The new millennium saw Vijay shedding his shy persona for a more aggressive, stylish avatar. Films like Ghilli (2004) remain a gold standard in Tamil commercial cinema. In this period, a typical "Vijay Tamil movie list" includes blockbusters like Thirupaachi (2005) and Sivakasi (2005), where he played rough, rural-based protectors of the common man. This was also a period of experimentation, with films like Sachein (2005) (romance) and Pokkiri (2007) (gangster action). Despite facing a temporary slump in the late 2000s ( Azhagiya Tamil Magan , Villu ), this era cemented his reputation as a reliable "festival" hero—an actor who could guarantee a family entertainer during Diwali or Pongal.
Vijay’s filmography can be categorized into distinct eras that reflect his growth from a romantic hero to a "mass" superstar and, eventually, a socially conscious performer. The Romantic Era: Building a Foundation (1990s) Vijay's lead debut came in 1992 with Naalaiya Theerpu vijay tamil movie list