Top 15 Vijay Movies from 2000 to 2025 – A Mass Journey Through Time

From a charming romantic hero in the 90s to a mass action icon in the 2000s, and now a pan-India megastar in the 2020s — the journey of Ilaya Thalapathy to Thalapathy Vijay is nothing short of phenomenal. With back-to-back blockbusters, Vijay has firmly established himself as an undeniable powerhouse in Indian cinema.

But his rise wasn’t always smooth. After a string of underwhelming films like Vettaikaaran and Sura, Vijay nearly lost his foothold in the industry. Just when critics had started doubting him, he bounced back stronger than ever with the blockbuster Thuppakki, thanks to AR Murugadoss — and the rest, as they say, is history.

In this blog, we take a look at the Top 20 Vijay Movies from 2000 to 2025 — a thrilling ride through two and a half decades of cinematic highs. So, hop on and let’s get started!

Top 15 Vijay Movies from 2000 to 2025

Kushi (2000)

At the peak of Vijay’s romantic hero era, Kushi was a massive hit from SJ Surya (the current “Nadippu Arakkan”).

Shiva, a lovable yet emotionally vulnerable guy, meets Jenny, a bold and confident girl, in college. They instantly connect, but their egos soon turn them into a Tom and Jerry. Despite having strong feelings for each other, it’s their own ego that stands in the way of their love.

Instead of the usual external villain (like a possessive brother or strict father), Kushi brings a fresh twist here, ego is the real villain. As life moves on, will they realise their love for each other and learn to let go of their egos?

SJ Surya delivers an emotionally resonant climax, and this film became a trendsetter among college students for its youthful, energetic storytelling. Deva’s music, as always, elevates the movie to the next level. Overall, Kushi is a fun, emotional, and entertaining package that still holds a special place in fans’ hearts.

Want to revisit one of Vijay’s most loved Feel-good Movies? Kushi is streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Priyamanavale (2000)

In Priyamanavale, you’ll love Vijay, you’ll hate Vijay, and you’ll even pity Vijay — not the actor, but the character. Ilayathalapathy delivers one of his most layered and mature performances, showing excellent character development throughout. It’s easily one of his best performances.

Priyamanavale is a bold movie that was ahead of its time, addressing the concept of contractual marriage while ending with a strong message about balancing morals and personal freedom.

The chemistry between Vijay and Simran, as everyone knows, is phenomenal in this film as well. The movie was a massive commercial hit, especially among family audiences, and has since become a KTV classic that people still enjoy watching in 2025 whenever it airs.

It was also a musical blockbuster, with every song from the underrated music director S. A. Rajkumar became a super hit.

Watch Priyamanavale now on Sun NXT

Friends (2001)

Friends is not just a movie, it’s an emotion for every 90s and early 2000s kid who grew up watching Vijay, Suriya, and Vadivelu create magic on screen.

An absolute classic and a rare multi-starrer in Tamil cinema, it revolves around strong friendship, misunderstandings, ego clashes, and how friendship ultimately prevails above all.
Of course, we can’t forget to mention the iconic comedy sequences of Vadivelu as Contractor Nesamani, which still live on through memes and social media today.

It’s a certified KTV classic, the kind of film you can watch over and over again and still feel the same magic every time. With Ilaiyaraaja’s evergreen music, Friends has become a timeless favourite.

Click here to rewatch this KTV classic on Amazon Prime Video!

Shahjahan (2001)

The iconic one-sided love story showcases a different side of Ilaya Thalapathy Vijay — a heartbreaking portrayal of a man caught between friendship and love. Celebrated by 90s kids, this film gave rise to the phrase, “Aama, ivaru periya Shahjahan Vijay,” often used when referring to someone acting like a one-sided lover boy.

As you can see, all the above four movies were super-duper hits for Vijay and are now considered certified KTV classics with massive rewatch value. The years 2000 and 2001 were truly successful for Ilaya Thalapathy Vijay.

Not to forget the brilliant music by Mani Sharma, songs like “Minnalai Pidithu” still resonate with even Gen Z listeners today.

Looking to relive the charm of one of Vijay’s most emotional and heartfelt performances? Shahjahan is available on Sun NXT

Ghilli (2004)

Here we go — Ghilli, an absolute cult classic and a game-changer for Thalapathy Vijay. From being a romantic hero to becoming a massive action superstar, Ghilli paved the way. Even though it’s a remake of the Telugu movie Okkadu, I dare say this one surpasses the original and stands out as one of the most successful films in Tamil cinema history.

