List of TOP 20 ACTORS IN TAMIL.
1. RAJINIKANTH
The name spells style and power to say the least! This iconic superstar’s popularity transcends geographical and linguistic barriers and across his fellow counterparts in other film industries. Rajinikanth suffered a health scare a couple of years back but is back to action and his Kochadaiyaan directed by daughter Soundarya Ashwin is awaited eagerly which again assumes special significance for being filmed on motion capture technology. He continues to be among the highest paid actors in India.
2. KAMAL HAASAN
Kamal Haasan was in a bright spotlight early in 2013 for his film Vishwaroopam. Known to be an artist ahead of times, Kamal suggested a Direct to Home screening for his film which was met with mixed responses. The film further got embroiled itself in controversies only to have a late theatrical release in Tamil Nadu. Although Vishwaroopam was delayed a little in TN, it was nonetheless latest and recorded humongous success. The coming year would witness Vishwaroopam 2 and also Uthama Villain for this ever green hero who eats, drinks and breathes cinema. Vishwaroopam also made sure Kamal Haasan’s trade value is on the rise.
3. AJITH – VIJAY
Ajith
Fondly called as ‘thala’, this handsome star enjoys a gargantuan fan following among all sections of audience. Ajith’s Arrambam directed by Vishnuvardhan had established a thumping victory this year and the suave actor is ready with his Veeram directed by Siruthai Siva that will be a Pongal treat for the fans. He will then be teaming up with Gautham Menon in 2014 which is a combo to look forward to.
Vijay
With a formidable fan base not only in Tamil Nadu but also in Kerala, Ilayathalapathy Vijay had AL Vijay’s Thalaivaa in 2013 and is expecting Neason’s Jilla to open his account in 2014. With a cast member like Mohanlal, Jilla promises to offer something different for the audience. Vijay will also join hands with his Thuppakki director A R Murugadoss in 2014 for yet another well packaged entertainer.
4. SURIYA
What an astounding year 2013 turned out for the talented and hard working Suriya with Hari’s Singam 2 recording a smashing hit at the box office. The police uniform took on a new majestic tone about it after Suriya donned it with a lot of authority. Currently working with Lingusamy for his next project, Suriya will also be directed by Venkat Prabhu in 2014.
5. VIKRAM
If there is any award for an artist who will go to any extent to bring in huge physical change, Chiyaan Vikram will win it hands down. Vikram has had last couple of years silent. But he is someone who garners respect from fans for his immense talent as his brand is still intact. He continues to be one of the top six actors as far as remuneration per movie is concerned. Working in Shankar’s Ai, this Anniyan hero is seen in all possible forms and shapes which only reiterate the man’s passion for his profession. Vikram was seen in Bejoy Nambiar’s David in 2013 and is likely to work with director Dharani in 2014.
6. DHANUSH
If there is someone who can bring in nuanced portrayal as easy as a snap of a finger, it has to be Dhanush. This National Award winner’s popularity crossed regional boundaries with Anand L Rai’s Raanjhanaa in 2013 that brought him name and fame across the nation which facilitated a role alongside Amitabh Bachchan under Balki’s direction with Akshara Haasan as the female lead. Dhanush was seen in Bharath Bala’s Maryan and Sargunam’s Naiyandi in 2013. He is working with K V Anand in Anegan and also in cinematographer turned director Velraj’s Velai Illa Pattadhari that marks the silver jubilee film of the actor. This talented hero is quite active in social networking platforms and also enjoys good online fan support.
7. KARTHI
Karthi had an intense, raw debut in Ameer’s Paruthi Veeran and followed it up with Aayirathil Oruvan. His trade value hit a peak after the successes of Paiyaa, Naan Mahan Alla and Siruthai. 2013 saw Karthi in Alex Pandian and All in All Azhaguraja and he has rounded the year with a stupendous Biriyani. With a strong market in Andhra, Karthi’s trade value is pretty high. He has already begun his next project with Attakathi director Ranjith.
8. SILAMBARASAN
Silambarasan aka STR enjoys a loyal fan base which is surely an enviable feature. 2013 was a silent year for this prolific hero but is all set to make amends in 2014 with many projects on hand. His film with Gautham Menon is briskly proceeding while another untitled flick under Pandiraj with Nayanthara is also happening simultaneously. A project with Selvaraghavan is on the anvil. If things go as per plan, Vaalu will hit the marquee in 2014 and also a cameo in buddy VTV Ganesh’s Inga Enna Solludhu.
9. ARYA
This debonair hero had it good in 2013 with four interesting films in the form of Settai, Raja Rani, Arrambam and Irandam Ulagam. Known for choosing right scripts, Arya is considered a bankable hero who is very popular among women audience. Arya has signed Purampokku with S P Jananathan and Meagaamann with Magizh Thirumeni for his tally in 2014.
