Tamil Cinema - underrated movies that I will watch again and again

I am Tamil movie buff. I started watching tamil movies from the age of 5. Over the years I have graduated myself to watching national and international movies. But still as a person who started his with tamil cinema, kollywood is very close to my heart. I am at present bit disappointed that last few years the quality has gone down. Nevertheless this is a pyre that can never ebb and will hopefully get better and new directors will try out different genres beyond commercial masalas and mindless romcoms. Now I will list out a few movies that I have enjoyed a lot, but have not got much recognition in terms of commercial success. I am not sure about the critical success as I never used to read Friday reviews till my 10th/11th grade.


Vaaname Ellai

The last of the master pieces directed by the greatest creator tamil cinema has ever seen, KB-the phenomenon. Unfortunately by the time I became mature enough to enjoy and appreciate the legend, he was past his best. But this was a movie of very high quality that has been hardly matched. Its the story of a group of 5 youngsters frustrated, decide to commit suicide in 100 days. They decide to spend the last 100 days to the fullest. The beauty of movie was that of the 5 youngsters - 3 men and 2 women. It was kind of a first time in tamil cinema. More than that the entire movie is a masterclass. Even if released today it will not be out of place/space. KB has always been a "dheergadarsi". And this movie subtly passes on the message of hope. I would watch it over again and again and definitely one of the path breaking movies of Tamil Cinema. Sadly this movie was overshadowed by a couple of other movies released around the same time. "Anamalai and Roja". And oddly all the three movies were produced by KB.

Kuruthi punal
Initially I wanted to write a separate post for underrated kamal movies. But i couldnt resist myself from including a few. This was the first of pure action cop movies. The rappo between kamal and Action king arjun was simply awesome. The plot was so compelling and it never had a dull moment. But its fate was decided by another blockbuster "Muthu" which released at the same time. Rajnikanth scoring over Kamal has been the trend in the recent years. Nasser deserves a special mention as well. As a disgusting villain he surely tests ur nerves. A very nice movie for any weekend.

Kaikodukum kai
Yes its a Rajni kanth movie. And yes this is the only Rajni movie that can make to this list. Thalaivar was at his handsome best in this one. Accompanying him portraying the role of a blind Damsel in distress was my all time favorite actress Revathi. Raja sir music was scintillating. Thanzhampoo is the most popular of the songs. This was the last flop for Superstar before BABA. It had a controversial ending and audience did not accept it.

Uruvam
Most of the horror movies in Tamil are hilarious. But this one is an exception. I was seriously surprised to see an IMDB page for this movie and fans appreciating it. Its a Mohan film and worth watching if you are a fan this genre.

Ponnyin Selvan
A Radha Mohan film. It stars Ravi krishna and Gopika. Its a simple feel good movie. It was a big dud at the box office. Radha Mohan's only flop till date. It has some nice songs. Vennila my favourite.

Kannukul Nilavu
I have been a vijay fan for a good 13 years now. This is one of my favourite!! Vijay Shalini Combo simply rocked and Illayraja's music was first class.Vijay as a mentally de-raged youth steals the show. His scenes with Raghuvaran are a treat!! Thalaivasal Vijay as the villian impresses. On the whole a very nice movie. But when ppl talk about vijay's acting skills, they forget that he was part of this Fazil master piece.

Other movies worth mentioning
1) Meera
2) Kalabha Kaadhalan
3) Desiya Geetham
4) Thalolam
5) Guna

There could be many more movies, that I would have missed. Pls do share a list of yours if you have one!!