Vijayakanth

Vijayakanth
Portrait of Vijayakanth
14th Leader of Opposition in the Tamilnadu Legislative Assembly
In office 13 May 2011 – -
Constituency	Rishivandiyam Vots = 91164
13th Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)
Incumbent
Assumed office 8 May 2006
Constituency	Vridhachalam Vots =61337
Personal details
Born	Vijayaraj Father Name = Alagarswami Mother Name = Andal (1954-08-25) 25 August 1954 (age 58)http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1115537/ Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
Political party	Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam Date = 14-9-2005
Spouse(s)	Premalatha Wedding Date = (31-1-1990) brother in law l . k sudhish
Children	Vijay Prabhakar Shanmuga Pandian
Residence	Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Occupation	film actor, film producer, director

Vijayakanth (born 25 August 1954 as Vijayaraj Alagarswami) is an Indian actor and politician. He is the founder of the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam and a Member of Legislative Assembly representing Rishivandiyam, Tamil Nadu, India. He is also known as Puratchi Kalaingar (English: revolutionary artist).^[1]

Early life [edit]

Vijayakanth was born as Chandrasekar on 25 August 1954 ^[2] in Tirumangalam, Madurai to K. N. Alagarswami and Andal in a Thottiya Nayakar family. Alagarswami was Madurai's Councillor for two terms. Upon entering the film industry to pursue an acting career, director Khaja (who directed his first film) changed his name to "Amritaraj" and then "Vijayakanth", dropping the "raj" out of his name and suffixing "kanth". He has also been nicknamed "Captain" and "Puratchi Kalaignar".

Acting career [edit]

Inikum Ilamai was his first film, which was directed by M. A. Kaja. After this, he acted in Dhooraththu Idi Muzhakkam, Neerottam and Agal Vilakku. He is nicknamed 'Captain' after the 1991 movie Captain Prabhakaran which is his 100th film. Vijayakanth has starred in films including Vanathai Pola, Sethupathi IPS, Captain Prabhakaran, Pulan Visaaranai, Oomai Vizhigal, Senthurapoove, Ulavu Thurai, Periyanna, Vallarasu, Ramana, Neranja Manasu, and Sathriyan

1980s [edit]

This period was a part of Vijayakanth in Kollywood. Some of the Vijayakanth films in the eighties include Sattam Oru Iruttarai, Sattam Sirikkiradhu, Auto Raja, Naan Soottiya Malar, Saatchi, Nalla Naal, Veettukku Oru Kannagai, Nooravathu Naal, Vetri, Madras Vaathiyar, Madurai Sooran, Kudumbam, Naalai Unadhu Naal, Naaney Raja Naaney Mandhiri, Amman Koyil Kizhakkale, Annai En Dheivam, Manakanakku, Oru Iniya Udhayam, Vasantha Raagam, Poomazhai Pozhiyudhu, Sattam Oru Vilaiyaattu, Siraipparavai, Uzhavan Magan, Veera Pandiyan, Therkathi Kallan, Sendhoorappoovey, Meenatchi Thiruvilaiyadal, Ponmana Selvan, Paattukku Oru Thalaivan and En Purushanthaan Enakku Mattumthaan. These movies earned him great accolades. He was leading the charts alongside Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan. His first Movie was Dhoorathu Idi Muzhakkam.

1990s [edit]

Vijayakanth acted in a good number of blockbuster films in the 1990s also. Some of them are Pudhu Paadagan, Pulanvisaranai (a blockbuster film directed by R.K. Selvamani), Sathriyan, En Aasai Machaan, Thayagam, Ezhai Jaathi, Karuppu Nila, Captain Prabhakaran (a blockbuster film directed by R.K. Selvamani and given 100th hit Film in Industry, Chinna Gounder, Sendhoorappandi, Enga Mudhalaali, Sedhupathi IPS, Thirumoorthi, Alexander, Dharma Chakkaram, Periya Maruthu, Thaai Mozhi (Guest Appearance, Sarath Kumar as a Hero), Thamizh Selvan directed by BharathiRaja, Honestraj, Veeram Vilanja Mannu, Ulavuthurai, Periyanna and Kallazhagar.

2000s [edit]

Vijayakanth had three releases in 2000 - Vaanathai Pola, lk sudhishVallarasu and Simmasanam out of which former two films became huge successful in box office.^[3][4] His portrayal of elder brother and his younger brother in "Vaanathaipola" received praise.^[5] In 2001, he had three films Vaanchinathan, Narasimma and Thavasi former two got flopped at box office, with Narasimma, Vijayakanth and co-producer l.k.sudhish his brother-in-law, were engaged in a legal battle to compensate distributors due to the film's losses ^[6] likewise for Vaanchinathan, distributors who paid a high price for the movie have burnt their fingers, they have incurred heavy losses.^[7] Both received poor reviews.^[8][9] in 2002, Vijayakanth gave a block buster Ramana and a flop Raajjiyam, following year he also appeared in a guest role in Devan for his friend Arun Pandiyan. Vijayakanth two releases in 2003 - Chokka Thangam and Thennavan became average grossers at box office.^[10][11] In 2004 he had three releases Gajendra, Engal Anna and Neranja Manasu all the three received average reviews^[12][13][14] and ended up as failures. He did not have any release in 2005. Instead, he appeared as himself in Suriya starrer Maayavi.^[15] Perarasu, Dharmapuri and Sudesi are his releases in 2006 and these too did average business. But "Perarasu" was a super hit.^[16] In 2007, he had only one release Sabari which saw him playing a doctor revolting against villains^[17] which too ended up as failure and received bad reviews.^[18] In 2008 Vijayakanth announced his 150th film "Vithagan"^[19] since Parthiban brought the title it was changed as Arasangam^[20] film which saw him as CBI officer who investigate the death of his brother in law and coming across look-alike of him did well at box office.

