Vijay Sethupathi, an acting powerhouse in Tamil Cinema, has left an indelible mark on the industry through his unparalleled versatility and captivating performances. Here’s a definitive ranking of the multi-lingual actor’s best movies (and occasional TV appearances) along with a guide on streaming them.
From Accounting to Acting
Sethupathi's journey into acting was unconventional, transitioning from a background in accounting to pursue his passion for storytelling on the silver screen. His debut with an uncredited blink-and-miss role in the 2006 film M. Kumaran Son Of Mahalakshmi marked the beginning of a career that would redefine Indian cinema.
Renowned for his seamless portrayal of diverse characters including ruthless villains, heartwarming heroes and morally grey side characters, Sethupathi's repertoire spans across genres, from intense dramas to light hearted comedies. His ability to inhabit complex roles has earned him acclaim from both audiences and critics alike.
Vijay Sethupathi Delivers Pizza
The year 2012 proved pivotal for Sethupathi with the release of Pizza, a horror thriller that propelled him into the limelight. His portrayal of an aspiring filmmaker entangled in supernatural occurrences garnered widespread praise, establishing him as a formidable talent.
Sethupathi's ascent continued with acclaimed performances in films like Soodhu Kavvum, Pannaiyarum Padminiyum, and Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom, showcasing his versatility and acting prowess.
A New Chapter with Vikram Vedha
However, it was his role in the 2016 neo-noir Vikram Vedha opposite R. Madhavan that solidified Sethupathi's legacy. His portrayal of a menacing gangster showcased his ability to command the screen with charisma and depth.
Vikram Vedha’s acclaim would soon be followed by moving performances in the romantic drama 96 and the anthology Super Deluxe. The former found him playing a man who unexpectedly reunites with an old flame in the course of a night while the latter featured him as a transgender parent having a turbulent relationship with her ten-year-old son.
Vijay Sethupathi in Bollywood
Beyond Tamil cinema, Sethupathi has made notable contributions to Telugu and Malayalam cinema, expanding his reach and leaving a lasting impact wherever he goes. Since 2023, he also began working in Hindi cinema with his Bollywood journey beginning with the Prime Video heist thriller Farzi (his second OTT series outing after the Netflix Tamil anthology Navarasa).
Sharing screen space with Shahid Kapoor as an artistically gifted conman, Sethupathi effortlessly sank his teeth in the role of a vigilant anti-corruption officer. His Hindi movie performances include a delightful turn as the villainous arms dealer Kali in Shah Rukh Khan’s action blockbuster Jawan and a subtle yet powerful turn as a broken man grieving in the 1980s alongside Katrina Kaif in the Hitchcockian thriller Merry Christmas.
Why is Super Deluxe Vijay Sethupathi’s best movie?
While Vijay Sethupathi has left a long line of career-best roles, his portrayal of the transgender woman Shilpa marked a defining chapter in the Tamil actor’s career. The anthology movie also benefits greatly from the rest of its ensemble with powerful performances from Fahadh Faasil, Ramya Krishnan, Samantha, and of course, the child acting talent Ashwanth Ashokkumar who plays Sethupathi’s on-screen son.
While addressing everyday realities of transphobia, Shilpa’s arc in Super Deluxe also has its fair share of optimism, thanks to the tumultuous but ultimately tearjerking parent-child bond between Sethupathi and his younger co-star. No wonder that Super Deluxe is considered as one of the best Tamil movies in contemporary times.
Where can you stream Vijay Sethupathi’s filmography?
Netflix and Prime Video have an abundance of Vijay Sethupathi’s most popular credits while others can be found on SUN NXT, Zee5, and Hotstar.
