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Best Tamil Films Of 2021

After a devastating 2020, this year was a revival of Tamil cinema in many ways. The releases were steadier, films that were long waiting for 'theatre release,' like Master and Doctor , finally found their day. OTT also had a steady output, competing strongly as an alternative channel for Tamil cinema.

In retrospect, this year had some terrific films, ten of which I'll soon get to. But it also had its share of the absolutely terrible. Sundar C gathered the audacity to make Aranmanai 3 , a horrid affair we could have all done without. Jayam Ravi's misguided Bhoomi took a piss on the audience's intelligence. Whatever little Santhanam entertained us with Parris Jeyaraj this year, he snatched away with Dikkilona , a patently misogynistic — and downright boring — time travel film. Nayanthara's Netrikann squandered its potential. Jyothika's Udanpirappe arrived quite dead. Dhanush's Jagame Thandhiram and Rajinikanth's Annaaththe tested the loyalties of their fans — I am somewhat relieved to see that even Tamil cinema fandom has its limits. 

If the worst of 2021 are defined by their disregard for the audience's intelligence, the best brought with them one thing: Surprise. 

Each of the films I've picked as the best of this year surprised me in one way or another. Some of them by creating something delightfully new, yet others by subverting the norm. Here's my top ten Tamil films, ranked.

10. Kutty Story

Kutty Story is an odd anthology for it was released in theatres. Among the four shorts it is made of, we get an inane Gautham Menon romance and a misinformed AL Vijay story about abortion. If we can look past that, there is also a surprising Venkat Prabhu love story and a terrific Nalan Kumaraswamy family drama. 

Venkat Prabhu's short Lokham is about a man and a woman who meet while playing a video game. It is well-considered, mature and in many ways antithetical to what we've seen as romance/relationships in Venkat Prabhu's work. The metaphors are beautiful, the way Venkat Prabhu presents the younger man falling for an older woman is tender. Premji Amaren's music makes it fun, without turning frivolous. It's a surprisingly heartful film.

In contrast, Nalan Kumaraswamy's Aadal Padal is a masterfully handled story of a cheating husband and his no-nonsense wife. Nalan's writing is measured, the rhythm near-perfect, the dialogue crisp. Vijay Sethupathy and Aditi Balan are both terrific. But the film's success is in the fact that it doesn't judge. So much so that it doesn't even conveniently resolve the conflict — leaving it to us to make what we will of what we're watching.

Madonne Ashwin's Mandela is a film for the apolitical folk. It is an allegory of our country's plight set against the backdrop of a small village. It is a study of the layers of discrimination we stack against the marginalised. It is a call for individual and collective responsibility of our lives.

It's not a perfect film, though — for instance, at one point it confuses welfare schemes for handouts. Despite its flaws, it's a thoughtful critique of society. It taunts and mocks everything we have come to accept as normal, without placing the blame squarely on an isolated individual villain. Yogi Babu as the eponymous hero is terrific, funny when necessary, and poignant throughout.

8. Jai Bhim

Jai Bhim is a small film featuring a big star. Small not just because of its OTT release, but also because of how it treats its star. We get little by way of backstory, only a mass moment here and a punch dialogue there, but Tha Se Gnanavel is measured about deifying his hero. And surprisingly, Suriya lends himself entirely to what's written for him.

The film isn't without its faults. The torture porn is almost impossible to watch and largely unnecessary to make the point. The writing is deliberate in demanding sympathy and guilt. Yet, it is a film that doesn't entirely compromise its cinematic ambition at the altar of good intentions. It's politics are in the right place. The investigative thriller-like structure keeps us hooked. The scene where Sengani (Lijomol Jose) walks back from the police station with the jeep following her is one of hope. 

7. Maanaadu

The first 40 minutes of Maanaadu is like your below-average Venkat Prabhu film — a self-absorbed hero with undeserved build up, a cute heroine who inexplicably grabs a stranger's hand in the airplane, Premji making Premji jokes, a dance song, a bride eloping and so on. It's difficult to sit through. Which is why it's such a huge surprise that when we get to the real story, the film takes off and how!

Not only does Venkat Prabhu keep it unpredictable, he also keeps it taut that we have no time to predict anything. The action sequences are meticulous, yet accessible. He gets Simbu to underplay — a feat in itself — so SJ Suryah can be the maniacal villain. And he makes a political statement in the most Venkat Prabhu-esque way possible: Simplistic, controlled and effective.

This is my most favourite film of the year for its simplicity. Writer-director Karthik Swaminathan is intricately aware of his boundaries — he sticks to a handful of characters, realistic dialogue and a 62 minute runtime . Within that, he tells a heartwarming story about everyday lives.

Vijay (Vijay Sethupathy) and Radhika (Regina Cassandra) are an average married couple. They have little by way of romance, but fill the screen with heartwarming love and comfort only possible among two people who've grown together. There is a scene where Vijay pulls at Radhika's sleeves during conversation, a strange, yet delightful, gesture of intimacy. In another scene, he returns from work, takes off his belt and leaves it on the table, before pulling his pants up and sitting down — hardly a cinematic moment, but that's the kind of commonness that Mughizh is going for. Radhika, too, isn't the sacrificial wife. She is jealous in a harmless way. She demands attention without coming across as the nagging spouse. 

Mughizh is a celebration of the non-hero. It is exactly the kind of film that makes me admire Vijay Sethupathy with all my heart. I would gladly watch a dozen bad Vijay Sethupathy films if hidden among them is one Mughizh and one Kutty Story .

Throughout Franklin Jacob's Writer , Thangaraj (Samuthirakani) keeps insisting that his new trainee should be a " makkala nesikkara kaavalan " (protector who loves his people) — sentiment that Franklin weaves into the film with surprising empathy and laser-sharp objectivity. With the piercing eye of a documentary filmmaker, he builds a world that's complex, inefficient, unfair and exploitative. Yet, he stays stoic in the face of atrocity, trusting his viewers have heart.

In doing this, Franklin Jacob makes a stellar debut, writing a taut film, playing out the pieces one at a time, building tension, but hardly making the viewer restless. As a director, he is confident, staging scenes with masterly clarity. Cinematographer Pratheep Kaliraja favouring wide shots, capturing the environment with a keen eye. Govind Vasantha adds a new timbre to the film, even in its most emotional moments, staying at a respectful distance, letting us mourn.

