

Although the film was moderately successful, Silambarasan's performance was praised, and his new persona was well received by the audience. In preparation for his role, Silambarasan underwent an extremely rigorous weight loss regime, losing 30 kilograms and learnt Bharathanatyam. The film, directed by Suseenthiran was released on the eve of Pongal festival in theatres after the COVID-19 lockdown was lifted in Tamil Nadu on 14 January 2021, clashing with Vijay's Master (2021). Silambarasan starred in the family drama Eeswaran (2021) as his first film of 2021. In 2019, STR acted in Vantha Rajavathaan Varuven.

In 2018, he appeared in Mani Ratnam's successful Chekka Chivantha Vaanam as part of an ensemble cast that included Arvind Swamy, Vijay Sethupathi and Arun Vijay. It led to controversies that were reported in the media involving the film's producer Michael Rayappan blaming Silambarasan for being uncooperative during the film's production. His film Anbanavan Asaradhavan Adangadhavan was panned by critics and was commercially unsuccessful. In 2017, it was reported that Silambarasan had signed up for an English-language film. His next film Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada was his second collaboration with Gautham Menon and A. In 2016, Silambarasan starred in the Pandiraj-directed Idhu Namma Aalu alongside Nayanthara, Andrea Jeremiah and Soori playing lead roles. The film was released in 2015 after a gap of three years due to issues actor Vijay helped clear the impediment of the film and aided in its release. Silambarasan's next project was Vaalu, directed by debutant Vijay Chander. Silambarasan had only one release in 2012, the film Podaa Podi, directed by debutant Vignesh Shivan. in which Silambarasan played a police officer for the first time in his career. Later that year, his next release was Osthe (2011), remake of the Bollywood film Dabangg (2010). The film, featuring an ensemble cast, was released to positive reviews and subsequently became a hit at the box office. In early 2011, he appeared in the multi-starrer Vaanam (2011) as Cable Raja, a poor youngster. The following year he appeared in two films. Balachander in an open letter called Silambarasan's performance as his best in his career. In 2010, his film Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa, directed and written by Gautham Vasudev Menon, became a Tamil 'cult classic' film. Later that year, he appeared in another action masala film Silambattam. In 2008, he starred in the action masala film Kaalai, which was a flop. He next starred in and directed Vallavan (2006), as well as writing its story, screenplay and co-dialogue. This was the second time that Simbu and Jyothika worked together after the success of Manmadhan (2004). In 2006, he starred in Saravana, directed by K. Silambarasan's first release in 2005 was the film Thotti Jaya, directed by V. His final release in 2004 was Manmadhan, co-starring with Jyothika for the first time, and the film became a turning point in his career. Divya Spandana, played his love interest. After this, Silambarasan starred in Kuththu, a remake of the Telugu film Dil.

Silambarasan had three releases in 2004 the first was Kovil which deals with the relationship between a Hindu boy and a Christian girl. His second film was Dum (2003), which was loosely based on Jagannadh's 2002 Kannada film Appu. Silambarasan played his first protagonist role in Kadhal Azhivathillai (2002), directed by his father. He then started acting in his father's movies from 1995, including Thai Thangai Paasam, Oru Vasantha Geetham, En Thangai Kalyani, Enga Veetu Velan, Monisha En Monalisa, Oru Thayin Sabhatham, Samsara Sangeetham, Shanti Enathu Shanti, Pettredutha Pillai, Thiruvalla and Sabash Babu. Silambarasan appeared as a baby in the film Uravai Kaatha Kili held by his father T Rajendar. Main article: Silambarasan filmography 1995–2001
