The Turning Points in Vijay and Suriya's Career

Turning points in a career are transformative moments that significantly alter the trajectory of a film actor's journey. For Vijay and Suriya, certain films marked pivotal times that changed their role in Tamil cinema, shifting from romantic heroes to action stars and from traditional genres to more diverse characters. These films not only altered their public image but also propelled them to new levels of success and recognition.

Vijay's Turning Points

Vijay's career saw a significant shift with the release of the film 'Gilli' (2011). Prior to this, he was known for playing charming and romantic characters. 'Gilli' marked his transition from the romantic genre to the more commercial and action-packed genre. This movie highlighted a gritty and tough side of Vijay, setting a new trend in his career. His performance in 'Thirumalai' (2013) further solidified his transformation into a rugged, action-oriented actor. Following 'Gilli,' Vijay starred in films such as 'Thirumala Pokkiri' (2012), which showcased his ability to handle tough and rough characters. This period also witnessed a few steep career slopes, including his struggles with 'Villu Or Kuruvi Or Sura' (2013), but his eventual rise with 'Mersal' (2017) cemented his status as a mass hero.

Other films that played a crucial role in Vijay's career include 'Poove Unakkaga' (1996), which launched him into action hero status. 'Thupakki' (2015) marked a definitive turning point, showcasing his versatility and reinventing his image as a mass hero. These films, along with Rajinikanth's health issues, significantly impacted Vijay's career trajectory, propelling him to the top of the industry.

Suriya's Turning Points

Similarly, Suriya's career also experienced multiple turning points. His initial roles were predominantly romantic and of a 'chocolate lover boy' nature. However, his performance in 'Nantha Ayan' (2000) showed he could convincingly play rough and intense characters, marking a significant shift in his image. Suriya's career spanned a variety of genres, but it was his inclusion in films like 'Pithamagan' (2003), 'Kaakha Kaakha' (2003), and 'Nandha' (2011) that brought critical and commercial success. These movies showcased his multifaceted acting abilities and led to more demanding roles in crime and drama genres, such as 'Vel Aaru' (2005) and 'Ghajini' (2008).

Unlike Vijay, Suriya's path to success was more about careful script selection. His success in films like 'Vaaranam Aayiram' (2012), 'Ayan' (2014), and '7 Aum Arivu' (2018) highlighted the importance of strong narratives and screenplay. However, the period from 2003 to 2011 was particularly crucial, as these films relied heavily on the strength of their scripts. 'Singam' (2011) marked a shift towards more mass-oriented films, though his subsequent ventures in 'Mass 24' (2019) and 'NGK' (2017) were less successful. His recent successes with 'Jai Bhim' (2022) and 'Soorarai Pottru' (2021) reaffirmed his position as a versatile and capable actor.

Conclusion

The films 'Thupakki' for Vijay and 'Nantha Ayan' for Suriya represent turning points in their respective careers. These movies not only changed their public perception but also altered the genres they worked in. Vijay's career has seen a blend of action and romance, with a strong emphasis on commercial appeal, while Suriya's career has been marked by a focus on strong narratives and screenplays. Both actors have navigated through various genres, relying on their versatility and adaptability to emerge as some of the most successful and recognizable figures in the Tamil film industry.