Meet actor who was once Arjun Sarja’s assistant director, faced misconduct allegations from producers but is still a leading star in hit films

Meet actor who was once Arjun Sarja’s assistant director, faced misconduct allegations from producers but is still a leading star in hit films

As a dedicated follower and admirer of Tamil cinema, I have had the pleasure of witnessing the meteoric rise of Vishal, a man who started his journey as an assistant director under Arjun Sarja and is now set to make his directorial debut with Thupparivaalan 2.


I have had the privilege of being a prominent figure in Tamil cinema, a journey that started as an assistant director under the guidance of Arjun Sarja. Being the son of a veteran producer in South cinema, I have always been immersed in the world of filmmaking from a young age. Over the years, I have contributed to several successful movies and now, I am ready to step into the director’s chair for my next project. My rich background and extensive experience in the industry have shaped me into a versatile artist, capable of navigating both on-screen and behind-the-scenes roles with ease.

Absolutely, I’m referring to none other than Vishal, the charismatic actor-producer whose name rings bells in every corner of the film industry. Known for his blockbuster films and outspoken nature on public issues, he’s more than just a star – he’s an icon!

Vishal: From assistant director to a leading actor

Initially studying in Chennai, Vishal later decided to concentrate on a career in cinema. Although he was offered a chance to work alongside Ram Gopal Varma, his parents insisted he pursue film roles in the Southern region instead, and he ultimately declined.

As someone who has spent years working behind the scenes and struggling to make a name for myself in the competitive world of filmmaking, I can truly appreciate the journey that actor Vishal has taken to get where he is today. Starting off as an assistant director under Arjun Sarja on the set of the 2001 romantic drama flick Vedham, it’s clear that Vishal was determined and dedicated to his craft from the very beginning. It wasn’t long before a producer took notice of him on the same set and saw potential in him as a lead actor, signing him for the 2004 movie Chellamae, directed by Gandhi Krishna. This opportunity catapulted Vishal’s career forward, allowing him to establish himself as a talented and versatile actor in Tamil cinema. I admire his perseverance and dedication, and I can only imagine the excitement and relief he must have felt when he finally got his big break. It just goes to show that with hard work and determination, anything is possible in this industry.

Check out a song from Chellamae:

To ready himself for his first role and improve his acting abilities, Vishal decided to join the theater troupe, Koothu-Pattarai. The film he starred in was a romantic thriller; it centered around a man trying to rescue his wife who had been kidnapped by her unstable childhood companion.

In 2005, Vishal teamed up with director Lingusamy for the movie Sandakozhi alongside Meera Jasmine. This film propelled him to become an action hero. Over time, he managed to maintain a balance in his acting roles, featuring as a hero in action movies while also playing the romantic lead in comedies.

In terms of commercial success, his movie Thimiru was a huge hit, whereas Sivappathigaram fell short at the box office. Yet, in 2007, actor and director Hari teamed up for the first time on a film titled Thaamirabharani.

Watch a song from Thaamirabharani:

The family action drama featuring actors such as Prabhu, Nadhiya, Bhanu (Muktha), Nassar, Vijayakumar, Rohini, and others, managed to be a success both critically and commercially. Despite competing with major films during its release, the movie was warmly received by audiences.

In due course, the performer featured in ads that didn’t fare well, such as Malaikottai and Sathyam, while his films like Thoranai and Theeradha Vilaiyattu Pillai were moderate earners at the box office. Interestingly, both Sathyam and Thoranai also had releases in Telugu regions, but they failed to leave a lasting impression on the actor’s career.

In a subsequent role, the actor joined forces with director Bala in the film “Avan Ivan,” a dark comedy, at the suggestion of his friend and fellow actor Arya. In this production, he portrayed a stage actor with an eye condition – a squint that not only affected his performance but also caused him discomfort, including headaches, during filming. Nevertheless, his acting was warmly received, even though the movie itself garnered mixed reviews.

In 2013, the actor launched his action film titled “Samar” at the beginning of the year, which was then succeeded by “Pattathu Yaanai”. Notably, this was also the first acting role for Arjun Sarja’s daughter, Aishwarya Arjun. Additionally, that same year, Vishal expanded into film production with his debut project, “Pandiya Naadu”.

In 2014, I took on the challenging role of a character with narcolepsy in the film “Naan Sigappu Manithan.” To authentically portray this part, I conducted comprehensive studies on the condition. Moving forward, I had the privilege of collaborating with director Hari once more for the movie “Poojai,” and subsequently appeared in films such as “Aambala” and “Paayum Puli.”

Watch the Ambala trailer:

Afterward, he appeared in films such as Kathakali, Marudhu, and Kaththi Sandai. In the year 2017, Vishal made his Malayalam film debut alongside Mohanlal in the leading role. The movie, directed by B Unnikrishnan, was a neo-noir psychological thriller that showcased Vishal as the main antagonist of a troubled doctor character.

In 2017, Vishal took on a significant role in Mysskin’s production titled “Thupparivaalan”. This character is one of the most impactful performances he has given. The movie, which shares similarities with Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes, showcases him as a detective.

Following appearances in numerous films throughout his career, this actor recently graced our screens in movies such as Mark Antony and Rathnam. In the former, he took on an intense action persona, while the latter offered a light-hearted journey blended with science fiction elements. Now, he is poised to embark on a new venture as a director, debuting with Thupparivaalan 2.

Vishal’s personal life

Vishal hails from Chennai, where he grew up in a Telugu-speaking household. Born to film producers GK Reddy and Janaki Devi on August 28, 1977, this actor finished his education within the same city.

The actor has a degree in Visual Communications and used to be classmates with actor-politician Udhayanidhi Stalin and his now-wife director Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi. The actor also has an elder brother called Vikram Krishna who is married to Salaar actress Sriya Reddy.

Beyond his roles, Vishal additionally held the position of President at the Tamil Film Producers Council. He took an active stance against digital piracy by establishing an anti-piracy unit. However, it is also worth noting that allegations have been made against him by the producers’ council regarding misuse of funds during his presidency.

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2024-08-08 19:38