Robin Bhuyan
Vijay Sethupathi’s Maharaja is a hauntingly powerful film where he has proved his caliber as one of Indian cinema’s most versatile and compelling actors. In this intense suspense thriller, Sethupathi plays the role of a quiet barber who is seeking justice after his house is robbed and “Laxmi” goes missing. Things get hilarious as well as even more interesting when “Laxmi” is revealed to be a metal dustbin that had apparently saved his daughter’s life many years ago. The film has an interesting plot which weaves past trauma with present-day retribution and keeps viewers on the edge of their seats till the end. Sethupathi not just proves himself to be a phenomenal actor, but one unique thing about the actor is that he has chosen several movies with excellent scripts throughout his career.
If Maharaja left you captivated by Vijay Sethupathi’s performance, let us look at five other must-watch films that showcase his exceptional acting skills, and why he is one of the most underrated actors in Indian cinema.
Jawan
Jawan (2023) is a Hindi action thriller directed by Atlee, where Sethupathi plays the lead antagonist of Kalee Gaikwad, a ruthless international arms dealer. His character is at the heart of the film’s story, as he becomes the main antagonist facing off against Shah Rukh Khan’s characters—Azad, a vigilante, and his father, Vikram Rathore, who are out to expose him. Jawan not only highlights Sethupathi’s versatility doing negative leads but also it also showcases his ability to hold his own alongside none other than one of Bollywood’s biggest stars- Shah Rukh Khan!
Soodhu Kavvum
Soodhu Kavvum (2013) is a Tamil black comedy crime film directed by Nalan Kumarasamy. The story follows a group of friends who join Das, played by Sethupathi, a small-time kidnapper, in his illegal activities. They kidnap a politician’s son, Arumai, who has staged his own abduction to extort money from his father. Chaos ensues with betrayals, a ruthless police officer, and unexpected turns, in a movie that manages to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Vikram
Vikram (2022) is a Tamil action thriller directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, starring Kamal Haasan, Vijay Sethupathi, and Fahadh Faasil. The story follows Vikram (Kamal Haasan), a former secret agent, as he takes down a drug syndicate. Amar (Fahadh Faasil), head of a black-ops squad, investigates a series of murders linked to masked vigilantes, which he soon discovers is linked to Vikram’s covert mission. Sethupathi played the role of Sandhanam, a ruthless drug lord who runs the powerful syndicate, making him the primary target of Kamal Haasan’s character, Vikram, who seeks to bring down his criminal empire.
’96
Considered by many to be one of the best romantic dramas in Indian cinema, ’96 (2018) is a Tamil romantic drama by C. Prem Kumar. The film stars Vijay Sethupathi as Ram, a travel photographer, and Trisha Krishnan as Jaanu, his former love. Set around their high school reunion, Ram and Jaanu revisit their past and confront their unresolved feelings. The film portrays their emotional journey as they reconnect after twenty-two years, as they rediscover missed opportunities and the impact of their separation. Their reunion brings bittersweet closure to their story, highlighting the enduring nature of first love. Praised for its nostalgic setting and performances, the film was a commercial success and critically acclaimed.
Vikram Vedha
On top of our list, we have Vikram Vedha (2017), the Tamil action thriller directed by Pushkar-Gayathri, which most of you have probably already heard of! The film, inspired by the Indian folktale of Vikram Betal, stars R. Madhavan as Inspector Vikram and Vijay Sethupathi as the gangster Vedha. Maddy plays an honest and upright police officer whose notions of right and wrong are challenged by a gangster named Vedha, played by Sethupathi. The film was a huge success, and Sethupathi played the role quite brilliantly – a charismatic as well as enigmatic gangster, who is quite ruthless but at the same time, seems to have a sense of justice.
