|access-date=8 April 2022|archive-date=5 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105081513/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2018/apr/16/sac-recalls-vijayakanths-help-for-vijay-5555.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Vijayakanth used to share a special bond with Vijay, worked without remuneration in a movie |url=http://www.indiaherald.com/Breaking/Read/994662984/Vijayakanth-used-to-share-a-special-bond-with-Vijay-worked-without-remuneration-in-a-movie- |access-date=30 December 2023 |website=indiaherald.com |language=en |archive-date=30 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230040339/https://www.indiaherald.com/Breaking/Read/994662984/Vijayakanth-used-to-share-a-special-bond-with-Vijay-worked-without-remuneration-in-a-movie- |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1994, he appeared in films including ''[[Sethupathi IPS]]'', ''[[Honest Raj]]'', ''[[Pathavi Pramanam]]'', ''[[En Aasai Machan]]'' and ''[[Periya Marudhu (film)|Periya Marudhu]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ramanujam |first=Srinivasa |date=28 December 2023 |title=Vijayakant's riskiest stunt scene in 'Sethupathi IPS' featured 70 cars |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/vijayakants-riskiest-stunt-scene-in-sethupathi-ips-featured-70-cars/article67682748.ece |access-date=30 December 2023 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=30 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230033633/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/vijayakants-riskiest-stunt-scene-in-sethupathi-ips-featured-70-cars/article67682748.ece |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":5" /> He then acted in ''[[Karuppu Nila]]'' (1995), ''[[Thirumoorthy]]'' (1995) and ''[[Gandhi Pirantha Mann]]'' (1995).

 

 

He acted in his 125th film ''[[Ulavuthurai]]'' (1998), followed by ''[[Dharma (1998 film)|Dharma]]'' (1998) and ''[[Veeram Vilanja Mannu]]'' (1998). His following films were ''[[Kallazhagar]]'' (1999), ''[[Periyanna]]'' (1999) where he played alongside [[Suriya]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rediff On The NeT, Movies: Gossip from the southern film industry |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/jan/25ss.htm |access-date=30 December 2023 |website=www.rediff.com |archive-date=9 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809181606/https://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/jan/25ss.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> He also starred in [[R. B. Choudary]]'s production, ''[[Kannupada Poguthaiya]]'' (1999) under the banner [[Super Good Films]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=16 August 2013 |title=Shotcuts: Platinum celebration |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-columns/shotcuts-platinum-celebration/article5028988.ece |access-date=30 December 2023 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=30 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230032127/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-columns/shotcuts-platinum-celebration/article5028988.ece |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Kalaignar speech.jpg|thumb|Vijayakanth seen with [[M. Karunanidhi]]]]

 

 

 

The following year, he starred in ''[[Sabari]]'' (2007). His 150th film was ''[[Arasangam]]'' (2008), about a police officer who discovers and unravels the mystery behind a terrorist gang plotting to steal information about the growth of the Indian economy, set in Chennai, then Toronto.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Srinivasan |first=Pavithra |title=Arasangam, a pleasant surprise |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/ssa/20080509.htm |access-date=30 December 2023 |website=Rediff |language=en |archive-date=12 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712215829/https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/ssa/20080509.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> He acted in the drama ''[[Mariyadhai]]'' (2009), in the second film with director Vikraman, after ''Vaanathai Pola'' followed by the action ''[[Engal Aasan]]'' (2009),<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kumar |first1=B. Aravind |title=Vijayakanth does a double role ahead of polls |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/vijayakanth-does-a-double-role-ahead-of-polls/articleshow/4242570.cms |access-date=6 April 2021 |work=The Times of India |date=9 March 2009 |language=en |archive-date=2 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602011354/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/vijayakanth-does-a-double-role-ahead-of-polls/articleshow/4242570.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> where he co-starred with [[Vikranth]], the cousin of actor [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Darshan |first1=Navein |title=Being Vijay anna's shadow was my biggest disadvantage: Actor Vikranth |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2019/jun/12/being-vijay-annas-shadow-was-my-biggest-disadvantage-1989146.html |access-date=6 April 2021 |newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]] |date=12 June 2019 |archive-date=24 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524063541/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2019/jun/12/being-vijay-annas-shadow-was-my-biggest-disadvantage-1989146.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

 

