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Revision as of 18:32, 21 May 2006 by Prince 06 (talk | contribs) (→2002)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Popular Kollywood films (in reverse chronological order)
No claim is made that these are the best Kollywood movies, though many of fans' all-time favorites will be found on this list. However, the non-Indian explorer of Tamil cinema industry will learn a fair bit about Kollywood history and conventions by watching these films. The list is biased towards recent films, but this may be an advantage for some users of the list, as the recent films are more likely to be found in video rental stores. Submissions of notable older films are invited.
When box office data is available, the list gives the top-grossing films of the year, or decade. There are also lists of the critically-acclaimed films, as determined by combining lists from the film review sites (Galatta, Behindwoods and Sify) linked below.
The capsule reviews are written in the usual brief television-film-schedule style. More complete reviews, lists of stars and director, &c., can be found by clicking on links to films that have their own pages.
Kollywood Links
2000 Onwards
2006
- Thirupathi: Ajith's second hit in this year after Paramasivan. Though the film had mixed reviews it is performing well at the box office. Starring Ajith, Sadha and Laila.
- Paramasivan: Film directed by P.Vasu had Ultimate Star Ajith in the lead role. It is about a tough policeman Prakash Raj hiring a man who is sentenced to death to eradicate terrorists. The bike chase in the climax is a widely acknowledged scene as it was performed by Ajith without stunts, hi-tech gimmicks or props. The film ran for 125 days.Template:Fn
- Thambi: This is a film which is about a man who wants to end rowdyism. It is directed by Seeman and stars Madhavan, Pooja. This is a critically acclaimed film.
- Thiruttu Payale: The stylish Action Thriller dealing with extra marital affair and blackmail is turning out to be the biggest blockbuster this year. During the time of it`s release it was declared an average film but collections gradually picked up. It is directed by Susi Ganesan and stars Sonia Agarwal, Malavika, Jeevan, Abbas, Vivek and Ravi K. Chandran.
- Pattiyal: Film directed by Vishnuvardhan, starring Arya, Bharath, Pooja and Padmapriya. Kosi and Selva are hard-core gangsters until they meet the loves of their lives.
Critically acclaimed films
- Chithiram Pesuthadi: This film is turning out to be one of the biggest blockbusters so far in 2006. This film stars Bhavana and Narain. This is a low budgeted film but has grossed nearly Rs.5 crores in Tamil Nadu. This film is directed by newcomer Mishkin and stars many newcomers. A Gana song sung and enacted by Gana Ulaganathan is turning out to be the biggest hit song this year.
- Dishyum: This film is about a stuntman and his love. This film stars Sandhya, Jeeva, Nassar. This film is directed by Sasi.
2005
- Chandramukhi:The biggest ever blockbuster movie ever in the history of Tamil Cinema. Released on April 14, 2005 in more than 300 centres worldwide in more then 60 countries made history by grossing Rs. 80 crores. Stars Nayanthara, Jyothika, Rajnikanth, Malavika and Prabhu, directed by P.Vasu. The movie tells the tale of a spirit who is desperate to take revenge on her killer.
- Thirupaachi: This is a fast paced action film directed by newcomer Perarasu. This is one of the biggest grosser in 2005 and grossed about Rs.35 crores worldwide. Stars Illayathalapathy Vijay, Trisha, "Kotta" Srinivasan, Pasupathy, Yugendran. This is about a man who saves the city Chennai from its Dons.
- Anniyan: The biggest ever Indian film costing a whopping Rs. 26.38 crores grossed a record breaking Rs.50 crores in its opening 50 days. An action thriller starring Vikram, Sadha and Prakash Raj among others which deals with the disease of Multiple Personality Disorder. The film was a bigger hit in Tollywood than in Kollywood.
- Ghajini: A formerly rich Mobile company owner, played by Surya, is seeking out on a mission for revenge after the death of his girlfriend, Asin. The film was a bigger hit in Tollywood than in Kollywood.
- Sivakasi: This is another mass masala entertainer for the 2nd time by the duo Vijay - Perarasu and the film ran for 100 days in many centres.
For box office grosses for top 2005 films, see
Critically acclaimed films
- Thavamai Thavamirundhu: Cheran depicts the life of a struggling father and how he takes care of his family. The film stars Padmapriya, Saranya, Rajkiran and Cheran.
- Raam: A thriller of 'who killed who' kind starring Jeeva and Gazala. This film also won best actor for Jeeva at an International Festival.
- Priyasakhi: A movie dealing with Hindu family traditions and pregnancy. This film was even dubbed into Zulu, it stars Sadha and Madhavan
- Sandakozhi played for 126 days
- Arinthum Ariyamalum played for 112 days
- Ullam Ketkumae: The Youth Entertainer Movie directed by Jeeva. It is about five college friends. It stars Shaam, Asin, Laila, Pooja and Arya.
2004
- M. Kumaran son of Mahalakshmi: A family entertainer about a man on his quest to become a top kickboxer. Starring Jayam Ravi and Asin.
- Kaadhal: A sentimental love story about a rich girl and a poor mechanic. The cast include Bharath and 'Kaadhal' Sandhya.
- New: The blockbuster SJ Suryah movie who directed it and also the hero. It also stars Simran, Kiran 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 it`s 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.