With strong hero and villain characters, Prakash Raj as Muthupandi delivered a performance of a lifetime. Even in 2025, his catchphrase “Chellaammm… I love you!” is still trending among youngsters.

With a pacy screenplay and absolute banger songs from the underrated gem Vidyasagar, Ghilli is a film with infinite rewatch value.

Watch the all-time blockbuster Ghilli now on Sun NXT

Sachein (2005)

Two cult classics back-to-back — Sachien after Ghilli stands out purely for the magic created by both Vijay and Vadivelu. The comedy track remains one of the finest in Tamil cinema history.

After a long time, Tamil cinema saw a refreshing college love story set against the breezy and beautiful backdrop of Ooty. The charming chemistry between Vijay and Genelia adds to the film’s appeal.

With a feel-good climax and one of Rockstar DSP’s best musical albums, Sachien is undoubtedly one of the most heartwarming feel-good movies in Tamil cinema. It was re-released in April 2025 and received a very good response.

And a special throwback  90s kids will remember the Sachien movie promotion that collaborated with Sunfeast Milky Magic biscuits. 

If you still have that label lying around, flex it in the comments! 

Feeling nostalgic? Stream Sachien now on Amazon Prime Video and relive the feel-good magic!

Pokkiri (2006)

After Ghilli, Pokkiri took Thalapathy Vijay’s mass hero appeal and fan following to the next level. Prabhu Deva’s directorial debut stood tall, even though it was a remake of Mahesh Babu’s Pokiri in Telugu. The film became a massive blockbuster, celebrated by both critics and audiences. In fact, it was so popular that getting a ticket back then was almost impossible!

With yet another iconic Vijay–Vadivelu comedy track that still has a separate fanbase, and the ever-charming Asin adding grace to the film, Pokkiri had all the right elements. Add in some unexpected twists and Mani Sharma’s chartbuster songs, and you’ve got a total entertainer.

And yes, it’s yet another KTV classic from Thalapathy Vijay! Watch the cult classic Pokkiri now on Sun NXT — relive the mass moments!

(2007 – 2011)

Here began the downfall phase of Thalapathy Vijay, marked by back-to-back flops and average movies. At one point, many believed Vijay had lost his footing in Tamil cinema — and that a comeback seemed unlikely.

It all started with Azhagiya Tamil Magan, a film that couldn’t carry the weight of its own ambition. Vijay played dual roles — both hero and villain — and this didn’t sit well with fans, many of whom found it hard to accept him in a negative shade. This became one of the major reasons for the film’s poor performance.

What followed was a streak of underwhelming films like Kuruvi, Villu, and Vettaikaaran — none of which managed to impress the family audience. The lowest point came with Sura, Vijay’s 50th film. Released with massive hype, it turned out to be a major disappointment — widely considered one of the weakest films in his career. Whether it was seasoned directors or newcomers, nothing seemed to click during this phase.

But then came the turning point. Vijay teamed up with director Siddique who previously gave him the blockbuster Friends  for Kaavalan. The film gave him some much-needed breathing room. Kaavalan turned out to be a hit, bringing back the softer, romantic side of Vijay. And let’s be honest Vadivelu’s timeless comedy track once again played a key role in lifting the film.

He followed it up with Velayudham, directed by Jayam Raja. This mass entertainer also struck the right chord with the audience and became another hit, helping Vijay slowly rise back to the top.

And then came……

Nanban (2012)

Yep, Nanban is a remake done right. The official Tamil remake of the Hindi blockbuster 3 Idiots turned out to be the perfect comeback for Thalapathy Vijay. For the first time in the decade, we saw a completely different Vijay on screen, no mass fights, no punch dialogues, just pure charm and effortless acting. It felt like a breath of fresh air and instantly won over the audience.

With director Shankar’s signature grand visual scale and a star-studded cast, along with Harris Jayaraj’s brilliant music, the film became both a commercial and critical success.

For a change, this one is a Vijay TV classic. Along with Friends and Priyamanavale, Nanban is now part of that elite list of Vijay’s feel-good rewatchable classics., and yeah…Say All is well and Stream Nanban now on JioHotstar for Free…Free…..

