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When it comes to Tamil cinema, few actors have made as big an impact as Dhanush. From playing a naive lover to a fierce rebel, his versatility knows no bounds.
Whether it's the raw intensity of Asuran, the gangster vibes of Pudhupettai, or the inspiring journey of Velai Illa Pattathari, Dhanush movies always leave a mark.
Starting his career as a boy-next-door, he quickly transformed into a pan-India sensation, even making waves in Bollywood and Hollywood!
If you're a fan of powerful storytelling, unforgettable performances, and soulful music, you're in for a treat. Let's dive into the best Dhanush movies that every cinema lover must watch!
1. Asuran
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Asuran is a Tamil action drama film penned and helmed by Vetrimaaran, with its story drawn from the novel titled Vekkai. The film features Dhanush in the primary lead dual roles as both the father (Maridhevan) and the son (Kaali). Malayalam actress Manju Warrior enters the Tamil film industry with this movie. The film is produced by Kalaipuli S. Thanu through his production company V Creations. G. V. Prakash Kumar creates the soundtrack for the film, whereas Velraj operates the camera and R Ramar manages the film's editing. Thus, Asuran is one of the best dhanush movies.
2. Pudhupettai
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Pudhupettai is one of dhanush movies which revolves around Kokki Kumar (Dhanush), a destitute boy from the slums who flees his home after his father, a minor gangster, murders his mother. Kumar lives a rather monotonous life on the streets, soliciting for survival until an unexpected encounter with a gang involved in drug trafficking. Kumar's existence changes forever.
The gang is led by Anbu, and his regime is totalitarian, with those who challenge him being erased without a trace. A local politician (Azhagarperumal) endorses his secretive operations.
Kumar meets Krishnaveni (Sneha), a disheveled young woman employed as a sex worker in a brothel managed by Anbu. Kumar is captivated by her elegant appearance, and they both slowly become attracted to one another. Kumar requests Anbu to refrain from pressuring her into those activities and to finally let her go.
A battle breaks out between them, resulting in Kumar killing Anbu and taking over as the gang's leader. The rest of the film depicts how Kumar becomes a pioneering criminal and a subordinate for a political party.
3. Vada Chennai
IMDb Rating: 8.210
Vada Chennai represents Vetri Maaran's fourth directorial project. The movie explores the socio-political challenges encountered by marginalized groups in north Chennai, highlighting the dynamics of power, corruption, and the hardships endured by individuals in the city's underprivileged areas. It is one of Dhanush movies in which he portrays Anbu, a talented carrom player, who unwittingly becomes entangled in a gang conflict and ends up incarcerated.
4. Aadukalam
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Pettaikaaran is renowned in his town for an unblemished history of victories in rooster battles. When one of his assistants, Karuppu, breaks his promise during a confrontation, it results in hostility between them. So, if you are looking for dhanush movies then this would be the perfect option.
Also Read: Must Watch Hotstar Malayalam Movies for Every Movie Enthusiast
5. Kaadhal Kondein
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
The film Kaadhal Kondein portrays the tale of a young man who faces mental and physical abuse during his childhood. Vinod (Dhanush) was raised in a church, where the Father provided care for him. He has consistently lost those he cared for the most.
During his childhood, the lack of his mother had disturbed him. As he matures, he is obliged to go to college for advanced education. However, he is a total outcast in that environment. He discovers companionship with Divya (Sonia) even though the rest of the class excludes him. Vinod quickly develops feelings for Divya, but he senses that she views him as nothing more than a friend. He also learns that Divya has feelings for Aadhi (Sudip).
6. Karnan
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
The narrative begins with a preteen girl sprawled in the center of the road experiencing convulsions, while no vehicle passing by comes to her aid, leading to her death. The well-known hit song "Kanda Vara Sollunga" plays as a whole village prays for their hero Karnan's return, who is enduring police violence.
The scenes then shift to 1997, where we meet Karnan, a young man who, like others in his village, is frustrated by the oppression from the neighboring village’s men that stops even a bus from halting for them, resulting in the youth being unable to study or seek work outside. The essence of 'Karnan' lies in how the ongoing oppression and repression by the upper-class men, backed by bureaucracy, drive this ordinary individual to ignite a rebellion and become the hero of his community.
7. Velai Illa Pattathari
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
The film is said to be a "Message to youth with a mix of comedy about increasing unemployment and the rising frustration for jobs along with Love," featuring Dhanush (Raghuvaran) as the main character, a civil engineering graduate still searching for a job while his younger brother is already employed and doing well. Samuthirakani and Saranya Ponvannan portray the parents of Dhanush. He desires to work solely in the area he studied - Civil Engineering. Eventually, he secures a position in his field, where he encounters challenges brought on by the antagonist. Amala Paul, local girlfriend who becomes infatuated with Dhanush.
Dhanush movies have redefined Tamil cinema with their gripping stories and unforgettable performances. Whether you love action, drama, or romance, his films offer something special for every movie lover!
Also Read: Discover the Ultimate List of Must-Watch Best Tamil Action Movies
