List of top Tamil-language films

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Popular Tamil films (in reverse chronological order) claim is made that these are the best Tamil films , though many of fans' all-time favorites will be found on this list. However, the non-Indian explorer of Tamil cinema industry will learn a fair bit about Tamil film history and conventions by watching these films. The list is biased towards recent films, but this may be an advantage for some users of the list, as the recent films are more likely to be found in video rental stores. Submissions of notable older films are invited.

When box office data is available, the list gives the top-grossing films of the year, or decade. There are also lists of the critically-acclaimed films, as determined by combining lists from the film review sites (Galatta, Behindwoods and Sify) linked below.

The capsule reviews are written in the usual brief television-film-schedule style. More complete reviews, lists of stars and director, &c., can be found by clicking on links to films that have their own pages.

Contents

[edit] 2000 Onwards

[edit] 2007

[edit] Top grossers of 2007

  • Sivaji:_The_Boss: (Tamil: சிவாஜி) Is a forthcoming magnum opus Tamil film, directed by S. Shankar. It stars Rajnikanth, Shriya Saran, Prakash Raj, Vivek and Suman and includes Mallika Sherawat, Nayantara, director Shankar himself and Raghuvaran in guest roles. This is said to be Indian Cinema's most expensive movie. The budget is at approximately Rs.42 crores. Music score is scored by A.R.Rahman.
  • Paruthi Veeran: This is a Realistic Violent village drama directed by Ameer. It stars Priyamani, Saravanan and newcomer Karthik in the lead roles. This film is a violent depiction of a village rowdy's life. This film has taken the biggest opening this year 2007. No one will believe that this is karthick's first film. He made an incredible performance suppressing his brother suriya's acting.

[edit] Critically Acclaimed Films

  • Mozhi: This is a film directed by Radhamohan. It stars Superstar Jyothika in the lead role. The story revolves around her. It is about a deaf and dumb woman who is respected as a Great Person in the society. It also stars Swarnamalya, Prithivi Raj and Prakash Raj in supporting roles. This film is critically acclaimed especially the performance of Jyothika is praised.

[edit] 2006

[edit] Top grossers of 2006

  • Imsai Arasan 23am Pulikesi: This is a big-budget Tamil film directed by newcomer Chimbudeven. The film stars veteran comedian Vadivelu, Tejashree and Monica in the lead roles with Manorama and Nagesh in critical roles. The film's score and soundtrack are composed by Sabesh-Murali. It is a laugh riot and been labelled a hysterical historical. This is a movie directed by Chimbudeven and produced by S Pictures.
  • Thambi: This is a movie about a man who wants to put an end to rowdysm. Directed by Seeman it stars Madhavan and Pooja in the lead roles. The film played for 130 days.
  • Rendu: Madhavan plays his first double role in the film. Directed by Sundar C it stars Madhavan, Reema Sen and Anushka Shetty in the lead roles. The film has become a blockbuster upon release.

[edit] Critically Acclaimed Films

  • Em Mahan: Though embarking on an average start releasing along the much hyped Sillunu Oru Kaadhal, debutant director Thirumurugan's family entertainer turned out to be a success at the box office. The film starred Bharath and Gopika in lead roles
  • Chithiram Pesuthadi: Chithiram Pesuthadi, a film made with basically no huge stars, i.e. Narain and Bhavana turned out to be a smash hit at the box office due to its unique plot, presentation and the highly successful song, Vazha Meenu.

[edit] 2005


  • Chandramukhi: The movie reportedly collected INR 105 Crores, and remains one of the Highest grossers ever. Stars Rajnikanth, Nayanthara, Jyothika, Malavika, Vineeth, Sonu Sood and Prabhu, directed by P.Vasu. The movie tells the tale of a spirit who is desperate to take revenge on her killer. The film is still playing in theatres even after 600 days after its release. [1].The film was the Highest grossing Indian movie in 2005.Had a successful 100 day run in SouthAfrica (1st Indian movie to complete 100days) and Srilanka. The film enjoyed 100 days run in Andhra Pradesh and was featured in IIFA. It is a remake of the Malayalam blockbuster, Manichitrathazhu.

[edit] Critically acclaimed films

  • February14: This is Romantic comedy entertainer. - Directed by S.P.Hosimin (Shankar's Associate and the film ran for 100days in metros.This movie is india's first live action animation movie.]].
  • Raam: A thriller of who-dun-it genre starring Jeeva and Gajala. This film also won best actor for Jeeva at an International Festival.

