Kaattaan, starring Vijay Sethupathi, is set to begin streaming on JioHotstar from March 27.
Honestly, when I first heard about Kaattaan I was instantly curious. A Tamil action‑drama thriller that opens with a severed head on a hill? That’s the kind of bold storytelling that makes you sit up straight, you know. The series promises a layered tale about a man, played by Vijay Sethupathi, whose identity keeps shifting between legend, monster, and saviour in the eyes of the locals. Before we all jump into that mystery, I thought it would be fun to revisit some of Vijay’s best movies – the ones that helped shape his reputation and gave us a taste of his versatility. Below are nine films you should definitely watch; they’ll not only entertain you but also prepare your mind for the twists Kaattaan might throw at you.
1. Vikram Vedha
Vikram Vedha was a game‑changer for me. I remember watching it on a rainy Sunday, munching on roasted peanuts while the thunder rolled outside my flat in Coimbatore. The cat‑and‑mouse chase between Vijay’s gritty cop Vikram and the smooth‑talking gangster Vedha, played by Madhavan, had me glued to the screen. Vijay’s portrayal of Vikram was raw, honest, and full of quiet intensity – the kind of character that feels like a friend you’d trust with a secret. The film’s non‑linear narrative, peppered with folk‑tale riddles, made me think about morality in a way I hadn’t before. If Kaattaan is about blurred lines between a hero and a monster, then Vikram Vedha gave us the first taste of that moral ambiguity.
2. Super Deluxe
Super Deluxe is the kind of movie that sticks with you long after the credits roll. I first saw it at a small independent cinema in Bangalore, and the buzz in the lobby was palpable. Vijay played a timid, middle‑aged man named Mugambigadu who, after a sudden turn of events, pretends to be a transgender woman. The role was daring, and Vijay handled it with a mix of vulnerability and, at times, unexpected humour. The film’s multiple storylines weave together like a tapestry, and every character feels lived‑in. Watching Super Deluxe made me appreciate Vijay’s willingness to take risks – something that will surely add depth to his Kaattaan character, where myths and reality clash.
3. 96
Now, 96 is a completely different flavor. It’s a nostalgic love story set in a school reunion, and Vijay’s cameo as a supportive friend feels like a warm hug. The film’s gentle pace reminded me of evenings spent sipping filter coffee while watching the sunset over Marina Beach. The chemistry between the lead pair, paired with Vijay’s subtle encouragement, added a layer of realism. Though Vijay isn’t the main hero here, his presence is a reminder that he can blend into any narrative and still shine. When Kaattaan’s plot thickens, you’ll notice that same subtle strength beneath the surface.
4. Pannaiyarum Padminiyum
Ever sat on a wooden chair and thought about the stories it could tell? That’s the heart of Pannaiyarum Padminiyum. Vijay’s role as a simple‑minded village elder who falls in love with an old wooden chair is both endearing and hilarious. I watched it with my family during a weekend fest, and we all cracked up at the melodramatic confession scene. The film’s rustic charm, combined with Vijay’s earnest performance, shows his ability to make even the most ordinary situations feel magical. The community‑centric vibe of this movie mirrors the village setting we’ll see in Kaattaan, where locals spin tales around a single event.
5. Dharma Durai
Dharma Durai sees Vijay in the shoes of an ex‑army officer who returns to his hometown and faces old wounds. I remember feeling a pang of nostalgia while watching it after a long train journey from Chennai to Madurai – the very kind of journey that can make you reflect on life’s unfinished chapters. Vijay’s stoic yet compassionate portrayal reminded me of how the Kaattaan protagonist might grapple with his own past, especially when legends start to paint him in brighter or darker colours. The film’s emphasis on forgiveness and confronting the past is something that will likely echo in Kaattaan’s storyline.
6. Maanagaram
Maanagaram is a thriller that unfolds over a single night in the bustling streets of Chennai. I watched it late at night, and the city’s neon lights seemed to dance on my living‑room walls. Vijay plays a helpful stranger who gets tangled in a chain of events that spiral out of control. The fast‑paced editing and overlapping narratives kept my heart racing, much like the adrenaline rush you’d expect from Kaattaan’s action‑packed moments. The film’s emphasis on urban anonymity, where a single decision can affect many lives, pairs nicely with the hill‑top mystery that later brings together a whole community.
7. Soodhu Kavvum
Soodhu Kavvum is a dark comedy that follows a group of quirky kidnappers. When I watched it for the first time, I was sitting on a rooftop in Hyderabad, the wind blowing past while I laughed at the absurdity of the characters’ plans. Vijay’s role as a calm, almost philosophical middle‑man added a layer of gravitas to the otherwise chaotic plot. The film’s ability to blend humour with unsettling moments is a skill that Kaattaan might borrow, especially when the series juxtaposes the legend of a monster with the reality of a human being.
8. Joker
Joker is perhaps one of Vijay’s most socially relevant films. I saw it in a small hall in Trichy, and the audience’s collective gasp during the climax still haunts me. Vijay portrays a village teacher who silently protests the injustice faced by his people. The film’s raw portrayal of oppression, mixed with Vijay’s restrained fury, is a study in quiet rebellion. When you think about Kaattaan’s community that views the protagonist through the prism of myth, Joker reminds us that legends often hide deeper social truths.
9. Naanum Rowdy Dhaan
Lastly, Naanum Rowdy Dhaan is a fun, breezy entertainer where Vijay plays a small‑time crook who dreams of becoming a gangster. I watched it with a bunch of friends during a summer break, sharing popcorn and countless jokes. The chemistry between Vijay and Nayanthara is electrifying, and the film’s light‑hearted tone offers a nice contrast to the intense suspense we anticipate in Kaattaan. It shows that Vijay can swing from serious to playful with ease, a trait that will make his Kaattaan character feel both intimidating and oddly relatable.
All these movies, in my opinion, are like stepping stones that guide you toward the kind of storytelling Kaattaan promises. Whether it’s the moral puzzles of Vikram Vedha, the rustic charm of Pannaiyarum Padminiyum, or the gritty urban rush of Maanagaram, each film adds a layer to Vijay Sethupathi’s ever‑growing repertoire. So, grab some snacks, settle into your favourite sofa, and start binge‑watching these nine gems. By the time you finish, you’ll be more than ready to dive into the mysterious hills of Kaattaan and enjoy every twist it throws your way.
