PHOTOS: From Vijay to Suriya, here’re 10 most popular Tamil actors of 2022

1. Vijay

Thalapathy Vijay is widely regarded as Tamil cinema's great actor. Tons of fans adore him because of his explosive acting skills, great comedy timing, and iconic dancing. Vijay made his debut with 'Naalaya Theerpu,' directed by his father. His first big break came with the hit 'Poovae Unnakaga’. He was last seen in Beast which was released in April 2022.

2. Ajith Kumar

Ajith Kumar is one of the most well-known actors in Tamil cinema nowadays. He began his career doing small roles before he became a romantic and action hero in mainstream commercial movies. Vaali was his first big break, and it helped him establish himself in the profession. He became a superstar because of films like Villain, Mankatha, Aarambham, and Veeram and gained a cult fan following.

3. Suriya

Suriya is the son of Sivakumar, a renowned Tamil actor. After making his film debut with Nerukku Ner, it took him some time to find his first commercial breakthrough. Nandha, his first breakout role, catapulted him into the public eye. He shot to fame after appearing in Gautam Menon's cult film, Vaaranam Aayiram. He rose to national prominence because of the Singham series, Ghajini and now, Soorarai Pottru.

4. Vijay Sethupathi

Vijay Sethupathi is recognised as the pioneer of Tamil indie films. He began his career in modest roles until breaking out with Kartik Subbaraj's mega-hit Pizza. The critics praised Vijay Sethupathi's effort and portrayal of his character. Vijay Sethupathi has recently gained a lot of recognition due to his acting prowess. Vikram Vedha, his most recent film, has been his biggest box office success.

5. Dhanush

With his unorthodox and outstanding acting career, Dhanush defied the stereotype of the heroic hero. Dhanush made his acting debut in the coming-of-age drama, Thulladho Ilamai, directed by Kasthuri Raja. Pudhu Pettai, Dhanush's partnership with filmmaker Vettrimaaran, was critically applauded. He won the National Award for Best Actor for Aadukalam. Dhanush has also done Bollywood films like Raanjhanaa with Sonam Kapoor and Atrangi Re with Sara Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar, which is currently streaming on Disney+ Hotstar. His last movie was a thriller, Maaran.

6. Sivakarthikeyan

Sivakarthikeyan is a Tamil actor and playback singer of India. He began his career as a stand-up comedian and television personality on STAR Vijay. He eventually became a frequent host of those programmes, particularly the popular Athu Ithu Ethu, as well as many other STAR Vijay series, until his acting debut in Marina in 2012. He then went on to star in films like Kedi Billa Killadi Ranga and Ethir Neechal.

7. Rajnikanth

Rajinikanth is Tamil cinema's biggest superstar. Rajinikanth debuted in K. Balachander's 1975 film Apoorva Raagangal, as another of his discoveries. Prior to his film career, Rajinikanth worked as a bus conductor. His desire led him to Madras Film Institute, where he was inspired to follow an acting career. Baasha, a gangster drama released in 1995, was his biggest hit. His millions of supporters affectionately refer to him as 'Thalaivar’.

8. Vikram

Chiyaan Vikram is one of the most talented performers of his time. Vikram is well-known in Tamil and Malayalam cinema for the diversity in his films. His first film, En Kaadhal Kanamani, was met with mixed reviews. However, it was Bala's Sethu that gave him his big break and made him famous. Vikram rose to national prominence owing to the film, Anniyan.

9. Kamal Haasan

Kamal Hassan is one of the finest actors in India. The actor has spent over 60 years in the industry and has won four National Awards and 20 Filmfare Awards. He always leaves an indelible mark with his signature way of emoting scenes. He is known for his flexibility in movie roles. At the age of six, his first film, Kalathur Kannamma, won him the President's Gold Medal. Kamal Hassan's first breakthrough film, Apoorva Raagangal, was directed by K. Balachander. He is now gearing up for the release of highly-anticipated movie, Vikram.

10. Silambarasan

Silambarasan TR is a Tamil cinema actor, director, lyricist, and playback singer. He is the son of Vijaya T. Rajendar who was an actor, director, and politician. Kadhal Azhivathillai, directed by his father, was his first film in a leading role. His film Alai was released in 2003, and it was a box office failure. Later, he worked on Kovil with director Hari, which did extremely well. He was last seen in the film, Maanaadu.