Devayani's rise to stardom is often associated with the late 1990s, a period when she delivered over 50 films, many of which were major blockbusters. Her breakthrough came with the 1996 epistolary hit , which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil and established her as a premier leading lady. Key cinematic milestones include:
: The show ran for 1,533 episodes until 2009, becoming one of the most watched and culturally significant serials in Tamil history.
: In 2024, she made a significant transition to filmmaking by directing the short film Kaikuttai Rani , which won Best Children's Short Film at the Jaipur International Film Festival. Legacy in Popular Media
While many stars fade after their peak in cinema, Devayani redefined her career by transitioning to television. In 2003, she took on the role of in the Sun TV mega-serial Kolangal .
: Playing Chellamal Bharathi, the wife of poet Subramaniya Bharathi, she demonstrated her ability to handle complex biographical roles, winning another State Award.
: She has served as a judge on popular talent shows like Ugram Ujwalam and Jodi Number One , maintaining a consistent connection with modern audiences.
: This critically acclaimed romantic drama won her the ITFA Best Supporting Actress Award, further proving her versatility beyond lead roles. Transition to Television: The "Kolangal" Phenomenon
: Her portrayal of Nandhini earned her the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actress and remains a cornerstone of Tamil pop culture.