Virugambakkam is one of the important localities of Chennai and owes its growth to the expansion of the city in the post-independence period.

Prior to the establishment of residential colonies, Virugambakkam was a village covered by paddy fields, mango orchards and casuarina trees.

Buses running through Arcot Road link Virugambakkam with the more inner suburbs of Chennai city.

The growth of Virugambakkam accompanied the expansion of Madras city during the years preceding independence.

In 1948, the first movie studios made their appearance when Avichi Meiyappa Chettiar shifted his base from Karaikudi.

Aranganathan, a 32-year-old employee with the Indian Postal Service immolated himself in protest against the imposition of Hindi.

the meeting has been held in front of Arignar Anna, Karunanithi, M.G Ramachandran and some leaders in Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.

During those times, the outlying suburbs of the city alongside Arcot Road had a reputation for insecurity and as the haunt of sex.

[clarification needed][8] Until the early 1970s, the suburb of Kodambakkam formed the western frontier of Madras city.

[8] The good quality of ground water available in the Arcot Road suburbs was an important reason for the region's growth.

[10][11] The canal runs for about 6 kilometres through the suburbs of Choolaimedu, Arumbakkam and Vadapalani before entering Virugambakkam.

Virugambakkam extends alongside Arcot Road adjacent to Saligrammam in the east, Valasaravakkam in the west, Koyambedu in the north and KK Nagar in the south.

Virugambakkam also has a number of hospitals which along with the schools and departmental stores cater to the needs of the residential colonies.

[15][16] The mall has a five screen multiplex with a capacity of 1,300 seats called INOX-National operated by INOX Leisure.