Sivakarthikeyan, the prince of Kollywood has gained many new fans, especially among youngsters and children. His younger audience may know him as the laid-back but kind-hearted young man from movies like Remo and Varuthapadatha Valibar Sangam. They may have also seen him in the new role as a popular action hero.
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Mimicry Artist
However, many young fans might not know about his past as a mimicry artist, a reputation Siva has left behind. He is very careful about his image and openly expresses his reluctance to accept roles that don’t suit him. What’s remarkable about Siva is that despite being known for his comedic roles, he has successfully moved away from being typecast as a comedian. While he still brings humor to his performances, he ensures that he isn’t the subject of the joke. This demonstrates a fine balance and is undeniably an impressive feat in an industry that tends to stereotype actors quickly.
Other Actors Growth
Over the years, many comedians have tried to become leading actors, but with mixed and disappointing results. A good example is Vadivelu, the renowned Tamil comedian who attempted to transition into a hero. Although his first attempt, Imsai Arasan 23 am Pulikeci, was a hit, he could not replicate the success with his subsequent movies as the lead. Films like Indra Logathil Naa Azhagappan, Tenali, and Ezhi did not fare well. Another instance is the late actor Vivekh, who also ventured into leading roles before Vadivelu. He starred in a film called Sendhoora Devi in 1991, which was a flop.
Vivekh then appeared in multi-starrer movies like Kandha Kadamba Kadhirvela and Viralukaetha Veekam, which were popular family dramas in the early 2000s. However, these roles were primarily comedic, with actors like Livingston and Pandiyaraj in the lead roles. Films like Maganae Marumagane, Naan Thaan Bala, and Ezhumeen finally featured Vivekh as the main character, but even his dedicated fans might not have seen them. Vivekh had his breakthrough as a hero in Vellaipookal, where he played a retired police officer investigating a crime in the US. This role finally earned him recognition, but unfortunately, if he had been alive, we might have seen more of his talent.
In Tamil cinema, comedy actors like Vadivelu, Vivekh, and Santhanam have tried their luck as heroes, but none could achieve the stardom of Sivakarthikeyan. It’s difficult to picture Vadivelu or Vivekh in roles like the lead in a police action drama like Kaaki Sattai or a light-hearted comedy-drama like Varuthapadatha Vaalibar Sangam. Even Santhanam, who has tasted success as a hero, struggles to shake off his image as a comedian. His recent movies as a lead actor are comedies, and any attempt to portray him as an action hero is often rejected by the audience. For instance, Sakka Podu Podu Raja flopped shortly after its release, where Santhanam attempted to play the typical mass hero. However, when Santhanam sticks to his comfort zone with borderline parody films like A1, Dhilluku Dhuddu, and Dikkiloona, he finds success. There’s a dedicated fanbase for such Santhanam movies among Tamil audiences.
Sivakarthikeyan in Cinema Industry
In an industry where actors struggle to break free from their established roles, Sivakarthikeyan has emerged as a star despite starting his career as a mimicry artist on Tamil television. Unlike his predecessors, Sivakarthikeyan has managed to evolve and carve a niche for himself. One significant factor that sets him apart is his body language. In Tamil cinema history, slapstick comedy has always been dominant, with actors like Chandra Babu, Nagesh, and Vadivelu known for their unique physical expressions and mannerisms. These traits not only defined their onscreen personas but also influenced their real-life demeanor. However, Sivakarthikeyan has broken away from this trend, opting for a more versatile approach to comedy. His ability to adapt and portray diverse characters without being typecast has contributed to his success in the industry.
Vadivelu’s speeches at events are as entertaining as his comedy films, reflecting his signature style and mannerisms. However, Sivakarthikeyan avoided being typecast in this way because of his background as a mimicry artist. Unlike Vadivelu, who developed a distinct persona characterized by specific body language and expressions, Sivakarthikeyan’s versatility allowed him to imitate various personalities without being confined to a single style.