===2006–2011===

He formed the centre-left party [[Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam]] (DMDK), a regional political party in Tamil Nadu. He formally announced the party's formation on 14 September 2005 in Madurai.<ref>[http://pedia.desibantu.com/vijaykanth/ ✍pedia – Vijaykanth] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827072008/http://pedia.desibantu.com/vijaykanth/ |date=27 August 2016 }}. Pedia.desibantu.com (8 October 2010). Retrieved on 4 December 2016.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-when-entertainers-turned-politicians/20120214.htm |title=When Entertainers Turned To Politics |publisher=Rediff |date=14 February 2012 |access-date=5 April 2013 |archive-date=18 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518090520/http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-when-entertainers-turned-politicians/20120214.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> His party contested in all seats in 2006 assembly elections and won one seat contested by him. The DMDK, led by Vijaykanth, proved to be an important player in the 2006 Tamil Nadu assembly election, garnering 10% of the voters and securing 10.1% in this [[Lok Sabha]] election.<ref>{{Cite web |title=In the Rise and Fall of Vijayakanth in Tamil Politics, Rajinikanth Has a Lesson |url=https://thewire.in/politics/rajinikanth-tamil-nadu-politics-vijayakanth-dmdk |access-date=28 December 2023 |website=The Wire |archive-date=12 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112220739/https://thewire.in/politics/rajinikanth-tamil-nadu-politics-vijayakanth-dmdk |url-status=live }}</ref> According to the study, it secured more votes than the winning margins of candidates in about 25 constituencies. In 2006, polling showed that DMDK was able to get more DMK votes than AIADMK votes, but in this election, they were able to wrestle more Congress voters from 2004 than any other party. Contrary to the claim of many in the AIADMK camp blaming DMDK for the defeat, there was no evidence for this to be true.<ref name="outlookindia">Iyengar, Pushpa (19 May 2008) [http://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/dark-horse-off-screen/237479 Dark Horse, Off Screen]. outlookindia.com{{subscription required}} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220051919/http://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/dark-horse-off-screen/237479 |date=20 December 2016 }}</ref> Vijayakanth declared that he would not ask donations for his party, and most of the funding for the party comes from his own pocket.<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 March 2009 |title=Captain Vijayakanth kicks off campaign trail |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/captain-vijayakanth-kicks-off-campaign-trail/articleshow/4301622.cms?from=mdr |access-date=28 December 2023 |issn=0013-0389 |archive-date=28 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228093904/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/captain-vijayakanth-kicks-off-campaign-trail/articleshow/4301622.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }}</ref> He rejected alliances with other political parties. In a by-election to Madurai Central assembly constituency, DMDK secured around 17000 votes, which was just 2000 votes less than AIADMK. DMDK was also able to secure a significant number of seats in Local Body elections.<ref>{{Cite news |date=13 May 2011 |title=DMDK emerges the second largest party |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/dmdk-emerges-the-second-largest-party/article2015858.ece |access-date=28 December 2023 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=27 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231227173619/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/dmdk-emerges-the-second-largest-party/article2015858.ece |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=எஸ்.கே |first=ஜூனியர் விகடன் டீம்,பிரேம் குமார் |date=29 December 2023 |title=Vijayakanth: மூன்று பெருந்தலைகளை கலங்கடித்த விஜயகாந்த்..! 2006, 2009 தேர்தல்களில் நடந்தது என்ன?! |url=https://www.vikatan.com/government-and-politics/vijayakanth-faced-three-big-shots-in-2006-2009-elections |access-date=30 December 2023 |website=www.vikatan.com/ |language=ta |archive-date=30 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230012639/https://www.vikatan.com/government-and-politics/vijayakanth-faced-three-big-shots-in-2006-2009-elections |url-status=live }}</ref>

 