[edit] 2004

  • New: The blockbuster SJ Suryah movie who directed it and also the hero. It also stars Simran, Kiran Rathod and Devayani. A.R.Rahman songs became huge hits and the film had the greatest opening in many years. But the film though commercially successful was banned by The Chennai High Court after a year of its release and after it had met with huge commercial success. The film is about a 8 year old boy on drinking a scientist's medicine becomes a young man but with the same mental capacity. The film is loosely based on the English movie Big.
  • Chellamae: This is a blockbuster Action Thriller directed by Gandhi Krishna and stars Vishal and Reema Sen in the lead role. The movie also stars Bharath, Vivek and Girish Karnad in supporting roles. The film is about the mad love of a 16 year old boy for a 22 year old married friend of his. The movie played for 150 days.
  • Ghilli: A remake of the Tollywood super hit Okkadu, director Dharani brought Vijay and Trisha together for this fast-paced family audience entertainer. The film ran for more than 200 days in metros.

For a bird's eye view of the top films in 2004, see [2]

[edit] Critically-acclaimed films

  • Virumaandi: This film is directed and acted by Kamal Haasan and also stars Abirami, Napolean, Pasupathy. It is a critically acclaimed film which is a violent village drama. It won the Best Asian Film Award of the year.

[edit] 2003

  • Thiruda Thirudi: This surprise hit of 2003 ran for 100 days and was directed by newcomer Subramania Siva and stars Chaya Singh and Dhanush. The songs composed by Dhina were huge hits and was one of the reasons for the film's success.
  • Saamy: This movie played for 125 days. Vikram and Trisha are a married couple who fall in love when Vikram moves branch from Chennai to Tirunelveli. Vikram plays a cop for the first time.
  • Kaaka Kaaka: A hard-core all out action film with Surya, Jeevan and Jyothika. The movie follows the story of a cop who hunts down a gangleader who is trying to wipe out the police force in Tamil Nadu.
  • Dhool: Another Vikram movie that ran over 200 days, Vikram, a villager, who comes to chennai for his village affairs meets local rowdies and gets in a situation to destroy them. Also stars Jyothika and Reema Sen.
  • [Thirumalai]:vijay(actor)ran more than 150 days.another highlight of this movie is vidyasagar's peppy songs.

For an analysis of top films of 2003, see [3].

[edit] Critically acclaimed films

  • Pithamagan: A story from Bala after the successes of Sethu and Nanda which starred Vikram and Surya in respectively. Both actors came together with Laila, Simran and Sangeetha for a grizzly tale in which Vikram plays a speechless undertaker. This performance fetched Vikram the National Award.
  • Anbe Sivam: An emotional comedy starring 'Universal Hero' Kamal Haasan, Madhavan and Kiran Rathod. Kamal plays a crippled who Madhavan suspects of being a terrorist and eventually they become blood buddies.
  • Iyarkai: The film which won the Best Regional Film Award and the National Award from the President is about triangle love set against the backdrop of coastal harbour stars Seema Biswas, Kutti Radhika, Shaam and Arun Kumar in a guest role.
  • Boys: An urban tale about five boys and their adolescent lives. Starring Siddharth, Genelia, Bharath and others. The film attrated protests from women's orgnisations for its graphic portrayal of nudity and vulgar dialogues against mature women.

[edit] 2002

  • Villain an award-winning action film with two roles by Ajiths, Kiran Rathod and Meena about disabality and helping sufferers of it. Played for astonishing 329 days.
  • Run: The biggest blockbuster of 2002 ran for 100 days. Directed by Lingwusamy and stars Madhavan, Meera Jasmine, Atul Kulkarni and Vivek. It is about the victory of love set against the backdrop of Chennai city. This is a good Action oriented family entertainer.
  • Gemini: A masala movie with Vikram rescuing people from the don, Seena. Played for 100 days. Also starred Kiran Rathod

For a round-up of top movies in 2002, see [4]

[edit] Critically acclaimed films

  • Red: an action film with foot-tapping music starring Ajith and Priya Gill. The punch word Adhu became popular in mainstream Tamil society after this film.

[edit] 2001

  • Friends played for 200 days.
  • 'Poovellam Un Vasam 147 days
  • Citizen: An action film starring Ajith in dual roles. The award-winning film tells the vendetta of a young boy against the corrupt bureaucracy which wiped out his entire village from the map of India. It played for 156 days.
  • Dheena and Minnale played for 175 days each.

