On the occasion of Guru Purnimathe focus is on the teachers, mentors, and guides who shape lives through knowledge, compassion, and encouragement. In cinema, over the years, Thalapathy Vijay he has portrayed several such characters on screen. Vijay is undoubtedly one of the bankable stars Indian cinemaand what makes him special is his swag while playing any kind of character. Hence, when he plays an ordinary mentor or teacher, Vijay adds a classy aura to him, and that makes him unique and a fan favorite. Let’s take a look at some of them.
‘Udhaya’
In one of his first films, ‘Udhaya’ (2004), Vijay played Udhayakumaran, a talented researcher specializing in subatomic physics. Instead of looking for an opportunity abroad, he accepted a temporary teaching position at his university.Unlike traditional strict teachers, Udhayakumaran connected with students through intelligence and patience. His calm teaching style showed his belief that education should encourage curiosity rather than fear.As was done in his early days, we get to see a raw and grounded Vijay in ‘Udhaya’, without any of the cinematic or stylish features often seen in his later films. Although the story later moved into thriller territory, the character’s early interactions as a lecturer highlighted the influence a caring teacher can have on young minds.
‘Nanban’ and ‘Bigil’: lessons beyond the classroom
Vijay returned to the mentor space in ‘Nanban’ (2012), though not as a formal teacher. Playing Panchavan Parivendan, fondly known as Pari, he challenged outdated ideas about education and success.Shankar’s direction was an official remake of Aamir Khan’s blockbuster ‘3 Idiots’ and Vijay did justice to his role in the film, not overdoing it, as fans would like. Instead of encouraging only grades and rankings, Pari inspired her friends to follow their passions and think independently.In ‘Nanban’, Vijay acts as a mentor to his friends, rather than a traditional teacher figure. Years later, ‘Bigil’ (2019) featured Vijay in another inspiring role. This time, he portrayed Michael Rayappan, a former footballer who unexpectedly became the coach of the Tamil Nadu women’s football team. ‘Bigil’ can, in a way, be called ‘Chak De India’, executed in a more commercial style. Michael de Vijay aka Bigil did much more than train players for matches. It rebuilt their confidence, fostered teamwork and helped them overcome social prejudice, family resistance and personal trauma. Also, Vijay’s performance as Bigil’s father Rayappan is surely one of the best in his career.
‘Master’ – The most stylish teacher is here
Now comes the most stylish teacher ever portrayed on screen in Indian cinema, who is none other than JD from Vijay and Lokesh Kanagaraj’s ‘Master’. Among Vijay’s mentor characters, John Durairaj (JD) from ‘Master’ (2021) remains one of his most celebrated performances.JD starts out as an unconventional personality development teacher whose carefree attitude and alcoholism often overshadows his skills. Beloved by the students, but often questioned by the university authorities, he eventually finds himself teaching in a youth observation house.The experience transforms him completely. Instead of remaining a reluctant teacher, JD becomes a protector and mentor to troubled youths who have fallen under the influence of a dangerous criminal.There is an important sequence in the film where Vijay’s character walks into a group of goons and makes them do as he commands. In fact, Lokesh Kanagaraj has presented Thalapathy in the best possible way to satisfy both the fans and the general public.From the close-up to the end, Vijay’s character follows a perfect chart. Vijay Sethupathi plays the villain in the film. For many viewers, Master remains Vijay’s most complete portrayal of a teacher who grows alongside the people he mentors.
Why these roles are unique
We have seen many teacher characters played by superstars from Shah Rukh Khan to Mohanlal in Indian cinema. But when it comes to Vijay, there is an incomparable aura and it can only be created by him. By adding this charm to a mentor or teacher character, the impact can be felt even more strongly. In ‘Udhaya’, ‘Nanban’, ‘Bigil’ and ‘Master’, Vijay’s characters share several defining qualities.They believe in encouraging people rather than controlling them. They stand by those facing difficult circumstances and inspire them to become stronger versions of themselves. All these characters surely help us understand why Thalapathy Vijay is one of the most loved actors in cinema.