Vishal Krishna Reddy is one of the most well-known actors and film producers in the Tamil film industry. He entered the industry and made some game-changing decisions that took Tamil cinema to an entirely different level. From acting and producing to being an advocate for every creative voice in the industry, Vishal has claimed his spot among the most influential people in the film fraternity.
However, his journey has been filled with controversies, backlash and accusations. While none were enough to stop Vishal from being the change, they definitely became a part of his persona in the film world. So, while we look at the well-established actor who is set to make one of the biggest decisions in his life, let’s also take a look back at his journey and what made Vishal the person we know him as today.
Vishal parentage and debut in the film industry
Vishal Krishna Reddy was born on August 29, 1977, to GK Reddy and Janaki Devi. Both are established businesspeople and film producers in Telugu and Tamil film industry. Vishal’s elder brother, Vikram Krishna, is also an actor and producer who has produced several of his films. The star family hails from Nellore, Andhra Pradesh. However, Vishal pursued his education in Chennai. The actor attended Don Bosco Matriculation Higher Secondary School and later graduated in visual communications from Loyola College.
Vishal made his industry debut as an assistant director to filmmaker, Arjun Sarja for his venture, Vedham in 2001. However, it was when a producer spotted him on the set of the film that he was signed for his first acting appearance in the film, Chellamae in 2004. The actor accepted the role and put all his effort into preparing for the film. He even joined the Koothu-P-Pattarai, which is a well-known theatre group, to hone his acting skills. Nonetheless, his performance failed to impress the critics, and they quoted that ‘there was plenty left to hone’.
Vishal’s rise in the film industry
After an ‘apt’ debut, Vishal made some changes to his performance and returned to the big screen in 2005 with Sandakozhi. The film was perceived well by the audience and critics, with film journalists calling him the fastest-rising action hero. Vishal continued to appear in films like Thimiru, Sivappathigaram, Thaamirabharani, Behindwoods, Samar and Pattathu Yaanai, building a solid foundation for himself.
After that, Vishal finally took a leap into production with Pandiya Naadu, in which he also launched Arjun Sarja’s daughter, Aishwarya Arjun. He also won the SIIMA Best Debutant Producer Award for the film. After the success, Vishal decided to start his own production house, Vishal Film Factory, in 2013, and produced several films under the banner.
Vishal broke into the Tamil Film Producers Council office
Vishal was elected the President of Tamil Film Producers Council in 2017. However, his authority was met with significant opposition. This only increased after the actor was detained by the police in December 2018 for forcibly attempting to enter the TFPC office, which had been locked by a rival faction. The rivals were accusing him of unilateral decision-making, fund mismanagement and failure to fulfil the promises he made during the time of the election. For the unversed, it wasn’t the first time Vishal was at odds with TFPC. In 2016, Vishal’s membership was revoked, citing that he had disrupted the unity of the council by making critical remarks about its functioning.
Vishal was accused of misusing Rs. 12 crores out of the TFPC funds
It was in 2024 when the Tamil Film Producers Council accused Vishal of allegedly causing losses to the council by inappropriately using Rs. 12 crores from the funds. Following the revelation by TFPC, they revealed that the matters would be discussed with producers and technical workers associated with Vishal to uncover the truth. However, it was Vishal who took to his X and denied any wrongdoing. He stated that the funds were used for welfare projects aimed at helping the older and struggling members of the producers’ council. However, his clarification came with a challenge for the council, which read:
“Vishal will always continue to do films. Try and stop me, all you so-called producers.”
Vishal accused the Central Board of Film Certification of corruption
Vishal was seeking certification from CBFC for the release of the Hindi version of his film, Mark Antony. However, in September 2023, he alleged that the bureau had demanded a bribe of Rs. 6.5 lakh for the Hindi censor rights of his film. These accustions resulted in a search by the CBI at four locations in Mumbai, including the premises of the accused people mentioned in the FIR, which included Merlin Menaga, Jeeja Ramdas, Rajan M and an unidentified public servant at the CBFC.
Vishal’s fallout with Varalaxmi
Talking about Vishal’s relationships, he was often linked with actress, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar. However, neither ever publically admitted to being in a relationship. The duo always maintained that they were close friends, but their bond often suggested otherwise. Nonetheless, if the reports are to be believed, Varalaxmi and Vishal had an extremely public fallout after the latter’s political group, Pandavar Ani, shared a video politically criticising Varalaxmi’s father, Sarath Kumar and Radha Ravi.
While the clip didn’t explicitly name them, it featured clips of Sarath Kumar and Radha Ravi and how past office-bearers had allegedly mismanaged Nadigar Sangam’s resources. This video didn’t sit well with Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, who took to her X handle and lashed out at Vishal, calling him out for dragging her father into the election drama despite the fact that he was not even contesting in this election. She further called Vishal a ‘hypocrite’. However, in a recent interview, Varalaxmi claimed that she would attend Vishal’s wedding if invited.
Vishal announces marriage date with Sai Dhanshika
It was during the audio and trailer launch of Sai Dhanshika’s upcoming film, Yogi Da, that she announced that she would be hopping on the forever ride with Vishal. The actress shared that they will be tying the knot on August 29, 2025, which will also mark Vishal’s 48th birthday. Vishal accompanied his soon-to-be bride and confirmed the news, confessing his love for the actress.
What are your thoughts on Vishal’s journey in the film industry? Let us know.
Next Read: Meet Malavika Mohanan: Debut With Dulquer Salmaan, Designed Her Own Costumes, Lost 8 Kgs For A Film