TAMIL MOVIES YOU MUST WATCH
In the vast expanse of Indian cinema, Tamil cinema really holds a special place, revered for its rich storytelling, captivating performances, and soul-stirring music. In Tamil Nadu, Cinema is a Religion. People celebrate Cinema over here. With decades of legacy, Tamil cinema has gifted cinephiles with timeless classics and groundbreaking contemporary films. As a seasoned movie enthusiast with a decade of exploration in cinema, I am delighted to present a meticulously curated list of the Top 10 Must-Watch Tamil Movies that every cinephile should experience. I made the list in Random order
1.Nayagan :
Nayagan is a Cult classic Tamil Movie directed by the legendary filmmaker Mani Ratnam. The movie revolves around the City of Bombay and a boy who transformed into a rebel then Don of the Dharavi slum. Kamal Hasan is the Nayagan(hero) of the movie, where he played a career-defining role, which won him the National Award for Best Actor. The fantastic set work of Thota Tharani(Art Director) takes us to Dharavi, Mumbai. Ilayaraja did his magic in the music with the greatest songs, and Thenpaandi Cheemayile is one of my top favourite Tamil songs.
OTT Platform : You can watch Nayagan on Amazon Prime with Subscription
2. 96
96 is one of my top Favourite Tamil movies. Directed by debutant Prem Kumar. 96 is not just a movie it is a soulful poetic drama starring Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha in the lead roles. The story is simple, but the way it is written, the way it is shot, the way Ram sees Jannu will squeeze your heart out. The songs and BGM in this movie were done by Govind Vasantha, which are purely amazing. The director himself is the cinematographer who made every frame poetic. No Fights, No commercial Comedy, No Intimate scenes, No dance, ONLY LOVE. This made 96 the most Beautiful movie ever made in Tamil Cinema.
OTT Platform : 96 is available on Sun NXT, Sony LIV
3. Super Deluxe
Thiagarajan Kumararaja’s Super Deluxe is easily one of the Cult classic Tamil movies ever made. Here, the couple attempts to dispose a dead body; the Son Finds his mother’s other side; a religious guy begins to have questions about his God; a little kid is surprised when he sees his estranged father. So this movie has Four different stories written by Four writers. If you are a Filmmaker or Movie Buff, this movie is really a treat for you with Excellent Screenplay and highly innovative Camera angles, every shot is filled with Colours and looks like a painting. Kumaraja spoke about many social stigmas in this movie, like UFOs, Spiritual Belief, Sex Change, Youth exploitation, and reality etc., Super Deluxe is a little lengthy and Raw, so it may seem a little slow but believe me, This is one of the Must Watch Tamil Movie.
OTT Platform : Super Deluxe is available on Netflix
4. Thevar Magan
Thevar Magan is undoubtedly a timeless classic of Tamil Cinema, which revolves around the themes of family, Tradition and societal conflict with unbeaten depth and authenticity. Bharathan directs this Movie with a star cast like Sivaji Ganesan, Kamal Haasan, Vadivelu,Nasser, Revathi in Pivotal Roles, and Music By Ilayaraja. This Movie won 5 national awards: Best Feature Film-Kamal Hasan, Best Supporting Actress- Revathi, Special Jury Award – Shivaji Ganesan, Best Audiography- N.Pandu Rangan, Best Playback Singer- S Janaki.
5. Aayirathil Oruvan
Aayirathil Oruvan, written and directed by Selvaraghavan, is a Cinematic Marvel that seamlessly blends the elements of History, Fantasy, and Adventure. Anitha, a government official, sets out to discover Chandramouli, an archaeologist who travelled to Vietnam to investigate the presence of the Chola dynasty’s prince. This Movie has breathtaking Visuals, a gripping screenplay and excellent Music by G.V. Prakash. Aayirathil Oruvan is one the Unsung Tamil Movie in the History of Indian Cinema.
OTT Platform : Sun NXT
6. Anbe Sivam:
“Anbe Sivam” is directed by Sundar C and is an impactful tale of friendship. Starring Kamal Haasan and R. Madhavan in lead roles, the film explores themes of atheism, humanism, and social activism with unmatched depth and sensitivity. With its thought-provoking narrative and stellar performances, “Anbe Sivam” is a shining example of Tamil movie/cinema’s narrative and screenplay. Technically,editing is not up to the mark, and as the screenplay is too good, the cinematography has much scope but fails to uplift the scene’s beauty. Anbae Shivam is the Diretor’s best and this is definitely an experience of a lifetime with the great saying: LOVE IS GOD.