For a round-up of top movies in 2001, see [5]

[edit] 2000

[edit] 1990s

  • 1990 - Michael Madhana Kamarajan played for 175 days; Keladi Kanmani 206 days
  • 1991 - Nanbargal played for 141 days; Gopura Vaasaliley 150 days; Aatha Un Koyililey, Idhayam, Thalapathi and En Rasavin Manasiley 175 days each; Dharmadurai 186 days; Captain Prabhakaran 205 days; Sinna Thambi 229 days
  • 1992 - Sundara Kaandam played for 150 days; Annamalai, Thevar Magan, Mannan, Vaanamey Ellai and Sembaruthi 175 days each
  • 1993 - Gentlemen 100 days, Amaravathi 111 days; Aranmanai Kili, Ejamaan and Kizhakku Seemaiyiley played for 175 days each, Uzhaippali, valli 100 days each
  • 1994 - Kadhalan, Rasigan and Pavithra 100 days; Veera played for 150 days each; Amaidhi Padai, Magalir Mattum and Naataamai 175 days each
  • 1995 - Bombay and Badsha played for 175 days each; Aasai 219 days, Muthu 185 days. Badsha played 365 days in one city.
  • 1996 - Poove Unakkaga 319 days, Maanbumigu Maanavan 147 days; Amman Koyil Vaasaliley, Kadhal Desam, Kaalam Maari Pochu, Sundara Purushan, Parambarai, Vaanmathi, Indian and Avvai Shanmugi played for 175 days each; Ullathai Alli Thaa; Kadhal Kottai 282 days
  • 1997 - Ullasam 110 days; Kadhalukku Mariyadhai 119 days, Sooriya Vamsam played for 150 days each; Ettu Patti Raasa 175 days; Minsara Kanavu, Arunachalam, Kaalamellam Kadhal Vaazhga 200 days. Iruvar was the critically acclaimed film
  • 1998 - Jeans 200 days, Kadhal Mannan 156 days; Aval Varuvala 182 days, Unnidathil Ennai Koduthen played for 200 days
  • 1999 - Unnai Thedi 100 days; Mudhalvan played for 125 days; Jodi 175 days; Amarkalam played for 182 days; Padayappa 200 days; Vaali 291 days

[edit] 1980s

  • 1980 - Avan Aval Adhu played for 154 days; Billa 175 days; Nenjathai Killadhey 364 days; Oru Thalai Raagam 365 days
  • 1981 - Kudumbam Oru Kadhambam played for 127 days; Andha 7 Naatkal, Meendum Kokila, Mouna Geedhangal and Rayil Payanangalil 175 days each; Alaigal Oyvadhillai 180 days; Kilinjalgal 210 days
  • 1982 - Thooral Ninnu Pochu played for 114 days; Vaalibamey Vaa 131 days; Darling! Darling! Darling! and Pokkiri Raja 148 days each; Moondru Mugam 150 days; Theerpugal Thiruthappadalam 175 days; Sagalakala Vallavan 176 days; Vaazhvey Maayam 200 days; Kozhi Koovudhu 202 days; Gopurangal Saayvadhillai 205 days; Moondram Pirai 329 days; Payanangal Mudivadhillai 526 days
  • 1983 - Oru Pullanguzhal Aduppoodhugiradhu played for 112 days; Paayum Puli 133 days; Needhibadhi 141 days; Uyirullavarai Usha and Sandhippu 175 days each; Mundhaanai Mudichu 201 days; Malaiyoor Mambattiyaan 204 days; Thoongadhey Thambi Thoongadhey 263 days; Manvaasanai 286 days
  • 1984 - Nallavanukku Nallavan played for 152 days; Vidhi 175 days
  • 1985 - Kaaki Sattai played for 126 days; Pournami Alaigal 130 days; Udhaya Geedham 153 days; Padikkadhavan and Poovey Poochoodavaa 175 days each; Mudhal Mariyadhai 177 days; Aan Paavam 210 days; Thendraley Ennai Thodu 240 days; Sindhu Bairavi 284 days
  • 1986 - Punnagai Mannan played for 106 days; Saadhanai 125 days; Amman Koyil Kizhakkaley, Maidhili Ennai Kadhali, Mouna Raagam and Samsaram Adhu Minsaram 175 days each,Mr. Bharath and Maaveeran 100 days each
  • 1987 - Vanna Kanavugal played for 104 days; Thirumadhi Oru Vegumadhi 125 days; Sankar Guru 127 days; Velaikaaran 131 days; Nayagan, Manidhan and Ninaivey Oru Sangeedham 175 days each
  • 1988 - Idhu Namma Aalu and Guru Sishyan played for 175 days each; Agni Natchathiram 200 days; Sendhoora Poovey 205 days; En Thangai Kalyani 210 days
  • 1989 - Paandi Naatu Thangam played for 162 days; Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal, Rajadhi Raja and Raja Sinna Roja 175 days each; Pudhiya Paadhai 197 days; Aboorva Sagodharargal 200 days; Karagattakaaran 366 days, Maappillai 175 days

