Top Tamil Movies

From Bharathan, starring Kamal Haasan, Shivaji Ganesan, Nassar, Revathi

Thevar Magan is a 1992 Tamil-language family drama film directed by Bharathan and written by P. Kalaimani. The film stars Sivaji Ganesan, Kamal Haasan, Revathi, and Nassar, with Gautami, Nassar, and Vinu Chakravarthy playing supporting roles. The movie tells the story of Sakthivel (Sivaji Ganesan), a respected village leader and head of a large joint family. When his son, Vishwanathan (Kamal Haasan), returns after spending years abroad, Sakthivel is overjoyed. However, Vishwanathan’s modern outlook and views clash with those of his father, which leads to a confrontation between the two. As their differences escalate, it threatens to tear apart the entire family. Thevar Magan is an emotionally charged family drama that explores the clash between tradition and modernity. The film also looks at issues of social injustice, such as caste-based discrimination, and how it affects the lives of people living in rural India.

From Sundar C., starring Kamal Haasan, Madhavan, Kiran Rathod, Nassar
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Anbe Sivam is a 2003 Tamil-language drama film directed by Sundar C. and written by Kamal Haasan. It stars Kamal Haasan and R. Madhavan in the lead roles, with Nassar, Kiran Rathod, and Santhana Bharathi in supporting roles. The film tells the story of a taxi driver named Anbarasu (Kamal Haasan) who meets Nallasivam (Madhavan), a corporate executive and self-proclaimed atheist, during a taxi ride. Anbarasu and Nallasivam foil a terrorist attack on a train, and in the process, Anbarasu is injured and paralyzed. Despite his disability, Anbarasu continues to be a source of inspiration and hope to Nallasivam, and teaches him the value of selfless love and living life to the fullest. The two men eventually become close friends, and Anbarasu's life takes a turn for the better. Anbe Sivam highlights the importance of human relationships, the power of friendship, and the need to look beyond external appearances.

From P.C. Sreeram, starring Kamal Haasan, Arjun Sarja, Nassar, Gautami
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Kuruthipunal is a 1995 Indian Tamil language action thriller film directed by P.C. Sreeram, starring Kamal Haasan and Arjun Sarja in the lead roles. The film follows the story of two police officers, Duraisingam (Kamal Haasan) and his partner (Arjun Sarja), who are assigned to take on a seemingly insurmountable task of stopping a terrorist group from setting off a bomb in the city. The film follows the two officers as they race against time trying to apprehend the perpetrator, while also dealing with their own internal conflicts. The film ends with a thrilling climax as the officers try to stop the bomb in the nick of time. The film is noted for its realistic portrayal of police work, and its portrayal of the difficulties faced by police officers in their line of duty.

From Santhana Bharathi, starring Kamal Haasan, Sukanya, Poornam Vishwanathan, Mahanadhi Shobana

Mahanadi is a 1994 Tamil-language drama directed by Santhana Bharathi. It stars Sarath Kumar, Gouthami and Revathi in the lead roles. The film is based on a true story that revolves around three friends - Sarath, Gouthami and Revathi. Sarath and Gouthami are childhood friends and are also promised to be married. However, when Revathi enters their lives, their friendship is put to the test as they both fall in love with her. The story follows the three friends as they battle obstacles of love, jealousy, and betrayal. It is ultimately a heartwarming story about the strength of friendship and true love in spite of all the difficulties. The movie does not have a conventional happy ending, but rather reflects the reality that sometimes love does not always end happily.

From Vetrimaaran, starring Dinesh, Samuthirakani, Anandhi, Murugadass
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Visaaranai (English title: Interrogation) is a 2015 Indian thriller film written and directed by Vetrimaaran. The movie is based on the novel Lock Up by M. Chandrakumar, who also appears in the film. The film follows the story of four migrant workers (Pandiarajan, Murugadoss, Anand Raj and Kishore), who are falsely accused of a crime they did not commit. They are taken into custody and subjected to police brutality and interrogation techniques, and the story follows their desperate attempts to prove their innocence. The film delves into the gritty world of police brutality and the suffering of the innocent, and is a powerful exploration of the abuse of power and justice within the Indian justice system. It is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities of India's migrant workers, and of the systemic injustice that often plagues the marginalized communities in India. The film won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil at the 63rd National Film Awards. It was also critically acclaimed and won several awards, including the Silver Peacock Award for Best Film at the International Film Festival of India.