===Leader of the opposition, 2011===

In the 2011 election, held on 13 April 2011, he formed an alliance with [[All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] (AIADMK) and contested in 41 constituencies.<ref name="hindu">{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2011/02/25/stories/2011022562130100.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110227235337/http://www.hindu.com/2011/02/25/stories/2011022562130100.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 February 2011|title=Front Page : Vijayakant's party to join hands with AIADMK to 'oust DMK'|access-date=25 January 2014|location=Chennai, India|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=25 February 2011}}</ref> His party saw success, winning 29 of the 41 seats it contested.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 May 2019 |title=String of poor performances lands Captain Vijayakanth's party in trouble |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chennai/string-of-poor-performances-lands-captain-vijayakanths-party-in-trouble-5750903/ |access-date=28 December 2023 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=27 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527132216/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chennai/string-of-poor-performances-lands-captain-vijayakanths-party-in-trouble-5750903/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Notably, DMDK won more seats than the [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam]] (DMK). Vijayakanth occupied the position of MLA for the second time, winning the Rishivandhiyam constituency.<ref name="dinamalar">{{cite web|url=http://www.dinamalar.com/News_Detail.asp?Id=242863|title=DMDK will get recognization from EC &#124; தே.மு.தி.க.,வுக்கு தேர்தல் கமிஷன் அங்கீகாரம்: சின்னத்தை இழக்கிறது பா.ம.க., manikandan, Dinamalar|publisher=[[Dinamalar]]|access-date=25 January 2014|date=20 May 2011|archive-date=20 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110520211209/http://www.dinamalar.com/News_Detail.asp?Id=242863|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Cho Ramaswamy]] encouraged Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) to forge an alliance with AIADMK.<ref name="dinamani">{{cite web|url=http://dinamani.com/edition/Story.aspx?SectionName=Tamilnadu&artid=361742&SectionID=129&MainSectionID=129&SEO=&Title=|title=அதிமுக – தேமுதிக கூட்டணி அமைய வேண்டும்: சோ – Dinamani – Tamil Daily News|publisher=dinamani.com|access-date=25 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710130630/http://dinamani.com/edition/Story.aspx?SectionName=Tamilnadu&artid=361742&SectionID=129&MainSectionID=129&SEO=&Title=|archive-date=10 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> DMDK launched a vigorous campaign to defeat DMK; it made a resolution to call all parties to come together to defeat the ruling DMK in a conference held in [[Salem, Tamil Nadu|Salem]] on 8 January, presided over by its leader Vijayakanth.<ref name="dinamalar2">{{cite web|url=http://www.dinamalar.com/News_Detail.asp?Id=162632|title=&#124; தி.மு.க.,வுக்கு எதிராக அனைத்து கட்சிகளும் திரள வேண்டும் : தே.மு.தி.க., மாநாட்டில் தீர்மானம் Dinamalar|publisher=[[Dinamalar]]|access-date=25 January 2014|date=10 January 2011|archive-date=25 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140225204808/http://www.dinamalar.com/News_Detail.asp?Id=162632|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[S. Ramadoss]], founder of [[Pattali Makkal Katchi]], expressed his dissatisfaction with people from the film industry ruling Tamil Nadu since 1967. He also urged voters not to vote for Vijayakanth with his long career as a [[Tamil actor]].<ref name="dinamani2">{{cite web|url=http://dinamani.com/edition/Story.aspx?SectionName=Tamilnadu&artid=365322&SectionID=129&MainSectionID=129&SEO=&Title=|title=திரைத் துறையினர் ஆட்சிக்கு வர வாய்ப்பளிக்கக் கூடாது: ராமதாஸ் – Dinamani – Tamil Daily News|publisher=dinamani.com|access-date=25 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710132407/http://dinamani.com/edition/Story.aspx?SectionName=Tamilnadu&artid=365322&SectionID=129&MainSectionID=129&SEO=&Title=|archive-date=10 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

 

 

===2016 election===

 

===Elections contested===

==Election Contested==

===2006===

{{Election box winning candidate with party link|candidate=[[Vijaykanth|A. Vijayakanth]] |party=Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam |votes=61,337 |percentage=40.42% |change= ''New'' }}

{{Election box candidate with party link|candidate=R. Govindasamy |party=Pattali Makkal Katchi |votes=47,560 |percentage=31.34% |change=-18.79 }}

=== 2016 ===

 

{{Election box candidate with party link|candidate=[[R. Kumaraguru]] |party=All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam |votes=81,973 |percentage=36.04% |change=-24.05 }}

{{Election box candidate with party link|candidate=G. R. Vasanthavel |party=Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam |votes=77,809 |percentage=34.21% |change= ''New'' }}

 

==Other work==

 

 

== Personal life ==

The media widely publicised an ongoing dispute between Vijayakanth and actor [[Vadivelu]], who was Vijayakanth's co-star in a number of notable films. On 21 September 2008, [[Vadivelu]]'s residence, located in [[Saligramam]] in [[Chennai]], was pelted with stones by a gang, leaving several windows and furniture damaged. Vadivelu reported that he suspected that it was Vijayakanth's men, because of a court case which he had filed against Vijayakanth for assault, for which the final court hearing was to take place the following day.<ref name="Indiaglitz41724">{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/41724.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080924125910/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/41724.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 September 2008|title=Vadivelu's house attacked – Tamil Movie News|website=IndiaGlitz.com|access-date=25 January 2014}}</ref> Filing another case for attempted murder against Vijayakanth, Vadivelu mentioned his interest in competing against him in the next assembly elections and "teaching him a lesson."<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 March 2021 |title=Vadivelu met Captain Vijayakanth and apologized tearfully? – Tamil News |url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/vadivelu-met-captain-vijayakanth-and-apologized-tearfully-for-hate-speech--tamil-news-281874 |access-date=30 December 2023 |website=IndiaGlitz.com |archive-date=30 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230041533/https://www.indiaglitz.com/vadivelu-met-captain-vijayakanth-and-apologized-tearfully-for-hate-speech--tamil-news-281874 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=14 May 2011 |title=Captain comes into form in his second innings |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/assembly-elections-2011/tamil-nadu/captain-comes-into-form-in-his-second-innings/articleshow/8309838.cms |access-date=30 December 2023 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=30 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230041533/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/assembly-elections-2011/tamil-nadu/captain-comes-into-form-in-his-second-innings/articleshow/8309838.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> In response, Vijayakanth told a press meet that Vadivelu's allegations were based on hearsay.<ref name="behindwoods">{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/sep-08-04/vijayakanth-22-09-08.html|title=Vijayakanth explains|website=Behindwoods.com|access-date=25 January 2014|archive-date=16 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016071526/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/sep-08-04/vijayakanth-22-09-08.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

