So the latest top hero list currently featured on BehindWoods.com has changed the number from 10 to 20... guess they had a tough time making up their minds!
Anyway, I found the descriptions and future projects lists really helpful. What do you think of the order of the lists or films/actors? And um...
Vikram fans? You really, really need to see his picture... *MinaiMinai now completely converted to the world of Vikram-fandom!* ETA: I moved the pictures in between the listings- easier to scroll and read.
BEHINDWOODS TOP 20 ACTORS OF KOLLYWOODThis is the most exciting rating that we can have in the industry. Who is the biggest star of the trade? Tough question, lots of candidates. We based our ranking based on the below three crucial factors:
1. Box office successes from
2005 to 20092. Present trade value
3. Future projects
In short, who are the men on whom producers are willing to put their money and audiences are willing to pay to watch. Watch out for few surprises in the list, an indication of changing times in Tamil cinema.
20. MADHAVAN - It is a bit surprising to see Maddy occupy this spot, he was one of the most promising prospects not a long time ago. But hits seem to have dried up for him and the boyish charm is not working the magic like before. Though, there is reason to believe that he has shifted his focus from fully commercial cinema to the more meaningful variety like Evano Oruvan. He has also split his time between Tamil and Hindi. Lack of regular releases is hurting him in Kollywood. Maybe, he is being successful on his own terms.
Box Office Successes: Thambi - 2006 - Average, Rendu - 2006 - Average
Future Projects: Guru En Aalu, Naan Aval Adhu, Yaavarum Nalam
19. NARAIN - Three films old and he already has got a reputation of being a fairly good actor. The three films don’t tell us that he has been around for nearly 3 years now, which means that he is the kind who is willing to wait for the right opportunities to come his way. Seems to have earned himself a place in the good books of directors which will serve him well. But, commitments in Malayalam keep him from getting regular releases in Kollywood.
Box Office Successes: Anjaathe - 2008 - Hit, Chithiram Pesuthadi - 2006 - Average
Future Projects: Pookadai Ravi
18. SARATH KUMAR - Iron Man of Tamil cinema. He has seen all the ups and downs of tinsel town and has stuck on, surviving every time and coming back strong. More than 100 movies is no mean thing. Though action is his forte, he can handle other genres too. His luck at the box office has not been much reason for cheer over the recent past, but he has got back with reliable ally K.S. Ravikumar and fortunes might change for the better.
Box Office Successes: Ayya - 2005 - Average, Pachaikili Muthucharam - 2007 - Average
Future Projects: 1977, Pazhassi Raja, Jaggubhai
17. PRASANNA - The most soft spoken hero of our times, so we thought until he sprung a surprise by playing a downright mean villain in 2008. We woke up to the multifaceted actor in Prasanna only after 6 years of his presence as a loving, caring, smiling boy next door. He may not be able to generate huge expectations or big openings, but he has got a quality tag attached to him which makes us feel sure if we walk in to a theater to watch his film. His choices have defined him pretty well.
Box Office Successes: Anjathe - 2008 - Hit, Kanda Naal Mudhal - 2005 - Average
Future Projects: Achachamundu! Achachamundu!, Manjal Veyil, Bale Pandiya
16. PRITHVIRAJ - Tall, handsome, well built with a generous endowment of acting talent. Prithviraj has got it all to make it big in the film industry. With just a few films, he has proved that he can handle just about any genre with the same ease. Also, close to 7 years of experience in the Malayalam industry have taught him many things about making the right choices, which prevents him from repeating the usual mistakes that newcomers make. But, if he wants to go higher in Tamil he has got to concentrate fully in Kollywood. At the moment, he seems more interested in his home industry.
Box Office Successes: Mozhi - 2007 - Hit, Kana Kandaen - 2005 - Average
Future Projects: Ashokavanam
15. JEEVA - For all his promise and redoubtable talent, this spot might look a bit unworthy of Jeeva. But this rating is based purely on trade value. His choices have been pleasantly and pleasingly diverse from the regular fare, he has shown the courage to be different. Of course, he too delivers the occasional commercial flick. In spite of all this, lady luck is yet to give him that huge hit which can push him up a notch. His line up of movies is promising.