From Thiagarajan Kumararaja, starring Sampath Raj, Jackie Shroff, Ravi Krishna, Yasmin Ponnappa
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Aaranya Kaandam is a 2010 Indian crime-drama film directed by Thiagarajan Kumararaja and produced by S. P. B. Charan. It stars Jackie Shroff, Ravi Krishna, Sampath Raj, and Yasmin Ponnappa in the lead roles. The story follows a group of gangsters in Chennai who are trying to navigate their way through a city full of crime and corruption. When a local gangster is murdered, the group is forced to confront the consequences of their actions. As they fight for their lives, the lines between morality, friendship, and loyalty become blurred. The film is set in a single day and follows a non-linear structure, with multiple interweaving storylines that eventually converge. The film is noted for its use of innovative cinematography and editing, which utilizes a range of tracking shots and long takes. Aaranya Kaandam was released to critical acclaim and won several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Director. It is widely considered to be one of the best films of the Tamil cinema and is cited as an example of how a small-budget film can still be innovative and successful.

From Ram, starring Jiiva, Anjali, Karunas, Azhagam Perumal

Kattradhu Thamizh is a 2007 Indian Tamil-language drama film written and directed by Ram. The film stars Jiiva and Prakash Raj in the lead roles. The plot revolves around Anbu (Jiiva), a young man from an underprivileged background who is pushed to make ends meet by his father. After struggling with academia and poverty, he is forced to take up a job as a software engineer with a multinational corporation. When he starts to gain fame and recognition in his new job, he also develops a sense of superiority and starts to turn his back on his roots. This causes a rift between him and his family, especially his father. It is only after a few events that Anbu realizes the importance of family and the value of his culture and heritage. He reconciles with his father and the film ends with Anbu deciding to return to his hometown and pursue a career in his first love, Tamil literature.

From Mani Ratnam, starring Rajinikanth, Mammootty, Shobana, Arvind Swami
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Thalapathi is a 1991 Tamil-language drama film written and directed by Mani Ratnam. The film stars Rajinikanth, Mammootty, Arvind Swamy, and Srividya in the lead roles. Set in Madurai, the story follows a young street thug named Surya (Rajinikanth) and his friend, an educated man named Deva (Arvind Swamy). The two become embroiled in a conflict between two local gangs, and their friendship is put to the test when Surya refuses to sell out his friend. The film explores themes of loyalty, friendship, and betrayal while showcasing some of the socio-political issues of the era. The film was a critical and commercial success, winning several awards and is considered one of the best films in Indian cinema.

From Singeetam Srinivasa Rao, starring Kamal Haasan, Urvashi, Rupini, Kushboo
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Michael Madana Kama Rajan is a 1990 Indian Tamil-language comedy film written and directed by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao. The film stars Kamal Haasan in a dual role, with Urvashi, Rupini, Kushboo and Manorama in supporting roles. The film centers around the four identical quadruplets, each named Michael Rajan, Madhanagopal, Kameshwaran and Raju, who were separated at birth. After being reunited by chance as adults, they must outwit an enemy who wants to harm them. Along the way, they also help their long-lost family members, who had long ago lost contact with each other. The film was a huge commercial success, and is remembered for its witty dialogues, situational comedy, and unique premise. It is widely considered a classic of Tamil cinema.

From K. Selvaraghavan, starring Dhanush, Sneha, Sonia Agarwal, Azhagam Perumal
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Pudhu Pettai is a 2006 Tamil-language drama film directed by K. Selvaraghavan. The film follows the story of Velu (Dhanush), a 17-year-old boy living in a slum in Chennai. Velu dreams of becoming a successful singer, but finds himself entangled in the city's criminal underworld. With the help of his friend Vellai (Kishore), Velu must navigate his way through the dark and dangerous streets in order to protect his family and pursue his dream. Along the way, Velu learns the hard truths of life and is forced to make difficult choices between loyalty and survival. Pudhu Pettai is a powerful and heartfelt story of survival, hope, and redemption.

