Best Tamil Movies: 1999-2020 - Your Ultimate Guide

Hey guys! Ready for a nostalgic trip through Tamil cinema? Buckle up because we're diving into some of the most iconic Tamil movies released between 1999 and 2020. This era was a goldmine for Kollywood, giving us unforgettable stories, stellar performances, and soundtracks that still top our playlists. So, grab some popcorn, and let’s get started!

The Late 90s and Early 2000s: A Blockbuster Beginning

The late 90s and early 2000s marked a significant turning point for Tamil cinema. This period saw a blend of genres, from action-packed thrillers to heartwarming romances, each leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Let's explore some of the standout films from this era. One of the main keywords is the impact of tamil movies during this time.

Sethu (1999)

Sethu is often credited with revitalizing Tamil cinema. Directed by Bala, this tragic love story starring Vikram shattered conventional norms and redefined the industry's approach to storytelling. Vikram's portrayal of Sethu, a college rowdy who falls deeply in love, is nothing short of iconic. The film's raw emotion and unflinching realism struck a chord with audiences, making it a critical and commercial success. Sethu paved the way for more experimental and character-driven narratives in Tamil cinema, influencing a generation of filmmakers and actors. The film’s success is a testament to its powerful narrative and emotional depth, securing its place as a landmark film in Tamil cinema history. Its exploration of love, loss, and redemption continues to resonate with viewers, making it a timeless classic.

Mudhalvan (1999)

Mudhalvan, directed by S. Shankar, is a political thriller that remains relevant even today. The film stars Arjun Sarja as a television journalist who unexpectedly becomes the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for a day. Mudhalvan is celebrated for its gripping storyline, sharp dialogues, and memorable performances. The film's exploration of political corruption and social issues resonated deeply with the audience, making it a blockbuster hit. Shankar's masterful direction and Arjun's compelling performance elevated the film to cult status. Mudhalvan serves as a powerful commentary on the state of politics and the potential for change, solidifying its place as one of the most influential political films in Tamil cinema.

Kushi (2000)

For those who love a good rom-com, Kushi is an absolute must-watch. Starring Vijay and Jyothika, this film is a delightful blend of humor, romance, and misunderstandings. Directed by S. J. Surya, Kushi revolves around the love story of Shiva and Jenny, who are constantly at odds with each other. The film's witty dialogues, catchy songs, and the sizzling chemistry between Vijay and Jyothika made it a box office sensation. Kushi is a timeless rom-com that continues to charm audiences with its lightheartedness and relatable characters. The film's success lies in its ability to capture the essence of young love and the challenges of navigating relationships.

The Mid-2000s: Innovation and Experimentation

The mid-2000s were characterized by innovation and experimentation. Filmmakers began to explore new genres and techniques, pushing the boundaries of Tamil cinema. This era saw the rise of several talented directors and actors who brought fresh perspectives to the industry. One of the main keywords is the impact of new directors during this time.

Kaakha Kaakha (2003)

Kaakha Kaakha, directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon, is a stylish and intense police procedural that redefined the action genre in Tamil cinema. Starring Suriya and Jyothika, the film follows the story of a police officer who is targeted by a ruthless gangster. Kaakha Kaakha is celebrated for its slick cinematography, pulsating soundtrack, and Suriya's powerful performance. The film's gripping narrative and realistic portrayal of police life made it a critical and commercial success. Kaakha Kaakha set a new standard for action films in Tamil cinema, influencing a wave of similar movies. Its blend of action, romance, and drama continues to captivate audiences, securing its place as a modern classic.

Anniyan (2005)

Another gem from S. Shankar, Anniyan, starring Vikram, is a psychological action thriller that explores the themes of justice and social responsibility. Vikram delivers a tour-de-force performance as a man suffering from multiple personality disorder, each personality fighting against corruption and injustice in its own way. Anniyan is praised for its groundbreaking visual effects, intricate plot, and powerful message. The film's exploration of societal issues and Vikram's exceptional acting made it a blockbuster hit. Anniyan remains a thought-provoking and visually stunning film that continues to be discussed and analyzed for its complex themes and innovative storytelling. The film’s success is a testament to its bold vision and Shankar’s ability to create films that are both entertaining and socially relevant.

Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu (2006)

Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu, directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon, is a crime thriller starring Kamal Haasan as a police officer investigating a series of brutal murders. The film is known for its stylish direction, gripping screenplay, and Kamal Haasan's nuanced performance. Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu is a benchmark in Tamil crime thrillers, influencing many subsequent films in the genre. Its realistic portrayal of crime investigation and the psychological depth of its characters make it a must-watch for fans of the genre. The film's success lies in its ability to blend suspense, action, and emotional depth, creating a compelling and unforgettable cinematic experience.

The Late 2000s and Early 2010s: New Wave Cinema

The late 2000s and early 2010s witnessed the emergence of new wave cinema in Tamil. This period saw a shift towards more realistic and character-driven narratives, with filmmakers exploring complex themes and unconventional storytelling techniques. One of the main keywords is the growth of realistic narratives during this time.

