2011–2013: Television and shift to cinema

During college, Sivakarthikeyan took part in various cultural events and performed mimicry and standup comedy onstage.^[7] Between his studies, he took a three month-break, and during this period, his friends convinced him to go for auditions of Kalakka Povathu Yaaru?, a comedy reality TV show airing on Star Vijay. He started his career as a mimicry artist. Despite initial reluctance to participate, he won the show.^[8] He appeared in short films, including his friend Atlee's Mugapputhagam,^[9] Identity, Kurahl 786, and 360°. The makers of Aegan noticed Sivakarthikeyan and offered him a supporting role in the film, but his portions did not make the final cut.^[10]

Director Pandiraj approached Sivakarthikeyan to play the lead role in his film Marina, and he signed the project. He prepared for the role by paying close attention to Pandiraj's instructions and visiting Marina Beach extensively to study the surroundings, while revealing that he hoped that his natural talent of humor would come through onscreen.^[11] Featuring alongside Oviya as a young couple in the film, Sivakarthikeyan's performance was well-received, with a critic noting "the romance adds color to a monochrome film", while the reviewer also noted that the "role of Senthilnathan requires Siva to be just himself, it is just a cake walk in terms of performance for this actor."^[12]

Prior to Marina's release, Aishwarya Dhanush had signed Sivakarthikeyan up to play a supporting role as Dhanush's friend in 3, after being impressed with his work onstage as a host.^[13] Following significant pre-release hype, the film opened to predominantly positive reviews with critics appreciating Sivakarthikeyan's work providing comic relief in a serious film.^[14] The project also marked the beginning of an association with Dhanush, whom Sivakarthikeyan has often stated is his mentor in the film industry.

He was next seen in Ezhil's romantic comedy Manam Kothi Paravai, which opened to mixed reviews but had a decent run at the box office. A critic from Behindwoods noted that the film "might not provide Sivakarthikeyan the platform he is aspiring for – lead roles in movies. But it does showcase his potential as an actor."^[15]

2013–2019: Experimentation in genres and success

In 2013, Sivakarthikeyan appeared in three films. In his first release of the year, Kedi Billa Killadi Ranga, a dual hero coming-of-age comedy, Sivakarthikeyan partnered once again with Pandiraj and shot for the film in his hometown of Tiruchirappalli alongside Vimal.^[16] The film opened to positive reviews from critics.^[17][18] The film became a surprise success at the box office and ended up being a profitable venture for producers and distributors.^[19] His next success was through Dhanush's debut production venture Ethir Neechal, written and directed by R. S. Durai Senthilkumar, a former assistant of film director, Vetrimaaran. It is a story about a young man having talent as a runner, who strives to make an identity for himself. His third release in 2013, director Ponram's comedy Varuthapadatha Valibar Sangam, saw him portray a carefree rural youth where he paired up with another newcomer Sri Divya. Actor Soori played an important role in the film as Sivakarthikeyan's close friend. It was also the first time that Sivakarthikeyan sang a song in a film, and a promotional video of its making was released to market the film. He won positive reviews for his performance from critics, with Sify noting "Sivakarthikeyan is terrific as Bosepandi because he makes it look so believable on screen with his body language, eyes and dialogue delivery". Another reviewer called him a delight to watch and claimed that he carried the script.^[20] The film completed 100 days during its theatrical run and was Sivakarthikeyan's biggest commercial box office success at that time.^[21] Sivakarthikeyan's entertaining performances in 2013 led him to win the year's Vijay Award for Entertainer of the Year, an onstage moment which Sivakarthikeyan described as "memorable".^[22] He started the year 2014 with a comedy film Maan Karate produced by A. R. Murugadoss. The film featured him as a carefree urban youth who fakes himself as a boxer to impress a girl.

Sivakarthikeyan with Nivin Pauly and Vikram at Iru Mugan film audio launch event.