10. JIIVA
A hero who can carry off both urban and rural roles with élan, Jiiva has been in the business for more than ten strong years. In 2013, he was seen in Bejoy Nambiar’s David and was quite appreciated for his performance. Jiiva ended the year with a breezy Endrendrum Punnagai. Ravi K Chandran’s Yaan and Chandra Mohan’s Nee Nalla Varuvada will be Jiiva’s projects in 2014. One of the actors to venture early into social media, Jiiva has a strong online following too.
11. VISHAL
It will not be inappropriate if we award Vishal as the ‘comeback hero’ of 2013. His Pattathu Yaanai did good business and he hit the jackpot with Pandiya Naadu which also marked his maiden production venture. Vishal has been in the business for a decade and will be seen in Naan Sigappu Manidhan under Thiru’s direction with Lakshmi Menon in 2014.
12. JAYAM RAVI
It is quite normal for ups and downs in life and in film industry it is more pronounced. Going by that, the last couple of years have remained quite uneventful for this capable actor with Aadhi Bhagavan also doing moderate business in 2013. But Ravi who has successfully completed ten years in the industry still has a good enough fan following and trade value. Kalyanakrishnan’s Boologam and Samuthirakani’s Nimirndhu Nil will be early releases in 2014 for the actor who has already reported to his brother Raja’s sets for a new film with Nayanthara.
13. SASIKUMAR
Sasikumar dons on different hats at different times but crafts success in whatever he undertakes, be it in direction or production or in front of the camera. Various trade sources consider him one of the top ten paid actors in Tamil film industry, who has a strong fan base in B and C centres. The successes of Kuttipuli, Sundarapandian and Nadodigal is only a pointer confirming this fact.
14. SIVA KARTHIKEYAN
This television host turned hero has been having a smooth ride ever since his first film Marina. He followed it up with 3 and Manam Kothi Paravai. In 2013, he had Ethir Neechal, Kedi Billa Killadi Ranga, and Varuthapadatha Vaalibar Sangam, all three of them enjoying a hundred day run at the box office. No wonder he has been roped for Maan Karate with Hansika. One of the fastest growing heroes, Siva Karthikeyan has a strong social presence and numerous online fans.
15. VIJAY SETHUPATHI
The poster boy of indie cinema, Vijay Sethupathi’s case submits itself for rich dividends for hard work and perseverance. Having been in the film business in varied capacities, Sethupathi tasted his first success in Pizza. His subsequent films with first time directors only proved his acumen for choosing strong content driven subjects which have earned him respect among youth. Soodhu Kavvum and Idharkuthaanae Aasaipattai Balakumara in 2013 brought in review and revenue and the hero is having quite a few films in his kitty for 2014. Sethupathi enjoys a very strong online fan base and commands a decent opening too.
16. SIDDHARTH
Quite the urban hero, Siddharth’s ventures in 2013- Udhayam NH 4 and Theeya Velai Seyyanum Kumaru have been safe. He will be seen in Pizza fame Karthik Subbaraj’s Jigarthanda and Vasantha Balan’s Kaaviya Thalaivan in 2014. And Siddharth is someone who is considered strong in Telugu and is also known for his forthrightness in expressing his opinions on the social networking platforms.
17. JAI
Jai’s outings in 2013 were Raja Rani and Naveena Saraswathy Sabatham and in the former he stood out for his performance among other stars. His notable films in 2014 would be Thamizhselvanum Thaniyar Anjalum, Vadacurry and Thirumanam Ennum Nikah. In Vadacurry, he will be waltzing with Sunny Leone.
18. VEMAL
If it is a role that is village based, Vemal is sure to fit in seamlessly. It should have been a very satisfying year for this young man who was seen in Sillunnu Oru Sandhippu, Kedi Billa Killadi Ranga, Desingu Raja, Moondru Per Moondru Kaadhal and Jannal Oram. Among the notable releases from 2014 would be C S Amudhan’s Rendavadhu Padam, Manja Pai and Pulivaal..
19. MIRCHI SHIVA
This hero who made his transition from radio to celluloid is known for his poker faced comic timings. 2013 has been a good year for Shiva who had four releases in the form of Thillu Mullu, Ya Ya, Sonna Puriyaadhu and Vanakkam Chennai. Future projects are being firmed up for this actor.
20. VIKRAM PRABHU
Blessed with a lineage that would be the envy of everyone, Vikram Prabhu’s Kumki and the latest release Ivan Vera Maadhiri have slotted the actor in comfortable position. He has signed on Sigaram Thodu and Arima Nambi for 2014.