Paruthiveeran (2007)

Paruthiveeran, directed by Ameer Sultan, is a raw and gritty portrayal of rural life in Tamil Nadu. Starring Karthi in his debut role, the film tells the story of a reckless young man who falls in love with his cousin. Paruthiveeran is celebrated for its realistic depiction of rural culture, powerful performances, and authentic dialogues. The film's success lies in its ability to transport viewers to a different world, immersing them in the lives and struggles of its characters. Paruthiveeran is a landmark film in Tamil cinema, paving the way for more realistic and character-driven narratives.

Subramaniapuram (2008)

Subramaniapuram, directed by Sasikumar, is a period drama set in the 1980s that explores the themes of friendship, love, and betrayal. The film is known for its realistic portrayal of Madurai life, memorable characters, and haunting soundtrack. Subramaniapuram is a cult classic that continues to be celebrated for its authenticity and emotional depth. The film's success lies in its ability to capture the essence of a specific time and place, creating a nostalgic and immersive experience for the audience. The film's success helped solidify the new wave movement in Tamil cinema, encouraging filmmakers to explore more unconventional stories and themes.

Naan Kadavul (2009)

Naan Kadavul, directed by Bala, is a dark and disturbing film that explores the lives of beggars and Aghoris in Varanasi. Starring Arya, the film is known for its unflinching realism, powerful performances, and haunting visuals. Naan Kadavul is a controversial but critically acclaimed film that challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about society. The film's success lies in its ability to provoke thought and emotion, leaving a lasting impact on the audience. Naan Kadavul is a testament to Bala's uncompromising vision and his willingness to tackle difficult and taboo subjects.

The 2010s: Contemporary Cinema and Global Reach

The 2010s saw Tamil cinema reach new heights with contemporary themes and global recognition. Filmmakers began to experiment with different genres and styles, catering to a wider audience. This era also saw the rise of several talented actors and actresses who gained international acclaim. One of the main keywords is the growth of Tamil cinema during this time.

Enthiran (2010)

Enthiran, directed by S. Shankar, is a science fiction action film starring Rajinikanth and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. The film tells the story of a scientist who creates a humanoid robot that develops emotions and turns against him. Enthiran is celebrated for its groundbreaking visual effects, innovative storyline, and Rajinikanth's charismatic performance. The film was a blockbuster hit both in India and internationally, showcasing the global appeal of Tamil cinema. Enthiran set a new standard for visual effects in Indian cinema, inspiring filmmakers to push the boundaries of what is possible on screen. The film's success helped to elevate the profile of Tamil cinema on the global stage.

Aadukalam (2011)

Aadukalam, directed by Vetrimaaran, is a sports drama set in Madurai that explores the world of cockfighting. Starring Dhanush, the film is known for its realistic portrayal of Madurai culture, powerful performances, and intense action sequences. Aadukalam is a critically acclaimed film that won several National Film Awards, including Best Actor for Dhanush and Best Director for Vetrimaaran. The film's success lies in its ability to capture the raw energy and passion of the sport, creating a compelling and unforgettable cinematic experience. Aadukalam helped to solidify Vetrimaaran's reputation as one of the most talented directors in Tamil cinema.

Thani Oruvan (2015)

Thani Oruvan, directed by Mohan Raja, is an action thriller that pits a righteous police officer against a corrupt scientist. Starring Jayam Ravi and Arvind Swamy, the film is known for its gripping storyline, sharp dialogues, and stellar performances. Thani Oruvan is a critical and commercial success that revitalized the action genre in Tamil cinema. The film's success lies in its ability to balance action, suspense, and social commentary, creating a thought-provoking and entertaining cinematic experience. Thani Oruvan helped to establish Mohan Raja as a leading director in Tamil cinema.

Vikram Vedha (2017)

Vikram Vedha, directed by Pushkar-Gayathri, is a neo-noir action thriller inspired by the Indian folktale Baital Pachisi. Starring Madhavan and Vijay Sethupathi, the film is known for its twisty plot, complex characters, and powerful performances. Vikram Vedha is a critical and commercial success that has been remade in several languages. The film's success lies in its ability to blend action, suspense, and philosophical themes, creating a unique and unforgettable cinematic experience. Vikram Vedha is a testament to the talent and creativity of Tamil filmmakers.

Asuran (2019)

Asuran, directed by Vetrimaaran, is a period action drama that explores the themes of caste discrimination and revenge. Starring Dhanush, the film is known for its realistic portrayal of rural life, powerful performances, and intense action sequences. Asuran is a critical and commercial success that won several National Film Awards, including Best Actor for Dhanush and Best Film. The film's success lies in its ability to address important social issues in a compelling and entertaining way. Asuran solidified Vetrimaaran's reputation as one of the most important and influential directors in Tamil cinema.

Conclusion

So there you have it – a whirlwind tour through some of the most memorable Tamil movies from 1999 to 2020. This era gave us a fantastic mix of genres, unforgettable characters, and stories that continue to resonate with us today. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to Tamil cinema, these films are definitely worth checking out. What are your favorite Tamil movies from this era? Let us know in the comments below!