Box Office Successes: Raam - 2005 - Hit, E - 2006 - Hit, Dishyum - 2006 - Average
Future Projects: Siva Manasula Sakthi
14. BHARATH - The young rural guy of Kollywood, somehow this image seems to have stuck to Bharath due to his consecutive releases with rural flavor. Too early in his career to be developing an image, needs to try more variety. His credentials are no longer in doubt, but there has been a shadow cast over his choices. The hit register is not consistent, though occasionally satisfactory. Given his potential, he should be doing much better. May the times ahead see a better Bharath.
Box Office Successes: Veyil - 2006 - Hit, Pattiyal - 2006 - Average, Em Magan - 2006 - Average, Pazhani - 2008 - Average
Future Projects: Arumugam, Thiruthani
13. JAI - First real big surprise of the list. The new guy on the block has made a head start. Just a couple of movies old, but he has managed to grab attention like few others have been able to. The choices that he made definitely played as big a part as his performances. Has got the spine to defy stereotypes. Has got quite a few lined up that can decide whether he continues at the same spot.
Box Office Successes: Chennai 600028 - 2007 - Super hit - Supportive role, Subramaniapuram - 2008 - Super hit
Future Projects: Adhe Neram Adhe Idam, Aval Peyar Thamizharasi, Arjunan Kadhali, Rakkozhi, Vamanan
12. SILAMBARASAN - Screen writer and director at a very young age besides being a flamboyant actor. Wonder whether he has inherited all his dad’s talents. His dance skills and dialogue delivery are his USP and work for him more often than not. But, he seems dangerously close to walking into an image warp too early in his career. Needs to caution himself against redundancy. Thoroughly capable of making it big if he strikes the right balance. His current trade value seems to have not been affected instead of just two average fares over the last four years.
Box Office Successes: Vallavan - 2006 - Average, Silambattam - 2008 - Average
Future Projects: Podaa Podi, Kettavan
11. ARYA - For a young actor who is yet to touch the 10 movie mark, being at this position is an endorsement of his abilities. Without having regular releases over the past couple of years, thanks to the prolonged Naan Kadavul, he has somehow managed to stay in the fray without being overrun by the crowd. Has proved that he can judge good scripts and is in the good books of a few top directors. 2009 is going to be crucial to his standing as his 3 year penance is up for judgment. His next after Naan Kadavul, Vishnuvardhan directed Sarvam is much expected.
Box Office Successes: Arinthum Ariyamalum - 2005 - Hit, Ullam Ketkumae - 2005 - Average, Pattiyal - 2006 - Average
Future Projects: Naan Kadavul, Sarvam
10. KARTHI - This is not the place where you expect to find a one movie old actor to be, even Karthi would be very, very surprised. But, when the only movie he has done happens to be Paruthiveeran, this position becomes believable. Seldom has an actor proved himself so thoroughly with just one film. Already wanted by many leading directors, his future depends on how he handles his immense talent and the headiness that it can bring into his life.
Box Office Successes: Paruthiveeran - 2007 - Blockbuster
Future Projects: Aayirathil Oruvan, Paiyya
9. JAYAM RAVI - He must be the family man of Tamil cinema, almost all his movies to date have been clean family entertainers with the exception of Dhaam Dhoom which was his attempt at diversifying into action. While family stories are his bread and butter, which he does effortlessly, he has also shown the intent to try different things. His association with Ameer will be a key point.
Box Office Successes: Something Something - 2006 - Hit, Santosh Subramaniam - 2008 - Hit
Future Projects: Peranmai, Kannabiran
8. VISHAL - Is this another action specialist in the making? One can be forgiven for thinking in this manner because Vishal has tried precious little outside his comfort zone – action. Even within this limited domain, he has managed to pull the crowds. But needs to prove his versatility in performances and choices. With the backing of a home production company, he should feel confident to explore.