Thuppakki (2012)

The Vijay–AR Murugadoss combo gave a fresh twist to Vijay’s mass appeal, complete with a new hairstyle and urban makeover (which, let’s be honest, many school kids back then tried to copy!).

Thuppakki went on to become the biggest hit of Vijay’s career, even surpassing Ghilli. In fact, you can define his journey as “Before Thuppakki” and “After Thuppakki”.

With visually striking songs, explosive action, and hilarious comedy scenes especially the chemistry between Vijay and Kajal Aggarwal Thuppakki became a Vijay TV classic. (Notice how there’s a clear shift from KTV era hits to the Vijay TV era now!)

Thuppakki wasn’t just a film, it was a cultural wave. From punch dialogues to fashion, it redefined what a Tamil mass hero could be in a modern, globalized era.

Even today, in 2025, “I’m waiting…” still sends chills not just as a dialogue, but as a statement of power from Thalapathy Vijay.

Watch Thuppakki on JioHotstar the action-packed, defining blockbuster that made Vijay the boss of the box office!

Kaththi (2014)

Expectations were sky-high when A.R. Murugadoss and Thalapathy Vijay teamed up again after the ultimate blockbuster — and yes, they delivered.

Kaththi arrived with a bang, featuring Vijay in a brilliant dual role with two contrasting characters. It became one of the most successful commercial films with a strong social message, leaving a cultural impact for sure.

This was also the first time Rockstar Anirudh composed for a Thalapathy film, and Yep he delivered some truly iconic BGMs — not just for the hero, but even for the villain. Samantha played her part as the eye candy, though her role was limited.

From “Naan oru thadava sonna, en pecha naane kekka maaten” to “I am waiting,” Vijay cemented himself as an undisputed icon of Tamil cinema.

Tamil version is currently not available in any OTT platforms

Theri (2016)

With Theri began the era of one of the most bankable combos in Tamil cinema — Vijay and Atlee. Theri was truly a fanboy sambavam by Atlee, blending heartfelt emotions with whistle-worthy mass moments. Baby Nainika’s portrayal as Vijay’s daughter, and the adorable chemistry between the two, brought a never-seen-before shade to Vijay’s on-screen persona.

Even though the core revenge plot was familiar to Tamil audiences, the fresh energy of Atlee’s direction and the irresistible charm of Vijay turned Theri into an instant blockbuster. It became the talk of the town. Samantha, too, redeemed herself after Kaththi with a heartfelt, memorable role in this film, not just an eye candy.

GV Prakash’s rousing music and George C. Williams’ stunning cinematography elevated the movie to another level, making Theri a cinematic experience that fans still cherish.

Stream Theri now on Sun NXT — relive the magic of Thalapathy Vijay and Baby Nainika’s charming chemistry!

Mersal (2017)

“Nee Patra Vaitha Nerupu Ondru…” — The Vijay–Atlee combo was back, and this time, not with one, not two, but three Vijays! Even though the script had its weak spots and a few logical loopholes, Mersal was a neat commercial entertainer that went on to become one of the highest-grossing films in Tamil cinema. 

The song Aalporan Tamizhan became a nationwide trend, racking up millions of views on YouTube. While A. R. Rahman’s music was pure magic, equal credit goes to lyricist Vivek for penning such a powerful Tamil anthem.

For hardcore Vijay fans, this was a full-on goosebump generator — packed with mass moments, stunning visuals, and a social message that hit home.

Experience the triple Vijay magic and mass moments of Mersal! Whether you’re a Netflix binge-watcher or a ZEE5 fan, this blockbuster is just a click away.

Master (2017)

One of the most hyped films Tamil cinema has ever seen and rightfully so. Point one: it’s a Thalapathy Vijay movie. Point two: it’s Lokesh Kanagaraj, fresh from the massive success of Kaithi, joining hands with Vijay. Expectations were sky-high.

But honestly, Master didn’t fully live up to those expectations. It’s not a bad film by any means, but with some excessive scenes, it felt a little dragged. Still, it showcased a rugged, fresh new shade of Vijay Playing an alcoholic professor who loses himself in drinking and faces heartbreak due to his drinking problem. His powerful vow to quit alcohol sets him on a path that unravels the dark secrets of a juvenile prison.

What made Master truly special was its theatre impact. After the long lockdown, this film revived cinema halls in Tamil Nadu, bringing back festival-like celebrations. The face-off between Vijay and Vijay Sethupathi became an instant cultural phenomenon, sparking endless fan debates, memes, and whistles in theatres.