During his time as a mimicry artist, Sivakarthikeyan mastered the art of emulating renowned figures like Sivaji Ganesan, Goundamani, and Vijayakanth. His ability to mimic different mannerisms and personalities gave him a diverse range of comedic material to draw from. Instead of developing his unique style, Sivakarthikeyan thrived by adapting and mimicking the styles of others.
This multiple background in mimicry provided Sivakarthikeyan with the skills and versatility to create something unique for himself in the industry. While others may have been known for their specific comedic persons, Sivakarthikeyan’s ability to embody various characters and styles allowed him to stand out and establish his own identity as an actor.
Sivakarthikeyan Movies
Amaran
Sivakarthikeyan’s birthday brought exciting news for fans and the film industry with the release of the much-awaited title teaser of his upcoming movie, SK21, titled “Amaran.” Directed by Rajkumar Periasamy, the teaser’s unveiling has generated a buzz of excitement and curiosity about the film’s storyline, genre, and Sivakarthikeyan’s character portrayal.
This release marks a significant milestone in Sivakarthikeyan’s career as he steps into the challenging role of an army officer in “Amaran.” Venturing into the military domain adds an intriguing twist to the film, leaving audiences eager to see how the actor will infuse his trademark charm and versatility into this fresh and demanding character.
The anticipation surrounding “Amaran” sets the stage for another captivating cinematic journey, igniting enthusiasm among movie enthusiasts. As the collaboration between Sivakarthikeyan and Rajkumar Periasamy unfolds, fans eagerly await the magic they will bring to the silver screen.
Ayalaan
Director R. Ravikumar’s latest film, Ayalaan, stands out for its attention to detail, straightforward concepts, and impressive visual effects. Despite being a science fiction movie, Ayalaan manages to captivate the audience without losing their interest due to poor quality effects. The story, set in Tamil Nadu, remains grounded in the region while exploring themes of human prejudice and the challenges faced by an extraterrestrial being, all within the context of a friendship tale.
Featuring Sivakarthikeyan in the lead role, Ayalaan effectively conveys emotions like empathy and delivers well-timed comedy, particularly through supporting characters played by Yogi Babu and Karunakaran. The first half of the film shines as it introduces the alien and provides insight into life on Earth from its perspective. However, as the plot transitions into action mode in the second half, the film becomes overly ambitious, juggling multiple storylines that detract from its core narrative. Despite its flaws, Ayalaan impresses with its top-notch visual effects and solid performances, particularly from Sivakarthikeyan, though a more tightly written script could have elevated the overall experience.
Remo
In the movie “Remo,” Sivakarthikeyan played two roles: a struggling actor named SK and a charming nurse named Remo. Directed by Bakkiyaraj Kannan, this romantic comedy showcased Sivakarthikeyan’s talent in effortlessly switching between different characters. His performance in “Remo” was a departure from his usual roles, as he fearlessly took on the challenge of portraying a female character.
Playing both SK and Remo allowed Sivakarthikeyan to demonstrate his versatility as an actor. His decision to portray a female character was bold and unconventional, especially considering the societal gender norms that influence film roles. However, Sivakarthikeyan’s commitment to the role went beyond simply imitating a woman; he brought a unique personality and charm to the character of Remo.
Doctor
“Doctor,” a Tamil medical thriller released in 2021, represented a significant shift in Sivakarthikeyan’s acting career. In this film, he embraced the challenging role of a serious and intense doctor, departing from his usual comedic roles. Directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, the movie demonstrated Sivakarthikeyan’s versatility as he portrayed Dr. Varun, a skilled surgeon with a mysterious past. Unlike his previous light-hearted characters, Dr. Varun required a more focused and somber portrayal.
Sivakarthikeyan’s performance in “Doctor” was notable for his ability to strike a balance between the serious tone of the film and his natural charm. Despite the character’s seriousness, Sivakarthikeyan managed to infuse moments of warmth and charisma into his portrayal. The success of “Doctor” not only solidified Sivakarthikeyan’s position as a versatile actor but also demonstrated his capacity to adapt to multiple roles within the film industry.
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