Ajith's Top 10 Hits

Tamil actor Ajith Kumar's popularity has really soared over the years, and he has acquired a larger-than-life persona after hits like Billa and Mankatha.

Now, expectations are huge with his latest venture Yennai Arindhaal. It has been directed by Gautham Menon.

A look at the movies that made him a star:

 

Vaali (1999)

S J Surya's critically acclaimed Vaali starred Simran opposite Ajith, who essayed a dual role in the film. 

Ajith played a deaf and mute brother with psychotic tendencies, who is obsessed with his twin's wife.

Without uttering a single word, he managed to convey the negative emotions of his character.

Vaali provided a major breakthrough for both Ajith and Simran.

The supporting cast included Jyothika, sister of actress Nagma, who made her debut here.

Dheena (2001)

Dheena marked the directorial debut of A R Murugadoss of Ghajini fame. The film had two powerful characters, played by Ajith and popular Malayalam actor Suresh Gopi.

Even as the two ruffians are sucked deeper into their self-made web of violence, they suspect each other of betrayal and eventually try to kill each other. 

A fast-paced commercial entertainer, Dheena set the cash registers ringing.

Poovellam Un Vaasam (2001)

Poovellam Un Vaasam was a romantic family entertainer directed by Ezhil. 

Jyothika was paired opposite Ajith and the duo played childhood buddies, who later fall in love.

The film did not cater to Ajith's mass hero image but his quiet, understated performance was lauded by critics and fans.

Citizen (2001)

In Citizen, an offbeat thriller, Ajith appeared in 10 different get-ups. 

The film was directed by Sharavanan Subbaiya.

It narrated the distressing tale of an entire village being destroyed by the greed of power-hungry government officials. 

The film opened to rave reviews and became a huge commercial success. 

Villain (2002)

Ajith played twins in Villain, directed by K S Ravikumar. One of the twins was a bus driver, the other was handicapped.

Ajith was equally convincing as the good-looking bus conductor, constantly chased by women, and the foolishly grinning, physically and mentally challenged brother. 

Varalaru (2006)

In K S Ravikumar's Varalaru, Ajith effortlessly played three different characters: an effeminate dancer, a spoilt brat, and a rogue.  

A fast-paced entertainer with music by A R Rahman, the film went on to complete a 100-day run at the box office.

It was declared the biggest grosser of the year. 

Billa (2007)

Remakes are never easy, especially if you are trying to recreate a cult classic made memorable by superstars like Amitabh Bachchan (Don, 1978) and Rajinikanth (Billa, 1980). 

But director Vishnu Vardhan pulled it off in great style and gave Ajith one of the biggest hits of his career.

The stylish contemporary setting with Ajith playing a dual role, took the film to a whole new level. 

Nayantara and Namitha played the female leads, along with veteran actor Prabhu in a significant role.

Kireedam (2007)

In A L Vijay's Kireedam, Ajith and Trisha played the lead roles, supported by Rajkiran and Vivek.

Ajith's honest portrayal of an obedient son trying to fulfill his father's dream of joining the police force received much critical acclaim. 

Kireedam was the remake Sibi Malayil's 1989 Malayalam classic by the same name, starring Mohanlal. 

Mankatha (2011)

Ajith stunned everybody with his all-new avatar in director Venkat Prabhu's Mankatha.

The salt-n-pepper hair, the classy suits and stylish sunglasses magnified the invincible negative character that he played.

A huge commercial success, Mankatha was Ajith's 50th film and turned out to be one of the biggest hits of his career.

Arrambam (2013)

Director Vishnu Vardhan's action thriller Arrambam featured an ensemble cast comprising Ajith, Arya, Nayanthara, Taapsee and Telugu actor Rana. 

A stylish entertainer, the film had Ajith playing an officer attached to the Anti-Terrorist Squad, investigating a faulty bullet-proof jacket scam. 

Though it was a regular revenge saga and featured many actors, the charismatic Ajith stole the show.

The film was one of the biggest hits of the year.