Arun Vijay
{{short description|Indian actor (born 1977)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2016}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Arun Vijay
| image = Actor Arun Vijay at Vaa Press Meet.jpg
| caption = Vijay at Vaa Press Meet in 2012
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1977|11|19}}
| birth_place = Madras, Tamil Nadu, India
| birth_name = Arun Kumar
| occupation = Actor
| alma_mater = Loyola College, Chennai
| parents = {{ubl|Vijaykumar|Muthukannu}}
| relatives = Kavitha Vijayakumar (sister)
Anitha Vijayakumar (sister)
Preetha Vijayakumar (half-sister)
Sridevi Vijaykumar (half-sister)
Vanitha Vijayakumar (half-sister)
| years active = 1995–present
| spouse = {{marriage|Aarathi|2006}}
| children = 2
}}
Arun Vijay (born 19 November 1977), formerly known as Arun Kumar, is an Indian actor who works primarily in Tamil cinema. He also starred in a few films in Telugu, Kannada and Hindi.{{cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2018/oct/01/its-my-time-now-arun-vijay-1879303.amp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001031749/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2018/oct/01/its-my-time-now-arun-vijay-1879303.amp|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 October 2018|title=It's my time now: Arun Vijay|first=Ashameera |last=Aiyappan|website=The New Indian Express |date= 1 October 2018|access-date= 12 September 2021}}
Born as Arun Kumar and being the only son of veteran actor Vijayakumar, he debuted in Sundar C's Murai Mappillai (1995).{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/his-career-makes-a-steady-progress/article3128652.ece |title=His career makes a steady progress – TAMIL NADU |newspaper=The Hindu |date=5 May 2006 |access-date=2016-01-20}} He received early success in Thulli Thirintha Kaalam (1998) and Pandavar Bhoomi (2001).{{cite web|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/tamil/article/arun-vijay-has-a-net-worth-of-rs-80-crore-know-all-the-expensive-things-owned-by-the-actor/833390|title=Recap on Arun Vijay|website=Times Now News}}
After a string of failures, he changed his name to Arun Vijay {{Cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/arun-kumar-name-change-seems-to-be-working-tamil-news-25638|title = Arun Kumar - Name change seems to be working}} and achieved breakthrough success and recognition for playing lead roles in Malai Malai (2009), Maanja Velu (2010), Thadaiyara Thaakka (2012), Kuttram 23 (2017), Chekka Chivantha Vaanam (2018), Thadam (2019), Mafia: Chapter 1 (2020) and Yaanai (2022).{{cite news|url=https://www.thenewstuff.in/ill-prove-one-day-how-arun-vijays-pain-transformed-success|title= I'll prove one day: Arun Vijay|website=The New Stuff}} He is noted for his villainous roles in Yennai Arindhaal (2015), Bruce Lee: The Fighter (2015) and Chakravyuha (2016).
Early life
Arun Vijay was born as the only son to actor Vijayakumar and his first wife Muthukannu. He studied at Don Bosco Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Egmore. After completing his schooling, he joined Loyola college for his higher studies.
Career
=1995-2001=
Vijay had a desire to act since childhood. He developed a strong interest by watching his father during film shoots. Vijay started getting film offers when he was in tenth grade but his father wanted him to complete his schooling before acting in films.{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/his-career-makes-a-steady-progress/article3128652.ece |title= Arun vijay's interest towards acting|newspaper=The Hindu |date=5 May 2006 }}
Vijay signed on for an A. R. Rahman musical Love Story to be his acting debut, but the delay of that project meant that he accepted Anbalaya Films' offer of Sundar C's Murai Mappillai (1995). He was 18 years old when he signed to act in Murai Mapillai. This made him one of the youngest actors to debut as a hero in the Tamil film industry.
In 1996, Vijay's second film, Priyam, was released. Vijay was seen for two films Kathirunda Kadhal (1997) and Ganga Gowri (1997).
In 1998, Vijay played the lead role in director Balasekaran's film Thulli Thirintha Kaalam. It was produced by Kavithalayaa Productions, a company owned by K.Balachander.
