Vijayaraj Alagarswami , better known by his stage name Vijayakanth, was an Indian actor, film director, film producer, philanthropist and politician. He served as the leader of the opposition in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly from 27 May 2011 to 21 February 2016. He was the founder and second general secretary of the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam. A notable figure in the Tamil cinema, Vijayakanth was awarded the Kalaimamani in 2001, the highest civilian award in Tamil Nadu. On 9 May 2024, Vijayakanth was posthumously awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian honour.
Manakanakku is a 1986 Indian Tamil-language film directed by R. C. Sakthi, starring Vijayakanth, Sarath Babu, Rajesh, Ambika and Radha. Kamal Haasan acted in a guest appearance. This was the only film where Haasan and Vijayakanth appeared onscreen together. The film was released on 28 February 1986.
R. Sundarrajan is an Indian film director, actor, comedian and writer for Tamil language films. Active primarily in the 1980s and the 1990s as a filmmaker, he appeared more often as an actor thereafter. Sundarajan is known for his silver jubilee films such as Payanangal Mudivathillai (1982), Vaidehi Kathirunthal (1984), Rajadhi Raja (1989) and Thirumathi Palanisamy (1992). During his career as a director, he frequently collaborated with veteran actor Mohan.
Sivappu Malli is a 1981 Indian Tamil-language film directed by Rama Narayanan for AVM Productions, starring Vijayakanth, Chandrasekhar, Shanthi Krishna, Aruna and S. S. Chandran. A remake of the Telugu film Erra Mallelu (1981), it revolves around two men starting a revolution against their village chiefs and the owner of a factory in the neighbouring village. The film was released on 15 August 1981.
Sethupathi IPS is a 1994 Indian Tamil-language political action film written and directed by P. Vasu, produced by AVM Productions. The film stars Vijayakanth and Meena. It deals with the story of a police officer who fights against terrorism. Sethupathi IPS was released on 14 January 1994, during Pongal, and became one of Vijayakanth's most successful films of the decade.
Tamizh Selvan is a 1996 Indian Tamil-language political drama film directed by Bharathiraja from a story by M. Rathnakumar. The films stars Vijayakanth and Roja. It was released on 2 August 1996, and failed at the box office.
Dharma (transl. Righteousness) is a 1998 Indian Tamil-language action drama film directed by Keyaar. The film stars Vijayakanth and Preetha Vijayakumar. A remake of the 1997 Hindi film Ziddi, it was released on 9 July 1998.
Veeran Veluthambi is a 1987 Indian Tamil-language action film directed by Rama Narayanan and written by M. Karunanidhi, starring Radha Ravi. It was released on 3 June 1987.
Needhi Pizhaithathu is a 1981 Indian Tamil-language action drama film directed by S. A. Chandrasekhar, starring Vijayakanth, Jaishankar and Mucherla Aruna. It was released on 28 November 1981.
Auto Raja is a 1982 Indian Tamil-language film, directed by K. Vijayan. The film stars Vijayakanth, Jaishankar and Gayathri. It is a remake of the 1980 Kannada film of the same name with Gayatri reprising her role from the original. The film was released on 27 March 1982.
Cooliekkaran is a 1987 Indian Tamil-language action thriller film directed by Rajasekhar and produced by S. Thanu. The film stars Vijayakanth and Rupini, in her Tamil cinema debut. It is a remake of the Hindi film Kaalia (1981). The film was released on 4 June 1987. Through this film Vijayakanth got the title "Puratchi Kalaignar", bestowed upon him by Thanu.
Neethiyin Marupakkam is a 1985 Tamil-language action drama film directed by S. A. Chandrasekhar and produced by Shoba Chandrasekhar. The film stars Vijayakanth and Radhika, with Anuradha, Vadivukkarasi and V. K. Ramasamy in supporting roles. It was released on 27 September 1985.
Pattanathu Rajakkal is a 1982 Indian Tamil-language action drama film directed by S. A. Chandrasekhar, starring Vijayakanth and Silk Smitha. It was released on 5 March 1982.
Enakku Nane Needipathi is a 1986 Indian Tamil-language action drama film, directed by S. A. Chandrasekhar and produced by Kovai Chezhiyan. The film stars Vijayakanth, Jeevitha, Jaishankar and Lakshmi. It was released on 18 July 1986, and became a success.
Saatchi (transl. Witness) is a 1983 Indian Tamil-language action film, directed by S. A. Chandrasekhar and produced by P. S. V. Hariharan. The film stars Vijayakanth, Viji and M. N. Nambiar. It is a remake of the 1981 Malayalam film Raktham. The film was released on 16 September 1983.
Kudumbam (transl. Family) is a 1984 Indian Tamil-language drama film, directed by S. A. Chandrasekhar. The film stars Vijayakanth, Devisri, Jaishankar and Sujatha. It was released on 22 November 1984.
Engal Kural is a 1985 Indian Tamil-language crime film, directed by Rama Narayanan and produced by S. S. Chandran. The film stars Arjun, Suresh, Nalini and Jeevitha. It was released on 15 August 1985.
Inikkum Ilamai is a 1979 Indian Tamil-language film produced and directed by M. A. Kaja, starring Sudhakar and Radhika. It was released on 16 March 1979. The film was Vijayakanth's debut, and he played a villain. The film received negative reviews, and failed at the box office.
Puthiya Theerpu is a 1985 Indian Tamil-language action drama film, directed by C. V. Rajendran, and produced by Chitra Lakshmanan and Chitra Ramu. The film stars Vijayakanth and Ambika. It is a remake of the 1983 Telugu film Neti Bharatam. The film was released on 4 October 1985.
Vellai Pura Ondru is a 1984 Indian Tamil-language film directed by Gangai Amaran, starring Vijayakanth and Sujatha. It was released on 13 April 1984.
