Ajith returned in 1998 with another big, successful project in Saran's "Kaadhal Mannan", an action romantic comedy, setting the foundation for an expanding fan base. He also began acting in Vasanth's "Nerukku Ner", and was later replaced by Suriya. The following films "Aval Varuvala" and "Unnidathil Ennai Koduthen" also became successes, with the latter featuring Ajith in a guest role. Except for "Uyirodu Uyiraga", which performed poorly, his other three films released in 1998 and six in 1999 were box office hits. Ramesh Khanna's "Thodarum" and Sundar C's romantic drama "Unnaithedi" opposite Malavika set the tone for a series of big successes.