The best part of Writer — like most storytellers from Pa Ranjith's stable — is their faith in revolution and gumption for the good fight. Devakumar (Hari Krishnan), Saranya (Ineya), Maruthamuthu (GM Sundar), and Thangaraj himself put up a fight, in whatever way they can, never once giving into the cynicism that's looming large. Writer stands for hope, even when everything is stacked against you.

My biggest grouse with director Mari Selvaraj's previous effort, Pariyerum Perumal , was that it was a liberal appeasement film. It presents atrocities while being utterly cautious about not offending sensibilities. It almost falls into the trap of the ideal victim myth. With Karnan , Mari Selvaraj gives less of a damn, and that is glorious.

He takes elements of magical realism and mass Tamil cinema to create an enthralling narrative. He writes a community of people, each one with a story and an inner life. They might live in a remote village without so much as bus connectivity, but they're bold, angry and embody resistance. Lal, Yogi Babu, GM Kumar, Rajisha Vijayan and Dhanush himself uphold the film with great care. Karnan isn't perfect. But it sure is great.

3. Maadathy

Leena Manimekalai's independent film Maadathy is folklore, horror and drama all rolled into a complete and considered whole. Writers Rafiq Ismail and Yavanika Sriram — story by Leena Manimekalai — take their time to establish the lives of each character. They write Yosana (Ajmina Kassim) with a tenderness and empathy that's due to a young woman who is discovering not just herself but the world around her. They situate her story in an environment that's clearly exploitative without milking it for melancholy. Leena herself captures the social, political and humanitarian excesses with a sharp feminist gaze. 

Maadathy is a brave film, both narrative-wise and cinematically. The only surprise here is that it hasn't been embraced more wholeheartedly by the Tamil audience.

The biggest surprise of 2021 is watching Sivakarthikeyan resist the temptation to mouth scathing comebacks. In Doctor , Nelson achieves exactly that. As a fan of the director's previous outing Kolamavu Kokila featuring a fantastic Nayanthara and Saranya Ponvannan, I had high expectations of Doctor . It delivered all that and then some.

Nelson takes the same theme — don't underestimate a family in dire straits — but mounts it on a larger, more ambitious canvas. He makes it more mainstream without losing the quirkiness of his cinema; the metro fight scene exemplary of this. He makes the jokes more accessible, an upgraded edition for the Lollu Sabha -loving audience. And, as a bonus, he has a healthy and charming disregard for the family unit.

1. Sarpatta Parambarai

It should be no surprise that Tamil cinema's finest contemporary filmmaker, Pa Ranjith, delivers a stunningly intricate piece of work in Sarpatta Parambarai . He packs it with little delights, which lend themselves to multiple pleasurable viewings. 

Writer Tamizh Prabha creates a layered drama effortlessly touching on class, caste, gender and political underpinnings of what could have been a simplistic story of a struggling boxer. While Arya is adequate, Pasupathy, John Vijay, Shabeer Kallarakkal, Dushara Vijayan, Anupama Kumar give stellar performances, elevating the film. Murali G is patient and non-intrusive with his cinematography. RK Selva's editing is thoughtful. Stunt choreographers Anbariv make art.

A completely in-control Pa Ranjith brings all this together into a wholesome film — his best yet.

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Best Of Tamil Cinema In 2021 - A Report For The Year

Published date : 13/jan/2022.

Best Of Tamil Cinema In 2021 - A Report For The Year

Best Of Tamil Cinema In 2021 - A Report For The Year!

Tamil Cinema in 2021 saw a limited release across the year due to the pandemic situation. There was a record high number of direct OTT releases, which helped in keeping the interest for movies alive in absence of theatres.  

Box Office Hits and Misses

Hits : Vijay starrer  Master  turned out to be biggest hit and box-office grosser of 2021. The film had a good run despite the pandemic and the makers holding back the film for 11 months to specifically release it in theatres, paid off well.  Master  became a saviour to Tamil Nadu theatres businesses during a dire time of need. Sivakarthikeyan’s  Doctor  and Silambarasan TR starrer  Maanaadu  were the other crowd pullers this year and both these films were blockbusters. The Tamil dubbed version of Allu Arjun starrer  Pushpa: The Rise  did good business in the state. The theatrical run of Dhanush’s  Karnan  was cut-short by sudden lockdown in the first half of 2021.

Misses : Banking on a star power like Rajinikanth and almost-monotony over theater screens,  Annaatthae  failed to achieve its box-office potential. Content of the film did not appeal to the masses and the gross total only came up to a bare minimum for a Rajinikanth film. However the box-office numbers still proved to be  higher than several other Tamil films in 2021.

Top 5 grossers

2. Annaatthe

4. Maanaadu

Tamil Films on OTT:

Year 2021 saw a huge number of direct releases on OTT. Suriya's Jai Bhim, Pa. Ranjith's Sarpatta Parambarai became two of the most well-received films in this category. Besides these direct releases, movies that performed well this year digitally are:  

Sony Liv  

  • Maanaadu 
  • Vaazhl 
  • Kasada Thapara 

Amazon Prime Video

  • Jai Bhim 
  • Sarpatta Parambarai 

Netflix 

  • Minnal Murali (Tamil dubbed)
  • Doctor 
  • Annaatthe 
  • Navarasa 
  • Jagame Thandhiram

Disney Plus Hotstar

  • Teddy 
  • Galatta Kalyaanam
  • November story
  • Oh Manapenne 
  • Triples 
  • Vinodhaya Sitham 
  • Malaysia to Amnesia  

10 Best Movies

10 Tamil movies crossed the minimum aggregate rating of 60% on MC pick this year.  Jai Bhim  topped this list with 72%, followed by  Sarpatta Parambara  at 70%,   Karnan ,  Maanaadu  at 68% and  Mandela  at 66%.

2021 tamil movie review

B est Tamil Movies in 2021 - Full List . 

Best Performances

2021 tamil movie review

Vijay was this years Best Entertainer for his charm-filled appearance in  Master , where as Arya scored the best male actor for his visible transformation, effort to authenticate a 70s boxer role. SJ Suryah ( Maanaadu ,  Nenjam Marapathillai ) and Lijomol Jose ( Jai Bhim ) were best among the other impressive performances in 2021.

