Recommended Tamil Movies (2000-2011) for fellow zealots ...

I am, a brazen, good Tamil movie fan. I do not believe in big names and banners. A great storyline, done pleasantly, would please me lots. And, I am proud that the Tamil movie industry is evolving positively, with each passing day. We have been having a large number of good movies. Of lately. Good to those who believe in moral and ethics of stories - done tastefully. Movies like this rarely appeal to the mass, due to many factors. If you are a fellow zealot,  for  praiseworthy Tamil movies, read on. If you aren't, chances are you are not going to agree with me, on most of the names here. 

2000

Alaipayuthey by Maniratnam - Do not ever miss this. Ever. One of the most romantic Tamil movies ever released. I have watched it countless times, and I still love watching it. Will always do. This is purely gratifying. My utmost favourite. You will understand why I am super crazy about this one, when you do. A present day epic. MUST WATCH.

Kandukonden Kandukonden by Rajiv Menon - One more stunning movie. For a great storyline, an even greater picturisation, heart stopping songs and oh-so-natural acting. Wholesomely enticing.

Parthen Rasithen by Saran - A far cry from your usual Tamil story, this movie took me by surprise. Simran did a wonderful job. Watch it just for her. Do not want to spill the beans by commenting further.

Bharathi by Gnana Rajasekaran - The chronicles of the great Mahakavi Bharathiyar. You do not need to know him, to watch. Just do. It will move you and tug your heart strings. Such beautiful motion which went unnoticed by many.

2001

Azhagi by Thangar Bachan - Of first love, poverty, the importance of education, missed opportunities and parenthood, this is another mile stone in the Tamil film industry.

Kasi by Vinayan - Thumbs up for bold and courageous ending. The movie that brought Vikram to great heights.

Nandha by Bala – Another surprising storyline. Rameswaram is illustrated beautifully.

Paarthale Paravasam by K. Balachander - I am a devoted fan of KB. He is the dauntless director. All his movies have that lion heart feel. He is an ace at confronting taboo subjects. This one is a never before attempt in Tamil cinema.

Pandavar Boomi by Cheran – Cheran. Another of those distinctive directors. This movie portrays family relationships and friendship in new altitudes. A family entertainer that will sure enjoy.

2002

Anbe Sivam by Sundar C – An intensely emotional movie. It is startling to know the Tamil movie industry can actually come up with great ones like this. One that will make realize how short life can be, and why you should be thankful for each given day.

Five Star by Susi Ganesan – Another one of my favourites. Not just because of Prasanna’s cute, guy-next-door image, but for the more prominent reasons. Friendship, family, love, promises and affirmations and the strings that come attached. Another great movie that was glossed over by the mass.

Kannathil Muthamittal by Maniratnam – Oh God, where do I start, when it comes to this one? Emotionally breathtaking. Beautifully heart stirring. A truly awe inspiring Tamil movie. A wonderful one which touches on how far parents’ go to fulfill their child’s happiness. Sterling performance by P. S. Keerthana, R. Madhavan, Simran, Nandita Das, Pasupathy and Prakash Raj.

Solla Marantha Kathai by Thangar Bachan – A village based movie. On dignity, sacrifices and humiliation and how the downfalls of your life, is what strengthens you best.

2003

Iyarkai by Jeganathan – A surprising storyline. With Rameswaran as the backdrop setting. Said to be based on Dostoyevsky's "White Nights".

Kadhal Konden by Selvaragavan – This critically acclaimed Dhanush starrer took us all by surprise. For me, it is still of the his best. A movie which will make you sit up and applaud the assuring Tamil film industry.  

Kaaka Kaaka by Gautham Menon – Do I need to elaborate on this one? The perfect dosage of everything the industry needed.

2004

7G Rainbow Colony by Selvaragavan – Again. Critically acclaimed as well as a commercial success, this one moved us all to tears. A movie which would make you evaluate life, and how short it can actually be.