- Vasool Raja MBBS: The remake of popular Hindi film Munnabhai MBBS directed by Saran. It stars Kamal Haasan, Sneha, Prabhu and Prakash Raj. It ran for about 100 days.
- Autograph: This movie played for 175 days. Cheran directs and tells the story of a man who looks back over his relationships and career.
- 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 200 days and broke old box office records and set a new one.
- Virumaandi: This film is directed and acted by Kamal Haasan and also stars Abirami, Napolean, Pasupathi. It is a critically acclaimed film which is a violent village drama. It won the Best Asian Film Award.
For a bird's eye view of the top films in 2004, see
Critically-acclaimed films
- Aayitha Ezhuthu: Simultaneously made as Yuva by Mani Ratnam. It tells the story of three men from several points of views. Starring a star-studded line up including Madhavan, Surya, Siddharth, Trisha, Meera Jasmine and Esha Deol.
- 7G Rainbow Colony: A tale of a constant stalker eventually winning his love. Directed by Selvaraghavan starring Ravikrishna, Vijayan and Sonia Agarwal.
- Manmadhan: A Silambarasan, Jyothika starrer which ran well for about 275 days in theatres. The story deals with a serial killer who takes revenge on women. This film also has item numbers by Mandhira Bedi and Yana Gupta.
2003
- Thiruda Thirudi: The biggest blockbuster in 2003 ran for 182 days is 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.
- 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.
- Kaaka Kaaka: A hard-core all out action film with Surya and Jyothika. Surya, playing a cop, tracks down the killers of his lover's.
- 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.
For an analysis of top films of 2003, see .
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 Simran, Laila 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( Guest).
- Boys: An urbanized tale about five boys and their lives. Starring Siddharth, Genelia, Bharath and others.
- Kadhal Kondein: One of the biggest blockbusters of 2003 and ran about 175 days. It is about a pschotic young man`s love. Directed by Selvaraghavan it stars Dhanush and Sonia Agarwal.
2002
- Run: The biggest blockbuster of 2002 ran for 100 days. Directed by Lingwusamy and stars Meera Jasmine, Madhavan, 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.
- Azhagi: Thankar Bhachan provided the story of love from young relationships and troubles starring Parthiban, Nandita Das and Devayani. Played for 100 days
- 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.
For a round-up of top movies in 2002, see
Critically acclaimed films
- Gemini: A masala movie with Vikram rescuing people from the don, Seena. Played for 100 days
- Villain a film with two Ajiths and Meena about disabality and helping sufferers of it. Played for 100 days
2001
- Kandukondain Kandukondain played for 100 days.
- Friends played for 175 days.
- Dheena and Minnale played for 125 days each.
For a round-up of top movies in 2001, see
2000
- Vaanathai Pola and Khushi played for 150 days each
- Thenali played for 175 days
- Mugavari ran for 100 days
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, Devar Magan, Mannan, Vaanamey Ellai and Sembaruthi 175 days each
- Roja
- The movie played for 100 days. It was about a woman whose husband is kidnapped by terrorists. The film did well at the box office, was dubbed in 4 other Indian languages, and was critically acclaimed upon release. It's soundtrack was featured in Time Magazine recently and the film has won numerous awards. It is also remembered as composer A.R. Rahman's debut. Directed by Mani Ratnam, the film stars Arvind Swamy and Madhoo.
- 1993 - Aranmanai Kili, Ejamaan and Kizhakku Seemaiyiley played for 175 days each
- 1994 - Rasigan and Veera played for 150 days each; Amaidhi Padai, Magalir Mattum and Naataamai 175 days each
- 1995 - Kuruthipunal and Badsha played for 175 days each; Aasai 210 days
- Bombay
- The movie was about Hindu - Muslim riots and struggles. A Hindu man falls in love with a Muslim woman and end up running away together to the city when their parents reject their marriage. They start their family but then are caught in a violent riot between Hindus and Muslims, where they try to keep their family together and alive. This moving and politically motivated movie was also dubbed into Hindi. It gives a neutral view of the Hindu - Muslim struggles of that time. It also captures the heart as it explores human relationships and love, life and family. Soundtrack was composed by A.R. Rahman and was very well received upon release. Directed by Mani Ratnam, it is considered the second part of his line of political films (Roja, Bombay, Dil Se and Kannathil Muthamittal). The film's cast includes Arvind Swamy and Manisha Koirala.
- 1996 - Amman Koyil Vaasaliley, Kadhal Desam, Kaalam Maari Pochu, Sundara Purushan, Parambarai, Vaanmadhi, Indian and Avvai Sanmugi played for 175 days each; Ullathai Alli Thaa and Poovey Unakkaga 200 days each; Kadhal Kottai 230 days
- 1997 - Love Today and Sooriya Vamsam played for 150 days each; Ettu Patti Raasa 175 days; Minsara Kanavu, Arunachalam, Kadhalukku Mariyadhai and Kaalamellam Kadhal Vaazhga 200 days
- 1998 - Unnidathil Ennai Koduthen played for 200 days
- 1999 - Mudhalvan played for 125 days; Padayappa 200 days
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
- 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; Karagattakaaran 366 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
- 1959 - Baagappirivinai played for 217 days
1940s
- 1944 - Haridas played for 768 days
1930s
- 1931 - Kalidas was the first full-length motion picture