Who's Better in Fan Power: Vikram or Surya?

When it comes to the most beloved actors of Tamil cinema, Surya is currently the clear winner in fan power. This article explores the fan base and career milestones of Vikram and Surya, providing insights into their lasting impact on Tamil cinema.

The Peak of Vikram’s Career (1999-2005)

The period from 1999 to 2005 marked the peak of Vikram’s career. During this era, Vikram consistently delivered a string of back-to-back hits, solidifying his reputation as one of the leading actors in Tamil cinema.

Surpassing the 90s Actors

1999-2005 saw Vikram not only outperforming but also overshadowing the popular actors like Prashanth and Ajith. Despite Vijay's steady performance, Vikram and Suriya were the dominant forces of the time, with Suriya standing in Vikram's shadow.

Major Films and Awards

Vikram’s filmography during this period was defined by hits like Sethu (1999), Vinukkum Manukkum (2001), Dhill (2001), Kasi (2001), Gemini (2002), Samurai (2002), King (2002), Dhool (2003), Saamy (2003), Pithamagan (2003), and Anniyan (2005). These films not only bolstered his profile but also earned him several awards:

During this period, the Anantha Vikatan magazine ranked Vikram second in the list of top actors, just behind Vijay. This ranking further underscores his significant impact on the industry during this transformative era.

Suriya’s Rise to Prominence (2008-Present)

After a hiatus from films following his last movie in 2005, Majaa, Vikram made a comeback with Bheema (2008), which unfortunately flopped. On the other hand, Suriya continued to build on his fan base and established himself as a leading actor in the industry.

The Peak of Suriya’s Career (2008-2011)

Between 2008 and 2011, Suriya rose to even greater heights, not only competing with but truly surpassing Vikram and even the formidable Vijay and Ajith. By 2011, Suriya was standing alongside the legends Rajini and Kamal in terms of fan following and industry influence.

Star Performances and Enduring Films

Suriya’s career has been marked by critical and commercial successes. The films Varanam Aayar (2008), Ayan (2009), Aadhavan (2009), Singam (2010), 7aum Arivu (2011), and the subsequent installments Singam 2 (2013), Pasanga 2 (2015), 24 (2016), and Singam 3 (2017), have significantly shaped his reputation.

These films have made the case for Suriya as a leading light of Tamil cinema, earning him recognition and fan loyalty that continues to this day.

Decline and Consistency

While Vikram continued to receive accolades for his performances in films like Deiva Thirumagal (2011) and I (2015), and Iru Mugan (2016), his films failed to attract mass audiences. Vikram’s most recent hit, Pithamagan (2003) featuring Suriya, portrays a more intimate, character-driven performance rather than the large-scale, action-packed fare that has defined Suriya’s career.

In conclusion, when it comes to fan power and sustained influence in Tamil cinema, Surya stands out as a clear winner. The consistent hits and evolving genre of his performances reflect his ability to connect with audiences in ways that his contemporaries have struggled to match.

Note: A still from Pithamagan (2003) showcasing the duo of Vikram and Suriya acting together is worth mentioning, illustrating the enduring fan base shared by these two iconic actors.