OTT Platform : Anbae Shivam is in Amazon prime
7. Ponniyin Selvan
In Tamil cinema, a stir of excitement is brewing around the much-anticipated adaptation of Kalki Krishnamurthy’s iconic novel, “Ponniyin Selvan.” Under the visionary helm of director Mani Ratnam, this cinematic endeavor promises to transport audiences into a world brimming with grandeur. Immersed in the history of the Chola dynasty, particularly during the reign of Raja Raja Chola I, “Ponniyin Selvan” promises a narrative rife with political machinations, power dynamics, and timeless romance. It’s a saga that weaves through the corridors of power, the whisperings of conspiracies, and the blossoming of forbidden love against the backdrop of a kingdom in flux.
What adds to the allure of this cinematic spectacle is its ensemble cast, a constellation of talent featuring the likes of Vikram, Karthi, Jayam Ravi, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Trisha Krishnan. With such luminaries gracing the screen, anticipation naturally soars, fueled by the promise of stellar performances and impeccable production values.
At its core, “Ponniyin Selvan” isn’t just a film; it’s a monumental undertaking, a labor of love meticulously crafted by Mani Ratnam. With the symphonic mastery of A.R. Rahman’s music and the visual poetry painted by Ravi Varman’s cinematography, the stage is set for an unparalleled cinematic experience. Whispers about the release of “Ponniyin Selvan” are echoing through the corridors of the film industry. It is not just a movie but a journey that invites audiences to immerse themselves in the splendour of Tamil cinema’s rich tapestry. The movie promises to become an immortal classic for generations to come.
OTT Platform : PS-1 is on Amazon Prime
8. Virumandi
The Movie Virumandi is a take on the death penalty narrated through the story of a temperamental villager caught in between two village groups. Told through an offbeat screenplay inspired by Korosawa’s Rashomon, the film narrates two versions of the same incidents. ‘Virumaandi’ is an exhibition of filmmaking & culture of the land it depicts at its very best. This has one of the best screenplays in Tamil Cinema. Virumandi is directed by The great KamalHasan leaves us awe-struck. Ilayaraja’s Scored huge in Background scores and songs with his own magic.
OTT : AMAZON PRIME
9. Kadaisi Vivasayi :
Kadaisi Vivasayi is directed by Manikandan starring Nallandi, and Vijay Sethupathy as leads. Maayandi is the only remaining active farmer in his rural village in Tamil Nadu, India. He is delighted with his agricultural labour, fields, and cattle, and he refuses to sell his land to a property developer. However, Maayandi’s delightfully predictable way of life comes to a sudden end when he is wrongfully accused of killing three peacocks, the national emblem of India, and burying them on his land. The Movie is also a visual treat that takes us to a Local farmer’s house in a rural Village at Tamil Nadu. without any exaggeration, this is one of the best Tamil Movie you must watch.
OTT : Please watch Kadaisi Vivasayi at Sony LIV
10. Thalapathi:
Another gem from the Mani Ratnam-Kamal Haasan collaboration, “Thalapathi”, is a compelling tale of friendship, loyalty, and sacrifice set against the backdrop of the underworld. Featuring Rajinikanth in an influential role alongside Mammootty, the film showcases Ratnam’s adeptness in storytelling and his power to delve into humans. Emotions with its unforgettable characters and poignant narrative, “Thalapathi” continues to mesmerise audiences. Every song in this movie is a Super Hit and undoubtedly one of the Finest creations of Director Maniratnam.
OTT : Watch Thalapathi at Prime
In concluding our exploration of the top 10 must-watch Tamil movies, it’s apparent that Tamil cinema is a reservoir of rich narratives, stellar performances, and boundless creativity. From the timeless classics of bygone eras to the contemporary marvels of today, each film showcased here offers a distinctive cinematic voyage that transcends linguistic and cultural confines. As lovers of cinema, we find ourselves privileged witnesses the ever-evolving landscape of Tamil filmmaking. Filmmakers consistently challenge norms, push boundaries, and mesmerize audiences with their narrative finesse. Whether it’s the gripping intensity of “Thalapathi” the heartfelt nostalgia of “96,” or the epic grandeur of “Ponniyin Selvan,” Every movie engraves its essence onto our cinematic souls, enriching our existence with its profound beauty.
As we bid farewell to this cinematic expedition, let’s not forget that the true essence of cinema lies not solely in the films themselves but in the communal experiences and emotions they stir within us. Whether you’re a fervent enthusiast or a casual observer, I encourage you to delve deeper into the vibrant tapestry of Tamil cinema, uncover its hiding treasures, and immerse yourself in the enchanting realm of storytelling.