​Happy Birthday Thala: Here’s the Best Performances by Tamil Superstar Ajith Kumar

As far as fans of Tamil cinema are concerned, Ajith Kumar is a name that well and truly needs no introduction at all. Popularly referred to as ‘Thala’, the superstar has during his nearly 25-year-long association with the film industry established himself has a truly revered figure thanks to his good looks, entertaining performances, stylish mannerisms and suave personality. Moreover, his has become a source of inspiration for his die-hard fans because of his reserved and mature nature as well as humility.

Today, as Ajith turns a year older, we take a look at his storied career and present before you some of the superstar’s finest films.

Vaali: Touted as a romantic-thriller, Vaali featured Ajith in a double role and helped him showcase his versatility to the fullest. A major commercial success, it saw the actor bag a Filmfare award and thereby find firm footing in the industry. Interestingly, it was SJ Surya’s first directorial venture.

Billa: One of the most challenging films of Ajith’s career, Billa was a remake of a yesteryear classic of the same name and saw ‘Thala’ essay Rajinikanth’s role from the original. Needless to say, the actor did full justice to the role as the film emerged a big winner at the box office.  On a related note, Billa also featured Prabhu and Nayantara in the lead.

Veeram: Bringing together the unusual yet much-loved pairing of Ajith and Tammannaah, this Siva-directed venture featured a perfect mix of action, comedy, and romance and of course drama. Released in 2014, it fared well at the ticket window and earned rave reviews.

Mankatha: The 50^th film of Ajith’s career, Mankatha revolved around a heist and featured him in the role of a suspended police officer. A commercial success, the film created waves amongst movie buffs as it marked the first time ‘Thala’ sported his now famous salt-n-pepper look on the silver screen. Interestingly, this black-comedy also starred Arjun Sarja and Trisha Krishnan in the lead.

Yennai Arindhaal: Co-written and directed by the legendary Gautham Vasudev Menon, this crime-drama featured Ajith in the role of a police officer. As it so happens, the film managed to create plenty of pre-release buzz courtesy its compelling posters. This helped it in becoming a commercial success.

Dheena: There can no denying that this AR Murugadoss-helmed venture went a long way in establishing Ajith as Tamil cinema’s iconic action hero. Moreover, its success also helped the superstar bag the title of ‘Thala’ indicating that he was the new choice of the masses. Now that’s what we call a game-changer.

Varalaru: A mega blockbuster, Valaru was touted to be a racy thriller and hit screens in 2006. Helmed by KS Ravikumar , it featured  Ajith in a triple role and helped him  push his limits as a performer. Interestingly, it was later on remade in Kannada a Godfather.

We wish the superstar our heartiest wishes on his birthday!