Captain Vijayakanth – My Memories, My Admiration
The very first Vijayakanth film I watched in a theatre during my childhood was Chinna Gounder. That memory still stays fresh in my heart.
After Super Star Rajinikanth and Ulaganayagan Kamal Haasan, the one actor who carved a separate space in Tamil cinema with immense fan support across South Tamil Nadu was none other than our Captain Vijayakanth.
At a time when colorful heroes dominated the screen, he emerged as a black diamond from Madurai and the southern districts.
The film Vaidhegi Kaathirundhaal gave him a strong identity. His performance in the film and the evergreen song Rasathi Unna still linger in households, humming across generations.
From then on, Vijayakanth’s films earned him a unique fan base, especially for his powerful fight sequences.
One such milestone was Pulan Visaranai – a film that stood apart, succeeding without a single song, which was quite rare in Tamil cinema of that era.
In Tamil cinema, there was always a superstition that an actor’s 100th film wouldn’t succeed. But Vijayakanth broke that belief with his blockbuster Captain Prabhakaran.
From then, fans lovingly began calling him “Captain.”
That was the turning point when his stardom spread beyond the south to all corners of Tamil Nadu.
Songs from Chinna Gounder, the action scenes, the dialogues – they continue to be played and celebrated in villages and towns even today.
This string of successes even influenced Rajinikanth. It was the impact of Chinna Gounder that made Superstar request director R.V. Udayakumar to work with him, resulting in Ejamaan.
The combination of Senthil–Goundamani comedy, emotions, and hit songs made it a perfect commercial blockbuster.
Vijayakanth’s collaboration with director P. Vasu gave us Ponmana Selvan, a film that beautifully portrayed the bond between siblings.
With Ilaiyaraaja’s music, songs like Pottu Vaicha Thangam Kudam are still trending and widely loved.
Later, competing with films like Shankar’s Muthalvan and Taj Mahal, Captain released Kannu Pada Pogudhaiyaa for Deepavali.
As expected, he scored a big win in the B & C centres.
His pairing with Simran gave us the evergreen Mookkuthi Muthazhagu, a song that remains a fan favourite ❤️
The same happened during the Diwali releases of Aalavandhan, Shahjahan, and Nandha. Competing with these, Vijayakanth’s Thavasi emerged as the winner of that festival season.
The song featuring him with Prathyusha is still remembered fondly by fans.
But among all his films, the one closest to my heart is Vallarasu.
The scene revolving around the Cauvery water issue is unforgettable.
In the film, an MP from Mysore who opposed granting Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu becomes a target for terrorists. Vijayakanth, as the police officer, saves him.
In the end, the MP says, “At least for you, I’ll say yes to giving Cauvery water.”
Though delivered with a touch of humour, that dialogue gave goosebumps and made the entire theatre clap with emotion.
Today, August 25, marks the birthday of our beloved Captain Vijayakanth.
Though he is no longer with us, his films, his fans’ love, and the legacy he left behind will forever remain alive in our hearts.
🙏 Forever remembered – Captain Vijayakanth
By
Raja K.S.
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