Nayagan (1987)

Named one of the top 100 movies of all time by Time Magazine. This Mani Ratnam directed masterpiece takes place in the Bombay underworld and features Kamal Hassan’s finest performance to date, chronicling the life of a don who goes by the code nothing is wrong as long as it helps a few people.

Watch the movie here.

Anjali (1990)

Mani Ratnam’s poignant film about a mentally disabled young girl and her family, who for years believed she had died at birth. The emotional story features top notch acting by the versatile Raghuvaran who plays the father.

Watch the movie here.

Azhagi (2002)

Thankar Bachchan weaves a heart breaking tale of a family man who finds his old childhood lover living in poverty with her son as a widow. Parthiban’s portrayal of a man trying to help his old flame while balancing the needs of his own wife and children touches the heart.

Watch the movie here.

Mouna Raagam (1986)

Mani Ratnam’s breakthrough romantic film about a seemingly happy go lucky girl, played by Revathy, pressured into an arranged marriage while secretly grieving the death of her boyfriend. Karthik’s short role of the jovial boyfriend and rebel against the unjust society, and Mohan’s soft spoken role as an understanding husband round out a trio of intriguing characters.

Watch the movie here.

Thavamai Thavamirundhu (2005)

Vijayan’s mind blowing portrayal of a father who dedicates his life to making his family’s life better through sacrifice and love. This Cheran directed gem pulls at your heartstrings and beautifully shows subtle body language and facial expressions can have more impact than lengthy dialogue.

Watch the movie here.

– Sudan Ponnuchamy