[edit] 1970s

  • 1970 - Maattukkaara Velan played for 175 days
  • 1971 - Rickshawkaaran played for 140 days and Aadhi Baraasakthi 175 days
  • 1972 - Pattikada Pattanama played for 189 days; Idhaya Veenai, Needhi and Dheivam 217 days each and Vasantha Maaligai 287 days
  • 1973 - Arangetram, Ulagam Sutrum Vaaliban, Sooriyagandhi, Baaratha Vilas, Petha Manam Pithu and Raja Raja Chozhan played for 217 days each
  • 1974 - Aval Oru Thodarkadhai played for 140 days, Urimai Kural 175 days and Thanga Padhakkam 182 days
  • 1976 - Bathrakaali played for 175 days and Annakkili 196 days
  • 1977 - Theebam played for 135 days, 16 Vayadhinile 175 days and Aattukara Alamelu 212 days
  • 1978 - Ilamai Oonjaladugiradhu, Sigappu Rojakkal, Thyagam and Priya played for 175 days each and Kizhakkey Pogum Rayil 364 days
  • 1979 - Pasi played for 112 days; Annai Or Aalayam 126 days; Kalyanaraman 140 days; Niram Maaradha Pookkal 154 days; Udhiri Pookkal 175 days; Thirisoolam and Azhiyadha Kolangal 200 days each; and Kanniparuvathiley 224 days

[edit] 1960s

  • 1960 - Irumbu Thirai played for 175 days
  • 1961 - Paasamalar and Paavamannippu played for 175 days each
  • 1964 - Kadhalikka Neramillai played for 175 days
  • 1965 - Enga Veettu Pillai played for 175 days and Thiruvilaiyaadal 182 days
  • 1966 - Anbe Vaa played for 147 days
  • 1967 - Naan played for 175 days
  • 1969 - Adimai Pen played for 175 days

[edit] 1950s

  • 1954 - Antha Naal - A murder mystery with a narrative structure that mirrors Akira Kurosawa's Rashomon. It is considered the first Tamil film without songs, and it stars Sivaji Ganesan.
  • 1959 - Baagappirivinai played for 217 days

[edit] 1940s

  • 1944 - Haridas played for 768 days

[edit] 1930s

  • 1931 - Kalidas was the first full-length motion picture

[edit] See also

List of films by region and country
North America

United States of America  •   Canada

Latin America

Argentina  •  Brazil  •  Caribbean  •   Colombia  •  Cuba  •  Mexico  •  Peru  •  Puerto Rico

Europe

Albania   •  Austria  •  Belgium  •  Bulgaria  •  Croatia  •  Czech Republic  •  Czechoslovakia  •  Denmark  •  Estonia  •  Faroe Islands  •  Finland  •  France  •  Germany  •  Greece  •  Hungary  •  Iceland  •  Ireland  •  Italy  •  Luxembourg  •  Montenegro  •   Netherlands  •  Norway  •  Poland  •  Portugal  •  Romania  •  Russia  •  Serbia  •  Soviet Union  •  Spain  •  Sweden  •  Switzerland  •  Ukraine  •  U.K.  •  Yugoslavia

Asia

Bangladesh  •   Cambodia  •   China  •   Egypt  •  Hong Kong  •   Indonesia  •   Iran  •   Israel  •   Japan   •  Korea  •   Malaysia  •  Myanmar  • Nepal  •  Pakistan  •   Philippines  •  Singapore  •  Sri Lanka  •   Taiwan     Thailand  •   Turkey  •   Vietnam    

India :  Assam  /  Bengali  /  Bollywood  /  Karnataka  /  Kollywood (Tamil)  /  Malayalam  /  Tollywood (Telugu)

Australia and Oceania

Australia  •  New Zealand

Africa

Burkina Faso  •  Nigeria  •  South Africa