Tamil Movies on Netflix: 15 Masterpieces to Stream Right Now
Many people around the world tend to think of Indian cinema as Bollywood and nothing else. But the rise of streaming platforms is changing that perception. It’s introducing global audiences to remarkable regional movies that have broken records and won hearts. While many regional film industries exist in India, Tamil cinema stands out for its unique charm. Tamil movies on Netflix are a testament to this. While Netflix may not have a vast collection of Tamil films, the ones they do have are truly worth watching.
Tamil movies on Netflix come in all flavors, from gripping dramas to action-packed adventures, heartwarming romances, and films with powerful social messages. They not only set box office records but also touch your heart. If you are looking to explore Tamil movies on Netflix, here’s a list that you will find helpful:
1. Super Deluxe
Genre: Dark humor
Starring: Vijay Sethupathy, Samantha Akkineni, Fahad Faasil, Remya Krishnan
IMDb: 8.4
Super Deluxe is known for its unconventional and thought-provoking storytelling, tackling a range of complex themes such as morality, gender identity, societal norms, and redemption. It’s a cinematic experience that challenges the audience’s perceptions and leaves a lasting impact.
Super Deluxe garnered critical acclaim from all over the world, earning praise for its innovative approach to storytelling and its willingness to push the boundaries of traditional filmmaking. Mark my word, Super Deluxe is one of the finest Tamil movies on Netflix.
Related Article: South Indian films that should never be remade
2. Puriyatha Puthir
Genre: Mystery thriller
Starring: Vijay Sethupathy, Mahima Nambiar
IMDb: 6.6
Puriyatha Puthir” is another notable Tamil movie available on Netflix that deserves attention. The film is a mystery drama that unravels the horror of cybercrime. As the film opens, a young girl jumps off the terrace of a multi-story building. Her last words are “I’m sorry”. Who is she? What made her do this to herself? We don’t know. That’s the mystery that needs to be solved. The film stays true to its title- “Mystifying Puzzle”. Vijay Sethupathy as always creates magic on screen.
3.Mersal
Genre: Drama
Starring: Vijay, Nithya Menen
IMDb : 7.7
Directed by Atlee and starring the charismatic Vijay in a triple role, Mersal is a colorful and action-packed entertainer. Mersal revolves around the story of three brothers, each with a distinct personality, who find themselves caught up in a conspiracy involving medical malpractice and corruption. One of the highlights of Mersal is its high-energy and visually stunning musical sequences, composed by the renowned A.R. Rahman. The film’s music and choreography have added to its mass appeal.
4. Nibunan
Genre: Action thriller
Starring: Varalaxmi, Arjun, Prasanna, Vaibhav
IMDb: 6.6
The story of Nibunan revolves around a group of police officers who are tasked with solving a series of gruesome murders that share a common thread. As they delve deeper into the investigation, they uncover a complex web of crime, leading to unexpected twists and turns.
Arjun Sarja delivers a powerful performance as the lead detective, and the supporting cast also shines in their respective roles. The film keeps the audience engaged with its suspenseful storytelling and well-executed action sequences.
5. Petta
Genre: Action Drama
Starring: Rajinikanth, Vijay Sethupathy, Simran, Nawazzudin Siddique
IMDb: 7.2
The undisputed king of Tamil cinema, Rajinikanth scores again with Petta. It is indeed surprising to see how he pulls off a charming romantic hero in his 70s! Kartik Subbaraj is one of the few young directors who knows the taste of the Tamil audience. And that must be the reason for the immense success of Petta. Another factor that makes the film exciting is its stellar cast. Nawazuddin Siddique makes his Tamil debut in Petta. Vijay Sethupathy impresses us as always in his distinct role. We also get to see the dazzling beauty Simran after a break.
6. Kabali
Genre: Action Drama
Starring: Rajinikanth, Radhika Apte
IMDb: 6.6
Kabali was Rajinikanth’s savage comeback after a series of repetitive and banal films. The film was able to absorb the shock of his previous failures.
Kabali tells the story of Kabaleeshwaran, a Malaysian-based gangster who is released from prison after 25 years. He embarks on a journey to seek revenge against those who wronged him while also reuniting with his estranged family. The film delves into Kabali’s past and his quest for justice, shedding light on the struggles faced by the Tamil community in Malaysia.
Rajinikanth’s performance as Kabali is nothing short of spectacular, and he effortlessly commands the screen with his charisma and style.
7. Baahubali – The Beginning
Genre: Epic Action
Starring: Prabhas, Anushka Shetty, Rana Daggubati, Tammannah
IMDb: 8
Rich with graphics and storylines, Baahubali is one of the biggest Indian films ever made. It would not be fair to categorize into a particular language. Let’s just call it an Indian film. I’m including it in the list because the Tamil version is available on Netflix. There is not a single moment where you get bored. Every scene is so visually captivating that you find yourself saying ‘Jai Magizhmathi’ in the end!
