LIST OF TOP LAMIL LANGUAGE FILMS

2000 Onwards

Top grossers of 2006

Varalaru - History of Godfather: This is a Tamil language film directed by K. S. Ravikumar. It stars Ajith Kumar in a noted triple role, Asin Thottumkal, Kanika Subramaniam, Ramesh Khanna and Suman Shetty. The movie tells the tale of a father, a classical dancer by profeesion is questioned about his masculinity by his childhood sweetheart. He rapes her in anger resulting in the birth of a pair of twins. The story revolves on the actions of the twins reactions for their parents. The film's score and soundtrack is by, A. R. Rahman. The film has become the biggest blockbuster of the year mopping up almost Rs.50 crores. The film was released on October 20, 2006. It is the biggest blockbuster in Ajith's career.

Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu: This is a high budget and a stylish urban action thriller. The movie explored concepts that are unknown to the Tamil audience like homosexuality and took Tamil Cinema to greater heights. Stars Kamal Haasan, Jyothika, Kamalinee Mukherjee, Prakash Raj and directed by Gautham Menon. It has music by Harris Jeyaraj The songs are all chartbusters. The film was mostly shot in New York and is about a Gutsy Police Officer who is on the trail of a rampant serial killer. Appreciated by one and all this movie has taken the Tamil cine industry to hitherto unknown levels. The film's total gross is estimated at Rs.45 crores. It is the biggest blockbuster in Kamal's career.

Something Something ... Unnakum Ennakum: This is a Tamil film directed by M. Raja. It stars Jayam Ravi and Trisha Krishnan in the lead roles and Richa Pallod, Prabhu and Bhagyaraj in supporting roles. The movie is the remake of the Telugu blockbuster, Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana. The film's score and soundtrack was composed by Devi Sri Prasad, who also scored the music in the original version of the film. The film has been released in July 28, 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.

Thimiru: This is the hat trick blockbuster for Vishal after Chellamae and Sandakozhi. Directed by newcomer Tharun Gopi and also stars Reema Sen, Shreya Reddy, Manoj K. Jayan and Vadivelu. The film is breaking box office records and is turning out to be a high grossing blockbuster. This is about a lady don's love.

Critically Acclaimed Films

Veyyil, a film about the life of a down-and-out man and his relationship with his family from which he was long-separated. It stars Pasupathy and Bharath. E a critically acclaimed film on the subject of nuclear bio-wars. Jeeva, Nayantara, Pasupathy, Karunas and Ashish Vidyarthi star.

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 it's unique plot, presentation and the highly successful song, Vazha Meenu.

Thiruttu Payale: This is a Stylish, Action and Blackmail Thriller directed by Susi Ganesan and starring Sonia Agarwal, Malavika, Jeevan, Vivek and Abbas. The film is about Extra Marital affair and blackmail. The film played for 125 days.

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

Pattiyal: This stylish thriller directed by Vishnuvardhan, starring Arya, Bharath, Pooja and Padmapriya was about the lives of two gangsters, Kosi and Selva. Yuvan Shankar Raja's music for the film proved popular upon release.

2005

Chandramukhi: The movie reportedly collected Rs.75 crores, and became the biggest blockbuster in Rajini's career. 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 enjoyed 100 days run in Andhra Pradesh and was featured in IIFA. It is a remake of the Malayalam blockbuster, Manichitrathazhu.

Anniyan: This is a big budget film that saved the career of disgraced director Shankar after his flick Boys. Starring Vikram, Sadha and Prakash Raj among others, it deals with the disease of Multiple Personality Disorder. The film was a bigger hit in Tollywood than in Kollywood. It played for 140 days in metros. The film's total gross is estimated at Rs.45 crores. It is the biggest blockbuster in Vikram's career.

Ghajini: Inspired by the English language film, Memento, the film tells the tale of a formerly rich Mobile company owner, played by Surya, who is seeking out on a mission for revenge after the death of his girlfriend, Asin. The film was a bigger hit when dubbed in in Tollywood than in Kollywood. It played for 147 days in metros grossing almost Rs.27 crores. It is the biggest blockbuster in Surya's career.

Sandakozhi: This film stars Vishal and Meera Jasmine who have troubles with a local dada. It is still playing a noon show daily after 230 days.[citation needed] It was later dubbed into Telugu as Pandem Kodi in May 2006.

Sivakasi: This is another mass masala entertainer for the 2nd time by the duo Vijay - Perarasu and the film ran for 119 days in metros.

Arinthum Ariyamalum: Produced by "Punnagai Poo" Geetha and directed by Vishnuvardhan, this film launched the career of Arya, Navdeep and Samiksha. Prakash Raj also starred. It played for 112 days.

Critically acclaimed films

Thavamai Thavamirundhu: Cheran depicts the life of a struggling father and how he takes care of his family. The film stars Cheran, Padmapriya, Saranya and Rajkiran . It played for 91 days.[citation needed]

Raam: A thriller of who-dun-it genre starring Jeeva and Gajala. This film also won best actor for Jeeva at an International Festival.

