Vedhika

2013-present: Breakthrough and success

The actress was signed up by director Bala for Paradesi (2013), an adaptation of the 1969 tragic novel Red Tea, set in the 1930s. She had been recommended by actress Sangeetha, signing the film in December 2011 and did not accept to appear in any other project till the release, sporting a significantly de-glamourised appearance and portraying a village character for the first time.^[12] The film, which also starred Adharvaa and Dhansika opened to unanimously positive reviews in March 2013 and performed well at the box office. Critics raved about her performance as Angamma, with the critic from The Times of India noting that "after doing roles that only required her to look pretty, Vedhika gets a chance to show off her acting skills" with Indiaglitz.com citing that she "produced a memorable performance".^[13][14] The critic from Rediff.com noted that "Vedhika plays the role of a young village belle to perfection," while Sify.com labelled that she delivered a "spellbinding performance".^[15][16] Her second release in 2013, the Malayalam film Sringaravelan, became one of the industry's biggest commercial successes of the year.^[17]

She then worked on Vasanthabalan's historical fiction film Kaaviya Thalaivan (2014), which was set in the backdrop of Madras theatre scene of the 1920s, and featured her alongside Siddharth and Prithviraj.^[18][19] Portraying a character inspired by stage artist K. B. Sundarambal, Vedhika noted it was a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" and signed the film straight after being offered it.^[20] She prepared for her role by watching early Tamil films and drama videos, but all the actors were asked to "add their personal touch to their respective characters to make everything look authentic". Moreover her part of her role, she also perfected her classical dancing skills and worked with choreographer Raghuram for an extended dance sequence in the film.^[21] The film opened in November 2014 to positive reviews, with Vedhika's performance being unanimously lauded by film critics. A reviewer from Sify.com noted "it is so good to see Vedhicka in a role where she not only looks beautiful but delivers a brilliant performance as Vadivambal," while Behindwoods added it is a "role of substance and the big eyed actress has utilized her opportunity completely".^[22][23] She has been nominated and also won several awards in the Best Actress Category for her roles in films like Paradesi, James and Alice, Kaaviyathalaivan and Shivalinga. Shivalinga was opposite Karnataka superstar Shivarajkumar, directed by ace director P Vasu and the film went on to complete 100 days in Karnataka. Vedhika was praised for her role of a possessed woman and she described it as the most challenging role of her career.