Best Tamil Actors and Entertainers (Male) - Full List

Best Tamil Actors (Female) - Full List

Best Tamil Villains of 2021 - Full List

2021 tamil movie review

2021 saw both Anirudh and Santhosh Narayanan continue their prime form with Master and Doctor, Jagame Thandhiram and Karnan respectively. Yuvan Shankar Raja's Nenjam Marapathillai and Maanaadu faired well and his version of the classic hit  Per Vachalum Vaikama Ponalum trended in the music charts. 

Best of Tamil Music Composers, Albums, Background Score in 2021 - Full List

MC Picks for 2021 

Best Actor: Arya (Sarpatta Parambarai) 

Best Actress: Lijo Mol Jose (Jai Bhim)

Entertainer of the year: Vijay (Master)

Best Supporting Role: Manikandan (Jai Bhim)

Find of the year : Dancing Rose - Shabeer Kallarakkal 

Best Director : Venkat Prabhu (Maanadu)

Best Music Director : Anirudh (Master, Doctor)

Best Editing : Praveen KL (Maanaadu)

Best Cinematographe r: Theni Easwar (Karnan, Bachelor)

Best Film : Jai Bhim

Best Entertainer : Maanadu

Best Comedian : Redin Kingsley (Doctor)

Best Art Director - T Ramalingam (Sarpatta Parambarai, Karnan)

Best Choreography - Dinesh Kumar (Master - Vathi Coming)

Best Costume : Aegan Ekambaram

Best Stunts - Anbariv (Doctor - Metro Fight Scene)

Best Cast and Crew: Sarpatta Parambarai

Popular Song(s) : Vaathi Coming (Master), Rakita Rakita (Jagame Thandhiram)

Best Technicalities of Tamil Cinema 2021 - Full List 

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Vinodhaya Sitham Movie Review: Thambi Ramaiah, Samuthirakani present a heartwarming tale of the last ride

Rating: ( 3 / 5).

In Sivaji , Rajinikanth says, “ Saagara naal therinju pochu na, vaazhara naal naragamaaidum .” And there is no doubt that the idea of death is an existential theme of the human race that gives birth to a number of questions. What happens after we die? Where do we go? Will people remember us after? Despite death being the only certainty of life, we are never quite ready for it. In Vinodhaya Sitham , Samuthirakani’s latest directorial, he asks us a simple question about life and death. Is death really the last great adventure?

Cast: Thambi Ramaiah, Samuthirakani, Sriranjini, Munishkanth

Director: Samuthirakani

Streaming on: Zee5

Centred around the life and times of Parasuram (a brilliant Thambi Ramaiah), Samuthirakani weaves a tale that questions the idea of free will, fate, luck, and ultimately, death. But it isn’t all grim as Samuthirakani leaves us with a lasting message of hope. It makes us believe that the ones who left us weren’t going through the journey into the beyond without a companion. They weren’t alone. Of course, it might all seem hokum, and there might not be an afterlife after all. But, these stories are like folklore... it is familiar and comforting, even if it is cooked up. 

Parasuram is like the father from Santhosh Subramaniam, but only on steroids. He decides everything for his family -- wife (Sriranjini), son (Deepak), daughters (Sanchita Shetty and Yuvasri Lakshmi). The hyperactive Parasuram who takes the proverb - Time and tide wait for no one - too seriously is confronted by time itself, played by a stoic Samuthirakani. As time actually waits for Parasuram to finish off his worldly duties, we are shown how little we eventually matter to the overall scheme of things. Now, these concepts can be questioned for their basic veracity, but in this world, these exist and it is on its principles that we see Parasuram's well-constructed life crumble and reconstruct in front of our eyes. 

Samuthirakani’s Vinodhaya Sitham is based on a theatre play of the same name, written by Sreevathson, and has a similar 90-minute runtime. Although certain one-liners and the overall flow of narrative remains the same, the changes that are made truly enhance the film. It is impressive how Samuthirakani stuffs in a lot more layers into the film without it feeling overly bloated or… since it is a Samuthirakani film… preachy. There is a small twist in the stories of Parasuram’s prospective son-in-law (Hari Krishnan) and daughter-in-law (Sheriina). There is a small twist in why Parasuram's younger daughter (Yuvasri) agrees to a hurried marriage. There is a small twist in the story of Parasuram’s wife. There is a small twist in terms of Parasuram’s office promotion. There is a small twist in terms of Parasuram’s final regret. Even Time's non-mincing of words comes with a moral lesson here, and a preachy undertone there. But each of these twists and messages is neatly wrapped in the cloak of sentiment with a surprisingly effective layer of comedy. 

Vinodhaya Sitham is easily the most subtle Samuthirakani film since Unnai Charanadainthen, but we do see some garden-variety sentiment. It is the performances of a solid ensemble that manages to elevate the stereotypes to refreshing flourishes. On the surface level, it might not seem that Thambi Ramaiah is doing anything that we haven’t seen him do earlier. In fact, the OTT-ness of his performance might be reminiscent of his previous works — Saattai, Adutha Saattai, Appa — with Samuthirakani himself. But, Thambi Ramaiah's grounding and affecting performance allow us to look beneath the caricaturish nature of Parasuram and find a lot more depth. The same can be said about Sriranjini’s performance too. It is Samuthirakani’s writing that ensures that roles that run the risk of being just cardboard characters are anything but in Vinodhaya Sitham . 

Of course, since there are many layers and subplots packed in, the 90-minute runtime doesn’t really do justice to it all. The setting up of the premise and introducing us to the multiple players takes up so much time that the final resolution feels rushed. But, full points to composer Sathya for giving us a rather sobering soundtrack as opposed to the bombastic background scores we are used to in recent Samuthirakani films. 

Over the past two years, our ideas of life and death have undergone a drastic change. Now, we step out of our houses more aware of our mortality than ever before. We know how little our well-laid future plans actually matter. We know how our lives can turn upside down in a matter of just days. Our idea of eventuality is being questioned. But is there something that can actually be done?  Through Vinodhaya Sitham, Samuthirakani and Co tell us that although there is very little we can do, it shouldn’t stop us from being… well, nice people. As Albus Dumbledore says in Harry Potter , “For the well-organised mind, death is but the next great adventure.” Did I ever think I’d be using a Harry Potter quote to sum up a Samuthirakani film? Well... that’s one Vinodhaya Sitham indeed.

