Kollywood, the Tamil film industry, has given us numerous iconic movies widely celebrated and cherished by audiences worldwide. However, amongst the vast array of successful films, some hidden gems often need to be noticed or receive the recognition they deserve.
Directed by Thiagarajan Kumararaja, “Aaranya Kaandam” is a neo-noir crime thriller that received critical acclaim but failed to gain commercial success. The film’s intricate screenplay, intense performances, and gritty narrative set against the backdrop of the Chennai underworld make it an underrated masterpiece.
Directed by Karthik Subbaraj, “Jigarthanda” is a dark comedy-crime thriller that explores the pursuit of creating a perfect gangster film. The movie brilliantly combines humour and tension, showcasing exceptional performances by Siddharth and Bobby Simha. Despite winning the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor, “Jigarthanda” remains underrated.
Directed by Thiagarajan Kumararaja, “Super Deluxe” is a thought-provoking anthology film that weaves together multiple interconnected stories. With stellar performances by Vijay Sethupathi, Fahadh Faasil, Samantha Akkineni, and others, the movie tackles societal taboos and explores the complexities of human nature. Despite its critical acclaim, “Super Deluxe” didn’t succeed commercially.
“Kaaka Muttai,” directed by M. Manikandan, is a heartwarming tale of two slum-dwelling brothers and their relentless pursuit of their favorite food: pizza. The film beautifully captures childhood innocence, highlighting society’s stark disparities. Despite winning multiple awards, including the National Film Award for Best Children’s Film, “Kaaka Muttai” remains underappreciated.
Directed by Arun Prabu Purushothaman, “Aruvi” is a powerful social drama that revolves around the journey of a young woman named Aruvi. The film addresses several pertinent social issues, including consumerism, media manipulation, and societal expectations. Aditi Balan’s exceptional portrayal of the titular character and gripping narrative makes “Aruvi” an underrated gem.
Directed by Ram, “Taramani” is a realistic romantic drama that explores the complexities of relationships in modern society. The film tackles themes of gender dynamics, workplace harassment, and the trials of urban life. Brilliant performances by Andrea Jeremiah and Vasanth Ravi and a nuanced screenplay make “Taramani” a must-watch underrated movie.
“Kuttram Kadithal,” directed by Bramma, is a socially relevant drama that delves into the lives of various individuals connected through a tragic incident. The film explores themes of morality, guilt, and redemption, showcasing the powerful impact of a single event on multiple lives. Despite winning the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil, “Kuttram Kadithal” remains lesser known.
Directed by Vetrimaaran, “Vada Chennai” is a gripping gangster saga set in North Chennai. With Dhanush in the lead role, the film intricately weaves a tale of loyalty, betrayal, and revenge. Despite being critically acclaimed, “Vada Chennai” didn’t receive the commercial success it deserved, making it an underrated gem in Kollywood.
Directed by Mari Selvaraj, “Pariyerum Perumal” is a hard-hitting social drama that sheds light on caste-based discrimination prevalent in society. The film tells the story of a young Dalit student fighting for justice and equality. With outstanding performances and a compelling narrative, “Pariyerum Perumal” is a highly underrated film that deserves wider recognition.
Directed by Naveen, “Moodar Koodam” is a satirical black comedy that offers a unique take on societal norms and human behaviour. The film uses dark humour to explore themes such as corruption, greed, and moral ambiguity. Despite its unconventional approach, “Moodar Koodam” didn’t receive the attention it deserved upon release.
