Renowned celebrity photographer G. Venket Ram recently stirred excitement among film aficionados by unveiling a powerful throwback from his portfolio. The photos feature actor Vikram, affectionately known as ‘Chiyaan,’ in a dramatic, heavily made-up avatar from a photoshoot conducted 15 years ago for the Tamil film Rajapattai. The look, which did not prominently feature in the released masala film, bears a striking resemblance to Heath Ledger’s iconic portrayal of The Joker in The Dark Knight.
The close-up image, now circulating widely, captures Vikram’s intensity. His face is plastered with white, cracked makeup—a look that mirrors peeling paint—contrasted sharply with smudged black eyeshadow and a wide, unsettling red smile painted across his lips, extending beyond his natural mouth line. The actor’s signature “exuberance, enthusiasm and raw talent” are palpable in the raw, captivating glare captured by the lens.
Photographer’s Ode to an Exceptional Collaboration
Sharing the evocative images on his official social media handle, G. Venket Ram offered high praise for the National Award-winning actor. He described the session as an “Unforgettable photoshoot with Vikram @chiyaan for the film Rajapattai, 15 years ago.” He further elaborated on the experience, stating, “Chiyaan Vikram has always been a treat to shoot with. His exuberance, enthusiasm and raw talent never ceases to amaze!”
The film, Rajapattai (transl. King’s Path), was a 2011 action-drama directed by Suseenthiran. While the core plot revolved around Vikram’s character, Anal Murugan, a stuntman who dreams of becoming a notable villain, taking on a corrupt land-grabbing politician, the Joker-esque transformation appears to be part of an elaborate promotional concept or a sequence of character looks from the film, which was known for featuring the actor in multiple disguises. The promotional materials for the film did prominently feature Vikram in a range of different, striking appearances.
The Legacy of Rajapattai
Rajapattai, also starring Deeksha Seth and music composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, was a commercial masala entertainer that focused on the issue of land grabbing. Although the film’s theatrical release in December 2011 received mixed reactions, the striking visual content, as evidenced by these newly revealed photographs, continues to highlight Vikram’s commitment to his craft and his readiness to undergo radical physical and stylistic transformations for a role—a trait that has defined his illustrious career.
The dramatic visual shared by the photographer serves as a powerful reminder of the artistic ambition often present even in mainstream cinema and underscores the enduring star power and versatility of Chiyaan Vikram, whose dedication to exploring diverse character looks remains a hallmark of his cinematic journey.