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‘Rocky’ movie review: Arun Matheshwaran announces his arrival with a bloody, brilliant revenge drama

Shot after shot, scene after scene, ‘rocky’, with its superb writing and even better staging, keeps hitting you.

Updated - December 24, 2021 02:35 pm IST

Published - December 24, 2021 02:14 pm IST

Vasanth Ravi in ‘Rocky’

Vasanth Ravi in ‘Rocky’

A wide shot. A car is in the centre of the frame. Rocky (Vasanth Ravi) stands next to it. There are sickle- and knife-wielding men at one end. There are sickle- and knife-wielding men at the other end too. There is nowhere to go. Rocky is checkmated. Or so we think until Rocky — no, I will not ruin this moment for you. You have to watch it; watch it and be gobsmacked. You have to watch it to experience the exhilaration of a film that is likely to be the talk of the town in the next few days or weeks, perhaps.

Also read | Get ‘First Day First Show’, our weekly newsletter from the world of cinema, in your inbox . You can subscribe for free here

The film is not just about this climactic moment. Shot after shot, scene after scene, Rocky , with its superb writing and even better staging, keeps hitting you. It is impossible not to be knocked out by its brilliance.

Arun Matheshwaran’s first film is probably among the best first films of Tamil cinema. Unfortunately, there were not many people in the multiplex hall in Coimbatore where I watched the film. Arun, perhaps, is familiar with this initial lukewarm response. The first film in which he worked as an assistant director received a similar reception but later developed a cult following. Remember Aaranya Kaandam ?

A few things about Arun Matheshwaran's filmmaking are reminiscent of Thiagarajan Kumararaja (whom he calls his “boss”). Especially the cheeky humour. For example, the right-hand men of ganglords are usually called ‘ valadhu kai’ (right hand). But, in this film, Rocky calls him ‘ valadhu kottai ’ (right testicle). There is one more shot involving testicles that is deliciously dark and hilarious — it deservedly got a standing ovation from a few members of the audience. In another scene, a man slits another’s throat as a peppy SPB Telugu song plays in the background.

‘Spirit of Tarantino’

The spirit of Quentin Tarantino is also unmissable. The film, for instance, is segmented into chapters, and each chapter has a title written in large font. In one scene, Rocky talks about God before proceeding to butcher a guy's head with a hammer which reminded me of Jules Winnfield (Samuel L Jackson) quoting Ezekiel 25:17 before spraying bullets onto a man's torso.

  • Director: Arun Matheshwaran
  • Cast: Vasanth Ravi, Bharathiraja, Raveena Ravi, Rohini
  • Storyline: After a 17-year sentence, Rocky, seeking a fresh start, goes in search of his sister, Amudha. But the nightmares of his violent past continue to chase him
  • Duration: 129 minutes

It is understandable if this dark, violent, and funny neo-noir action drama evokes a bit of Tarantino and Kumararaja. But, surprisingly, a few parts in the film also reminded me of Terrence Mallick's Tree of Life . Arun is unafraid (or indulgent enough) to veer into an arthouse zone. There is a black-and-white shot of the protagonist standing in the middle of shallow waters, looking at a mirror. In fact, about 40 per cent of the film is in black-and-white.

Shreyaas Krishna’s camerawork is splendid; the frame, the light, and the colour intensify the drama unfolding on the screen. There is a particular fight sequence wherein Rocky takes on multiple henchmen in an under-construction multi-storey building at night. The henchmen run towards Rocky and get killed — one of them is thrown off from the second floor to death. A long, continuous shot is employed so that we get to see three floors, lit in neon red and blue, where the entirety of the action unfolds. Slowly, we see that this is the point of view of the antagonist, Manimaran (played by a superb Bharathiraja). It is one of the best shot action sequences in Tamil cinema ever.

Arun and Shreyaas use a lot of long takes that immerses us into the world of Rocky, and Darbuka Siva's minimal background helps a great deal too. In one of the gruesome fight scenes, where Rocky smashes people’s heads with a hammer, Siva uses veena and mridangam ! (Perhaps 'gruesome' is a redundant adjective here because Rocky is the kind of guy who does not just kill, he butchers you, tears open your torso, removes your intestines and garlands you with it.)

Also Read | ‘Rocky’ actor Vasanth Ravi speaks on the revenge drama

Vasanth Ravi delivers a fine performance as Rocky, who is a bit of an enigmatic character. He contemplates a lot, like a poet, about time, life, and fate. He wants to get away from violence after serving a 17-year sentence (so much so that he has even given up meat because it involves the violent taking away of an animal’s life). But when provoked, he will cut your tongue and smash your head with a hammer. Vasanth's brooding, cold eyes, scraggly beard, and quiet demeanour lend this enigmatic quality to Rocky.

Bharathiraja as Manimaran is brilliant as well. He was great as the villain in Aayutha Ezhuthu , but his performance is a tad bit better this time around. Manimaran is driven by vengeance but does not let rage cloud his thinking, and Bharathiraja, with his baritone and self-assured presence, conveys that he is not a man you want to mess with. Reena Ravi (as Amudha), Rohini (as Malli), and the other supporting characters have done a fine job too.

Revenge dramas have existed for generations in Tamil cinema. There are scores of good and bad ones. But Rocky will probably be among the best, because it is spectacularly bloody and poetic at the same time.

Rocky is currently playing in theatres

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Doctor movie review: Sivakarthikeyan’s film is a deliciously wicked dark comedy

Doctor movie review: sivakarthikeyan's new film is unlike any you've seen him in before. with dark humour, nelson adds spice to a mundane script..

Doctor Director: Nelson Cast: Sivakarthikeyan, Priyanka Arul Mohan, Vinay, Yogi Babu and Archana Chandokhe

Doctor movie review: Sivakarthikeyan embraces a dark role.

The first thing that comes to mind when you walk out of Nelson’s Doctor is it’s unlike anything you’ve seen from a Sivakarthikeyan’s movie so far. Taking a refreshing departure from the colourful entertainers he’s popular for; Sivakarthikeyan embraces a dark role-– of an army doctor who goes after a human trafficking gang--with minimal dialogues. Nelson whips up a deliciously wicked dark comedy that works despite its predictable plot and twists. Even the most mundane scenes are elevated thanks to the quirky treatment.