From Arun Prabhu Purushothaman, starring Aditi Balan, Padmashri Mohammad Ali, Pradeep Anthony, Arnold
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Aruvi is a powerful, award-winning Tamil-language drama film directed by Arun Prabhu Purushothaman. It tells the story of a young woman named Aruvi (Aditi Balan) who is on the run from society after being accused of terrorism. On her journey, she meets several people who help her to come to terms with her past and the choices she has made. Through her experiences, she learns to value her own worth and discovers her true identity. The film also explores broader themes of societal prejudice, gender equality, and the power of friendship. In the end, Aruvi is able to find peace and acceptance within a society that had once rejected her.

From Mani Ratnam, starring Keerthana Parthiepan, Simran, Madhavan, Nandita Das
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Kannathil Muthamittal is a 2002 Indian Tamil-language drama film written, produced, and directed by Mani Ratnam. It stars Madhavan, Simran and P.S. Keerthana in the lead roles. The film tells the story of Amudha, a nine-year-old girl who was adopted as a baby and raised in a middle-class Tamil family in Chennai, India. Amudha’s parents tell her that she was adopted and that her biological mother is a Tamil woman from Sri Lanka. For a long time, Amudha thinks she is just like any other Indian girl. Met with curiosity and a longing for her biological mother, Amudha sets out on a journey to find her mother, embarking on a road trip with her father. Along the way, she meets a variety of people who help her on her quest. Ultimately, she discovers the truth about her mother and her own identity. The film is a heartwarming story of identity, family and love. It is a beautiful and touching tale of a young girl’s quest to understand her own identity and find her true place in the world.

From Mani Ratnam, starring Mohanlal, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Prakash Raj, Gautami

Iruvar is a 1997 Indian Tamil-language political drama film written, produced, and directed by Mani Ratnam. It is loosely based on the lives of former chief ministers of Tamil Nadu, M. G. Ramachandran (MGR) and Karunanidhi, and the relationship between them. It stars Mohanlal and Prakash Raj in the lead roles, with Aishwarya Rai, Revathi, Tabu, and Gautami appearing in supporting roles. The film follows the lives of two close friends, Anandan (Mohanlal) and Tamizhselvan (Prakash Raj), who are involved in the Tamil film industry and politics. Their friendship is tested when they become romantic rivals for the love of Saroja (Aishwarya Rai). The story follows the rise and fall of Anandan, who gets involved in politics and eventually becomes a powerful minister. It also explores the complex relationship between Anandan and Tamizhselvan, their personal and political ambitions, and their attempts to outmaneuver each other. The film ends with a tragic climax where Anandan is killed and Tamizhselvan takes his place as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.

From Mohan Raja, starring Jayam Ravi, Arvind Swami, Nayanthara, Nassar
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Thani Oruvan is a 2015 Indian Tamil-language action thriller directed by Mohan Raja and produced by Kalpathi S. Aghoram. The film stars Jayam Ravi, Arvind Swamy, and Nayanthara in the lead roles. The film follows the story of a police officer, ACP Siddharth Abhimanyu (Jayam Ravi), who is determined to bring down the powerful business tycoon Mahadevan (Arvind Swamy). Mahadevan has grown over-confident due to his political and economic power, and Siddharth decides to take him down. To do so, he seeks the help of Mahadevan's step-brother Mithran (also played by Jayam Ravi), a hacker who is able to infiltrate Mahadevan's computer systems. Over the course of the movie, Siddharth, Mithran, and Mahadevan all engage in a thrilling cat-and-mouse game, with Siddharth and Mithran trying to outwit Mahadevan and bring him to justice. The movie was a critical and commercial success and was praised for its thrilling story, complex character dynamics, and fast-paced action sequences.

From S. Shankar, starring Arjun Sarja, Manisha Koirala, Raghuvaran, Vadivelu
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Mudhalvan (1999) is an Indian Tamil-language action film directed by S. Shankar. The movie stars Arjun Sarja and Manisha Koirala and follows the story of a television journalist, who is appointed by the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu to be the state's first one-day Chief Minister. The journalist, Mudhalvan (Arjun Sarja), is appointed to the post after the Chief Minister believes that Mudhalvan is the only person capable of solving a political crisis. Despite facing harsh opposition from the other politicians, Mudhalvan is determined to fulfill his duty and is successful in his mission. He manages to bring justice, equality and peace to Tamil Nadu, as well as bringing down the government’s corruption. In the process, he also earns the respect of the people of Tamil Nadu. At the end of the movie, Mudhalvan decides to resign from his post and continue his journalism work. The movie ends on a positive note, with the Chief Minister awarding Mudhalvan with a medal of honour for his achievements.

