In Honor of Thala Ajith Kumar, A Birthday Tribute to the Iconic Star

As the world celebrates Labor Day on May 1st, there’s another significant occasion that holds a special place in the hearts of millions of fans worldwide – the birthday of the charismatic and versatile actor, Thala Ajith Kumar. For those who adore him, this day goes beyond typical celebrations as it is a commemoration of the artistry, the journey, and the unwavering determination of their hero.

Today, the beloved icon of Indian cinema celebrates his 53rd birthday. As this day holds special significance for all his fans, let’s honor the legendary actor by paying tribute to his best films and dialogues. These cinematic masterpieces have left an indelible mark on the hearts of millions of admirers, serving as enduring testaments to his remarkable talent and enduring legacy.

Ajith Kumar’s tryst with destiny began in the early 1990s when he stepped foot into the world of Tamil cinema. Starting with minor roles, Ajith’s innate talent and dedication soon caught the attention of audiences and filmmakers alike. He has starred in over 61 films. He began with a small role in a movie called “En Veedu En Kanavar,” but soon progressed to lead roles. His first debut film was ” Amaravathi” released in 1993. With each passing year, his fanbase grew, eventually earning him the revered title of “Thala” from his devoted fans. His unstoppable rise to fame was driven by his unshakable passion to his profession, it didn’t happen overnight. Ajith is not just an actor but is also passionate about sports car. He’s a sports car racer and has competed in many places around India, Germany and Malaysia.

Ajith’s early years in cinema were marked by a series of supporting roles, where he showcased glimpses of his potential. However, it wasn’t until the late 1990s that he truly came into his own as a leading man. Ajith showed signs of promise in a number of supporting parts throughout his early years in the film industry. But as a leading man, he didn’t really come into his own until the late 1990s. The release of S. J. Surya’s psychological thriller “Vaali,” in 1999, proved to be a turning point in his career. Ajith played a dual role in that film one of who is a mute character, he delivered a masterful performance that captivated both reviewers and audiences. That role won him his first award ” Filmfare Award- Best Actor Tamil”.

Thala Ajith’s acting prowess is demonstrated by every character in his filmography, which serves as a tribute to his versatility. Let’s delve into a some of his notable films that was loved by the audience.

1) Kandukondain Kandukondain

“Kandukondain Kandukondain” is a Tamil-language romantic drama film released in the year 2000. Directed and co-written by Rajiv Menon. The story is based on Jane Austen’s classic novel. This film features a huge cast including Mammootty, Ajith Kumar, Abbas, Tabu, Aishwarya Rai, and Srividya in pivotal roles.

The plot follows the lives of two sisters, Meenakshi and Sowmya, and their pursuit of love and dreams amidst family struggles. Meenakshi, aspiring to be a film director, falls for a military officer, Major Bala, while Sowmya, more traditional, falls for a struggling filmmaker, Manohar. The film explores their romantic journeys against the backdrop of societal norms and personal challenges, blending emotional depth with memorable characters and a captivating soundtrack by A.R. Rahman.

2) Citizen

Citizen is a action thriller film released in 2001, directed by Saravana Subbiah. The film stars Ajith in the lead role, along with Meena, Nagma, and Vasundhara Das in crucial roles.

The plot of “Citizen” revolves around Ajith Kumar’s character, Arivanandham, who is known by the name “Citizen” due to his multiple identities and aliases. Arivanandham is a highly skilled and intelligent individual with a mysterious past. The story unfolds as Arivanandham seeks revenge against those responsible for the tragic events that shaped his life.

Ajith performance in this film received widespread acclaim, particularly for his portrayal of the mysterious and multi-faceted protagonist. Citizen” is celebrated for its gripping storyline, strong performances, and impactful action sequences. It remains a cult classic in Tamil cinema and continues to be remembered fondly by fans of Ajith Kumar and Tamil cinema alike.

3) Varalaru

“Varalaru,” released in 2006, was directed and written by K.S. Ravikumar and produced by S.S. Chakravarty. In this film, Ajith portrayed a triple role, encompassing a father and two twin sons, one of whom portrayed a villainous character. The film starred Asin, Ramesh Khanna , Kaniha and more. Ajith’s performance in the film was hailed for its brilliance and nuanced portrayal. His portrayal of the father, Shivshankar, a Bharatanatyam dancer with effeminate traits, as well as the contrasting roles of the twin sons, showcased his versatility as an actor. This film was one the highest grossing in 2006.

4) Billa

“Billa,” released in 2007, is a Tamil action thriller directed by Vishnuvardhan. The film starred Nayantara, Santhanam, Namita, Prabhu and Rahman.

Ajith Kumar stars as Billa, a notorious underworld don. When Billa is believed to be killed, a petty thief named Velu, also played by Ajith, is enlisted by the authorities to impersonate Billa and enter his gang. Velu faces challenges and dangers as he navigates the criminal underworld, ultimately leading to a dramatic showdown. The film is known for its stylish action sequences and Ajith’s charismatic dual portrayal of Billa and Velu. In 2012, a prequel Billa 2 was released.

5) Mankatha

“Mankatha” is a Tamil-language action thriller film released in 2011, directed by Venkat Prabhu. The film is known for its gripping plot and intense action sequences. The film features a huge cast, including Trisha Krishnan, Andrea Jeremiah, Lakshmi Rai, Mahat , Premji and Vaibhav Reddy among others, each playing pivotal roles in the narrative.

The story follows Vinayak Mahadev, a cunning police officer played by Ajith Kumar, who arranges a daring heist. As the plot unfolds, alliances shift, betrayals occur, and the stakes rise, leading to a thrilling game of cat and mouse. With its ensemble cast and fast-paced action, “Mankatha” keeps viewers on the edge of their seats until the final twist.

With a string of hit films, Ajith has continued to deliver notable performances from the 2000s to the present. Among his recent years films like ,“Yennai Arindhaal,” “Viswasam,” “Veeram,” “Vedalam,” “Vivegam,” ” Arrambam” and many others.

Beyond his on-screen persona, Ajith Kumar is also known for his humility, philanthropy, and passion for motorsports. Despite his superstar status, he remains grounded and is actively involved in charitable initiatives, earning him immense respect and admiration from fans and peers alike.

Upcoming films

After the release of “Thunivu” last year, Ajith is currently working on two projects: “Vidaa Muyarchi” by Magizh Thirumeni and “Good Bad Ugly” by Adhik Ravichandran. Recent sources has said “Good Bad Ugly” will feature 90s heroines Simran and Meena in important roles. Fans are eagerly anticipating their on-screen appearance with Ajith, marking a reunion after a long gap since “Valli” and “Citizen.” Additionally, it is rumored that actress Sreeleela will be making her Tamil debut in this film. While there have been no official announcements yet, fans eagerly await any updates.