From Ugly to Gorgeous: The Transformation of Vijay in Kollywood

Kollywood, also known as Tamil cinema, has seen numerous actors transform their faces to match the expectations of the audience. One such actor who saw a significant transformation in his looks is Vijay. This article explores why Vijay was initially considered ugly, how he changed his face to become a mass hero, and the role of facial hair in shaping his image.

Why was Vijay considered ugly during his initial days?

During his early career, Vijay was often described as ugly or not attractive in the traditional sense. This perception was largely due to his youthful, boyish looks and a less mature face structure. Many Tamil audience members found Vijay attractive, but the perception of him as ugly was more prevalent during his earlier days. A notable incident occurred during the 2010s when Ajith fans slandered Vijay as ugly in connection with a fan fight. However, by the time his film Kathi was released, Vijay had surpassed Ajith in stardom, putting an end to the fan war.

How did Vijay change his face?

Vijay's transformation didn't happen overnight. It was a gradual process that involved several changes to his appearance and style. Here are some key points that contributed to his transformation:

Hair Style and Facial Hair: Vijay changed his hairstyle by maintaining a high puff above his head, which made his face seem longer and broader. This was complemented by a thicker mustache. This change in hairstyle helped in maturing his look and also allowed him to explore different acting styles, from a college-going teenager to a romantic adult and then a mass hero. The beard, particularly when he started growing one, was a significant factor in giving him a middle-aged look that was more suited for his roles. Body Language and Mannerisms: Vijay also worked on his body language and mannerisms, which contributed to his overall presence. This helped in portraying a more mature and confident image. Charm and Appeal: Vijay's natural charm always appealed to women and children, even when he wasn't considered traditionally handsome. By the 2000s, he had managed to fill out and maintain a thicker mustache, which helped in his transformation.

Facial Hair in Bollywood vs. Kollywood

The role of facial hair in shaping an actor's image is significant. In Bollywood in the 1990s, clean-shaven heroes were preferred. However, in Kollywood, facial hair, particularly moustaches, were a crucial part of a hero's look. Examples like Prashant bucked the trend, but for the most part, facial hair was embraced as a symbol of masculinity and maturity.

Thirumali is another actor like Vijay who became popular by adopting a beard. This facial hair helped them cover flaws and appear more masculine, aligning with the expectations of the audience and the evolution of their careers.

Conclusion

Transformation is a key part of any actor's journey, and Vijay's journey is a perfect example of how changing one's appearance can lead to a significant shift in one's career. From being considered ugly to becoming a beloved mass hero, Vijay's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptation, and self-improvement.