In 2000, Vijay featured in two films, Kannaal Pesavaa and Anbudan.{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2002/04/19/stories/2002041900990300.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020808144238/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2002/04/19/stories/2002041900990300.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 August 2002 |title= Anbudan-Cautious moves |newspaper=The Hindu |date=19 April 2002 }} His career hit a nadir when Buddhan, a project which he had physically transformed for, was stalled and dropped in 2000.{{cite web|url=http://www.cinesouth.com/masala/11102000/news02.shtml|title=Hot News Just for U|date=15 May 2001|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010515044512/http://www.cinesouth.com/masala/11102000/news02.shtml|archive-date=15 May 2001}}
In 2001, he played a civil engineer in Pandavar Bhoomi, directed by Cheran. This was the first movie in which Vijay and his father Vijayakumar acted together. This movie won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Film (Second Prize) in 2001.{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/event/ev0002955/2001/1/?ref_=ev_tl_yr_9|title =Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, India}}
=2002-2012=
Vijay's next film was Mutham (2002). It was initially titled Muthamidalamma, but was changed after the censor screening. It was directed by S.A. Chandrasekhar and was the first film to be shot using digital cinematography in Tamil cinema.{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/a-digital-take/article5969847.ece|title= A digital take|newspaper=The Hindu |date=2 May 2014}} Vijay had a special appearance in Iyarkai (2003), which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil.{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/laabam-director-sp-jananathan-passes-away-7227761/|title=National Award-winning director SP Jananathan passes away|date=14 March 2021}}
He acted in director Ramesh Selvan's Jananam (2004). The film's actress Priyanka Trivedi could not fulfill her scheduled commitments in the film, as she got married in 2003.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Upendra-wedding-comes-as-a-shocker/articleshow/361510.cms|title= Upendra wedding comes as a shocker!|newspaper=Times of India |date=16 Dec 2003 }} Critics appreciated Arun Vijay's acting in the movie.{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2004/12/24/stories/2004122402850301.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061120094227/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2004/12/24/stories/2004122402850301.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 November 2006 |title= Film review: Jananam|newspaper=The Hindu |date=24 December 2004}} In 2006, he has given a matured performance in Azhagai Irukkirai Bayamai Irukkirathu.{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/azhagai-irukkirai-bayamai-irukkirathu-review-tamil-movie-7689|title =Azhagai Irukkirai Bayamai Irukkirathu Review}} His next projects was Thavam (2007) and Vedha (2008).
The first venture, Malai Malai (2009), directed by A. Venkatesh, became a commercial success. The next, Maanja Velu (2010), by the same team, was also a success. Arun Vijay appeared in Magizh Thirumeni's action-thriller Thadaiyara Thaakka (2012), marking a move away from his previous two Masala films.{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/how-ajith-helped-arun-vijay-get-in-shape/article6771771.ece |title=Thadaiyara Thaakka, a new dimension |newspaper=The Hindu |date=9 January 2015}}
=2015-present=
He starred in Yennai Arindhaal (2015) with actor Ajith Kumar. This was his first film with director Gautham Vasudev Menon. Vijay played the role of Victor, an antagonist.{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/how-ajith-helped-arun-vijay-get-in-shape/article6771771.ece |title=How Ajith helped Arun Vijay get in shape |newspaper=The Hindu |date=9 January 2015}}
On September 1, 2015, Vijay launched his own production company called In Cinemas Entertainment (ICE).{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150831/entertainment-kollywood/article/arun-vijay-now-producer-too|title =Arun Vijay, now a producer too!}} He said that he launched the company to identify and provide an opportunity to ambitious and talented youngsters.{{cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150831/entertainment-kollywood/article/arun-vijay-now-producer-too| title = Arun Vijay, now a producer too |website=Deccanchronicle.com |date=1 September 2015 }}
The same year, he debuted in Telugu in the film Bruce Lee - The Fighter (2015) as the lead antagonist. He also made his Kannada debut as the lead antagonist in the movie Chakravyuha in 2016.{{cite web|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-arun-vijay-makes-his-kannada-debut-with-chakravyuha-2207131|title=Arun Vijay makes his Kannada debut with Chakravayuha|work=DNA India}}{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Sandalwood-debut-is-at-the-right-time-Arun-Vijay/articleshow/51713604.cms |title=Sandalwood debut is at the right time - Arun Vijay|work=Times of India|last1=Waseem |first1=Mohammed }} His next, Kuttram 23 (2017), returning to lead roles, was a success at the box office.{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/kuttram-23/movie-review/57454304.cms|title=Kuttram 23 Review {3.5/5}: The film is immensely satisfying as a thriller from start to finish|newspaper=The Times of India }} His next movie was Chekka Chivantha Vaanam (2018), which was directed by Mani Ratnam with an ensemble cast.