 

 

In 2014, an ex-serviceman named Dhandapani lodged a complaint against Vijayakanth at the [[Madras High Court]] for using the title "captain." Dhandapani argued that it was illegal to use the term "captain" as the relevant term should only be used by army people who are attached to the [[Indian Army]]. Dhandapani insisted that it would be an insult to the Indian Army if Vijayakanth continues to use the adjective "captain", as Vijayakanth had previously never served in the Indian Army.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 December 2023 |title=Did you know a case was filed against Vijayakanth for his moniker Captain? |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/did-you-know-a-case-was-filed-against-vijayakanth-for-his-moniker-captain-9086159/ |access-date=31 December 2023 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=31 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231094036/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/did-you-know-a-case-was-filed-against-vijayakanth-for-his-moniker-captain-9086159/ |url-status=live }}</ref> However, there is no clear evidence regarding the outcome of the court case as it has not been reported or publicised anywhere.

 

===Health decline and death===

 

Vijayakanth was admitted to hospital in November 2023 due to liver complications. He again contracted COVID-19 while in hospital in [[Chennai]] and subsequently died on 28 December 2023, at the age of 71.<ref name="Julie Mariappan 2023 h201">{{cite web | last=Julie Mariappan | first=Pushpa Narayan | title=Vijayakanth Death News: DMDK chief Vijayakant passes away at 71 after prolonged illness | website=The Times of India | date=28 December 2023 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/dmdk-chief-vijayakant-on-ventilator-support-after-testing-positive-for-covid-19/articleshow/106336164.cms | access-date=28 December 2023 | archive-date=28 December 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228035036/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/dmdk-chief-vijayakant-on-ventilator-support-after-testing-positive-for-covid-19/articleshow/106336164.cms | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Livemint |date=28 December 2023 |title=Vijayakanth, actor-politician and DMDK founder, passes away in Chennai |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/chennai-covid-update-vijayakanth-actor-politician-and-dmdk-founder-succumbs-to-illness-in-chennai-11703734700177.html |access-date=28 December 2023 |website=mint |language=en |archive-date=28 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228094639/https://www.livemint.com/news/chennai-covid-update-vijayakanth-actor-politician-and-dmdk-founder-succumbs-to-illness-in-chennai-11703734700177.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=28 December 2023 |title=Vijayakanth death {{!}} Tributes pour in from Tamil film fraternity |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/vijayakants-demise-tributes-pour-in-from-film-fraternity/article67682494.ece |access-date=28 December 2023 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=28 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228093944/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/vijayakants-demise-tributes-pour-in-from-film-fraternity/article67682494.ece |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=28 December 2023 |title=DMDK chief Vijayakanth dies, was on ventilator after testing Covid positive |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/actor-turned-politician-vijayakanth-dies-aged-71-was-on-ventilator-support-after-testing-covid-positive-2481340-2023-12-28 |access-date=28 December 2023 |website=India Today |language=en |archive-date=28 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228092526/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/actor-turned-politician-vijayakanth-dies-aged-71-was-on-ventilator-support-after-testing-covid-positive-2481340-2023-12-28 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=28 December 2023 |title='Captain' Vijayakanth passes away: Who was the actor-turned-politician? |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/who-is/who-was-tamil-actor-politician-captain-vijayakanth-9085982/ |access-date=28 December 2023 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=28 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228094313/https://indianexpress.com/article/who-is/who-was-tamil-actor-politician-captain-vijayakanth-9085982/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ramachandran |first=Naman |date=28 December 2023 |title=Vijayakanth, Indian Actor and Politician, Dies at 71 |url=https://variety.com/2023/film/news/vijayakanth-dead-indian-actor-politician-1235851790/ |access-date=28 December 2023 |website=Variety |language=en-US |archive-date=28 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231228082319/https://variety.com/2023/film/news/vijayakanth-dead-indian-actor-politician-1235851790/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

 

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