Kollywood churns out so many films that it’s hard to keep track of them all. It’s even more difficult to pick out the ones worth watching. Check out our list of hidden gems that have been released in the past few years.

Kanchivaram (2008)- Malayalee director Priyadarshan (Sirai Chaalai), who makes cookie cutter Bollywood comedies, shows us that he has the talent to make serious cinema with this moving and heartbreaking story. Set in pre-independence India in the town of Kanchivaram, a place famous for producing luxurious silk sarees made by poorly paid silk weavers, this film won the best film and best actor awards at the National Film Awards in India. Prakash Raj’s acting prowess is on full display. He portrays a silk weaver whose ambition to make a saree for his daughter’s wedding consumes him, alongside the rise of communism and worker’s rights.

Anjathe (2008)- The story of two friends Sathyanathan (Narain) and Kripakaran (Ajmal) with opposite ambitions and intertwined lives, serves as the backdrop to this action packed police drama. The police and detective work is shown intelligently, with audacious shooting techniques that add to the suspense and tension of the narrative, including a scene in which you only see the feet of the characters moving around inside a house. Director Myskkin breaks stereotypes by casting Prasanna and comedian Pandia Rajan in negative roles, while proving he is one of Tamil cinema’s most promising talents.

Mundhinam Paarthene (2010)- A refreshing and light romance chronicling the love experiences of a young professional (Sanjay), set in urban Chennai.  Different from most Tamil love stories, this film focuses on how life doesn’t always turn out the way you plan it. The voice over by the main character adds a nostalgic feel to the film, which was made by first time director Magilzh Thirumeni working with a cast full of new faces. Music by Thaman is another highlight for the film, featuring unique tunes and a touch of jazz.

Nandalala (2010)- An offbeat road trip flick, about a young school boy who befriends an escapee from a mental institution, and their journey to see their respective mothers. On the trip, they are helped by many interesting characters, considered outcasts in society just like themselves. Myskkin, who also made the fast paced cop dramas Anjathe and Yutham Sei, shows versatility with this slow paced film full of powerful emotions. The film is a remake of the Japanese film Kikujiro and effectively adapted to the rural Tamil Nadu setting.

—Sudan Ponnuchamy

—Image courtesy of www.impaawards.com