Vijay Kumar began his acting career as a child artist in the 1960s, making his official debut as a credited actor in 1973. He rose to prominence as a lead hero in Tamil cinema during the 1970s and early 1980s. Known for his remarkable versatility, he seamlessly transitioned to playing powerful character roles, often portraying fathers, uncles, or police officers, becoming a highly sought-after supporting actor from the 1990s onwards. His impactful performances in films like "Nattamai", "Kadhal Kottai", "Surya Vamsam", "Ghilli", and "Thuppakki" earned him critical acclaim and cemented his position as one of the most reliable and prolific actors in the Tamil film industry, boasting a career spanning over five decades.