In 2020, he appeared in Mysskin's Psycho which is a dive into the psyche of a serial killer. The next project was the drama Nimir (2018), a remake of Malayalam film Maheshinte Prathikaaram directed by Priyadarshan then following the romantic drama, Kanne Kalaimaane. Stalin has delivered a decent performance with his share of subtleness. In 2017, he has worked in the comedy entertainer Saravanan Irukka Bayamaen from director Ezhil, followed by Podhuvaga Emmanasu Thangam and action thriller, Ippadai Vellum. He worked on Gethu (2016), with Amy Jackson and then performed in the courtroom drama Manithan (2016), with Hansika Motwani, a remake of the Hindi film Jolly LLB. The success of Oru Kal Oru Kannadi prompted Stalin to continue acting and he appeared in Idhu Kathirvelan Kadhal (2014) and Nanbenda (2015), both films featuring him opposite Nayanthara. Stalin won the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut for his performance. He scored well in his debut supported Santhanam well in the film", while added: "Udhay's debut is promising and hats off to him to underplay his role". noted: "Udhay's portrayal of Saravanan is neat and enjoyable.
Stalin received positive reviews for his performance of an unemployed youth. Rajesh's romantic comedy Oru Kal Oru Kannadi (2012), co-starring with Hansika Motwani and Santhanam. In 2012, he debuted as a lead actor in M. Udhayanidhi at the 60th South Filmfare Awards in 2013 Rajesh's Boss Engira Bhaskaran and Prabhu Solomon's Mynaa. He produced AR Murugadoss's science fiction film 7aum Arivu (2011), while also working as a distributor, achieving success through his four 2010 releases: Gautham Vasudev Menon's Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa, A.
Ravikumar, Aadhavan (2009) and Manmadan Ambu (2010). He also produced two films directed by K. Udhayanidhi's first film as a producer with Red Giant Movies was Kuruvi (2008), starring Vijay and Trisha. His cousins Arulnithi and Dayanidhi Azhagiri are an actor and producer, respectively. Several of his relatives have been actively involved in politics and Tamil cinema since the 1950s. He attended Don Bosco school and has a degree in Visual Communications from Loyola College in Chennai. Stalin, current Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, and the grandson of former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu M.