Watch Doctor trailer here:

The plot is simple and familiar. Early on, Varun (Sivakarthikeyan) gets a call from his fiancée Padmini (Priyanka), who decides to call off their wedding after realising that he is not hip enough. When Varun and his folks come home to find out the exact reason behind the rejection, they’re told that he’s not caring and emotional. As the wedding is called off, news comes in that Padmini’s niece has gone missing from her school and the family suspects a case of kidnapping. Varun comes forward to help them and he decides to take the law in his own hands when he realises the police are not too serious about the case. Will Varun succeed in saving girl by taking a human trafficking gang head on, forms the crux of the story?

Doctor takes off slowly and initially it feels a little odd to see Sivakarthikeyan deliver his lines like a robot. It feels like a very mechanical performance but once you get used to his character, the film works like a charm. No other Tamil film apart from Nelson’s own Kolamavu Kokila used dark comedy so effectively in recent years. 

Also read: Bhramam movie review: Prithviraj Sukumaran's pointless Andhadhun remake will blindside you with blandness

Nelson manages to evoke laughs out of the most serious situations and he pulls it off so effortlessly. Most scenes would’ve felt flat if they were not treated the way Nelson did with the aid of dark humour. There’s a terrific action sequence inside a metro train and it’s one of the best sequences in the first half. It’s inventive and extremely wacky. Not sure if this sequence would’ve worked in any other film. 

Despite a slightly predictable second half, Doctor stays afloat because of the way it uses humour to make every cliched sequence feel fresh. Yogi Babu, who usually gets a tiny comic roles in movies, gets an extended screen time here and he’s terrific in his portion. With impeccable timing and deadpan expression, he keeps the film alive in some of its more boring stretches. MTV Roadies fame Rajiv and Raghu Ram play key characters and they make for interesting casting choices. Vinay shines yet again as the sophisticated villain. Anirudh Ravichander’s music and score holds the film together whenever it dips.

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2021 tamil movie review

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Priyanka Arulmohan, Vinay Rai, Sivakarthikeyan, and Yogi Babu in Doctor (2021)

When his fiancee's niece is kidnapped, a stoic army doctor and his motley team launch a rescue operation in which they need both wit and their wits. When his fiancee's niece is kidnapped, a stoic army doctor and his motley team launch a rescue operation in which they need both wit and their wits. When his fiancee's niece is kidnapped, a stoic army doctor and his motley team launch a rescue operation in which they need both wit and their wits.

  • Nelson Dilipkumar
  • Surbhi Sehgal
  • Sivakarthikeyan
  • Priyanka Arulmohan
  • 193 User reviews
  • 7 Critic reviews
  • 4 wins & 6 nominations

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  • Trivia Of all the movies he has acted in as lead, SK (Lead / Hero) has the least amount of dialogues in this movie. This is an intentional divergence to break away from his usual exuberant performance, director Nelson was the one to come up with this idea.
  • Soundtracks Chellamma (Tamil) Music by Anirudh Ravichander Lyrics by Sivakarthikeyan Performed by Anirudh Ravichander , Jonita Gandhi Backing vocals by Nakul Abhyankar

User reviews 193

  • vk-79404-74335
  • Oct 8, 2021
  • How long is Doctor? Powered by Alexa
  • October 9, 2021 (India)
  • KJR Studios
  • Sivakarthikeyan Productions
  • Goldmines Telefilms
  • See more company credits at IMDbPro

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  • Runtime 2 hours 28 minutes

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'Thangalaan': Stunning visuals and social commentary, yet missing the emotional core | Movie Review

Swathi P Ajith

Pa Ranjith’s Thangalaan, starring Chiyaan Vikram, was one of the most anticipated films of the year, and it’s clear that the buzz was well-deserved. Now that the film has finally arrived in theatres, it can be said with confidence that it lives up to the hype. Thangalaan is a breathtaking visual spectacle, elevated by powerful performances from its cast.

The film is set against the backdrop of a British-led expedition to unearth the gold mines of Kolar. Coloniser Clement strikes a deal with the tribe, led by Thangalaan (Vikram), offering them a share of the gold in exchange for their participation in the excavation.

Thangalaan is not just a mythical action drama; it’s a powerful narrative that tackles a significant social issue—the relentless struggle for power and the oppression of society’s marginalised. The film vividly portrays how the oppressed rise against their oppressors. Thangalaan, the central character, is a figure of immense physical strength and unyielding ambition. His deep-rooted desire to uplift his tribe drives him to make difficult choices, even if it means aligning with the very forces that seek to dominate them, all in pursuit of a better future for his people.

It is great how when a movie talks about something so serious, director Pa Ranjith weaves a mythical narrative into it making the movie more tantalising. Vikram is the undeniable heart and soul of Thangalaan, delivering a performance that is nothing short of extraordinary. As Thangalaan, he commands the screen with a potent mix of intensity and depth, fully embodying a character who is as conflicted within as he is challenged by the external dangers of his quest. Vikram doesn’t just play the role—he lives it, capturing the internal battle of a man torn between his ambitions and the harsh realities he faces. Parvathy, as Gangamma, Thangalaan’s wife, delivers a performance that is both impactful and memorable. Gangamma is far from a mere follower of her husband; she stands as a strong, independent character with her own perspective and influence within the story. Malavika Mohanan plays the role of Aarathi, and she too is fierce and powerful. Her initial few scenes as Aarathi is truly mindblowing.

Malavika Mohanan delivers a fierce and powerful performance as Aarathi, with her initial scenes being particularly striking. Cinematography by A. Kishor Kumar enhances the film, showcasing some truly remarkable visuals. While many scenes, especially those featuring lush greenery and aerial shots, are visually impressive, the sequences set in the mines could have been executed with greater finesse.

Certain parts of the movie, with their mythical elements, evoke a sense of horror, which adds a layer of fun. What’s truly impressive about the film is that it reveals much more beneath the surface. It unfolds like an onion, gradually peeling back layers to reveal deeper complexities.

The film consistently addresses caste politics, exploring the dynamics between the oppressor and the oppressed. Thangalaan's tribe is viewed with contempt by British officers, who exploit their naivety. Throughout the movie, Ranjith delivers a powerful critique of Brahminism and the Varna system. However, he maintains the tribe's dignity by not overtly favouring one side in his portrayal. The movie also explores a parallel theme of the corrupting power of greed. The relentless pursuit of gold, which drives everyone involved, including the tribe, clouds their judgment and distorts their rationality.

