Billa

Say hello to the new Billa.

Yes, Ajith, who is called Thala by his fans, is one of the biggest Tamil stars today. It has been a roller coaster journey for this actor who entered the film industry as a rank outsider 15 years ago. We look at the racer-turned- actor's landmark films so far:

Aasai (1995)

Ajith made his debut in 1992 in Telugu film, Prema Pusthakam. It was followed by Tamil films like Paasamalargal, Amaravathi and Pavithra in 1993 and 1994.

But it was with Aasai -- produced by Maniratnam and directed by Vasanth - where Ajith made his mark. Romancing a rather reluctant Suvalakshmi (who debuted in the film), Ajith wasn't just on a bid to win her love but also save her life from a maniacal brother-in-law, chillingly essayed by Prakashraj. Not surprisingly, he was branded as Aasai Nayagan (King of Love) by his jubilant fans. A glitzy hero had emerged.

Kaadal Kottai (1996)

Kadhal Kottai's director, Agathiyan, earned cult status after he razed down conventional rules of love in this film. He made his lead pair fall in love without ever having seen each other.

While fresh-faced Devayani lived in Ooty and wrote letters, Ajith worked in Jaipur, handling his fiercely attracted boss, Heera as well.

The film has a nail-biting climax, which spawned dozens of clones. It won Agathiyan the National Award for best direction, and firmly earned superstar status for both Ajith and Devayani.

Vaali (1999)

If Kaadal Kottai broke records for being the romantic hit of the year, S J Surya's Vaali was something else altogether.

Ajith played identical twins, Surya and Deva. One of them is deaf and dumb, and Ajith had to distinguish the characters by body language alone. And he gave a terrific performance! The younger twin romanced sensuous Simran, while the older Deva, with his amorous eye on her, made enough trouble to set the house afire while just chewing gum.

Vaali broke records despite the blockbuster Rajni starrer Padayappa, which released the same year.

Amarkalam (1999)

Director Saran's Amarkalam combined Ajith's usual cheer and peppiness. Making the transition into a proper mass hero, Ajith - wearing a cool stubble -- arrived onscreen, bunking with friends inside a dilapidated cinema theatre. He falls in love with Shalini, and the filmi romance continued in real life. The two soon got married.

Amarkalam ran for a record 182 days -- and Ajith was officially lord of the marquee.

Kandukondein Kandukondein (2000)

After a blitzkrieg of action-packed thrills, it was a treat to see Ajith return to romance in 2000. Playing an upcoming struggling filmmaker, Ajith was perfect in ace cinematographer Rajiv Menon's Kandukondein Kandukondein.

Ajith shouldered his role along with Mammooty, Tabu and Aishwarya Rai, and still won the appreciation of the audience.

Mugavari (2000)

Duraj's Mugavari saw Ajith play an upcoming music director, filled with the fire to succeed. Ajith ascended the ladder of success, supported by his loving family. His interaction with Raghuvaran, the warm and affectionate brother, was a treat to watch, while his tentative advances towards Jyothika were sweet.

No matter how many action movies he might make, Ajith seems to be the king when it comes to romance.

Poovellam Un Vaasam (2001)

If Mugavari had love running along a sidetrack, Poovellam Un Vaasam focused on love. The Ajith-Jyothika combo was repeated in director Ezhil's film.

The audience lapped up the magnificent sets, happy-go-lucky families, and the gradual deepening of affection between lifelong friends. It's a tale with a twist, with a devious villain adding to the masala fare.

Dheena (2001)

The same year saw him return to the world of action -- but this time, he was the bad man. As if trying to prove that he was more than just another handsome face, Ajith morphed himself into a thug -- albeit an immensely likeable one -- with his own set of values.

He romanced a rather frightened Laila and eventually won her over. This Murugadoss film firmly set Ajith among the bankable stars who can guarantee box office success.

Varalaaru (2005)

After a drought at the box office came Varalaaru in 2005. This K S Ravikumar venture made everyone sit up and notice. Ajith played three characters for the first time -- a father and his two sons. But it was his role of an effeminate Bharath natyam dancer in flashback that made everyone go wow!

A R Rahman's songs were chartbusters, and Ajith was, as ever, a sensation.

Kireedam (2006)

A remake of the 1989 Malayalam blockbuster Kireedam starring Mohanlal, Ajith returned to what he does best: an action hero, with a dash of romance with leading actress Trisha Krishnan. Kireedam saw him as the obedient son of an honest policeman and his body language was lauded. Caught in a system that would not let him live an honest life, Ajith's character was forced to take on whatever life threw at him.

Now, in 2007, he is all set to play Billa, a role that made Rajnikanth the superstar of Tamil cinema.

http://specials. rediff.com/ movies/2007/ dec/10sli1. htm