Political career [edit]

See also: Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam and Tamil Nadu legislative assembly election, 2011

DMDK supporters in Kumbakonam during 2011 election

He formed the center-left winged Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), a regional political party in Tamil Nadu. He formally announced the party's formation on 14 September 2005 in Madurai.^[21][22] His party contested in all seats in 2006 assembly elections and won one seat contested by him. In 2011 election held on 13 April 2011 he formed an alliance with All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and contested in 41 constituencies.^[23] His party saw phenomenal success by winning 29 of the 41 seats it had contested from. It is a significant day in the history of Tamil Nadu as DMDK has won more seats than the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and occupied the position of MLA for the second time. Vijayakanth emerged victorious from the Rishivandhiyam constituency in the 2011 state assembly elections.^[24] Cho Ramaswamy encouraged Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) to forge an alliance with AIADMK.^[25] DMDK launched a vigorous campaign to defeat DMK; It made a resolution to call all parties to come together to defeat the ruling DMK in a conference held in Salem on 8 January presided over by its leader Vijayakanth.^[26] S. Ramadoss, leader of Pattali Makkal Katchi expressed his dissatisfaction with people from film industry ruling Tamil Nadu since 1967. He also urged voters not to vote for Vijayakanth with long career as a Tamil actor.^[27]

The DMDK, led by Vijaykanth, proved to be an important player in the 2006 Tamil Nadu assembly election, garnering 10% of the voters and securing 10.1% in this Lok Sabha election. According to the study, it secured more votes than the winning margins of candidates in about 25 constituencies. In 2006, polling showed that DMDK was able to get more DMK votes than AIADMK votes, but in this election according to the table on the right, they were able to wrestle more Congress voters from 2004, than any another party. Contrary to the claim of many in the AIADMK camp blaming DMDK for the defeat, there is no evidence for this to be true.^[28] Vijaykanth has declared that he would not ask donations for his party, and most of the funding for the party comes from his own pocket. He has so far rejected alliances with other political parties. In a by-elections to Madurai Central assembly constituency DMDK has secured around 17000 votes which is just 2000 votes less than ADMK. DMDK was also able to secure significant no of seats in Local Body elections.^[29]

Dispute with Vadivelu [edit]

On 21 September 2008, Vadivelu's residence in the Saligramam neighbourhood in Chennai was pelted with stones by a gang, leaving several windows and furniture smashed and damaged. The actor had taken refuge in a room in his home and was safe. Vadivelu is said to have suspected Vijayakanth because of a recent controversy that broke out between the two. Vadivelu had filed a case against Vijayakanth for assault and the final court hearing took place on 22 September 2008. The attack may have occurred to prevent Vadivelu from attending the hearing.^[30]

Vadivelu filed another case against Vijayakanth for attempted murder and investigations are taking place. Vadivelu has mentioned his keen interest in competing against Vijayakanth in the next assembly elections and "teaching him a lesson." In response, actor Vijayakanth told a press meet on September 22 that Vadivelu's allegations are based on hearsay.^[31][32]

Tamilnadu Election 2011 [edit]

During the legislative assembly elections that took place in Tamil Nadu during April 2011, Vadivelu vehemently campaigned for the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and its alliance. During his public speeches, he predominantly condemned politician and actor Vijayakanth, whose party, the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), allied with the opposition party All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), headed by J. Jayalalitha. His allegations of Vijayakanth included him being a "drunkard". In a campaign speech in Tiruvarur, Vadivelu stated that "(his) only aim is to sweep out Vijayakanth’s whole team and to campaign vigorously for DMK’s victory". Vadivelu was criticized as being biased, only supporting a DMK-led victory for personal gains and not once mentioning anything against the official opposition, the AIADMK, or its leader.^[33][34] In a turn of events, the election was eventually successful for the AIADMK alliance while Vijayakanth was victorious by a significant margin in his own constituency. Vadivelu has since disappeared from the public eye.

Post-election [edit]

After the election, Jayalalitha and Vijayakanth fought and accused each other.^[35][36][37] Due to this reason, Vijayakanth got separated from ADMK.

