Rajkumar

If you're even a little bit into Tamil cinema, Rajkumar’s name has probably popped up on your radar—whether you noticed or not. The guy’s got a knack for picking films that stick with you, not just while you’re watching, but days after. Take Vikram Vedha (2017) for example. It’s not your run-of-the-mill action flick. The whole thing unpacks this wild cat-and-mouse chase between a cop and a notorious gangster, but it’s got layers. Like, you think you know who the “bad guy” is, and then boom—perspective shift. Rajkumar’s role? Subtle but crucial, the kind that sneaks up on you. Jump to 96 (2018), and you’re dealing with a totally different beast. This one’s all about nostalgia, lost love, and the ache of what-could-have-been. The film sort of wraps you up in this bittersweet blanket, and Rajkumar nails the vibe of someone carrying old stories in quiet glances and half-smiles. It’s honestly kind of heartbreaking, but in the best way. And then there’s Jigarthanda (2014), which is just bonkers—in a good way. It’s a gangster movie with a wicked sense of humor. Rajkumar fits right in, balancing menace and comedy without missing a beat. The movie messes with genre conventions, and he’s clearly having a blast with it. If you’re tired of cookie-cutter roles, the stuff he picks makes you sit up and pay attention.