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When it comes to thrill and action mood and thinking, then nothing can beat an action Tamil movie. Because Tamil cinema has always kept the audience captivated with its strong storylines of the movies, powerful heroes, thriller fight sequences and emotional touch.
Be it a blockbuster film starring a superstar like Rajinikanth or a thriller full of realistic acting by Vijay Sethupathi – every action Tamil movie is special in its own way. In this article, we have brought for you a list of some such amazing and thrilling Tamil action films, which every film lover must watch at least once. Get ready, because now the explosive journey of cinema full of action and entertainment is about to begin.
1. Vada Chennai
IMDB Rating : 8.4/10
Where to Watch : JioHotstar, MX Player & Sony LIV
Vada Chennai is a tremendous action tamil movie, which was released in 2018 and is directed by National Award Winner Vetrimaaran. The film was released in theaters on 17 October 2018. Dhanush plays the lead role in this film and he is accompanied by Andrea Jeremiah, Aishwarya Rajesh, Kishore, Samuthirakani and Ameer in important roles. The story is about a young carpenter Anna (Dhanush) who accidentally gets trapped in a gangster world.
The film traces the story of Chennai's underworld over a period of 30 years - from 1980 to 2000, involving politics, gang wars, betrayal, revenge and the battle for survival. During the shooting of the film, many scenes were shot in real locations, such as the narrow lanes and fishermen's colony of North Chennai, giving the film a raw and real feel. The research for the film went on for 2 years and Dhanush learned the local accent specifically for the role.
Vada Chennai is a dark, intense and powerful film that not just tells a gangster story but also delves into society, politics and the depths of human emotions – what makes it different from other Tamil action films.
2. Aaranya Kaandam
IMDB Rating : 8.4/10
Where to Watch : JioHotstar
Aaranya Kaandam is a terrific crime-thriller and cult action tamil movie, released in 2011. The film is considered to be the first neo-noir action film in Tamil cinema and is directed by Thiagarajan Kumararaja. The film was released on 10 June 2011 and stars Jackie Shroff, Ravi Krishnan, Yasmin Ponnappa, Sampath Raj, Guru Somasundaram and Master Vasanth in lead roles.
The story is set in the Chennai underworld where an old gangster, his loyal man, a rookie underboss and an innocent boy—all clash with each other within a day. This game of drugs, power, deception and survival is presented in a very raw and intense manner. The special thing about the film is its cinematic treatment and direct focus on the story without any traditional songs.
Jackie Shroff acted in a Tamil film for the first time and his character 'Singappa Nayakan' was highly praised by the critics. The film was shot in the real underground setup of Chennai, where the director used non-linear storytelling. Aaranya Kaandam was not just an action film but a revolution in Tamil cinema—it showed that action can be delivered with class and intelligence.
Also Read: Tamil Movie Kadukka Release Date, Plot, Cast, & Other Details
3. Soodhu Kavvum
IMDB Rating : 8.3/10
Where to Watch : MX Player, Sony LIV & ZEE5
Soodhu Kavvum is a unique action tamil movie which was released in 2013 and directed by Nalan Kumarasamy. The film hit the theatres on 1 May 2013 and became one of the most unique and memorable films in Tamil cinema due to its unique concept, dark humour and suspense. The film stars Vijay Sethupathi in the lead role, who plays a fake kidnapper named "Das". Other lead actors include Bobby Simha, Ashok Selvan, Ramesh Thilak and Karunakaran.
The story is about a group of unemployed boys who plan to stage a fake kidnapping to earn money, but they end up getting into trouble when they kidnap the son of a real politician. The film has a unique combination of twists and humor at every turn.
Its cinematography, background score and dialogues impressed the audience. The title of the film “Soodhu Kavvum” means “idle things” and that reflects the style of the film – crazy planning, crime without emotions and great satire. This film not only entertains but also gives a new twist to Tamil action films.
4. Vikram
IMDB Rating : 8.3/10
Where to Watch : JioHotstar & Zee5
Vikram is a high octane action tamil movie which was released in 2022. The film is directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and is considered an important part of the Lokesh Cinematic Universe. The lead cast of the film includes Kamal Haasan (Vikram), Vijay Sethupathi (Santhanam), and Fahadh Faasil (Amar), while Suriya's cameo role also takes the film to another level.
The story revolves around an undercover mission and a drug cartel, in which a retired agent named Vikram is re-activated on a secret mission. On one hand, police officer Amar wants to get to the bottom of the drug case, while on the other hand Santhanam is running a dangerous crime syndicate. The film has constant twists, tremendous action sequences and a great BGM composed by Anirudh Ravichander.
A big highlight in the film is the strong comeback of Kamal Haasan. The film was shot in about 110 days and many of its stunt sequences were shot in international style. Vikram not only became a blockbuster hit, but it also marked the beginning of a new cinematic universe for Tamil action cinema.
Also Read: Stream South Action Movies That Redefined Mass Entertainment
5. Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru
IMDB Rating : 8.2/10
Where to Watch : Amazon Prime Video, JioHotstar & JioHotstar
Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru is a action tamil movie based on true events, released in 2017. The film is directed by H. Vinoth and stars Karthi in the lead role, who plays the role of Theeran Thirumaran, an honest and fearless police officer. He is accompanied by Rakul Preet Singh in the female lead. The story of the film is based on a true police case file, in which Theeran pursues a dreaded robbery and murder gang that has been terrorizing several states for years.
The film features many spectacular action sequences, emotional backdrops and realistic police work. The music is given by Ghibran which makes the background tension even more impressive. The film was shot in several states of India including Rajasthan, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru was not only a box office success but was also praised by both critics and audiences for its excellent acting and realistic approach. The film has become a benchmark in Tamil action cinema.
The world of Tamil action movies is full of strong storytelling, powerful performances and heart-pounding sequences. If you want a powerful cinematic experience with thrill and emotion, then these movies are a must-watch. This list is a treat for every action tamil movie lovers.
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