Thriller is one genre that never gets old. The fundamental approach of a crime thriller is to build up and release tension. Needless to say, there are so many examples of good thrillers in world cinema. This list specifically focuses on Tamil crime thrillers. So, if you are in the mood for a good thriller, refer to the list of the 10 best Tamil crime thriller movies you should not miss.
1. Andha Naal (1954)
Andha Naal is the first noir of Tamil cinema. Directed by S. Balachander, Andha Naal is an investigative thriller focussing on a CID officer Sivanandham, who tries to unravel the mystery behind the murder of Rajan, a radio engineer, and the suspects including Rajan’s wife and brother.
2. Visaranai (2016)
The English title of it is Interrogation. Undoubtedly one of the best Tamil crime thriller movies in recent times. The story of four labourers who are tortured by the police to confess to a theft they didn’t commit won the National Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil.
3. Psycho (2020)
Not Alfred Hitchcock’s of course. This is directed by Mysskin. It follows Gautham, a blind musician, who tries to find his lover Dahini, who has been kidnapped by a psychopath, with the help of a former police officer.
4. Onaayum Aattukkuttiyum (2013)
Another directorial venture by Mysskin, Onaayum Aattukkuttiyum follows the story of Chandru, as police arrest his whole family for helping a dying fugitive. The police force Chandru to help them catch the criminal, which ensues a dangerous game between him and the criminal.
5. Ratsasam (2018)
This film has been covered widely in earlier lists and others. The story of Arun, who gives up his dream of becoming a filmmaker to take the job of a police officer to track down a psychotic killer responsible for killing schoolgirls is so intriguing, that you cannot miss it.
6. Thegidi (2014)
Thegidi tells the story of a young detective who is asked to keep an eye on a certain number of people and collect information on them when his subjects start dying mysteriously.
7. Kurangu Bommai (2017)
Kurangu Bommai follows Sundaram, a loyal worker, and his son, a local cab driver who get entwined in their boss Ekambaram’s evil plans that involve smuggling an idol and a bag full of money.
8. Adhe Kangal (2017)
A blind chef and owner of a restaurant fall in love with one of his customers Deepa without really knowing anything about her. However, his life turns upside down after he realises the truth about her.
9. Rocky (2021)
The debut film of director Arun Matheswaran, Rocky is visually stunning in its portrayal of a gangster who goes back to his childhood house to search for his missing sister after serving 17 years in prison.
10. Aaranya Kaandam (2010)
Aaranya Kaandam is the directorial debut of Thiagarajan Kumararaja who directed a terrific film called Super Deluxe in 2019. If you liked Super Deluxe, you must see his debut film. It is not for the faint-hearted though. Kumararaja sought and got an A rating. It follows an older gangster trying to beat his arch-enemy Ganjendran with a seemingly perfect plan.
Also read: 10 Best Telugu Crime Thriller Movies You Should Watch
This was the list of 10 best Tamil crime thriller movies that you should not miss.