Vijay Sethupathi Tamil Movie List -
If you want a complete chronological film list with release years and roles, I can compile that next.
Vijay Sethupathi , affectionately known as Makkal Selvan (People’s Treasure), has built one of the most eclectic filmographies in Tamil cinema. Starting as a background actor, he rose to stardom through a series of "New Wave" hits in 2012 and has since completed over 50 films as a lead. Essential Classics (Highly Rated)
These films are widely considered his best work, showcasing his range from quirky comedy to intense drama: Super Deluxe
(2019): His performance as Shilpa, a trans woman, earned him the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor. '96
(2018): A nostalgic romantic drama where he plays a travel photographer reuniting with his high school sweetheart. Vikram Vedha
(2017): A neo-noir action thriller where he plays the charismatic gangster Vedha, starring alongside R. Madhavan. Maharaja
(2024): His milestone 50th film, a massive critical and commercial hit where he plays a barber on a cryptic quest for vengeance. Soodhu Kavvum
(2013): A cult black comedy that defined his early career; he plays an aging kidnapper with an imaginary girlfriend. Pizza
(2012): The horror-thriller that served as his breakout role as a lead actor. Show more Recent & Upcoming Releases (2025–2026)
The actor remains prolific across multiple languages and formats. 25 Best movies of Vijay Sethupathi - IMDb
25 Best movies of Vijay Sethupathi * 1. Super Deluxe. 2019. 2h 56m. 8.2 (20K) Rate. Mark as watched. An unfaithful newly-wed wife, IMDb
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 vijay sethupathi tamil movie list
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 If you want a complete chronological film list
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:
Soodhu Kavvum (2013): A landmark black comedy where he played a quirky 40-year-old kidnapper. Awards and recognition:
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.
Why watch: A non-linear action thriller where Sethupathi plays a father searching for a "looted" dustbin. It is violent, emotional, and brilliant.
Vijay Sethupathi consolidated stardom through a mix of commercial hits and critically ambitious films: gangster dramas, romantic tragedies, historicals, and socially conscious cinema.
Standout films:
Awards and recognition: