South Indian movies have always been packed with masala and a lot of drama and these movies, no matter what genre, always have one element in common- action. Directors from the peninsula have a penchant for action ingrained in their brains and execute it so well that the action always makes the movie 10x more interesting. With stars like Rajnikanth, Prabhas, Vijay and Ajith Kumar, the Tamil film industry or Kollywood as we know it has especially left its mark on the action genre. Let’s take a look at some of the Best Tamil action movies that will blow you remind with their kicks and punches.
1. Baashha
Baashha is a 1995 Tamil action movie that will make you realise why Rajnikanth is known as the Thalaiva. The movie is a perfect commercial combo with the best songs and fast-paced action. It is a riveting watch that will not bore you. The movie tells the story of a rickshaw driver who revives his fighting skills to be able to save his cop brother from goons. It was a blockbuster hit at the time of its release.
2. Thuppaki
Directed by A.R. Murugadoss and starring Vijay, Kajal Aggarwal and Vidyut Jammwal, Thuppaki is a spectacular picture with the most heart-pounding scenes. Every frame will leave you wanting more. It revolves around how a soldier fights off sleeper cells and terrorists despite being at home for a vacation. The romantic subplot of the movie keeps the liveliness alive. It was such a success that the director remade it in Hindi with Akshay Kumar and called it Holiday: A Soldier is never off duty. Thuppaki was also dubbed and renamed Indian Soldier: Never on Holiday.
Starring Arun Vijay, Mamta Mohandas and Rakul Preet Singh, this 2012 Tamil thriller is a journey in itself. It has proven to be one of the best performances of Arun Vijay who with his intense fight scenes keeps everyone on the edge of their seats. The cinematography of the movie too appealed to the audience. The movie might not have done well commercially but it remains an audience’s favourite.
4. Anniyan
This psychological action thriller stars Vikram, Sadha, Vivek and Prakash Raj in the main roles. I distinctly remember watching the dubbed version on TV because of how thrilling and scary it is at the same time. The movie will make you not want to take your eyes off the screen. The multiple personalities of the main star, Vikram showcased in the movie are brilliant and the way he fights off villains that harm society will give you goosebumps. This hair-raising movie is one of the best Tamil action movies of all time.
5. Ayan
A Suriya, Jagan, Prabhu and Tamannaah film, Ayan is a full-on action blockbuster. The plot of the movie is rich and the action scenes seem natural and fit the movie like a glove. It deals with a small-time criminal who turns against the drug lord he worked for after his best friend is killed. The movie maintains a fast pace which makes it interesting and electrifying to watch.
This Yasmin Ponappa, Ravi Krishna and Jackie Shroff starter is one of the most underrated movies! the 2010 Tamil action movie is the first Tamil neo-noir film! With its sinister scenes and an extremely well-produced plotline, the movie will make bite your nails in thrill. It is considered to be one of the best Tamil gangsters flicks making it the best Tamil action movie out there!
In no way could we have forgotten to add this masterpiece of a movie. The movie starring, Rajnikanth, Sriya Saran, Nayanthara, Vivek and Suman was a blockbuster hit of its time. The action romance movie will invoke a new feeling in you every time you watch it. The plot is well aided by the superb action scenes that keep the movie exciting. The movie is a no-nonsense movie that also sends a very strong message to the masses.
Vettaiyadu Vilaiyadu starring Kamal Hassan and Prakash Raj among others is a suspense thriller that will keep you on edge throughout. The movie is an investigative drama and is known best for Kamal Hassan’s outstanding performance. The way he sets out to investigate a crime and the eventual unfolding of events just fit so perfectly. The movie is widely appreciated by the audience for its screenplay and direction.
9. Pudupettai
Story and direction by Selvaraghavan, Pudupettai is a must Tamil action movie. It stars Dhanush, Makkal Selvan Vijay Sethupathi, and Sneha Prasanna among others. The movie is a narration of the life of a gangster who attracts a lot of enemies. the character arc of Dhanush from a young boy to a wanted gangster is well developed by the director and the action scenes make the movie all the more uproarious.
10. Subramaniyapuram
Subramaniyapuram is again a movie that one should expect on this list of the Best Tamil action movies. This low-budget period action movie turned out to be one of the biggest commercial successes of its time. It has a stirring plot about 5 friends whose friendship gets tested in adverse conditions. The movie is a full-on entertainer with action-packed in every frame.
11. Robot
This 2010 sci-fi Tamil action movie turned out to be one of the highest-grossing movies of its time. Starring Rajnikanth in a dual role and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, the movie surely has a very engaging plot. A mastermind robot capable of feeling human emotions turns against his inventor when he falls in love with his girlfriend. The ruckus created by the robot and the visuals used in the movie to depict the technologically advanced robot is unparalleled. You cannot and should not miss this Tamil action movie.
12. Vikram Vedha
Vikram Vedha stars R. Madhavan and Vijay Sethupati in the lead roles and follows the premise of the ancient folklore Vikram Vetaal. Weaving the folklore into a modern crime thriller is something only director Pushkar- Gayathri could do with such perfection. The movie was a blockbuster hit with the best action scenes.
13. Thirupaachi
Written and directed by Perarasu, this movie takes on the plot of a newcomer in a town who decides to fend off the town and make it safe for its inhabitants. The action between the protector and the anti-social elements is truly amazing. It is one of the best works of Thalapthy Vijay and is considered to be a commercial blockbuster.
The way Tamil directors present action in their movies in the most natural way is truly commendable. I feel that no one can beat South Indian movies when it comes to action. While the action can be overbearing at times, these best Tamil action movies are proof that they will always be entertaining!
Let us know which movie intrigued you the most!
Also read: 15 Best Bollywood Action Movies Of All Time You Must Watch