In 2015, Sivakarthikeyan paired up once again with Durai Senthilkumar for a police action film, Kaaki Sattai. The film released on 27 February 2015. It was a story about a sincere constable who takes risks to stop black market organ donation and having the aim to become an Inspector.^[23] He again joined hands with Ponram in the film Rajini Murugan, starring another newcomer Keerthy Suresh. The film's producer, N. Linguswamy, ultimately failed to provide Sivakarthikeyan with his salary due to losses incurred by the film's delayed release.^[24] His film Remo, directed by debutant Bakkiyaraj Kannan and produced by R. D. Raja, featured Sivakarthikeyan playing a lovestruck youth disguising himself as a female nurse to befriend his love interest.^[25] Sivakarthikeyan's next venture was director Mohan Raja's action-thriller, Velaikkaran, pairing with Nayanthara and featuring Fahadh Faasil as the main antagonist. The film, which revolves around an employee fighting against food adulteration in society, was released in 2017 to positive reviews from critics.^[26] He then featured in the 2018 film Seemaraja, collaborating with director Ponram for the third time. The film, featuring an ensemble cast including Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Simran, Lal and Soori, released to mixed reviews.^[27] Later that year, he acted in the film, Kanaa, the directorial debut of Arunraja Kamaraj and the debut film of Sivakarthikeyan's production company Sivakarthikeyan Productions. The film features Sivakarthikeyan as a cricket coach, acting alongside Aishwarya Rajesh and Sathyaraj. The film released to highly positive reviews.^[28] Sivakarthikeyan's first 2019 film was Mr. Local, starring opposite Nayanthara for the second time, which received poor reviews. His scenes from Kanaa were reused in the Telugu remake of the film titled Kousalya Krishnamurthy. In 2019, Sivakarthikeyan appeared in the family drama film Namma Veettu Pillai, and in a superhero film Hero.^[29][30]

2021–present: Career expansion

Sivakarthikeyan's only 2021 film was Doctor, which received highly positive reviews from the critics and audience. It became the highest-grossing film of his career, with a global collection of 100 crore rupees. This is his first movie to join the 100 crore club. His next release was Don, which released in 2022.^[31][32] Like Doctor, it received favorable reviews by both the critics and audience. It also went on to collect 100 crores at the global box office, becoming his second consecutive 100 crore hit. In 2022, he began filming for Prince under the direction of K. V. Anudeep.^[33][34] At the same time, he also began shooting for Maaveeran, which was directed by Madonne Ashwin.^[35][36][37] Prince released in 2022 to negative reviews, but Maaveeran released in 2023 and was a commercial success.

Break down at audio launch

On 12 October 2016, at the success meet of Remo, Sivakarthikeyan revealed that, when the film was ready for release, there were quite a few obstacles created by people who wanted to ensure it did not release.^[38] He faced a similar agony when his film Rajinimurugan saw a delayed release in January 2016.^[38] P. L. Thenappan, the general secretary of the Tamil Nadu Producers Council, has told a website that K. E. Gnanavel Raja of Studio Green, Madan of Escape Artists, and Madhan of Vendhar Movies have filed formal complaints accusing the actor of taking advance amounts to act in their films, but failing to fulfill his commitments. Gnanavel Raja has an agreement copy of their deal, while the other two do not have the same. On the other hand, Sivakarthikeyan has admitted to have taken the advance amount from Gnanavel Raja, but there is no mention of the other two.^[39] Actors Silambarasan and Vishal extended support to Sivakarthikeyan about the issue.^[40]

Racist comment at school event

In 2022, at a school event, Sivakarthikeyan jokingly said he could not tell Korean men apart from women due all Korean people looking alike. His comments received backlash, with some accusing him of racism, and others calling it "cringe". Simran Arora of Times Now believed Sivakarthikeyan's actions were a display of the cross-race effect.^[41]

D. Imman’s interview

On 16 October 2023, in a YouTube interview, music director D. Imman declared that he would never work with Sivakarthikeyan again due to a perceived betrayal.^[42] They had previously collaborated on Manam Kothi Paravai, Varuthapadatha Valibar Sangam, Rajini Murugan, Seemaraja, and Namma Veettu Pillai. Imman mentioned that their personal relationship was significantly strained, and he cited concerns about the welfare of his children as the reason for not disclosing further details. The rift between them appears to be rooted in a breach of trust, and Imman highlighted that he could not forget the events that transpired, making future collaborations impossible. Despite this, he clarified that Sivakarthikeyan was not the sole cause of what transpired.^[43][44]

Films

Television

As playback singer

As lyricist

Edison Awards

• 2013 Edison Awards for Best Male Rising Star^[81]
• 2015 Edison Awards for Best Entertainer of the Year for Kaaki Sattai

Other awards

• 2011 Vikatan Award – Best Anchor for Jodi No.1
• 2014 Mirchi Music Awards South – Youth Icon Award
• 2021 Kalaimamani Award – Best Actor^[82][83]