Ranjith addresses the issues of Brahminism and Buddhism with a balanced portrayal, presenting perspectives from both sides. Women in the film are depicted as individuals with distinct identities, rather than mere background figures. While the background score is effective, the music could have been more impactful. Given the story's intensity, stronger rhythms and beats might have been more fitting, but music director G. V. Prakash Kumar chose a folk style that, while enjoyable, lacks the power needed for the story. 

However, the film falters when it comes to establishing an emotional connection with the characters. It lacks the depth needed for the audience to fully invest in the main characters' journeys. In one particular scene, which impacts Thangalaan and his family, the intended emotional weight falls flat. The effort to create a politically correct narrative seems to have come at the expense of a strong story-driven connection.

Thangalaan stands out as one of Vikram's finest performances, offering him ample scope for acting and showcasing his skills. The first half of the film is deeply engaging, with several edge-of-your-seat moments. While the second half remains thrilling, it occasionally slows down. The climax is particularly powerful, delivering a compelling statement. Thangalaan is definitely a must-see in theatres, with its enchanting story and exceptional performances making it a spectacle that film enthusiasts shouldn't miss.

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Enemy Movie Review : Vishal and Arya star in a watchable thriller that is not boring

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2021 tamil movie review

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Refrain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or inflammatory, and do not indulge in personal attacks, name calling or inciting hatred against any community. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by marking them offensive . Let's work together to keep the conversation civil.

2021 tamil movie review

Navaneethakrishnan K 940 days ago

Very nice movie and fantastic experience while watching this movie we are already know many lines but when we saw this type of movie again and again we would know which is good or bad so many ingredients mixed in this movie.

2021 tamil movie review

Sylent Screamer 947 days ago

one time watch movie, how come directors & producers make fool of public by saying Singapore and shot most of the movie in Dubai , atleast the director should have made sure not to capture Dubai landmarks .. over the top action scenes like always in Vishal movies ..story was interesting

2021 tamil movie review

Natarajan 955 days ago

In the recent times, Vishal's movies are very technical and very interesting. I enjoyed the movie after a very long time. Like &quot;Irumbu Therai&quot; vishal has given an another interesting movie. Every scene has a reason behind it and you will enjoy the movie for the full duration.

Meyyappan Ramanath 966 days ago

2021 tamil movie review

R Sridhar 973 days ago

Below average movie .. Over hype given ...

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Thangalaan Review: Vikram-Pa Ranjith's film drowns due to convoluted storytelling

'thangalaan' review: director pa ranjith's film starring chiyaan vikram, pa ranjith and parvathy thiruvothu, is a fantasy drama about oppression and land rights. the film is too abstract for its own good..

Listen to Story

A still from Chiyaan Vikram's 'Thangalaan'.

  • 'Thangalaan' released in theatres on August 15
  • The film explores the topics of oppression, untouchability and land rights
  • Directed by Pa Ranjith, the film features Chiyaan Vikram, Parvathy and Malavika Mohanan

Release Date: 15 Aug, 2024

Director Pa Ranjith is one filmmaker with a powerful voice in Tamil cinema. Whether one agrees or not, his voice is significant and cannot be ignored. When he announced his collaboration with actor Chiyaan Vikram in 2021, it excited many. And the excitement grew multifold over the years and became one of the most anticipated films of 2024. Did 'Thangalaan' manage to fulfil the expectations? Let's find out!

Thangalaan (Chiyaan Vikram), Gangamma (Parvathy Thiruvothu) and their five children live in North Arcot where they rely on agriculture. However, their land is grabbed by the upper-class landlord using deceitful tactics. In the 1800s, Lord Clement, a British General, expressed his desire to trace gold near their village. However, a local myth claims that the sorceress Aarathi (Malavika Mohanan), guards the area. Thangalaan and the rest of the villagers believe in the myth.

Director Pa Ranjith blends magical realism with themes of oppression, untouchability, and inequality. How do Thangalaan and his people fight for their rights and discover the true purpose of life? Is the myth about Aarathi true? These questions are explored over the course of two and a half hours.

Filmmaker Ranjith and his stories of oppression have a special place in history. They are evocative and raise the most important questions about one's rights. 'Thangalaan' is no different. Set in the Kolar Gold Fields, the film is about how common citizens are oppressed by the landlords initially and eventually by the Britishers. Along with the story of oppression, we get a fantasy element, headlined by Aarathi.

The plot of 'Thangalaan' seems interesting on paper. It follows the 'history repeats itself' template i.e. how ancestors fought for liberation and how Thangalaan continues to do so in his time. However, 'Thangalaan' seems to be the weakest work in director Pa Ranjith's filmography. The film's screenplay is too abstract, which might not be everyone's cup of tea. A lot relies on Thangalaan, the mythical story and his hallucinations about Aarathi.

The screenplay is slow and lacks engaging elevation sequences. Despite the brilliant performances from the lead cast, 'Thangalaan' is a disappointing watch. The tedious first half and the convoluted second half make the film a middling affair. Ranjith used sync sound, which is a major drawback, and it is hard to follow their dialect and understand their emotions.

The film's mythical story and political themes are muddled, affecting the overall impact. The visual effects are tacky and fall short given the film's large-scale production. However, composer GV Prakash Kumar’s music and background score do manage to elevate the film to an extent.

That said, there are some brilliant stretches in the film. Be it the first time when Chiyaan Vikram wears a pant-shirt or when the women in the village wear a blouse, these sequences are goosebumps-inducing. However, such moments are sporadic and not consistently present throughout the film.

Actors Chiyaan Vikram, Parvathy, Malavika Mohanan and Daniel Caltagirone do the heavy lifting with their brilliant performances. Vikram as Thangalaan is simply extraordinary, fully embodying his character. Parvathy's Gangamma is feisty, and she once again proves why she is one of the best performers we have. Malavika Mohanan and Daniel Caltagirone also give commendable performances.