Ullam Ketkumae: The Youth Entertainer Movie directed by Jeeva. It is about five college friends. It stars Shaam, Asin, Laila, Pooja and Arya.

2004

Vasool Raja MBBS: The remake of popular Hindi film Munnabhai MBBS directed by Saran. It stars Kamal Haasan, Sneha, Prabhu, Malavika, Nagesh and Prakash Raj. It ran for about 100 days. The film's total gross is estimated at Rs.40 crores.

Autograph: This movie played for 175 days. Cheran directs and tells the story of a man who looks back over his relationships and career. Stars Cheran, Sneha, Gopika, Mallika and Kanika. 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 100 days in metros. The film's total gross is estimated at Rs.33 crores. It is the biggest blockbuster in Vijay's career.

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. For a bird's eye view of the top films in 2004.

Critically-acclaimed films

Chellamae: This is a blockbuster Action Thriller directed by Gandhi Krishna and stars Reema Sen in the lead role. The movie also stars Vishal, Bharath, Vivek and Girish Karnad in supporting roles. The film is about mad love by a 16 year old boy to his 22 year old neighbouring girl. The movie played for 150 days.

Manmadhan: A Silambarasan, Jyothika, Sindhu Tolani starrer which ran well for about 100 days in theatres. The story deals with a masochist serial killer who takes revenge on women. This film also has item numbers by Mandira Bedi and Yana Gupta.

Kaadhal: A sentimental love tragedy about a rich girl and a poor mechanic. The cast include Bharath and 'Kaadhal' Sandhya.

M. Kumaran son of Mahalakshmi: A family entertainer about a man on his quest to become a top kickboxer. Starring Jayam Ravi and Asin.

7G Rainbow Colony: A tale of a constant stalker eventually winning his love. Directed by Selvaraghavan starring Ravi Krishna, Vijayan and Sonia Agarwal.

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.

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.

2002

Villain an award-winning action blockbuster with two roles by Ajiths, Kiran Rathod and Meena about disabality and helping sufferers of it. Played for astonishing 329 days. The film's total gross is estimated at Rs.30 crores.

Run: The biggest blockbuster of Madhavan 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. The film's total gross is estimated at Rs.22 crores. It is the biggest blockbuster in Madhavan's career.

Gemini: A masala movie with Vikram rescuing people from the don, Seena. Played for 100 days. Also starred Kiran Rathod. The film's total gross is estimated at Rs.21 crores.

Critically acclaimed films

Roja Kootam: This is a box office hit which ran for 163 days starring Rekha, Raadhika, Bhoomika Chawla, Srikanth, Raghuvaran and Vivek. This film is about the success of a young man's love. Kannathil Muthamittal: Mani Ratnam provides a tale based on the war in Sri Lanka. A girl (P.S. Keerthana) is adopted by Mr and Mrs Thiruchelvan (Madhavan and Simran). The girl is a war orphan from Sri Lanka who eventually wants to go back to see her real mother (Nandita Das). This movie won several awards. Music by A.R. Rahman. Other cast include Prakash Raj. Azhagi: Thankar Bhachan provided the story of love from young relationships and troubles starring Parthiban, Nandita Das and Devayani. Played for 100 days. For a round-up of top movies in 2002
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. The film completed 100 days in southern districts.

2001

Dheena played for 175 days

Minnale played for 150 days grossing Rs.13 crores

Dil played for 125 days grossing Rs.13 crores

Friends played for 100 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.

Nandha played for 100 days grossing Rs.7 crores launching the career of Surya. For a round-up of top movies in 2001

2000

Thenali ran for 175 days grossing Rs.30 crores

Mugavari ran for 175 days

Kandukondain Kandukondain ran for 175 days

Vanathai Pola ran for 175 days Khushi played for 150 days grossing almost Rs.18 crores Alaipayuthey ran 125 days grossing Rs.6 crores

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 (Rs.10 crores), 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 (Rs.27 crores); Aasai 210 days (Rs.5 crores), Muthu 185 days.

1996 - Poove Unakkaga 119 days (Rs.5 crores), Kalloori Vaasal and Maanbumigu Maanavan 147 days; Amman Koyil Vaasaliley, Kadhal Desam, Kaalam Maari Pochu, Sundarapurushan, Parambarai, Vaanmathi, Indian (Rs.20 crores) and Avvai Shanmugi played for 175 days each; Ullathai Alli Thaa; Kadhal Kottai 240 days (Rs.10 crores)

1997 - Ullasam 110 days; Kadhalukku Mariyadhai 119 days (Rs.10 crores), 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 (Rs.40 crores); Vaali 270 days (Rs.17 crores)

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 (Rs.10 crores); Karagattakaaran 366 days, Maappillai 175 days

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

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

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

1940s

1944 - Haridas played for 768 days

1930s

1931 - Kalidas was the first full-length motion picture