Box Office Successes: Sandakozhi - 2005 - Hit, Thimiru - 2006 - Hit, Thamiraparani - 2007 - Average, Malaikottai - 2007 - Average
Future Projects: Thoranai
7. DHANUSH - Has made the transition from boy to man and comfortably settled into a mould that seems to suit him exceedingly well. Revels in playing the careless youngster type of roles, playing the fool on screen comes naturally to him. The best thing that Dhanush seems to have done is to identify what can work for him, he is playing exclusively to his strengths. Very much in the process of evolving as an actor, but is on the right path.
Box Office Successes: Thiruvilayadal Arambam - 2006 - Hit, Polladhavan - 2007 - Hit, Yaaradi Nee Mohini - 2008 - Hit
Future Projects: Maalai Nerathu Mayakkam
6. VIKRAM - You can be forgiven for not thinking about Vikram all this while, he has been off screen for quite some time. It took more than 2 years for Bheema to make it to theaters and that too was a disappointment. But, he is still on the charts which is testimony to his lasting appeal. More often than not, he manages to deliver goods that keep everyone happy. Goes to any length to get into the character and highly versatile, a director’s dream. Kandaswamy with Susi Ganesan and Ashokavanam with Mani Ratnam are hotcakes in the trade.
Box Office Successes: Anniyan - 2005 - Super hit
Future Projects: Kanthaswamy, Ashokavanam
5. AJITH - Ultimate Star. The title sits so beautifully on him, because of the fans he can pull into theaters with his mere presence. He belongs to the breed of stars for whom hits or flops matter little, they remain stars irrespective of what happens at the box office. His fans absolutely adore him and his first priority is to satisfy them, his charm is as enduring as ever. However, there have been calls for him to be more conscious about the scripts that he selects, that’s perhaps the only thing that is ailing him at the moment.
Box Office Successes: Billa - 2007 - Super hit, Varalaru - 2006 - Hit
Future Projects: Asal, Movie with Venkat Prabhu
4. SURIYA - One of the most conscientious and quality conscious actor in the industry, it is his choices that have set him apart from others. Not afraid to go down the rarely trodden path, does not have a set image, amazingly flexible and very committed are attributes that constitute Suriya. Has worked with almost all leading directors, tried out almost all genres and is getting better with every movie. Great going.
Box Office Successes: Ghajini - 2005 - Hit, Vel - 2007 - Hit, Vaaranam Aayiram - 2008 - Hit, Aaru - 2005 - Average
Future Projects: Ayan, Singam, Movie with K.S.Ravikumar, Movie with Mysskin
3. VIJAY - His solid fan base is his biggest strength, seemingly unshakeable. Ilaiya Thalapathi keeps the people who matter happy and that is the key to his near iconic status. Though there have been critics who have taken digs at his one dimensional choice of scripts, he remains unfazed, knowing best what to do. Playing to the galleries comes naturally to him, being the mass hero is second nature to him. Add to that his feet of quicksilver that are a delight to watch when in motion, you have a star who can delight.
Box Office Successes: Pokkiri - 2007 - Superhit, Thirupachi - 2005 - Hit, Sivakasi - 2005 - Average
Future Projects: Vettaikaran, Movie with Jayam Raja
2. KAMAL HAASAN - What more can one say about this man? He continues to hold us in awe with his efforts, as much as his unmatched talent. He has scaled all conceivable peaks of cinematic excellence and yet seems to be searching for newer heights to conquer. He has reached a stage where every further step that he takes is a new milestone in Indian cinema. Cinema would be much poorer without this unparalleled genius.
Box Office Successes: Dasavatharam - 2008 - Blockbuster, Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu - 2006 - Super hit
Future Projects: Remake of Wednesday, Marma Yogi, Thalaivan Irukiraan
1. RAJINIKANTH - Superstar, the one and only. Rarely has cinema seen men who have captured the imagination of more than two generations of audiences, cutting across all barriers. Rajinikanth is a phenomenon, something that all of us are enthralled by. Words are wasted in describing the effect that he can have on screen, it has to be seen to be believed. Still eager and enthusiastic to give his best, he is enlarging the scale and canvas of Tamil cinema. The undisputed King.
Box Office Successes: Sivaji - 2007 - Blockbuster, Chandramukhi - 2005 - Blockbuster
Future Projects: Endhiran
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