The fourth film Vetri Kodi Kattu (2000), another film based on village life won him his first National award -- for the best film on other social issues.
He realised his dream of becoming an actor also in the same year when Thankar Bachan made him the hero of Solla Maranda Kathai.
After that, when no other actor was willing to act in his own Autograph (2004), he donned the greasepaint himself. The film went on to become one of the biggest hits in Tamil. It also won the National Award for the best film that has entertainment value, his second.
His third national award was for Thavamai Thavamirundu in 2005 for the best film on family welfare. Maayakkannadi, where he moved away from the rural milieu he is familiar with, was a huge disappointment.
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