One of the most beloved female actors of all time in Tamil cinema, Jyothika’s entry and rise to fame was so rapid that it seemed almost unbelievable. In fact, at one point, she achieved comparable, if not greater, popularity than several of her young male peers, such as Vijay, Ajith Kumar, Suriya, and R Madhavan.
The daughter of producer Chander Sadanah and Seema, originally named Shama Kazi, and the half-sister of renowned actor Nagma, Jyothika Sadanah made her debut in the film industry with Priyadarshan’s Doli Saja Ke Rakhna (1998), which was a remake of Fazil’s Malayalam blockbuster Aniyathipraavu (1997). Though Jyothika received widespread acclaim for her performance, the film did not fare well at the box office.
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Nevertheless, she didn’t need to wait for long before achieving her initial breakthrough, which arrived through SJ Suryah’s Vaalee (1999). Since then, she has remained one of the most sought-after actors in the industry, largely due to her inclination towards both mainstream and unconventional films. Her proficiency in excelling at romantic and comedic roles, as well as those demanding substantial acting skills, has captured the admiration of millions. As Jyothika celebrates her 45th birthday on Wednesday (October 18), here are seven essential films from her repertoire that showcase her acting excellence.
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Jyothika with ‘Thalapathy’ Vijay in SJ Suryah’s Kushi. (Image: Junior Tamilrockers/YouTube)
Kushi
Jyothika’s first massive success as the sole female lead, SJ Suryah’s Kushi (2000) was a turning point in her career. The film not only showcased her acting prowess but also highlighted her physical beauty extensively. The film features her and ‘Thalapathy’ Vijay as a couple and focuses on the love-hate relationship between their characters Jennifer aka Jenny and Shiva, respectively. Her ability to convey love and affection, even through subtle gestures, alongside her comedic talent, was widely praised. This further emphasised her expertise in establishing on-screen chemistry, particularly in romantic films, as previously seen in her work with Ajith Kumar in Vaalee. In a way, Kushi was to Jyothika what Rangeela was to Urmila Matondkar.
Snegithiye
One of the very few Indian crime thrillers completely headlined by women, Priyadarshan’s Snegithiye (2000) was nothing like the films Jyothika had done up to that point. Co-starring alongside Sharbani Mukherjee, Jyothika explored new ground in the movie, showcasing her versatility beyond romantic roles. The film, with female characters across the board, even in the antagonist’s role, revolves around two college students, Vani and Radhika, known for their carefree attitude that often lands them in trouble. Meanwhile, they are falsely accused of murder, which forces them to go into hiding. However, their decision to uncover the real culprit turns the tide.
Jyothika with Suriya in Gautham Vasudev Menon’s Kaakha Kaakha. (Image: Kalaippuli Thanu/YouTube)
Kaakha Kaakha
An outright actioner, Gautham Vasudev Menon’s Kaakha Kaakha (2003), starring Suriya and Jyothika in the lead roles, was a breath of fresh air for audiences vexed by typical cop dramas. Unlike many films in the same genre, which often leaned too heavily towards either the thrilling investigations or the emotional struggles of the main character, Kaakha Kaakha struck a perfect balance between the two. Despite the limited roles for women in such dramas, Jyothika’s character Maya played a pivotal role in both ACP Anbuselvan’s personal and professional life. Jyothika’s adeptness in portraying both romance and thrilling elements was evident, and her on-screen chemistry with Suriya, who later became her husband, added an enchanting touch to the overall narrative.
Jyothika with Suriya in Sasi Shanker’s Perazhagan. (Image: AP International/YouTube)
Perazhagan
A remake of the Malayalam movie Kunjikoonan (2002), Perazhagan showcased Jyothika’s talent in a dual role, portraying both a young college student and a poor, blind girl. Jyothika adeptly portrayed the contrasting characters, ensuring that each role was treated distinctly, in Sasi Shanker’s Perazhagan. Her stellar performances in the film earned her the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actress for the first time.
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Mozhi
One of the most endearing Tamil romantic movies of the 2000s, Radha Mohan’s Mozhi (2007) held a special place for various reasons. In an era where differently-abled characters were often used for comic relief or to depict tragedy, Mozhi courageously featured a lead character who was both hearing and speech impaired. What set it apart was the film’s refusal to treat the character as a symbol of pity or a source of tragedy. Instead, Archana (Jyothika) was portrayed as a self-reliant, confident woman, surrounded by people who treated her no differently. Jyothika skillfully brought this character to life, paying careful attention to its nuances without overemphasising or undermining it at any point. Her remarkable performance in the movie earned her the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actress for the third time.
Jyothika in Gautham Vasudev Menon’s Pachaikili Muthucharam. (Image: Bayshore Records/YouTube)
Pachaikili Muthucharam
One of Gautham Vasudev Menon’s most unconventional films, Pachaikili Muthucharam (2007) initially unfolds as a cheerful family drama, involving a husband and wife, before evolving into a complex romantic narrative, with the male lead Venkatesh (Sarathkumar) developing feelings for another woman, Geetha (Jyothika), whom he frequently encounters on his daily train commute. But as the film progresses, it takes an unexpected turn, transitioning into a thriller as it is unveiled that Geetha had connected with him for an ulterior motive. Jyothika’s portrayal of the character was impeccable, skillfully manoeuvring the moments where she transforms into the antagonist with effortless grace. Despite her established stature at the time, her decision to take on a grey-shaded character surprised many. However, given the role’s intricacies, it was only fitting that an actor as astute as she would embrace it.
Naachiyaar
One of Jyothika’s most underrated movies, Bala’s Naachiyaar (2018) delved into an aspect of the actor that hadn’t been explored previously. In contrast to Bala’s typically tragic endings in his earlier works, Naachiyaar ended on a happy note but maintained the raw and unflinching tone characteristic of his earlier films throughout. Though it was her first cop role, and that too a ruthless and rugged one, Jyothika portrayed the role with the same ease as her performances in romantic roles. Her mannerisms and body language, including her dialogue delivery and the nuances she brought in, revealed Jyothika’s untapped potential, demonstrating her ability to excel in roles of diverse complexity.