8. Taramani
Genre: Drama
Starring: Andreah Jeremy, Vasanth Ravi
IMDb: 7.5
How would things turn out if a free-spirited person and an orthodox person fell in love? Further assigning the gender, the free-spirited person is the woman in the relationship. Complicated right? That’s what the film explores. The leading couple meets by chance and now has to negotiate their differences as they fall in love. The film is a thoughtful drama that demands a watch. Taramani is easily one of the most thought-provoking Tamil movies on Netflix.
9. Kannum Kannum Kollayadithal
Genre: Romantic heist comedy
Starring: Dulquer Salman, Ritu Varma, Rakshan, Niranjani
IMDb: 7.7
Kannum Kannum Kollayadithal is like a road with several twists and turns. Right when we think we know what is going to happen, we are in for a surprise. Revealing too much here would be a sin and would take out the fun of watching the film. Trust me, you are in for a roller coaster ride. There were moments when I thought about what made the makers cast popular director Gautam Vasudev Menon. I had to wait till in the end to find out, and it is hilarious.
10. Power Paandi (aka Pa Paandi)
Genre: Comedy Drama
Starring: Revathy, Rajkiran, Dhanush, Madonna Sebastian
IMDb : 7.5
Written, directed, and produced by Dhanush, Power Paandi is a light-hearted tale about an ex-stunt man who goes soul-searching after having a jibe with his son. Paandi goes in search of Poothendral, his long-lost love with whom he broke up 40 years ago. Rajkiran and Revathy play the present versions of Paandi and Poothendral while Dhanush and Madonna play the younger version. Power Paandi is heartwarming and delightful and deserves so much love.
11. Paava Kadhaigal
Genre: Social Drama
Starring: Kalidas Jayaram, Sai Pallavi, Prakash Raj, Anjali etc.
IMDb: 8.1
Paava Kadhaigal is Netflix’s first Tamil original movie. The film is a collection of four brilliant short stories directed by renowned directors of Tamil cinema. The four short films are centered around honor, pride, and sin. With terrific performances from actors like Kalidas, Anjali, and Sai Pallavi, Paava Kadhaigal is one of the best anthology films released during the pandemic.
12. Sillu Karupatti
Genre: Romantic Anthology
Starring: Samuthirakani, Manikandan etc.
IMDb: 8.2
Sillu Karupatti is a heartwarming Tamil anthology film that explores the various facets of love and human relationships. Released in 2019, it is directed by Halitha Shameem and is known for its poignant storytelling and relatable characters.
The film comprises four independent short stories, each centered around different characters and situations. What ties these stories together is the theme of love and how it manifests in various forms. Sillu Karupatti translates to “Dark Karupatti” in English, referring to a type of traditional Indian sweet made from palm jaggery, which is often associated with warmth and sweetness.
13. Visaranai (2015)
Genre: Crime Thriller
Starring: Dinesh, Samuthirakani, Anandhi
IMDb: 8.5
Directed by Vetrimaran, Visaranai is a film that deals with the lives of two men before and after they are thrown into a Kafkaesque scenario in which they get tortured for confession. The film was a huge success and bagged several awards. The film faced wrath from some as it visualized politically motivated police officers. Visaranai is a complete commercial material. It has humorous actions, a nail-biting climax, and even a little painful love story. Don’t miss out on this masterpiece.
14. Thaandavam
Genre: Action Thriller
Starring: Chiyaan Vikram, Anushka Shetty
IMDb: 6.1
Thandavam is an action-thriller Tamil film that combines elements of espionage, revenge, and psychological drama. The story of Thandavam revolves around a blind man named Kenny (played by Vikram) who is actually a trained RAW agent seeking to avenge the death of his beloved wife Sarah (played by Anushka Shetty). His journey for justice takes him across different countries and leads to a series of intense and suspenseful sequences. Thandavam delves into themes of espionage, revenge, and the psychological trauma experienced by the protagonist. It keeps the audience engaged with its action-packed sequences and intricate plot.
15. Vettai
Genre: Action Drama
Starring: Madhavan, Sameera Reddy, Arya, Amala Paul
IMDb: 5.9
Madhavan and Arya play brothers in this action film. Their chemistry really works out and we get to see an interesting brotherhood in Vettai. Thirumurthy (Madhavan) is really naive and scared unlike his younger brother Gurumurthi (Arya). When Thirumurthy inherits the police job from his father, Gurumurthy does the job of beating up the bad guys on his behalf. One thing leads to another and Thirumurthy realizes that he needs to gather up the courage and fight his fears. The film is an interesting one with the ‘Tamil Masala’ in the right amount.
Image Courtesy: YouTube
I can’t stop talking about films, so I blog!
I started The FourthWall, my film blog, to share my thoughts on films and shows with fellow movie buffs, and over the years it has become my happy place. Come join in for some interesting conversations on cinema… and sometimes books and fashion!
One thought on “Tamil Movies on Netflix: 15 Masterpieces to Stream Right Now”