Jiiva is known for taking up different roles right from the beginning of his career. Be it as a hopeless romantic or as unstable young man, the actor lives his characters. As he turns 36, here’s a list of five films that trace the Jiiva’s journey.
Raam, 2005
It was with this film that Jiiva proved his acting prowess. The bond he forges with his mother Saradha (Saranya Ponvannan) as an autistic youth Raam has been etched forever in my memory. Directed by Ameer, the film also stars Gajala, Rahman, and Ganja Karuppu.
E, 2006
Although a little farfetched as a concept, Jiiva fit the role perfectly here. We also saw a strong, if not an equal, performance from Nayanthara as a ‘Special Dancer’ back then. Directed by SP Jananathan, the film also stars Karunas, Pasupathy and Ashish Vidyarthi.
Siva Manasukula Sakthi, 2009
One of Jiiva’s best performances as an egoistic, ill-mannered courier boy that you oddly tend to resonate with. He’s that boy next door who leaves you with mixed feelings. Directed by M Rajesh, the film also stars Santhanam, Anuya Bhagwat, Urvashi, Sathyan and G Gnanasambandam.
Ko, 2011
This was a major turning point for the actor. He jumped from rustic roles to urbane ones and excelled in Ko. Ashwin, his character, is smart and bold and thinks on his feet with ease. You can’t help but look at him right through the film, as he holds all his scenes so well. Directed by KV Anand, the film also stars Karthika, Piaa Bajpai, and Ajmal.
Nanban, 2012
The perfect Raju Rastogi of south, right from countenance to attitude. He reprises the cute, funny yet petrified character that Sharman Joshi played in the original 3 Idiots. Directed by Shankar, the film also stars Vijay, Srikanth, Sathyaraj, and Ileana D’Cruz.
Neethane En Pon Vasantham, 2012
With Ilaiyaraaja’s soaring music, Gautham Menon’s direction, Neethane En Pon Vasantham definitely ranks among Jiiva’s biggest films. As the on again off again couple, he as Varun and Samantha as Nithya are both great.
Jiiva’s Gypsy is expected to release on January 24, 2020.
