Best of 2015: Ten Tamil movies that were a must watch this year!

As the year comes to an end, it's time to take a look at the hits and misses in 2015. Apart from the regular star films, there were some smaller ones that really stood out for their content, acting and story-telling. Here’s a look at 10 Tamil movies (in alphabetical order) you must watch in case you missed their release this year.

Baahubali

SS Rajamouli’s larger-than-life film had everything one could ask for – great performances, a gripping story, love, action and oh yes, eye candy. Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, Tamannaah and Sathyaraj star in the film. The BGM and songs by MM Keeravani were a major plus as was the brilliant cinematography. You must watch Baahubali: The beginning before the second part is released. 

Watch the 'Baahubali' trailer here:

Charles Shafiq Karthiga

A small budget thriller by debutant director Sathiya Moorthy Saravanan, but a well-written and executed film. The lead actors are Sharran Kumar, Jai Quehaeni, Mishal, Narayan and Vimal. Saravanan has woven the story around three characters – Charles, Shafiq and Karthiga – and narrates the incidents that take place over night. A small story, but Saravanan manages to make a very big impression. 

Watch the trailer of 'Charles Shafiq Karthiga' here:

Indru Netru Naalai

This science fiction film is also by a debut director R Ravi Kumar. Vishnu Vishal, Mia George and Karunakaran play the lead roles. Written in a very humorous way, the film is about the lives of two men who discover a time machine. The cinematography has to be appreciated here. What happens in their quest? Be ready for a fun-filled ride! 

Watch the trailer of 'Indru Netru Naalai' here:

Kaaka Muttai

The story of two boys from a slum who are forced to have crow’s eggs, but yearn for a slice of pizza. Directed by Manikandan, the movie starring Vignesh, Ramesh and Iyshwarya Rajesh, has so many layers. It highlights poverty and the lives of slum children but it’s also about prejudices in society. Filled with humour and wonderful acting by two young boys, this National Award-winning movie will move you.  

Watch the 'Kaaka Muttai' trailer here:

Kuttram Kadithal

A film with a social message, Kutram Kadithal by debutant director Bramma G is one that is a must-watch for parents and teachers. Master Ajay, Radhika Prasidhha and Sai Rajkumar essay the lead roles. The story is simple - a teacher slaps a child over an incident and it changes her life. The National award-winning movie may have its flaws, but it teaches you some things about life.

Watch the trailer of 'Kuttram Kadithal' here:

Naanum Rowdy Dhaan

Be ready to be thoroughly entertained with this film. Directed by Vignesh Shivan, the movie starring Nayanthara, Vijaysethupathi and RJ Balaji, is filled with dark humour and it keeps you laughing for the most part. One of the few Tamil films in 2015 that was total paisa vasool. 

Watch the 'Naanum Rowdy Thaan' trailer here:

Papanasam

If Kamal Haasan is in a film then it is surely special. But this movie is different because it’s a remake of the hit Malayalam film Drishyam. Kamal Haasan excelled in this film as Suyambulingam. Sans star gimmicks and masala, the film was pure acting and a treat for those who love cinema – and Kamal Haasan. Gauthami stars in the film with him as his wife.

Watch 'Papanasam' trailer here:

Rajathanthiram

A small budget film directed by AG Amid, this was a good heist film strong on content. Veera, Regina Cassandra and Darbuka Siva play the lead roles. A simple con-man plans a big heist but does he pull it off? The performances by the lead actors stood out thanks to the well-etched characters. It’s not your usual masala heist film and that’s the best part about it.

Watch the 'Rajanthanthiram' trailer here:

Thani Oruvan

Director Jayam Raja pulled off one of the biggest successes of 2015 – and even his career - when he made Thani Oruvan. He gave equal footage to the hero and villain essayed by Jayam Ravi and Arvind Swami respectively. More importantly, the characterisation of the suave villain won the director and Arvind Swami tons of accolades. The screenplay was well written too.

Watch 'Thani Oruvan' trailer here:

Yennai Arindhaal

Director Gautham Menon is known for his romantic films and cop stories and this movie starring Ajith, Trisha, Anushka Shetty and Arun Vijay, falls in the latter category. The story is a little different and has something for everyone. A good watch this year!

Watch the 'Yennai Arindhaal' trailer here: