Most of the much-expected Tamil movies offered disappointing experiences this year, while a few low-key releases left cinephiles surprised with their interesting themes and execution.
Published Dec 31, 2024 | 2:00 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 31, 2024 | 2:00 PM
Tamil films that offered unparalleled experience in 2024. (Supplied)
This year was a mixed bag for Kollywood buffs. While most big-ticket flicks left them unimpressed, some movies that arrived without much hoopla hit the right notes. Barring a handful of films, 2024 was one of the industry’s most disappointing years.
The much-awaited Pongal releases, which witnessed an intriguing clash between Dhanush’s Captain Miller and Sivakarthikeyan’s Ayalaan in January, evoked a lukewarm response.
Both outings emerged as average regarding box office performance and critics’ appreciation. Lal Salaam, starring Rajinikanth in a cameo, sank without a trace when it was released in February. However, Lover, featuring Manikandan and Sri Gouri Priya, which hit the screens on the same day, appealed to its target audience.
The fact that it took more than four months for a film to bring the family crowd to theatres with Sundar C’s Aranmanai 4 reflects the slow start Tamil cinema had in 2024. Despite minting money at the box office, the popular horror-comedy franchise was panned by critics.
The re-release of Vijay-starrer Ghilli (2004) in April left the trade stunned. Little did the industry anticipate that the two-decade-old super-hit movie would offer relief to the otherwise struggling industry.
Kollywood then bounced back from the rough patch after the release of Garudan and Maharaja which were released in May and June respectively.
Though the much-hyped Indian 2, headlined by Kamal Haasan and Shankar, turned out to be a huge dud in July, Dhanush-starrer Raayan, which had him at the helm, survived among the critics and managed to set the cash registers ringing.
Vikram’s Thangalaan and Demonte Colony 2, starring Arulnithi and Priya Bhavani Shankar, had a clash in August, with the latter emerging winner in the long run. A week later, Mari Selvaraj’s Vaazhai and PS Vinothraj’s Kottukkaali were pitted against each other. Though both the films earned critics’ appreciation, the former went on to become a big success.
The year’s biggest movie in terms of hype and collection, The Greatest of All Time, headlined by Vijay, was released in September. Though it opened to mixed reviews, the star’s fan base helped the film to earn good numbers.
Two of the notable releases of 2024, Lubber Pandhu and Meiyazhagan, were released in the same month. The former, starring Harish Kalyan in the lead, became a hugely profitable venture while the latter, which had Karthi and Arvind Swami in lead roles, managed to gain more attention after its OTT release.
October witnessed the release of Rajinikanth’s Vettaiyan; it opened to mixed reviews despite the stellar cast it featured and earned okayish numbers. Jiiva’s Black, an official remake of the Hollywood flick Coherence, which was released along with Vettaiyan, received a thumbs up for its execution.
All eyes were on the Deepavali releases —Amaran, Bloody Beggar and Brother —that were released at the end of October. The Sivakarthikeyan-starrer, which was the biopic of a martyred soldier, emerged as the clear winner and also went on to become the second-highest grosser of 2024.
Suriya’s much-awaited big-budget flick Kanguva was one of the biggest projects of the year. Directed by Siva, the film which was riding on huge expectations from all South industries, was outrightly rejected after the FDFS.
Vetrimaaran’s Viduthalai 2, starring Soori and Vijay Sethupathi in lead roles, was the most anticipated release of this month. Though the thriller flick couldn’t match the standard the first part commanded, it received decent word of mouth.
Here is a list of 10 impressive outings among the popular ones released in 2024.
A poster of the film ‘Lover’. (Supplied)
The Prabhu Ram Vyas directorial Lover dealt with the story of a young couple who struggles with their relationship. Starring Manikandan and Sri Gouri Priya, the film focuses on the perils the latter’s character goes through owing to the former’s toxic nature.
The lead actors’ chemistry and convincing performances stood out, leaving the audience engaged. Sean Roldan’s music was another highlight of the enjoyable romantic drama.
RS Durai Senthilkumar’s revenge drama Garudan set in a rural backdrop catapulted Soori to stardom. The actor unleashed his skill in action scenes for the first time.
His character design was the USP of the film which starred Sasikumar and Unni Mukundan in important roles. Yuvan Shankar Raja’s music elevated the engaging set of sequences and intriguing conflicts in the movie which turned out to be a surprising hit.
The movie helmed by Nithilan Saminathan, Maharaja, brought back the Vijay Sethupathi which cinephiles have been missing for a while. The riveting crime drama comprised several well-written characters, suspense-laden moments and a gut-wrenching climax.
The performances of Sethupathi, Singam Puli, Anurag Kashyap and Nataraj were raved about. The film which became a huge theatrical hit went on to achieve an impressive following after its OTT release as well. As if this isn’t enough, it was released in China a few weeks ago.
A poster of the film ‘Demonte Colony 2’. (Supplied)
Ajay Gnanamuthu’s sequel to his 2015 horror film, Demonte Colony 2, had many interesting plot points that offered edge-of-the-seat experience to viewers. Arulnithi appeared in dual roles this time and the story kicked off exactly from where the last part culminated.
Though the film consisted of complicated theories and partly convincing scientific explanations, it entertained the audience. Apart from Arulnithi, Priya Bhavani Shankar’s character stood out in this part of the franchise which is likely to have another instalment.
With Vaazhai, Mari Selvaraj pulled off yet another successful tale with his flawless filmmaking craft and simple storytelling. Based on a true incident, the film is shouldered by Ponvel and Raghul, who played school boys in it.
The movie revolves around their bonhomie and innocent aspirations. Little did they know that their lives would turn upside down after an unexpected incident. Nikhila Vimal, Divya Duraisamy and Kalaiyarasan impress with their sincere portrayals.
Debutant Tamizharasan Pachamuthu’s sports drama, Lubber Pandhu, was a delightful outing that surprised one and all. Harish Kalyan and Dinesh play lead roles in the film which was packed with ample entertaining elements, relatable emotions and impeccable character designs.
The manner in which cricket was infused in a family drama and the arresting socio-politics behind the game in a rural setting was given a thumbs up by the audience.
C Prem Kumar’s sophomore film, Meiyazhagan, starring Karthi and Arvind Swami, earned much love from its target audience. However, the makers presented a trimmed version after a few days of its release post taking feedback from a few quarters.
The feel-good drama won more recognition after its OTT release. The right mix of emotions, value of relationships and nostalgia for one’s roots hit the right chord among the viewers, offering a wholesome experience.
A poster of the film ‘Black’. (Supplied)
The unique sci-fi flick Black, helmed by KG Balasubramani witnessed hype among film buffs when the makers announced that it is the official adaptation of a decade-old Hollywood movie Coherence.
Jiiva and Priya Bhavani Shankar’s measured performances, coupled with intriguing staging, helped the film’s overall output. Rich technical aspects enhanced the ambiguity associated with the movie’s plot.
The movie offered one of the most thrilling and unusual experiences in 2024.
The Sivakarthikeyan-starrer, Amaran, set the right expectations ever since director Rajkumar Periasamy announced that it is the biopic of martyred soldier Major Mukund Varadarajan.
Kamal Haasan’s production, Sai Pallavi’s inclusion as the female lead and GV Prakash’s music further escalated its hype. The movie emerged as the Deepavali winner at the box office and became the highest-grosser in Siva’s career.
Vijay Sethupathi in ‘Viduthalai Part 2’. (X)
Vetrimaaran’s much-hyped sequel, Viduthalai 2, managed to match the expectations, thanks to a power-packed performance by Vijay Sethupathi. Soori, who played the lead in the first part, comes up with a notable depiction this time as well.
The two-part franchise which revolves around a rebel outfit that fights against discrimination and fascist power groups in society may not be the filmmaker’s best, but it entertains with its neatly arranged flow of events.
Apart from these 10 films, this year had some decent outings like Blue Star, J Baby, Hot Spot, PT Sir, Jama, Kottukkaali, Nandhan and Bloody Beggar.
Interestingly, Malayalam films Manjummel Boys, Premalu and Aavesham performed well at the Tamil box office this year. The latest Tollywood box office sensation Pushpa 2 is another non-Tamil movie that attracted huge crowds in 2024.
(Edited by Sumavarsha Kandula)
