This remains the most intense performance by Ultimate Star to date; it was the role of a lifetime. Though it was essentially a double act, all the attention was hogged by the scheming negative character which shot Ajith to superstardom. And it was indeed surprising that Vaali was S.J. Suryah’s directorial debut, the treatment belied the relative inexperience of the maker. The Filmfare jury might have had a very easy job in 1999, because such strong roles are rare occurrences and when they do happen, they take all the honors.