Today, June 22, 2025, marks the 51st birthday of Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar, widely known as Thalapathy Vijay. As fans celebrate, it's a good time to look at the story behind his popular title and his financial success.

Vijay's journey in Tamil cinema began as a child actor. He debuted as a lead actor in 1992. It took a couple of years before he got his first commercial hit with Rasigan. In his early career, Vijay was often referred to as "Ilayathalapathy," which translates to "young commander." This title, which started with the film Rasigan, became synonymous with the actor for roughly three decades. According to Vijay, a fan used the name Ilaya Thalapathy after the release of Rajinikanth's Thalapathi in 1991.

In 2017, Vijay and director Atlee decided to change his title to just "Thalapathy," meaning "commander" or "leader." The first look poster of Mersal (2017) credited him as Thalapathy, marking the official change. Some have speculated the change reflected his growing stature and the perception of him as a potential political leader. Over time, Vijay's active engagement in addressing public issues further solidified this image. Jana Nayagan, directed by H. Vinoth, is slated to be his last film before he transitions into politics full-time. A special glimpse video from ‘Jana Nayagan’ is expected to be released today, coinciding with his birthday.

As one of the highest-paid actors in India, Vijay's net worth reflects his successful career. As of 2025, his estimated net worth is around ₹474 crore. He commands a fee ranging from ₹130 crore to ₹275 crore per film. His earnings come from acting, endorsements, and overseas rights. Vijay also supports various social causes.

Beyond acting, Vijay's influence extends to brand endorsements and other ventures, contributing to his substantial income. His consistent box office hits and massive fan following have solidified his position as the richest Tamil actor in 2025.

Vijay's journey from "Ilayathalapathy" to "Thalapathy" marks not just a change in title but also a growth in his career and influence. As he celebrates his 51st birthday, fans eagerly await updates on his upcoming film and future political endeavors.