In a significant loss to the Tamil film industry, the passing of Captain Vijayakanth has left a void that resonates deeply. Hailing from Madurai and lacking any film lineage, Vijayakanth’s journey into cinema was marked by resilience. Notably, he was not only celebrated for his on-screen prowess but also remembered for his altruistic nature, having paved the way for numerous stars to establish themselves in the industry.
One such beneficiary of Vijayakanth’s support was the renowned actor Vijay, who faced early challenges despite familial backing from his father, the esteemed director SA Chandrasekhar. The initial phase of Vijay’s career was not without its share of trolls and struggles, despite the backing from his father and SA Chandrasekhar.
Vijayakanth’s cinematic zenith was marked by collaborations with director SA Chandrasekhar, starting with their first joint venture, ‘Sattam Oru Iruttarai.’ The duo’s subsequent collaborations proved to be highly successful, establishing them as a formidable pair in the industry.
Expressing gratitude to SA Chandrasekhar, Vijayakanth played a pivotal role in mentoring Vijay’s early career. Notably, he took on a supporting role in SA Chandrasekhar’s directorial venture ‘Sendhoorapandi,’ where Vijay was cast in the lead role. The 1993 Tamil film garnered widespread attention and significantly contributed to Vijay’s rising star in the industry. Remarkably, Vijayakanth chose not to accept any remuneration for his role in ‘Sendhoorapandi.’
Regrettably, SA Chandrasekhar was unable to attend Vijayakanth’s funeral, as he is presently in Dubai. Nevertheless, he conveyed his condolences through a voice note. In contrast, Vijay made it a point to pay his last respects to the revered actor at the funeral, honoring the man who played a crucial role in his early cinematic journey.