Though it could have been the next Thuppakki, Master slightly missed the absolute perfection mark. Still, Anirudh’s fiery BGM, Vijay’s mass presence, and Lokesh’s stylish direction ensured that it remained one of the most defining fan moments in modern Tamil cinema.

Watch Master now on Amazon Prime Video — don’t miss the addictive charm, electrifying music, and that iconic (Joseph) Vijay vs. Vijay (Sethupathy) clash!

2022-2023

After Master, Vijay delivered two of his most underwhelming films — Beast and Varisu. While Beast struggled due to Nelson’s lethargic writing and Varisu faltered with a weak screenplay, they became setbacks in Vijay’s otherwise solid run. But even in these films, Thalapathy’s unmatched screen presence and mass aura carried the box office. 

In fact, Arabic Kuthu from Beast and Ranjithame from Varisu went on to become massive cultural trends, topping charts and dominating reels, proving that even when the films underperform, Vijay’s brand power never fails to set the screens and fans on fire.

Leo (2023)

This will be 100% my film Lokesh Kanagaraj said, after the underwhelming performance of Master. But Leo justify his statement, yes i would say, It was definitely 100% lokesh kanaraj movie with blood and violence and Raw Screenplay, but it didnt made everyone happy,(no one can do that though) critics were not happy with the movie.

Official remake of History of violence, as i have seen history of violence in my opinion Leo is much more better film than its original hollywood movie. 

In my opinion, Leo feels somewhat inspired by Hollywood actioners like Nobody or John Wick. Of course, comparing them isn’t entirely fair—the scale and budget of those films are massive—but in terms of screenplay, Leo carries that same flavor of relentless action. The film is loaded with crazy fight sequences, especially in the second half. While this worked for some, many fans and reviewers felt it became excessive, breaking the flow of the movie. The general verdict was clear: the first half was gripping, but the second half lost its way.

For me personally, the flashback portion was the weakest link. It felt absurdly stretched, adding length without delivering an emotional connect. If the flashback had been trimmed into a sharp montage and the bulk of it reserved for a potential second part, Leo would have easily hit a whole new level.

So, while Leo isn’t flawless, it showcased a unique attempt at merging Tamil commercial cinema with the gritty storytelling style of global action thrillers. It’s a bold effort, but one that leaves you wishing for a tighter, more impactful narrative.

Want to stream Leo now? You can stream exclusively on Netflix. 

The GOAT

with Venkat Prabhu, the man behind the blockbuster Mankatha. The moment Vijay sang “Marudamalai Mamaniye Murugaiya” in The GOAT trailer, 90s kids were instantly taken back to the vintage Ghilli era. And yes, the film did live up to that nostalgic hype to a good extent.

After Azhagiya Tamizh Magan, Vijay once again took the daring step of playing a negative role, and this time, he proved why he’s unstoppable in such characters. In fact, the villainous Vijay stole the spotlight, often overshadowing the hero Vijay, reminding fans that if given the right script, he can absolutely kill it in grey-shaded roles.

The story follows an Indian spy who loses his child during a mission in Bangkok. This heartbreaking incident leads to his separation from his wife. Years later, destiny brings him face-to-face with his son once again, but the reunion is far from joyous. What follows is a gripping tale filled with shocking twists and turns that forever change his life.

Watch The GOAT The latest sensation featuring Thalapathy Vijay is now streaming on Netflix! 

Conclusion

From the boy-next-door charmer of Kushi and Shahjahan…To the mass hero who redefined action with Ghilli and Thuppakki…To the global superstar commanding pan-India attention with Leo and The GOAT — Thalapathy Vijay’s journey is nothing short of legendary.

What makes it even more special is that it was never a straight line. He stumbled, only to roar back stronger. That resilience, that never-say-die spirit, is what makes Vijay not just an actor, but a phenomenon.

Across 25 years, his films have given us everything. And here we are in 2025, knowing that after 2026 we won’t get to witness any new Vijay releases. We all know the reason why — which is why now is the time to celebrate him, his legacy, and the unforgettable moments he’s given us. 

Now it’s your turn! Tell us in the comments — which Vijay era is your favorite? Which movie gave you the biggest goosebumps in theatres? Stay Tuned to Weekend Watcher for more