Controversies [edit]

Election Commission of India has sent notices, based on the complaint of the DMK to AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa and her ally DMDK leader actor Vijayakanth for their alleged personal attacks against chief minister M. Karunanidhi and his family during electioneering.^[38]

During the election, he said to have attacked his party worker.^[39]

In October 2012, when Journalist Balasubramanian attempted to pose questions to Mr Vijayakanth. An angry Vijayakanth indulged in arguments with Mr Balasubramanian even as his party MLA, who was with him, allegedly pushed him. Following this, Mr Balasubramanian lodged a complaint with the Airport Police who registered a case against Mr Vijayakanth and the MLA under various sections of the Indian Penal Code.^[40]

Personal life [edit]

Vijaykanth married Premalatha on 31 January 1990 and has two sons Vijayapandiyan and Shanmugapandiyan. Vijaykanth's second son is going to debut in the movies.^[41]

Other work [edit]

He founded Shri Andal Alagar College of Engineering in 2001. His wife is the chairman of this college.

On October 1, 2001, Vijayakanth declared that October 1, which is actor Sivaji Ganesan's birthday, be observed as Actors' Day in Tamil Nadu.

In 2001, he was the former president of South Indian Film Artistes' Association.^[42]

Vijayakanth has launched a 24-hour Television Channel called "Captain TV" on April 14, 2010.^[43]

Awards and honors [edit]

• 1986 - Filmfare Best Actor Award for Amman Koyil Kizhakalae
• 1989 - Cinema Express Best Actor Award for Poonthotta Kavalkaran
• 1989 - Filmfans Award for Best Actor Award for Chindura Poove
• 2001 - Kalaimamani Award from the Government of Tamil Nadu
• 2001 - Best Citizen Award by the mayor of the City of Houston, Texas and Best Indian Citizen Award by Citizens of India forum.
• 2001 - Cinema Express Best Actor Award for Vanathai Pole

Filmography [edit]

Vijayakanth has acted in 153 movies, many of which feature him as a police officer.

1990s

1980s

1970s

Trivia [edit]

• He has acted only in Tamil language.
• Umai vizhigal is one movie which introduced many new artistes.
• His Movies always have extreme stunts and comedies.
• His Movies always get a great opening at the Box-Office.
• Vijayakanth has nearly 3 Million members in his political party.
• His movie "Vanathai Pola" collected about 250 million rupees.
• His 'Sattam Oru Irutarai' was a super hit that it was remade in Hindi Andha Kanoon starring Amitabh & Rajinikanth.
• 'Pulan visaranai', 'Managara kaval' & 'Captain Prabakaran' were all Blockbusters and directed by a DFT Student R.K. Selvamani.
• He acted in successful films like Vanathai Pola, Vallarasu, Captain Prabhakaran, Pulan Visaranai, Ramana, Chinna Gounder, Vaitheki Kaathirunthaal, Sathriyan, Amman Koyil Kizhakkaley and more
• His "Captain Prabhakaran" movies were dubbed in Hindi, Telugu & Malayalam and took a good collection.
• In Tamil Nadu C centres he is one of the most popular Tamil actor.
• He received 8.33% votes in first assembly election.
• 17% votes in Local Election.
• Party Name : "Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam" (DMDK)
• Party Launch : September 14, 2005 in a political conference held at Madurai
• Never campaigned for a political party
• His wife is the chairperson of Shri Andal Alagar College of Engineering founded by him and his brother-in-law L.K.Sudhish is the Secretary and Correspondent.
• Mrs. Janaki Ramachandran had given him the van used by MGR during his political campaign.
• Most of his films have been dubbed in Telugu
• Was introduced as Vijayaraj in his debut film 'Enikum illamai'
• Has organised his followers into different cadres like students, farmers, women, advocates, doctors etc.
• His opposing candidate for Nadigar Sangam was Actress Devi. She received only 122 votes whereas he got 749 votes and won the election.
• Was invited to play a villain role in the Rajini's film ' muratu kalai' which he promptly refused.
• Has vowed to celebrate his birthday in a grand manner only after Prabhakaran wins in Sri Lanka
• He was the President of Nadigar Sangam for three consecutive times.

Famous vigilante movies

• Narasimha
• Ramana
• Vallarasu
• Vaanjinathan
• Alexander
• Honest Raj
• Captain Prabhakaran
• Pulan Visaranai
• Chendura Poove
• Poondhotta Kavalkaran
• Oomai Viligal
• Sattam Oru Iruttarai

Famous melodrama movies

• Sokkathangam
• Vanathaipole
• Thavasi
• Koil Kaalai
• Chinna Gounder
• En Purushan Thaan Enakkum Mattum Thaan
• Paattukku Oru Thalaivan
• Amman Kovil Kilakaley
• Vaithegi Kathirundhal

References [edit]

Further reading [edit]

Power and Influence in India:Bosses, Lords and Captains - Google Books

External links [edit]

This article includes a list of references, but its sources remain unclear because it has insufficient inline citations. Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (May 2010)

• [[1]]
• DMDK official website
• Article on Vijaykanth's political foray
• [http://www.newindpress.com/column/News.asp?Topic=-97&Title=S%2EGurumurthy&ID=IE620060515112959&nDate=5/16/2006&Sub=&Cat=& Article on Vijaykanth's political foray and election results in The New Indian Express