In 2019, Vijay acted in Thadam, an action crime thriller. He played his first double role in this film. This was also the second film in which he and Magizh Thirumeni worked together, after Thadaiyara Thaakka.{{cite web |url=https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/south-indian/arun-vijay-takes-on-dual-role-in-thadam-1.62343549 |title = Arun Vijay in a dual role|website=Gulfnews.com}} The film was loosely based on various real-life crimes where the suspects are identical twins. Thadam{{'}}s biggest strength was Vijay's convincing performance as Kavin and Ezhil.{{cite web|url=https://www.sify.com/movies/thadam-review-an-engaging-whodunit-thriller-review-tamil-tc2jR6cjdegid.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228125748/http://www.sify.com/movies/thadam-review-an-engaging-whodunit-thriller-review-tamil-tc2jR6cjdegid.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 February 2019|title=Thadam review: An engaging whodunit thriller|website=Sify}} In the action thriller film Saaho, Prabhas was the hero while Vijay played a supporting role.{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/saaho-review-missed-opportunity/article29298631.ece|title='Saaho' review: Prabhas' latest is a missed opportunity|first=Sangeetha Devi|last=Dundoo|newspaper=The Hindu|date=30 August 2019}} In 2020, he appeared in action crime thriller Mafia: Chapter 1 that was directed by Karthick Naren. In the film, Arun Vijay played a narcotics police officer on a mission to hunt down a drug mafia kingpin.{{cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/arun-vijay-teams-director-hari-next-film-139880|title = Arun Vijay teams up with Director Hari for next film|website=Thenewsminute.com|date = 18 December 2020}}
In 2022, he appeared in the Amazon Prime Video film Oh My Dog. The cast included Vijay, his father Vijayakumar, and his son Arnav Vijay. The next was Yaanai an action drama film written and directed by Hari. The next was released a Web Series Tamil Rockerz {{cite web | url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/review/2022/aug/19/tamilrockerz-web-series-review-a-great-opportunity-frittered-33895.html | title=Tamilrockerz Web Series Review: A great opportunity frittered | website=Cinema Express }} and later Sinam an investigative whodunit thriller in which Arun Vijay plays a cop.{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/sinam/movie-review/94235107.cms|title =Sinam}} In 2024, A. L. Vijay's Mission: Chapter 1 was released in theatres on January 12. Arun Vijay will be seen in Bala's Vanangaan (2025) next.{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/arun-vijays-mission-chapter-1-gears-up-for-its-ott-premiere/articleshow/108517618.cms|title = Arun Vijay's 'Mission Chapter 1' gears up for its OTT premiere!}}
Personal life
In 2006, Arun Vijay married Aarathi, daughter of film producer Dr. N. S. Mohan {{Cite web|url=https://www.zoomtventertainment.com/tamil-cinema/article/arun-vijays-father-in-law-passes-away-actors-wife-shares-an-emotional-note/750004|title =Arun Vijay's father-in-law passes away; Actor's wife shares an emotional note}} with whom he has a daughter, Purvi and a son, Arnav Vijay. In 2010, Arun Vijay's eldest sister Kavitha's daughter Hasini married N. S. Mohan's son Hemanth, who is a co-producer of Feather Touch Entertainments and also acted alongside Arun Vijay in Malai Malai.{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/filmi-parties/regional/A-family-affair-for-Vijay-Kumar/articleshow/6421265.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309000029/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-08-24/regional/28281324_1_family-affair-wedding-reception-vijay-kumar |url-status=live |archive-date=9 March 2012 |title=A family affair for Vijay Kumar |date=24 August 2010 |website=The Times of India |access-date=2016-01-20}} Arun Vijay's Hometown is Pattukkottai in Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu.{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/arun-vijay-meets-his-fans-at-his-native-village/articleshow/90200527.cms|title =Arun Vijay meets his fans at his native village}}
Filmography
=Films=
- Note: He was credited as Arunkumar (sometimes Arun) from 1995 to 2006. He was credited as Arun Vijay from 2007 onwards.
All films are in Tamil, unless otherwise noted.
= Web series =
| class="wikitable" |
| Year
!Title !Role !Network ! class="unsortable" | Notes ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Tooltip|Ref.|References}} |
|---|
| 2022
|Rudhra IPS | |style="text-align:center;"| {{cite web|url=https://en.janbharattimes.com/entertainment/tamil-rockerz-ott-release-date-star-cast-plot-trailer-more|title=Tamil Rockerz OTT Release Date, Star Cast, Plot, Trailer & More |date=23 June 2022 }} |
= As dubbing artist =
| class="wikitable" |
| Year
!Title !Role !Dub-over voice for whom ! class="unsortable" | Notes ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Tooltip|Ref.|References}} |
|---|
| 2019
| |style="text-align:center;"| {{cite web|url=https://disneyinternationaldubbings.weebly.com/aladdin-2019--tamil-cast.html|title=Aladdin 2019 / Tamil cast - CHARGUIGOU |date=26 December 2022 }} |
Awards and nominations
{{Infobox actor awards
| name = Arun Vijay
| image =
| image_size =
| alt =
| caption =
| wins = 5
| nominations = 5
}}
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| Year
! Award ! Category ! Film ! Result ! {{Tooltip|Ref.|References}} |
|---|
| rowspan="4"| 2016
| Best Supporting Actor – Tamil | rowspan="4"| Yennai Arindhaal | {{nom}} | |
| Edison Awards
| {{won}} | |
| Norway Tamil Film Festival Awards
| {{won}} | |
| rowspan="2" | South Indian International Movie Awards
| rowspan="2" |Best Actor in a Negative Role | {{won}} | |
| 2017
| {{nom}} | |
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{IMDb name|nm4521975}}
{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Vijay, Arun}}
Category:Indian male film actors
Category:Male actors in Tamil cinema
Category:Male actors in Telugu cinema