2023 was a somewhat good year for Tamil cinema. As always, big stars let us down with their fan-pandering and hero-worship antics. But other filmmakers were much more productive in their output and gave us some great stories. So, here is out personal Top 12 Tamil Films of 2023.
12) Asvins
A team of young paranormal investigators explores a mansion in Kent, once the property of archaeologist Aarthi Rajagopalan. Strange voices haunt the investigators one by one before they confront a mysterious entity within the mansion. Arjun, the group's leader, discovers that he alone can rescue his team. However, revelations surface that his initial intentions for visiting the mansion differ significantly from his team's.
11) Run Baby Run
Sathya, a young banker recently engaged, discovers a young woman hiding in the back seat of his car during a visit to a jewelry store. She claims her life is in danger and pleads with Sathya to keep her safe until her guardian, Father Vincent, arrives. Sathya reluctantly agrees and takes her home, offering her refuge in his guest room. He assures her she need not inform him when she departs with her guardian, unknowingly setting the stage for a grave mistake.
10) Dada
Manikandan and Sindhu, daring college seniors, face ostracization from their families after Sindhu becomes pregnant. Forced to rent a house in the slums, Manikandan battles unemployment and turns to alcohol, straining their relationship. Sindhu, after giving birth to their son, leaves Manikandan, making him a single father. With the support of his best friend, Manikandan secures a job matching his qualifications, but complications arise when he enters a new office.
9) Good Night
Mohan, an IT professional, clashes with his manager due to limited English fluency and a past complaint against the boss for inappropriate emails. Dubbed "Motor" due to his snoring, Mohan reconciles with the belief that marriage is out of reach. Little does he know that his loud snores might not be the insurmountable obstacle he believes them to be.
8) Maamannan
Maamannan, a Dalit assemblyman in Salem, faces estrangement from his son Veera, who resents his subservience to the party's upper-caste secretary, Rathnavelu. When Veera's girlfriend Leela's free coaching center is vandalized, a series of events unfolds, leading to a meeting between Maamannan, Veera, and Rathnavelu with unexpected consequences.
7) Maaveeran
Sathya, a comic book artist, depicts the tale of a brave warrior named Maaveeran. Forced to relocate to a high-rise apartment, Sathya witnesses the flaws in the system. Mistreatment of women in his slum prompts him to attempt suicide, but a twist of fate involving his own comic strip alters the course of events.
6) Chithha
Eeswaran, a civil servant, acts as a father figure to his niece Sundari. A trip to the forest takes a dark turn when Sundari's friend Ponni is assaulted, leading to accusations against Eeswaran. As he tries to prove his innocence, Sundari goes missing, intensifying the mystery.
5) Jigarthanda Double X
Kiruba, wrongfully imprisoned, receives an offer for freedom in exchange for killing a notorious mobster, Caesar. Kiruba assumes a filmmaker's identity to execute the plan but soon discovers that Caesar is more perceptive than he appears, setting the stage for a gripping confrontation.
4) Thugs
Sethu, imprisoned for murder, navigates prison dynamics after thwarting an escape plan. Tormented by a rival gang, Sethu plans an escape with his cellmate, only to face a new threat from enemies outside prison. The complexity of his situation grows beyond his expectations.
3) Viduthalai Part 1
In rural Tamil Nadu, an extremist group derails a train in protest against a foreign mining company taking over their village. Operation Ghost Hunt targets the mysterious leader Perumal, and newly recruited constable Kumaresan finds himself entangled in a complex conflict that challenges his beliefs.
2) Ponniyin Selvan: II
The Chola empire mourns Prince Arulmozhi's presumed death, while his brother, the Crown Prince, seeks revenge against Nandini. Unaware of her allegiance to Pandian rebels, the Crown Prince faces opposition from various factions, setting the stage for a power struggle.
1) Por Thozhil
Prakash, a new police detective, collaborates with Loganathan and technical assistant Veena to investigate serial murders in Tiruchirappalli. As they delve into the case, they discover connections to past crimes, uncovering a web of deception that goes beyond their initial understanding.
So, what did you think of our list? Please let us know in the comment section below.
