Tamil cinema is renowned for its diverse range of films across various genres. Action movies have always been a favourite among audiences, attracting massive viewership. Tamil action movies are celebrated for their gripping plots, adrenaline-pumping stunts, powerful dialogues, and stellar performances by the actors. This article will explore the top 10 best Tamil action movies.
Baasha (1995)
Directed by Suresh Krissna, “Baasha” is an iconic action film that stars Superstar Rajinikanth in the lead role. The movie revolves around a humble auto-rickshaw driver, Manickam, who conceals his past as a feared Mumbai-based gangster. As his past catches up with him, he is forced to unleash his hidden persona, leading to action-packed sequences and intense confrontations.
Nayakan (1987)
Directed by Mani Ratnam, “Nayakan” is a masterpiece of Tamil cinema. This gangster drama stars Kamal Haasan as Sakthivel, a man who rises to power in the Mumbai underworld. The film beautifully portrays his journey from a simple Tamil immigrant to a feared and respected don, making it a timeless classic.
Thuppakki (2012)
Directed by AR Murugadoss, “Thuppakki” features Vijay as an Indian Army officer on a mission to thwart a terrorist plot in Mumbai. Packed with thrilling action sequences and an engaging storyline, this film became a blockbuster and earned accolades for Vijay’s portrayal of a no-nonsense military officer.
Vikram Vedha (2017)
“Vikram Vedha,” directed by Pushkar-Gayathri, is a gripping crime thriller that stars Madhavan and Vijay Sethupathi in lead roles. The film delves into the cat-and-mouse game between an encounter specialist and a ruthless gangster, blurring the lines between good and evil. It received critical acclaim for its exceptional storytelling and powerhouse performances.
Indian (1996)
Directed by Shankar, “Indian” showcases Kamal Haasan in a dual role as a father-son duo, Senapathy and Chandru. Senapathy, a retired freedom fighter, takes the law into his own hands to eradicate societal corruption. The movie’s action sequences and solid social message earned it a special place in the hearts of Tamil movie enthusiasts.
Mankatha (2011)
Ajith Kumar’s starrer “Mankatha” is a high-octane action thriller directed by Venkat Prabhu. The movie revolves around a suspended police officer Vinayak Mahadevan, who forms a team to rob a massive sum of money from a casino. With twists, turns, and impressive action sequences, “Mankatha” became a commercial success and is fondly remembered by action movie fans.
Kaakha Kaakha (2003)
“Kaakha Kaakha,” directed by Gautham Menon, stars Suriya as a dedicated police officer, Anbuselvan. The film depicts his relentless pursuit of a ruthless gang of criminals, leading to intense, action-packed confrontations. Suriya’s stellar performance and Gautham Menon’s direction make this movie one of the best Tamil action films ever.
Thani Oruvan (2015)
Directed by Mohan Raja, “Thani Oruvan” features Jayam Ravi as an IPS officer determined to eliminate a brilliant and dangerous criminal mastermind, portrayed by Arvind Swamy. The film’s intriguing plot, clever twists, and intense action scenes have earned it critical acclaim.
Ayan (2009)
Starring Suriya and directed by KV Anand, “Ayan” is an action-packed thriller about illegal smuggling operations. The film’s gripping narrative and Suriya’s charismatic portrayal of an intelligent and daring youngster have made it a favourite among action movie enthusiasts.
Thalapathi (1991)
Directed by Mani Ratnam, “Thalapathi” is a classic crime-drama that showcases the powerful bond between a don (Rajinikanth) and an orphaned youth (Mammootty). The film’s emotional depth, outstanding performances, and intense action sequences make it an unforgettable cinematic experience.