'Thangalaan' is a wasted opportunity in terms of storytelling. 2 out of 5 stars for 'Thangalaan'. Published By: K Janani Published On: Aug 15, 2024 ALSO READ | Suriya gives a shoutout to Chiyaan Vikram's 'Thangalaan': This win will be huge

2021 tamil movie review

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Thangalaan Early Review: Vikram And Pa. Ranjith's Action-Adventure Film Set For Release With Positive Buzz

Vikram And Pa Ranjith s Thangalaan Early Review

Thangalaan Early Review: Thangalaan is an upcoming Tamil action-adventure film directed by Pa. Ranjith and produced collaboratively by Studio Green, Neelam Productions, and Jio Studios. The film stars Vikram in the lead role, with Malavika Mohanan, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Daniel Caltagirone, Pasupathy, Hari Krishnan Anbudurai, and Sampath Ram also featuring prominently. Set during the British Raj, the story follows a fierce tribal leader who seeks to confront a sorceress after drawing her ire by aiding a British general in his search for gold in their village.

Initially announced in December 2021 under the working title Chiyaan 61-marking Vikram's 61st film as a lead actor-the official title was revealed in October 2022. Principal photography began that month, with shooting taking place intermittently across locations including Chennai, Andhra Pradesh, Madurai, and Karnataka, and concluded by early July 2023. The film's music is composed by G. V. Prakash Kumar, with A. Kishor Kumar handling cinematography and Selva RK managing editing.

Thangalaan is set to release worldwide on August 15, 2024, coinciding with India's Independence Day, in both standard and 3D formats. According to reports, Netflix acquired the digital streaming rights for the film for ₹35 crore.

A video of Thangalaan producer K. E. Gnanavel Raja's interview, which was part of the film's promotion, is now being circulated as an early review. In the video, Gnanavel Raja expresses his immense happiness and pride after viewing the final cut of the film. He also shares that he had tears of joy during the first half of the movie. Check out the video below:

Literally its #Thangalaan first half review in crisp🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/sJ5ekIuZdM — Cine Buzzler📽️ (@TweeeterGalaxXy) August 8, 2024
#Thangalaan Final Runtime !! 1st Half - 1 Hr 19 Mins 2nd Half - 1 Hr 12 Mins In Cinemas From Tomorrow pic.twitter.com/T1f3Ol5BQX — Adarsh Murugan (@adarsh_cine) August 14, 2024

Thangalaan Premise

Set during the British Raj, Thangalaan follows a fierce tribal leader and his tribe, who help Lord Clement, a British general, in his quest to find gold in their village. During the search, they incur the anger of Aarathi, a reputed sorceress. Determined to protect his people, Thangalaan embarks on a mission to confront Aarathi with all his strength.

Thangalaan Cast

The highly anticipated Tamil action-adventure film Thangalaan boasts an impressive cast, led by Vikram in the titular role. The film also features Malavika Mohanan as Aarathi and Parvathy Thiruvothu as Gangamma. Supporting roles include Pasupathy, Daniel Caltagirone as Clement, Hari Krishnan Anbudurai, Vettai Muthukumar, Krish Hassan, Arjun Anbudan, and Sampath Ram. The diverse ensemble promises a captivating performance across the film's dramatic narrative.

Thangalaan Crew

Thangalaan, directed and written by Pa. Ranjith, features a screenplay co-written with Tamil Prabha and Azhagiya Periyavan. The film is produced by K. E. Gnanavel Raja, Pa. Ranjith, and Jyoti Deshpande under the banners of Studio Green, Neelam Productions, and Jio Studios. A. Kishor Kumar handles the cinematography, Selva R. K. is responsible for editing, and the music and background score are composed by G. V. Prakash Kumar, marking his first collaboration with Ranjith and his third with Vikram, following their work on Deiva Thirumagal and Thaandavam.

Thangalaan Overseas Review: Here's What The Audience Abroad Says About Vikram And Pa. Ranjith's Film 

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    2021 tamil movie review

  2. Karnan (2021) Tamil Movie Teaser Review

    2021 tamil movie review

  3. Sivakarthikeyan Doctor (2021) Tamil Full Movie Review Tweets On Viral

    2021 tamil movie review

  4. Kaadan (2021) Tamil Movie Review : Rana Daggubati

    2021 tamil movie review

  5. Master Movie Review and Rating, Hit or Flop Talk

    2021 tamil movie review

  6. Ganesapuram (2021) Tamil Movie Review

    2021 tamil movie review

COMMENTS

  1. Best Tamil Movies of 2021

    Discover the best Tamil movies of 2021 with ratings, reviews, and cast details. Find your next favorite film on this comprehensive and updated list.

  2. Tamil movies of 2021

    3. Karnan. 2021 2h 38m. 8.0 (24K) Rate. Karnan, a fearless village youth, must fight for the rights of the conservative people of his village, due to the torture given by a police officer. Director Mari Selvaraj Stars Dhanush Lal Rajisha Vijayan. 4. Annaatthe.

  3. Best Tamil Films Of 2021

    Best Tamil Films Of 2021 If the worst of 2021 are defined by their disregard for the audience's intelligence, the best brought with them one thing: Surprise.

  4. List of Tamil films of 2021

    List of Tamil films of 2021 This is a list of Tamil language films produced in the Tamil cinema in India that were released or schedule to release in 2021.

  5. Best Tamil Movies of 2021

    Best Tamil Movies of 2021: Check out the list of top 20 Tamil movies of 2021 along with movie review, box office collection, story, cast and crew by Times of India.

  6. Maanaadu (2021)

    Permalink. 10/10. Maanaadu is a supremely entertaining high-concept movie. Don_Bradman_IMDB 25 November 2021. Even though the Maanadu is shade of Vantage Point and A day (Korean movie), this screenplay is completely new and Its such a new concept in Tamil industry. Worth watch movie. Fantastic 1st Half & Excellent 2nd Half.

  7. Top Tamil Movies of 2021

    Top Tamil Movies of 2021. Karnan is a powerful action drama about the collective uprising of an oppressed community against the upper class. Karnan is littered with Theni Eswar's striking imagery, plus Mari Selvaraj's provocative war cry moments. In Dhanush, it also has just the kind of actor who could pull off a mass titular character with ...

  8. Moviecrow Annual Rankings

    Moviecrow Annual Rankings - Best Tamil Movies of 2021 The last two years in the history of cinema has been a mix of equal amounts theatrical and direct OTT/TV releases. In a country like India where the latter is an unusual norm, if 2020 was a year of tip-toeing, 2021 was the year of not holding back with the releases.