Aayutha Ezhuthu by Maniratnam – I love this movie despite it themed practically on politics in contemporary India. My favourite character, is that of the notorious Inba by R. Madhavan. An overall good movie which did not sit well with the mass.

Azhagiye Teeye by Radha Mohan – It is sad to know that this movie did not become a success, monetarily as well as vice versa. I still believe this is one great movie. Clean, wholesome and a beautiful, fresh storyline. If you believe in good movies, this is a must watch. I still would, anytime given. A simple movie that took me by huge surprise.

Chellamey by A.R Gandhikrishna – Another good one. Believed to be one of 2004’s highest grossing flims. A radical narration of how too much of love can turn harmful.

Devathai Kanden by Boopathi Pandian – This movie scored a big 10 in my books, for its inspiriting climax. Watch. You will understand.

Kaathal by Balaji Saktivel – A beautiful true, love story that took Tamil Nadu by storm.

Vaanam Vasapadum by P.C Sriram – Despite having a number of reputed actors and actresses, this movie failed as a commercial success, most probably due to its gory storyline. A shocking and staggering screenplay.

      2005

      ABCD by Saravana Suppiah – A bouncy and energetic movie with a forward looking and open minded ending. An optimist’s cup of tea.

Kanda Naal Muthal by V.Priya – Yours truly’s top 5 favourites, undoubtedly. I love this movie for everything. If you love it just as what I did and still do, then we stand a chance of a decent affiliation.

The chemistry and the revulsion between Prasanna and Laila were so naturally, awesome. Must watch. Special mention for the last 30 minutes, which will keep you nail biting and on your toes, wondering what will happen and what will not. Did I say “Must Watch”?. Ya. Rephrasing.

Thavamai Thavamirundhu by Cheran – A father’s love know no boundaries, just like a mother’s. Most movies root on the latter, but Cheran went the mile, and focused on the former. A beautiful story like no other. Applauds for being a benchmark.

      2006

      Sillunu Oru Kaadhal by N. Krishna – Another great screenplay. The hero’s past and present love life was justified charmingly. How can you go wrong, when love is the subject ?

      2007

      Mozhi by Radha Mohan – A super hit at the box office and one that is critically acclaimed. Do not miss this for anything. A feel good movie, that would move you to tears and leap in joy. An all time favourite.

      Periyaar by Gnana Rajasekaran – Just like Bharathi, you do not need to know him to watch. On the life of social reformer, Periyar E. V. Ramasamy. Standing ovations for this one.

      Karuppusamy Kuthagaikaarar by Moorthy – I am recommending this movie for a couple of reasons. The importance of education for a women. The significance of family support in our undertakings. The emphasis on respecting elders. The gravity of love in our life. Karan deserves a special mention for the dialogues he delivers during the final moments of the movie. So does, the lyrics of the beautiful “Uppu Kallu” song.

      Satham Podathey by Vasanth – Everyone has rave reviews about this movie. A spine chiller that would keep you glued until the very end.

      Katrathu Tamil by Ram – This would be my Number 2 favourite. Reasons are unnecessary. And, the fact that this movie was not a commercial success, least bothers me. This is for the judicial, level headed, sensible and balanced ones. Everyone who isn’t would never be able to appreciate a movie as moving as this. I could write pages about this one. Jeeva astounded me with his performance, as did Anjali. Everything about the movie is beautiful, including the barren but panoramic Maharasthra.

      Kaloori by Balaji Sakthivel – Many college themed movies released after this one, but none were as good as what it was. An emotional movie that would tug your heart, hours after you have finished.

      2008

      Vaaranam Aayiram by Gautham Menon – No comments. The movie speaks for itself. If you have not watched, shame on you. That is all I have to say.

      Anjaathey by Myshkin – Another praiseworthy attempt. Special mention for a deserving cast and a new, out of the box storyline.

      Kannum Kannum by Marimuthu – An emotional screenplay. How fate schemes despite everything we plan. A good movie which did not appeal to the mass.

