His 99th film was Dravidan and his 100th film was Vaathiyaar Veettu Pillai, but the latter fared better at the box office. After 1988, he had very few unsuccessful film such as Jeeva, Madurai Veeran Enga Saami, Pangali, Magudam and Kattalai in this period as he became selective of choosing his roles as main lead hero. In the 90s, he attempted more films of comedy and action genres and occasionally did romantic films. Many of them were commercially successful, such as Velai Kidaichuduchu, Airport, Veera Padakam, Nadigan, Pudhu Manithan, Rickshaw Mama, Walter Vetrivel, Thai Maaman and Azhagarsamy. Sathyaraj played a dual role as father and son in the box office hit Amaidhi Padai, which is considered among his best performances. With regard to the film, he has stated: "I have no words for that film, as it took me to the next level as an actor". He also said that he almost did not sign up for the film as it was a negative character and he had moved away from negative roles and "gained some respectability" with films such as Poovizhi Vaasalile, Vedham Pudhidhu and Walter Vetrivel. After Thai Maaman became successful in 1994, the same team of Sathyaraj and Director Guru Dhanapal decided to do their next venture Maaman Magal in 1995, which was also a moderate hit. He directed his first film in 1995 Villadhi Villain, which had him in three distinct roles and it was a successful project.