From Kamal Haasan, starring Kamal Haasan, Abhirami, Pasupathy, Napolean
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Virumandi is a 2004 Tamil-language action drama directed by Kamal Haasan and produced by Kamal Haasan and Raaj Kamal Films International. The film stars Kamal Haasan, Abhirami, Napolean, Pasupathy, and Raghuvaran, and tells the story of Virumandi (Kamal Haasan), a village headman whose life is thrown into turmoil when he is arrested for a crime he did not commit. After being taken to prison, Virumandi learns that the real perpetrator of the crime is Kalanjiam (Napolean), and appeals to the court to let him prove his innocence. The court grants Virumandi's request and he sets out to gather evidence to clear his name. Along the way, Virumandi discovers a deep-rooted conspiracy which implicates the powerful and the influential in his village. In the end, Virumandi is triumphant in his fight for justice.

From Jeethu Joseph, starring Kamal Haasan, Gautami, Nivetha Thomas, Esther Anil
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Papanasam is a 2015 Indian thriller drama film directed by Jeethu Joseph and starring Kamal Haasan and Gautami in the lead roles. The film is a remake of the 2013 Malayalam film Drishyam and is about a cable TV network operator, who tries to protect his family from a police officer who has come to his village in search of a missing person. The rest of the story is about how the protagonist comes up with a plan to protect his family from the police officer and his investigations. The film received critical acclaim and was a commercial success at the box office.

From Balaji Sakthivel, starring Sri, Mithun Murali, Urmila Mahanta, Manisha Yadav
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Vazhakku Enn 18/9 is a 2012 Tamil film directed by Balaji Sakthivel. The film tells the story of three teenage boys living in the slums of Chennai who find themselves in a complicated situation after one of them is accused of a crime. The three boys, Gautham, Murugan and Satyam, are close friends and are seen to support each other whenever one is in trouble. However, when Satyam is accused of attacking and robbing a woman, the friends are forced to confront the harsh realities of their life situation. The story follows the boys as they struggle to maintain their friendship and deal with the accusations made against Satyam. The film emphasizes the powerful bond between the three friends and their determination to protect each other despite the consequences they may face.

From Directors: Raju Murugan, Raju Saravanan, starring Guru Somasundaram, Ramya Pandian, Gayathri, Mu Ramaswamy
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Joker is a 2016 Indian Tamil-language comedy-drama film directed by Raju Murugan and Raju Saravanan, starring Guru Somasundaram and Ramya Pandian. The story revolves around a joker (Guru Somasundaram) who is a day labourer in a village near Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. He is known for his witty jokes and his ability to bring out laughter in any situation. He is also known to help others out in times of need. He falls in love with the daughter of a local rich man, but is heartbroken when the girl's family rejects the proposal due to their difference in status. He decides to fight for his love and goes to a nearby city in search of a job. He eventually finds a job, but discovers a dark secret about his employers which leads him to take on a dangerous mission. Along his journey, he faces many obstacles and learns a lot about himself and life.

From Nalan Kumarasamy, starring Vijay Sethupathi, Sanchita Shetty, Radha Ravi, M.S. Bhaskar
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"Soodhu Kavvum" (2013) is a Tamil language Indian comedy crime film directed by Nalan Kumarasamy and starring Vijay Sethupathi, Sanchita Shetty and Simhaa in the lead roles. The film tells the story of two small-time con artists, Das (Vijay Sethupathi) and Kannaiyan (Simhaa). With the help of a talented pickpocket, they con the rich and powerful. However, they soon find themselves in trouble when they target a local politician and his henchmen. The film follows the duo as they try to outsmart their pursuers and make a quick buck. Throughout the movie, the characters are faced with unexpected challenges that force them to think outside the box in order to survive. Despite its serious subject matter, the film is a lighthearted and humorous take on crime that manages to keep viewers entertained from start to finish.

