Vijay's films often feature romantic storylines, which have become an integral part of his on-screen persona. Some of his most notable romantic films include:

| Aspect | Real Life (Sangeetha) | On-Screen (Heroines) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Extremely private, traditional | Public, dramatic, musical | | Conflict | Handled internally | Involves villains, families, and fights | | Chemistry | Subtle, supportive | Loud, poetic, physical (dance) | | Outcome | 24+ years of marriage | Usually marriage or sacrifice |

This era solidified Vijay as the dream lover for a generation. The storylines shifted to mix romance with comedy and family sentiment.

Some of Vijay's most notable on-screen pairings include:

This film offered a mature look at relationships. Vijay plays a widower who falls in love again. Dealing with the ghost of a previous marriage while courting a new woman (Simran) was a complex storyline for a commercial hero. It showcased Vijay’s ability to handle emotional restraint.

In conclusion, Vijay's on-screen relationships and romantic storylines have been a key aspect of his success in the Tamil film industry. With a career spanning over three decades, he continues to entertain audiences with his captivating performances, and his legacy as the "King of Romance" remains unchallenged.

As Vijay graduated to bigger budgets and "mass" appeal, his romantic storylines didn't disappear; they just got louder. The shyness was replaced by swagger, but the emotional core remained.