Suruli in Jagame Thandhiram: Dhanush's five other characters that became popular

Tamil film Jagame Thandhiram, starring Dhanush in the lead, is set for a world premiere on Netflix this week. Ahead of it, here's a look at five other characters from films like Asuran, Maari, Vada Chennai that Dhanush is best remembered for.

Dhanush’s Jagame Thandhiram is getting ready for its world premiere this week on Netflix. In the Karthik Subbaraj directed film, Dhanush plays a local gangster from Madurai called Suruli. Even before the release of the movie, the character has earned a strong fan following. Ahead of the release of Jagame Thandhiram, here's a look at five other popular characters essayed by Dhanush over the years.

(From left to right) Dhanush in Jagame Thandhiram, Maari and Vada Chennai.

Kokki Kumar from Pudhupettai

Selvaraghavan directed Pudhupettai might have bombed at the box-office but the film enjoys a large fan base even today. A story centered on Dhanush’s character and his rise as a local gangster, Pudhupettai was the first film that truly showcased Dhanush’s range as an actor. Even though Dhanush’s performance feels slightly exaggerated on a few occasions, it’s still a performance that warrants a discussion, especially when we talk about his ability as an actor. It’s easily one of the most raw performances from Dhanush. The character became so popular that it was briefly brought up in a special appearance in Aishwarya Dhanush directed action comedy, Vai Raja Vai.

Prabhu from Pollathavan

If you’re under the assumption that Dhanush can only pull off heavy roles with ease, then you haven’t seen his effortless performance as the boy-next-door who finds himself in an extraordinary situation in Pollathavan. A thriller centered on the events that unfold after a bike gets stolen to peddle drugs, the film established Dhanush as someone who can deliver the acting chops and still play to the gallery with a starry image.

Maari from Maari

Dhanush and Kajal Aggarwal from a still in Maari.

As a local rowdy in Maari, Dhanush delivered one of the most laid-back performances. The film brought out a very funny side of Dhanush, which was never tapped until this movie got made. The character was an instant hit with the masses and despite the film’s mixed response at the box-office, Dhanush as Maari made a strong impact and even got a sequel made.

Anbu from Vada Chennai

Dhanush in a still from Vada Chennai.

The film takes us on a journey into the dark underbelly of rowdyism and politics in North Chennai. Tamil cinema has had its share of gangster films but there can't be a more authentic and rooted gangster film than Vada Chennai. Stripped of his star image, Dhanush plays a layered character and as the film progresses, we see him open up and come to terms with reality. It is mostly a restrained performance and there's never a heroic moment which makes everything about his character even more real. This story about the rise of an accidental gangster allows Dhanush to shine even in a role sans any heroism.

Sivasami from Asuran

Dhanush in Asuran.

In their fourth collaboration, Dhanush and Vetrimaaran whip up a riveting, blood-soaked tale of revenge and redemption in Asuran. Set against a rural backdrop, spanning two generations and at a time when the social class divide was at its peak, this story of two warring families and the cost they pay for their actions couldn’t have been made more effectively. No other filmmaker could have handled this story of uprising as realistically as Vetrimaaran, and it rates as one of his best works so far. The film features Dhanush in dual roles, playing a man in late 40’s and as a fearless youngster in his 20s. As the older character Sivasami, Dhanush is immensely likable and proves his versatility once again in a role nobody else could’ve played so convincingly.