Vikram (born on April 17, 1960, Paramakkudi, Ramnad district, TN as John Kennedy), is an Indian born actor, a Tamilian, Catholic who has starred in a number of top-grossing Tamil films and is currently one of the reigning heroes of Tamil Film Industry (aka Kollywood). His screen name is Vikram aka Chiyaan Vikram. He is also affectionately called as Kenny in close circles. With numerous blockbusters to his credit, Vikram has carefully niched a place for himself on the silver screen. Noted films that gave him the star status include Sethu, Dhill, Kasi, Dhool, Saamy, Gemini, Pithamagan and Anniyan.
After the success of Sethu, Tamil Nadu gave him the title or prefix honour of being addressed as "Chiyaan", named after his character in the film. Hence, the name "Chiyaan" Vikram. He won the National Film Awards of India for his performance as an undertaker in Pithamagan, 2003.
Sethu, which released in 1999, was Vikram's first blockbuster though he made his debut almost a decade earlier. The film grossed over Rs.50 million at the box office. He shared a good rapport with its director Bala.
Vikram's second blockbuster Dhill came in 2001. The film grossed over Rs.100 million at the box office. Its director Dharani was a school-time friend of Vikram.
Vikram's third blockbuster Gemini came the very next year in 2002. It grossed over Rs.200 million at the box office. By then, the trade began comparing him with long established superstar Rajnikanth.
Vikram's fourth blockbuster Dhool and fifth blockbuster Saamy both came in 2003. The film Saamy grossed over Rs.300 million at the box office. The film prompted director Shankar to notice his rising graph and booked him for his mega project Anniyan.
Vikram's latest blockbuster Anniyan released in 2005. The film played for 150 days in Kollywood and 240 days in Tollywood. It grossed over Rs.500 million at the box office.
He was also a part of Mani Ratnam's stage show, Netru, Indru, Naalai alongside many other co-stars.