      Subramaniapuram by Sasikumar - This low budget film received critical acclaim for its original script, expert direction, screenplay, editing, accurate sets and costumes to resurrect Madurai from the 1980s. and all that done, with relatively new actors.

      Dhanam by Siva – A stormy storyline you would never have expected to come, from the Tamil film industry. This is a rare gem. Sangeetha earned rave reviews for her portrayal of Dhanam.

      Raman Thediya Seethai by Jeganath – Another feel good movie you can enjoy with anyone. This movie will put a smile on your face long after you have finished.

      Seval by Hari – A twist in the tale movie which I believe was a good and novel attempt.

      Bommalaatam by Bharathiraja – You would be thrown in a tizzy with the way this movie concludes. A puzzling and bewildering storyline.

      Abiyum Naanum by Radha Mohan – If this movie does not move you tears, then you must be intolerant, stony and callous. Parenthood at its best.

      2009

Venilla Kabadi Kuzhu by Susindran – I liked this movie although many considered it to be much of a bore. Good movies do not need big names. This one proved so. Set in a rural and remote village, emphasizing on a Kabadi, a Tamil sport activity, with a clean, no hush love story – this is brisk and refreshing.

Siva Manasula Sakthi by Rajesh – A full length comedy. Jeeva and Anuya had the huge chemistry that made the entire movie worthwhile. A must see, if all you want to do is laugh and roll with joy.

Kunguma Poovum Konjum Puraavum by Rajamohan – I hold this movie in high esteems. I think it was a wonderful attempt. The newcomers were naturals. The flow of the story was good. And, the songs were amazing. A Tamil sparkler.

Pasanga by Pandiraj – The movie I recommend to everyone. This is like a directors dream. It earned high critical acclaims, bagging three National Film Awards and several other awards at International Film Festivals. A simple storyline involving two foes who eventually become friends. There are so many heart touching scenes in the movie. You can watch the numerous times and not get bored. Believe me.

Nadodigal by Samuthrakanni – I am a Samuthrakanni fan. I think he oozes appeal and charm. Like the flow of his movies, as well as his acting abilities, but unsure on the way he handles his mega serials. His movies score a big 10, to me, though. This movie was a super hit, thanks to its original screenplay. Not your norm Tamil movie. Give it a try. It is definitely worth the watch.

Pokkisham by Cheran – How could the mass not appreciate a pure, love story like this ? It is, indeed, very hard to please the Indian audience. This movie is a classic. Slow paced but nevertheless, one priceless production, not to be missed. You need to be artistic and broad minded to enjoy this.

Eeram by Arivazhagan – A very good Tamil thriller. The movie progresses well and will keep you glued and wondering, what will happen next. A good bet on a day when you need something surprising.

Unnai Pol Oruvan by Chakri Tholeti – Terrorism countered at its best. Kamal is among the very few who can put and relay things in a logical manner. That is what he did in this movie. Another fact paced movie that will keep you seated until the end.

Yogi by Subramania Siva – Many disagreed with me on this one. But, like told earlier, I am not here to write about mass favoured movies. I am writing about those with  zeal, and distinct and impromptu. This fits the bill, perfectly. On how the arrival of  a kidnapped child changes everything in a rebel’s life. Ameer and Madhumita awed me with their outstanding performance.

Renigunta by R. Paneerselvam – Again, people thought I must be crazy to actually recommend this movie. They said that it looked dirty and the actors were a messy lot. For heaven’s sake, movies are supposed to be done with a huge sense of reality. If you want something prim and proper, then, you are not of my taste. Despite the grueling violence this movie had, the final moral of the story is a brilliant message to the youth out there. A valuable movie that you should not miss.

2010

Angadi Theru by Vasanthabalan – A gem of a movie. A quantum leap in the Tamil film industry. There were many parts of this movie that moved me to tears. It was done in such great taste that missing this one would be equivalent to missing the entire contemporary Tamil movie industry. Wholesomely gratifying. This is one which will make you see life in a whole new dimension.

Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa by Gautham Menon – Everyone’s favourite love story of 2010. Simbu at his best, to date, I would say.

Raavanan by Maniratnam – I was never a fan of Vikram until this one. The performance he gave was intense and mind boggling. It is only Mani Ratnam who can do justice to special issues like these.
Madrasapattinam by A.L.Vijay – The movie I so love. An amazing story. The pre-Indian-Independence era was pictured beautifully. And, such heartwarming Tamil songs, with exquisite Tamil lyrics. I was definitely bowled over.  
Boss Engira Bhaskaran by M.Rajesh – A full length comedy. Enjoyed it to the very last despite many finding it a way bit annoying. Tastes differ.

Easan by Sasikumar – An audacious attempt that went unnoticed. The lives of the rich and famous in present day Chennai. Special mention for Dushy (Jayaprakash)’s acting as Easan, himself. A moving screenplay, which will make you wish that life could be fairer to those who are not financially endowed.

Naan Mahaan Alla by Susindran – There is only one thing I want to say about this movie. The gallant, daring and headstrong ending.

Kalavani by Sargunam – Another original screenplay, set in a rural backdrop. Lots of funny moments. The hero charms with his witty ways. This is a good one, which again, did not appeal to the mass.

Aval Peyar Thamizharasi by Meera Kathiravan – This is a 2010 surprise. A sad tale of love between a puppeteer’s daughter and the grandson of a rich man and how love can actually make you do the cruelest of things.

Naanayam by Shakti S. Rajan – A modern day Tamil thriller which was done tastefully. It will keep you guessing until the end.

Baana Kathadi by Badri Venkat – I liked this movie for the untainted friendship and love between the hero and heroine, which was done with grace and purity. Nothing to shout about, but a relatively good one.

Inidhu Inidhu by K.V Guhan – 8 newcomers in a movie, but they aced themselves through like old timers. They were just downright natural. A great movie which received rave reviews from many.

Drohi by Sudha K Prasad – I am a “Drohi” buff. Vishnu and Srikanth won me over with their outstanding performance. I think this movie is worth every moment.
Mynaa by Prabu Solomon - Beautiful everything. The storyline. The scenic location. The childhood love. The songs. The emotions. The what-it-is-like-to-have-a-soul-mate movie. 

2011

Aadukalam by Vetrimaran – I am an ardent fan of this movie, and of Dhanush. I look forward to this winning many awards. An awesome storyline completed with a sterling performance. And, evergreen, lovable songs. Must watch.

Yuddham Sei by Myshkin – A new age Tamil thriller. A whodunit. You will be surprised by the outcome. Slow moving and confusing at times, but a good watch.

Nadunissi Naaygal from Gautham Menon – Rather gruesome for a Tamil movie, but Gautham Menon must be praised for his brave attempt. Fairly good despite the brickbats he received from his South Indian fans.

Kathalar Kudiyirupu by A.M.R Ramesh – I watched this a few days back, and thought it had a real good storyline. This movie is practically invisible when you search the web. I caught the trailer by chance, and found way to watch it. The hero and heroine were candid and forthright despite being debutantes. I have been recommending this to many of my friends, of lately, without much response. Zealots are becoming extinct, I guess.

Kullanari Koottam by Sribalaji – A current must watch. Vishnu continues to amaze me. He is a promising actor. A normal love story with a beautiful twist. A comedy and a family entertainer. 

The 2011 & 2012 updates are over here. Do read, as well.
http://ennakupidithapaadal.blogspot.com/2012/12/recommended-tamil-movies-2011-2012-for.html

And, the 2013 updates.
http://ennakupidithapaadal.blogspot.com/2014/01/2013-tamil-movies-retrospect-laurels.html

And, 2014. :-)
http://ennakupidithapaadal.blogspot.com/2015/01/2014-tamil-movies-songs-characters.html