Vijayaraghavan made his film debut with Kaapaalika , which was based on his father's play of the same name. He appeared in just a couple of scenes in this film. His opening as a full-fledged actor occurred ten years later in Surumayitta Kannukal (1983). However, it was only after he appeared in the 1987 film New Delhi that Vijayaraghavan became a busy star in Malayalam film.
He got a break with his performance in the 1989 hit Ramji Rav Speaking, in which he played the title role of the villain Ramji Rao. In the mid-1990s Vijayaraghavan played the hero in a number of low-budget Malayalam movies. The biggest hit of his career was Desadanam, directed by Jayaraj. He appeared in a few movies as second hero with Suresh Gopi in the lead role, including the hit Commissioner. He also played notable roles in movies such as Ekalavyan, Mafia and King. In 1995, he reprised his role as the character Ramji Rao in Mannar Mathai Speaking.
Vijayaraghavan is the son of veteran actor N.N.Pillai. He is married to Suma and is having 2 sons.Elder son Jinadevan is currently doing business and is married to Rakhi.The couple is having a son Adrath.Younger son Devadevan is in film industry.