  9. Karnan Movie Review: Mari Selvaraj's dance of defiance makes for

    Where does one begin with Mari Selvaraj's superlative Karnan? Let's start perhaps by getting the obvious out of the way: the comparisons with the Karnan from my

  10. Best Of Tamil Cinema In 2021

    Tamil Cinema in 2021 saw a limited release across the year due to the pandemic situation. There was a record high number of direct OTT releases, which helped in keeping the interest for movies alive in absence of theatres.

  11. Vinodhaya Sitham Movie Review: Thambi Ramaiah Samuthirakani

    Vinodhaya Sitham Movie Review: Thambi Ramaiah, Samuthirakani present a heartwarming tale of the last ride. Vinodhaya Sitham is easily the most subtle Samuthirakani film and it is the performances of a solid ensemble that manages to elevate the stereotypes to refreshing flourishes. In Sivaji, Rajinikanth says, " Saagara naal therinju pochu na ...

  12. Master Movie Review: Vijay & Vijay Sethupathi make Master worthwhile

    Master Movie Review: Critics Rating: 3.5 stars, click to give your rating/review,It is the charismatic performances of Vijay and Vijay Sethupathi that keeps us rooting.

  13. 'Rocky' movie review: Arun Matheshwaran announces his arrival with a

    'Rocky' movie review: Arun Matheshwaran announces his arrival with a bloody, brilliant revenge drama Shot after shot, scene after scene, 'Rocky', with its superb writing and even better ...

  14. Doctor movie review: Sivakarthikeyan's film is a deliciously wicked

    Doctor movie review: Sivakarthikeyan's new film is unlike any you've seen him in before. With dark humour, Nelson adds spice to a mundane script.

  15. Doctor (2021)

    Doctor: Directed by Nelson Dilipkumar. With Sivakarthikeyan, Vinay Rai, Priyanka Arulmohan, Yogi Babu. When his fiancee's niece is kidnapped, a stoic army doctor and his motley team launch a rescue operation in which they need both wit and their wits.

  16. Doctor (2021 film)

    Doctor (2021 film) Doctor. (2021 film) Doctor is a 2021 Indian Tamil -language action comedy film [ 4] written and directed by Nelson Dilipkumar. It is produced by Sivakarthikeyan under Sivakarthikeyan Productions, in the company of KJR Studios. The film stars Sivakarthikeyan and Vinay Rai, in the lead role, alongside Priyanka Mohan (in her ...

  17. Enemy (2021 film)

    Tamil. Box office. ₹ 20.02 crore [ 1] Enemy[ 2] is a 2021 Indian Tamil -language action thriller film directed by Anand Shankar [ 3] and produced by Vinod Kumar under the banner of Mini Studios. The film features Vishal and Arya in the lead roles, [ 4] while Mirnalini Ravi, Mamta Mohandas, [ 5] Prakash Raj, Thambi Ramaiah and Karunakaran play ...

  18. Doctor Movie Review : Doctor is a deliciously dark comedy

    Doctor Movie Review: Critics Rating: 4.0 stars, click to give your rating/review,And all along, the writing remains solid, giving us situations that might have felt implausible in a

  19. 'Thangalaan': Stunning visuals and social commentary, yet ...

    Thangalaan is not just a mythical action drama; it's a powerful narrative that tackles a significant social issue—the relentless struggle for power.Thangalaan. thangalaan review. thangalaan movie review. vikram. chiyaan vikram. pa ranjith. parvathy. Malavika Mohanan. tamil cinema. kollywood. vikram thangalaan

  20. Lift (2021 film)

    Lift is a 2021 Indian Tamil -language horror thriller film written and directed by Vineeth Varaprasad in his directorial debut. The film stars Kavin and Amritha Aiyer. It was directly released via Disney+ Hotstar on 1 October 2021. [ 1] The film received mainly positive reviews from critics, who noted that the highlight was a passingly good main cast's performance. [ 2][ 3][ 4][ 5]

  21. Ogo Movies Malayalam 2024 Review

    Ogo Movies Malayalam 2024 Review. Malayalam | crime, mystery, thriller | u. Check out biju menon's nadanna sambavam movie release date, review, cast & crew, trailer, songs, teaser, story, budget, first day. The tamil movie 'andhagan,' starring prashanth, finally premiered on august 9 after beginning production in 2021. With chinnu chandni nair, siddique, dileesh pothan,

  22. Enemy Movie Review: Vishal and Arya star in a watchable thriller that

    Enemy Movie Review : Vishal and Arya star in a watchable thriller that is not boring Times Of India Logesh Balachandran, Nov 4, 2021, 11.17 AM IST Critic's Rating: 3.0/5

  23. Thangalaan Review: Vikram-Pa Ranjith film drowns due to convoluted

    'Thangalaan' Review: Director Pa Ranjith's film starring Chiyaan Vikram, Pa Ranjith and Parvathy Thiruvothu, is a fantasy drama about oppression and land rights. The film is too abstract for its own good. Listen to Story Release Date: 15 Aug, 2024 Director Pa Ranjith is one filmmaker with a powerful ...

  24. Mandela (2021 film)

    Star Vijay. Release. April 4, 2021. ( 2021-04-04) Mandela is a 2021 Indian Tamil -language political satire television film written and directed by Madonne Ashwin on his directorial debut and produced by S. Sashikanth and Ramachandra of YNOT Studios while director Balaji Mohan, co-produced the film under his banner Open Window Productions. The ...

  25. Thangalaan Early Review: Vikram And Pa. Ranjith's Action-Adventure Film

    Thangalaan is an upcoming Tamil action-adventure film directed by Pa. Ranjith, starring Vikram, Malavika Mohanan, and Parvathy Thiruvothu, set during the British Raj. Releasing on August 15, 2024 ...

  26. Writer (film)

    Writer (film) Writer. (film) Writer is a 2021 Indian Tamil -language crime thriller film written and directed by debutant Franklin Jacob and produced by Neelam Productions in association with Golden Ratio Films, Little Red Car Films and Jetty Productions. [ 1] The film stars Samuthirakani and Hari Krishnan, and the music is composed by Govind ...

  27. Trip (film)

    Trip is a 2021 Indian Tamil -language science fiction horror film written and directed by Dennis Manjunath. The film stars Yogi Babu, Karunakaran, and Sunaina in the lead roles. [ 2] The music was composed by Siddhu Kumar. The film had its theatrical release on 5 February 2021 and received mixed to negative reviews from audiences & critics. [ 3][ 4]