Today, January 16, 2026, marks the birthday of Vijay Sethupathi, a highly versatile and celebrated actor-producer in the Tamil film industry. Known for his ability to seamlessly transition between diverse roles, Sethupathi has carved a niche for himself, earning accolades and a dedicated fan base. Starting his career with minor roles, he rose to prominence through his exceptional performances and willingness to experiment with different genres. Here's a look at seven of his most remarkable films:

1. Pizza (2012): This Karthik Subbaraj directorial marked Vijay Sethupathi's debut as a lead actor. He plays Michael, a pizza delivery boy caught in a supernatural mystery. The film's unique storyline and Sethupathi's portrayal of an ordinary man in extraordinary circumstances earned him critical acclaim and established him as a rising star.

2. Soodhu Kavvum (2013): Nalan Kumarasamy's black comedy features Sethupathi as Das, a middle-aged kidnapper. The film's quirky humor and his laid-back yet menacing performance showcased his versatility and solidified his position in the industry.

3. Naanum Rowdy Dhaan (2015): Directed by Vignesh Shivan, this romantic action-comedy features Vijay Sethupathi as a wannabe rowdy. His comedic timing and chemistry with Nayanthara made this film a commercial success and further cemented his image as a bankable star.

4. Sethupathi (2016): In this action drama, Vijay Sethupathi plays the role of a tough police officer. The film showcased his ability to portray serious and authoritative characters, adding another dimension to his acting repertoire.

5. Vikram Vedha (2017): This neo-noir action thriller, directed by Pushkar-Gayathri, is inspired by the Indian folktale "Baital Pachisi". Sethupathi plays Vedha, a complex and cunning gangster, while R. Madhavan plays Vikram, a determined police officer. The film explores the blurred lines between good and evil, and Sethupathi's portrayal of Vedha earned him widespread praise and awards.

6. '96 (2018): This romantic drama, directed by C. Premkumar, revolves around two high school sweethearts who reunite after 22 years. Sethupathi's subtle and nuanced performance as Ram, a photographer, struck a chord with audiences, making it a critical and commercial success. The movie beautifully conveys love without explicitly stating it.

7. Super Deluxe (2019): Thiagarajan Kumararaja's anthology film features Vijay Sethupathi as Shilpa, a transgender woman. His bold and sensitive portrayal of a complex character was highly appreciated and earned him a National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Vijay Sethupathi continues to be a prominent figure in Indian cinema, with recent appearances in films like "Merry Christmas" (2024). His journey from supporting roles to becoming a leading actor and producer is a testament to his talent, hard work, and dedication to his craft.