Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar, popularly known as Thalapathy Vijay, is a towering figure in Tamil cinema, celebrated for his charisma, versatility, and unparalleled fan base. Born on June 22, 1974, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Vijay has transitioned from a child actor to one of India’s highest-paid actors, with a career spanning over three decades and 68 films. His moniker “Thalapathy” (meaning “leader” in Tamil) reflects his commanding presence both on-screen and off-screen, where he has recently embarked on a political journey by founding the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in 2024. Known for his disciplined work ethic and mass appeal, Vijay’s legacy in Kollywood is cemented by blockbuster hits, record-breaking box office collections, and a deep connection with audiences. As he prepares to exit acting for politics, his final film promises to cap a remarkable cinematic career.

Early Life and Education

Vijay was born into a film family, with his father, S.A. Chandrasekhar, a renowned Tamil filmmaker, and his mother, Shoba Chandrasekhar, a playback singer and Carnatic vocalist. Raised in Chennai, Vijay’s early exposure to cinema came through his father’s productions, where he began acting as a child in films like Vetri (1984) and Kudumbam (1984). His schooling took place at Fathima Matriculation Higher Secondary School and later at Balalok Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Chennai. Vijay pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Visual Communications at Loyola College, Chennai, but dropped out to focus on his acting career, encouraged by his father to take up lead roles. His early life was marked by a blend of middle-class values and artistic influences, with his parents fostering his love for cinema and performance. Despite facing criticism for his looks and style early on, Vijay’s perseverance shaped his rise to stardom.

Career Journey: From Child Actor to Tamil Cinema Icon

Vijay’s acting career began as a child artist in films directed by his father, but his debut as a lead actor came at age 18 with Naalaiya Theerpu (1992), which, despite being a commercial failure, marked his entry into Tamil cinema. His breakthrough arrived with romantic dramas like Poove Unakkaga (1996), Love Today (1997), and Kadhulukku Mariyadhai (1997), which established him as a romantic hero. The action thriller Ghilli (2004), a remake of the Telugu film Okkadu, became a game-changer, showcasing his mass appeal and cementing his status as a bankable star. Over the years, Vijay expanded his repertoire with action-packed blockbusters like Thuppakki (2012), Mersal (2017), and Sarkar (2018), which resonated with audiences for their social themes and high-energy performances.

His collaboration with directors like AR Murugadoss, Atlee, and Lokesh Kanagaraj produced industry-defining hits. Leo (2023), part of Lokesh Kanagaraj’s cinematic universe, broke pre-booking records with over ₹100 crore in ticket sales worldwide. His most recent release, The Greatest of All Time (GOAT, 2024), directed by Venkat Prabhu, saw him in a dual role and grossed over ₹447 crore globally, making it the highest-grossing Tamil film of 2024. Vijay’s ability to blend action, drama, and social commentary, coupled with his dance prowess and fan-centric “mass” moments, has made him a cultural icon in Tamil Nadu.

Hit Movies: Blockbusters That Defined Vijay’s Stardom

Vijay’s filmography boasts numerous blockbusters that have set box office benchmarks. Here are some of his most successful films:

• Leo (2023): Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, this action thriller grossed ₹341 crore net in India and over ₹600 crore worldwide, making it Vijay’s highest-grossing film to date.
• The Greatest of All Time (GOAT) (2024): With a net collection of ₹251 crore in India and ₹447 crore globally, this sci-fi action film is the top Tamil grosser of 2024.
• Mersal (2017): A political action drama that grossed over ₹250 crore worldwide, known for its social commentary on healthcare and GST.
• Theri (2016): This cop drama earned over ₹150 crore globally, becoming one of the top Tamil films of its time.
• Ghilli (2004): A cult classic, re-released in 4K in 2024, it remains a fan favorite for its action and romance, with strong historical earnings.

These films highlight Vijay’s ability to dominate festive release windows, particularly Pongal, and his knack for delivering commercially successful entertainers with mass appeal.

Flop Movies: The Misses in Vijay’s Career

Despite his stellar track record, Vijay has faced setbacks with films that failed to resonate with audiences or critics. Some notable flops include:

• Naalaiya Theerpu (1992): Vijay’s debut as a lead actor was a commercial failure, lacking the appeal to draw audiences.
• Villu (2009): Directed by Prabhu Deva, this action film was criticized for its weak plot and earned below-average collections.
• Puli (2015): A fantasy adventure that flopped due to its disjointed narrative, grossing under ₹100 crore against a high budget.
• Beast (2022): Despite high expectations, this Nelson Dilipkumar-directed hostage drama received mixed reviews and collected around ₹130 crore net in India, considered underwhelming for Vijay’s standards.

While these films were commercial disappointments, Vijay’s fan base and subsequent hits ensured his career remained unaffected.

Top and Least Collection Movies

Top Collection: Leo (2023) leads with a worldwide gross of over ₹600 crore, followed closely by GOAT (2024) at ₹447 crore. These films capitalized on Vijay’s star power and festive release timing.

Least Collection: Early films like Naalaiya Theerpu (1992) and Rasigan (1994) had minimal box office impact due to Vijay’s nascent career and limited production value. Exact figures are unavailable, but they were reported as commercial failures.

Upcoming Projects: Vijay’s Final Cinematic Chapter

Vijay’s final film, tentatively titled Thalapathy 69 or Jana Nayagan, is a political action thriller directed by H. Vinoth, slated for release on January 14, 2026. The film, produced by KVN Productions, is anticipated to be a cop drama featuring Vijay as a suspended officer, with Pooja Hegde as a co-star. It has secured remake rights of the Telugu film Bhagavanth Kesari for ₹4.5 crore, indicating a high-stakes production. Billed as Vijay’s cinematic farewell before his political plunge, the film is expected to capitalize on a five-day Pongal weekend for maximum box office impact.

Net Worth and Lifestyle

As of 2024, Vijay’s net worth is estimated at approximately ₹600 crore ($72 million USD), making him one of India’s wealthiest actors. His earnings come from acting fees (reportedly ₹275 crore for Thalapathy 69), endorsements, and investments. Vijay’s lavish lifestyle includes a ₹5 crore car collection featuring a Rolls Royce Ghost, BMW X5, Audi A8, and Ford Mustang, and a seaside bungalow on Chennai’s Casuarina Drive. He is India’s second-highest celebrity taxpayer, reflecting his financial success. Despite his wealth, Vijay maintains a grounded persona, often engaging with fans through his political rallies and social initiatives.

Recent News and Political Foray

In 2024, Vijay announced his exit from acting to focus on politics, launching the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party, registered with the Election Commission of India in September 2024. At TVK’s first state conference on October 27, 2024, Vijay outlined his vision, advocating for a caste survey, education as a state subject, and abolishing the Governor’s post. His rejection of Periyar’s anti-God stance while embracing his social reforms has sparked debate, positioning him against DMK’s Udhayanidhi Stalin. However, controversy arose in March 2025 when the Tamil Nadu Sunnath Jamaat filed a complaint against Vijay for alleged disrespect at a Chennai Iftar event, citing poor organization. Vijay’s political moves, including his call for power-sharing in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, signal a bold new chapter.

Vijay’s son, Jason Sanjay, is set to make his directorial debut with a Lyca Productions film starring Sundeep Kishan, marking the family’s continued cinematic legacy. Meanwhile, Vijay’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his critique of policies like GST in Mersal have kept him in the political spotlight. As he prepares for Jana Nayagan, fans eagerly await his final on-screen performance, while his political journey promises to reshape Tamil Nadu’s landscape.