At the time of Guru Purnimathe focus turns to teachers, counselors and leaders who shape lives through knowledge, compassion and encouragement. In movies, over the years, Thalapathy Vijay has displayed several such characters on the screen. Vijay is definitely one of the possible stars Indian movieand what makes him unique is his breaking while doing any kind of behavior. Therefore, when he acts as a good teacher or teacher, Vijay adds to his character, and this makes it unique and very lovable. Let’s look at a few of them.
‘Udhyaya’
In one of his first films, ‘Udhaya’ (2004), Vijay played the role of Udhayakumaran, a subatomic scientist. Instead of seeking opportunities abroad, he accepted a position as a part-time teacher at his college.Unlike strict teachers, Udhayakumaran connected with students through wisdom and patience. His gentle teaching style reflected his belief that education should inspire curiosity and not fear.Just like in his earlier days, we get to see a raw and grounded Vijay in ‘Udhaya’, without any of the cinematic or flashy looks that were often seen in his later films. Although the story later settled into the fun zone, his early experiences as a teacher showed the impact a thoughtful teacher can have on young minds.
‘Nanban’ and ‘Bigil’: Studies beyond the classroom
Vijay returned to the coaching scene in ‘Nanban’ (2012), though he was not a regular coach. Playing Panchavan Parivendan, popularly known as Pari, she challenged the old ideas about education and success.Shankar’s direction was a remake of Aamir Khan’s blockbuster ‘3 Idiots’ and Vijay did justice to his performance in this movie, by not going over the top, as fans would like him to do. Instead of promoting only brands and rankings, Pari encouraged her friends to follow their passions and think independently.In ‘Nanban’ Vijay acts as a mentor to his friends, not a traditional teacher. A few years later, ‘Bigil’ (2019) featured Vijay in another inspiring role. This time, he introduced Michael Rayappan, a former footballer who unexpectedly became the coach of the Tamil Nadu women’s football team. ‘Bigil’ can be, alternatively, called ‘Chak De India’, done in a commercial way. Vijay’s Michael aka Bigil did more than coach the match players. It also built their confidence, encouraged teamwork and helped them overcome discrimination, family rejection and trauma. Also Vijay’s performance as Bigil Rayappan’s father is one of the best in his career.
‘Master’ – The most advanced teacher is here
Now comes the most successful teacher ever portrayed on screen in Indian cinema, who is none other than Vijay’s JD and Lokesh Kanagaraj’s ‘Master’. Among Vijay’s directors, John Durairaj (JD) from ‘Master’ (2021) remains one of his best known performances.JD starts out as a human development professor whose reckless behavior and alcoholism often overshadows his talents. Beloved by the students but often questioned by the college authorities, he eventually finds himself teaching at the orphanage.Events change him completely. Instead of being a reluctant teacher, JD becomes a protector and mentor to troubled youth who fall in with a dangerous criminal.There is one very important scene in the film where Vijay’s character joins the bandits and makes them act as per his command. Lokesh Kanagaraj has really presented Thalapathy in a very good way to satisfy the fans and the general audience.From the first shot to the last, Vijay’s character follows a perfect image. Vijay Sethupathi plays a commoner in the film. For many viewers, Master remains Vijay’s perfect portrayal of a teacher who grows up with the people he mentors.
Why are these roles special?
We have seen many teachers played by stars from Shah Rukh Khan to Mohanlal in Indian cinema. But when it comes to Vijay, there is an aura that is unmatched and can be created by him. Adding the charm to a mentor or teacher, the effect can be felt more powerfully. Between ‘Udhaya’, ‘Nanban’, ‘Bigil’ and ‘Master’, Vijay’s characters share several characteristics.He believes in empowering people rather than controlling them. He stands by those who are facing difficulties and encourages them to be brave. All these characters help us understand why Thalapathy Vijay is one of the most loved actors in cinema.