This year 2011 had a big bash for Tamil movies. As 2011 ended, International Movie Data Base takes time to review the year’s best and worst films. The year started with huge hits like Aadukalam, which fetched six National Awards and then three awards for the 2010 film, Thenmerku Paruvakaru. The biggees of Kollywood, Vijay and Ajith had a good run with their films, especially Vijay after continuous flop shows comeback in settling of scores with Kaavalan and Velaydam. Dhanush presence in the screen was most with five films (Adukalam, Seedan, Mappillai, Venghai and Mayakkam Enna), he continued his presence felt worldwide with the kolaveri song and looks he might repeat the same count of movies in 2012, as he seems to be a safe bet in box office.
It was a disappointing year for Goutham Menon, as his production house went down to empty theatres, like Nadunisi Naygal and Veppam. They also lost Azagarsamiyin Kuthirai to Escape Artists. Cloud Nine had a terrific year with Thonga Nagaram and Mankatha in productions, while distributing Vaanam and Azagarsamiyin Kuthirai.
Here are the 60 seconds review for some of the best Tamil films in 2011.
Engeyum Eppothum
This is not surprise this was scripted even before the release. A well planned and penned film from the table of AR Murugadas with Fox Star Studios entering Kollywood. It was different and first of its kind, the storytelling was good to keep the audience guessing. Compliments for the director Saravanan to give more good films like EE.
Aadukalam
Vetrimaran continues his Polladavan stint with Danush. A Madurai based film. Danush was apt for the role, which fetched him National Award and so was the other cast. GV Prakash music was in-sync with the film and songs were rave hit. Danush has to be content with this film, rest of year was miserable for him.
Deiva Thirumagal
The movie created controversy by its name; I sensed sarcasm by the director to change the name from Deiva Thirumagan. But once the movie was realised even the people opposed the title should have felt for it, cause the movie dealt with the father’ love for his daughter with dignity. Is another National Award on cards for Vikaram.
Ko
It was there with the producers for more time, should have been held up due to the Tamil Nadu Elections and then was released. This movie depicted the real face of the elections fought India, esp Tamil Nadu. A political thriller after a long time. Directed by KV Anand who is hitting the right chord again.
Yudham Sei
A stunning performance by Cheran, who we always thought of a middle-aged-family-oriented-man has stolen the show in this film. Cinematography was a key in the film, by Sathya and so the music by K. A well told script, a hit and unbelievably there is no romancing in the film, palms for Myshkin and his team.
Surprise Film - Mouna Guru
Released in the week-end of the year, this is surprise in the pack of best rated. Directed by the first time director Shantha Kumar, this action thiller is a silent hit as its name goes.
Single Show Best Tamil Films 2011
Aaranya Kaandam
After getting good review internationally and having tough time with the local censor board, this film by Thiagarajan Kumararaja, went down making without much noise in the box office. Pulp Fiction movie kind of treatment was given to the script and people who actually saw the movie thought “wow”, ironically only few saw it.
Azhagarsamiyin Kuthirai
Honestly no one could have believed that Appukutty as a protagonist, but Suseenthiran, the director, made it happen. In these days of mass-hero subjects, the makers of this film took a gamble in having the trust with the script and still having usual song-formula working with it. The fairy tale kind of story, that really went good with the audience. The horse won the race.
Vaagai Sooda Vaa
The Kalavani combo again, Vimal – Sarkunam, came with yet another successful film. It had all the usual elements of a conventional film and more over it was a period film. The sets, costumes and the cinematography was carefully orchestrated and so the music by Ghibran. For some reason the director didn’t want his hero to be a larger-than life character and just made him simple. The film excelled to its name.
Muran
One has to say UTV was very successful this year with their Kollywood venture and so was Cheran as a producer and actor (Muran and Yudam Sei). This psychological thriller kind of film, directed by Rajan Madhav, did have enough space for Cheran and Prasanna to showcase their skills. Relatively a new team and expect Cheran to churn-out movies in future.
Payanam
Most thought this is another flight-hijack film, but the makers, Prakash Raj and Radha Mohan had different ideas. The way the story told wasn’t different, but it was well crafted to keep the audience guessing and also the humor and sentiments were equally mixed. It was not a joy-ride in the film, but was enjoyable to watch.
Surprise Movie – Sadhurangam
Due credit should been given to this film as it was in the dark for ages. Music released as long in 2004, this film a political thriller would have a great winner if it was released before. A classic example of late release, which mostly happens in Kollywood and this film is not exceptional for it. But IMBD says hats-off to its makers and wishes no move is stalled in the garage as this.