From Bala, starring Vikram, Suriya, Laila, Sangeetha
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Pithamagan is a 2003 Indian Tamil-language drama film written, co-produced and directed by Bala. It stars Vikram, Suriya, and Laila in the lead roles, while Sangeetha, Chithra Lakshmanan, and Sriman play supporting roles. The story revolves around Chithan (Vikram) who was born and brought up in a graveyard and lives with his foster parents. As he grows up, he falls in love with a local girl, Sakthi (Laila), and things start to go wrong. After an unexpected event, Chithan embarks on a journey of self-discovery and this leads him to the company of Sakthi, her brother Nagarajan (Suriya), and a few others. They go on a journey of self-discovery, encountering different challenges along the way. Throughout the film, the characters come to terms with their pasts and try to make sense of the present. They form strong bonds with each other and learn the importance of friendship, loyalty, and understanding. At the end of the journey, Chithan comes to terms with himself and learns to accept life and move on.

From Suresh Krishna, starring Rajinikanth, Nagma, Raghuvaran, Vijay Kumar
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Baasha is a 1995 Tamil-language action drama directed by Suresh Krishna and starring Rajinikanth in the lead role. The story follows Manikkam (Rajinikanth), an auto driver and former gangster, who tries to lead a peaceful life by avoiding any kind of violence. However, his past catches up with him when his brother-in-law, who is part of a rival gang, harasses his sister. Manikkam takes it upon himself to protect his family and ends up facing off against the rival gang in a violent showdown. The film is full of action scenes and remains a favorite of Rajinikanth fans.

From Directors: Gayatri, Pushkar, Gowtham Selvaraj, starring Madhavan, Vijay Sethupathi, Shraddha Srinath, Kathir
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Vikram Vedha is a 2017 Indian Tamil-language neo-noir action thriller film written and directed by Pushkar–Gayathri and produced by S. Sashikanth. The film stars R. Madhavan and Vijay Sethupathi, with Shraddha Srinath, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, and Kathir portraying supporting roles. Vikram Vedha follows the story of an encounter cop Vikram (Madhavan) who is on a mission to bring down Vedha (Sethupathi), a gangster. As Vikram’s pursuit of Vedha increases, the conflict between the two characters intensifies. This leads to Vikram discovering the truth about Vedha, and the story culminates in an unexpected twist. The film received critical acclaim for its narrative style, performances, dialogue, direction and music. It was a commercial success, grossing more than ₹200 crore against a budget of ₹37 crore. The film was remade in Hindi as Saath-Saath in 2019. The film is being remade in Telugu as Veedevadu in 2020.

From Mani Ratnam, starring Madhavan, Shalini, Swarnamalya, V. Natarajan
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Alaipayuthey is a romantic drama film directed by Mani Ratnam and released in 2000. Written by Ratnam, the film stars Madhavan and Shalini in the lead roles. The story follows two people, Karthik and Shakti, during the beginning of their relationship. Karthik is a carefree young man living with his parents, while Shakti is an independent woman who has just moved to the city. Despite their differences, they fall in love and decide to get married. However, their different personalities and individual ambitions cause complications in their relationship, and they must learn to compromise and communicate in order to make it work. As they experience different ups and downs in their relationship, they eventually learn to accept and appreciate each other for who they are. The film was a critical and commercial success and won several awards, including six Filmfare Awards South. It was also remade in Hindi as Saathiya (2002). Alaipayuthey is widely considered to be one of Ratnam's best films and is considered a classic in Tamil cinema.

From S. Shankar, starring Vikram, Sada, Prakash Raj, Vivek
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Anniyan is an Indian Tamil-language psychological thriller film released in 2005. Directed by S. Shankar, the movie follows the story of a law-abiding man named Ambi, whose dual personality disorder causes him to split into three distinct personalities: the timid Ambi, the avenging Anniyan, and the vigilante Remo. When Ambi’s peaceful existence is disrupted by a corrupt government official and a callous society, his alternate personality, Anniyan, begins to exact revenge on the wrongdoers. With the help of Remo, Anniyan takes on the roles of judge, jury, and executioner to the detriment of those who have broken the law. In his mission to cleanse the society, Anniyan faces off with a powerful criminal kingpin and brings his justice to the streets. Filled with thrilling action sequences, psychological explorations, and social commentary, Anniyan is a thought-provoking film that highlights the detrimental effects of a corrupt system and corrupt people.