In Chinna Gounder , Vijayakanth stepped away from city-based cop roles to play a soft-spoken, fair-minded village chieftain who resolves local disputes.

Vijayakanth played a military officer who fights against terrorism, a theme that resonated strongly with his image. The film was a major box office success and is remembered for its powerful dialogues and nationalistic fervour.

The following films are widely regarded as his best works, defined by critical acclaim, awards, and box office success:

Here is a curated list of his most impactful and must-watch movies that defined his illustrious career:

: This action thriller marks Vijayakanth's 100th film and remains his most iconic movie. Directed by R. K. Selvamani, the film features Vijayakanth as an IFS officer sent to capture a ruthless forest bandit. The massive commercial success of this movie permanently cemented his title as "Captain."

: An elderly cop, DSP Deenadayalan, investigating child trafficking. Why it’s a Top Film