The Story Behind Varun Chakravarthy's Tattoo: Cinema, Struggle, and Spin
Varun Chakravarthy’s left forearm tattoo features the poster artwork of Thalapathy Vijay’s 2013 film Thalaivaa. It went viral during IPL 2020, leading to a real-life meeting with the superstar. The ink represents his massive fandom and mirrors his own rise from earning ₹600 a day as a film extra to becoming the ICC World No. 1 T20I bowler in 2025.
I clearly remember the 2020 IPL season in the UAE. Kolkata Knight Riders posted a routine practice photo of a then-rookie mystery spinner, and the internet completely lost its mind. Fans zoomed in on his left arm, spotting a familiar silhouette.
Fast forward to 2026. Varun Chakravarthy isn’t just an IPL sensation anymore. He’s a 2025 Champions Trophy winner and the highest-rated Indian T20I bowler in history. But that famous ink still holds the key to understanding his unique mindset. Let’s break down the actual story behind the tattoo.
What is the meaning behind Varun Chakravarthy’s tattoo?
The tattoo on Varun Chakravarthy’s left arm is a direct tribute to Tamil cinema superstar Thalapathy Vijay. Specifically, it features the logo and poster artwork from Vijay’s 2013 hit movie, Thalaivaa. For the mystery spinner, this ink symbolizes leadership, personal power, and his deep-rooted love for South Indian film culture.
I find it fascinating how a single piece of body art connects to a player’s core identity. Chakravarthy didn’t just get a generic cricket ball tattooed. He chose an image that represents a leader rising to protect his community.
This makes total sense when you look at his background. He wasn’t bred in a traditional cricket academy from age five. He studied architecture at SRM University and worked a corporate job making around ₹14,000 a month. He quit at 25 to chase a crazy dream. He needed that “Thalaivaa” energy.
Where is the Varun Chakravarthy tattoo located?
Varun Chakravarthy’s famous Thalapathy Vijay tattoo is prominently placed on his left forearm. Fans first spotted the intricate ink during the 2020 Indian Premier League season while he was wearing a short-sleeved Kolkata Knight Riders practice jersey in the United Arab Emirates.
Because he bowls right-handed, the left-arm placement means the tattoo is highly visible when he’s loading up his bowling action or celebrating a wicket. During the 2025 Asia Cup—where he went viral for celebrating India’s win by posing with a coffee mug instead of the trophy—the ink was proudly on display.
Did Varun Chakravarthy meet Thalapathy Vijay?
Yes, Varun Chakravarthy met his idol Thalapathy Vijay in person on November 17, 2020, at the actor’s office in Chennai. Following a request from the cricketer’s team, the two shared a viral fist-bump photo, which Chakravarthy captioned with popular lyrics from Vijay’s movie, Master.
The meeting happened right after Chakravarthy earned his first call-up to the Indian T20I squad for the Australia tour. Though an injury forced him to withdraw from that specific series, meeting his cinematic hero softened the blow. He quoted the song “Vaathi Raid” in his tweet: “Ulla vandha powera-di, anna yaaru? Thalapathy”.
How does the Thalaivaa tattoo connect to his cricket journey?
The Thalaivaa tattoo perfectly mirrors Chakravarthy’s unconventional rise from a struggling architect to the world’s top-ranked T20I bowler in 2025. The film’s core theme of stepping up to lead resonates deeply with his bold decision to quit his corporate job at twenty-five to pursue professional cricket full-time.
It’s easy to forget how hard his path really was. Before signing an ₹8.4 crore IPL contract, he actually worked as a junior artist in the 2014 Tamil movie Jeeva. His daily wage? A mere ₹600.
Career Phase | Income / Role | Major Milestone |
Architecture | ₹14,000 – ₹18,000 / month | Designed residential homes; thesis on stadium design |
Film Industry | ₹600 / day | Junior artist in Suseenthiran’s Tamil film Jeeva |
Domestic Cricket | Unpaid / Local Leagues | Switched to mystery spin after a 2017 knee injury |
Professional Cricket | ₹8.4 Crore (PBKS, 2019) | Reached ICC World No. 1 (818 pts) in Dec 2025 |
The Film Script Waiting to Happen
His connection to cinema doesn’t end with a tattoo. In an interview with Ravichandran Ashwin on Kutti Stories with Ash, Chakravarthy revealed he has already written three fully-bound movie scripts.
One of those scripts is specifically written for Vijay. He hopes to direct the superstar if he ever returns to cinema from politics.
He calls himself an introvert. His wife, Neha Khedekar, supported him financially when he first quit his job, telling him, “Play cricket, earn 5-6K. I’m earning 50K. We’ll manage.” Now, he’s taking five-wicket hauls in the Champions Trophy and holding an ICC No. 1 ranking.
If you ask me, Chakravarthy doesn’t just wear his cinematic inspirations on his sleeve. He’s actively living out a script that Hollywood—or Kollywood—would reject for being too unbelievable.
Frequently Asked Questions
I can confirm the tattoo on Varun Chakravarthy’s left arm is a direct tribute to South Indian cinema superstar Thalapathy Vijay Fans correctly speculated its identity when Kolkata Knight Riders posted a practice photo in 2020, showcasing his massive fandom for the actor
You’ll spot the famous Thalapathy Vijay tribute prominently placed on Varun Chakravarthy’s left hand and forearm. Because he bowls right-handed, this left-arm placement keeps the Thalaivaa poster artwork highly visible whenever he’s loading up his mystery spin or celebrating a crucial wicket on the field.
Yes, it absolutely did. After the ink went viral, Vijay’s team arranged a meeting at the actor’s Chennai office on November 17, 2020. The two shared a famous fist-bump photo, which Varun proudly captioned with lyrics from Vijay’s movie Master to celebrate the moment.
Why Varun’s Ink Matters to Every Tattoo Collector
At its core, Varun Chakravarthy’s forearm piece isn’t just “fan art”—it’s a masterclass in narrative tattooing. For any enthusiast walking into a studio, Varun’s journey offers a powerful reminder: the best tattoos aren’t just aesthetically pleasing; they are anchors to a specific moment of transition.
While most athletes opt for the standard lions, compasses, or Roman numerals, Varun chose a silhouette that reminded him of his own resilience during his ₹600-a-day “extra” years. It’s a testament to the idea that your ink should speak your truth, even if that truth is a deep-cut cinematic reference that only a few will truly understand.
Thinking of your next piece?
Varun’s story proves that a well-chosen tattoo can be more than skin deep—it can be a roadmap to your future. Whether you’re an architect, an artist, or a world-class athlete, your ink is the one part of your story you get to carry with you forever.
What’s the “Thalaivaa” moment in your life that deserves to be immortalized?
