2003

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. The film's total gross is estimated at Rs.31 crores.

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. The film's total gross is estimated at Rs.15 crores.

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.

Jayam: Action film about the victories of love. Starring debutants Jayam Ravi and Sadha.

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.

Kadhal Kondein: One of the surprise hits of 2003, it ran about 100 days. It is about a pschotic young man's love. Directed by Selvaraghavan it stars Dhanush and Sonia Agarwal. For an analysis of top films of 2003.

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.