Top 10 Crime Thriller Movies in Tamil

Tamil crime thrillers have held a special place in the hearts of moviegoers for decades. They have captivated audiences with their suspenseful storylines, gripping performances, and engaging cinematography. Tamil crime thrillers have grown in popularity in recent years due to the success of films such as Kaakha Kaakha (2003), Thani Oruvan (2015), and Mouna Guru (2011). These films have set the standard for Tamil crime thrillers and have inspired many other filmmakers to explore the genre. A Tamil crime thriller is typically a suspenseful story that revolves around a crime or a series of crimes. It may involve a detective or an investigator tasked with solving the crime. The genre typically features a complex plot and a cast of characters, including law-abiding citizens and criminals. The story often includes twists and turns that keep the audience guessing until the end. These films often feature intense action scenes that add to the suspense.

The Tamil crime thriller has seen a resurgence in recent years due to the success of films such as Puthiya Niyamam (2016), Naan Mahaan Alla (2010), and Vettai (2012). These films feature intense storylines and gripping performances. They also showcase the various aspects of crime in Tamil Nadu, such as the criminal underworld and the police force. These films have captivated audiences with their thrilling stories and thrilling action sequences. Some of the best Tamil crime thrillers in recent years include Thuppakki (2012), Yennai Arindhaal (2015), Saamy (2003), and Thiruttu Payale (2006). These films have captivated audiences with their intricate plots, suspenseful scenes, and gripping performances. These movies showcase the various aspects of crime in Tamil Nadu and feature thrilling action sequences. Overall, Tamil crime thrillers have become increasingly popular in recent years.

Top 10 Crime Thriller Movies

1. Kaakha Kaakha (2003)

Kaakha Kaakha is an Indian Tamil-language action thriller directed by Gautham Menon and written by Menon and S. S. Kumaran. It stars Suriya, Jyothika, Jeevan, and Bhoomika Chawla in the lead roles, with Vivek and Raju Sundaram in supporting roles. The story begins with Anbu Selvan (Suriya) and a few of his colleagues undergoing a risky training exercise in the Indian Army. Later, Anbu is transferred to the police force and is assigned to the Crime Division, run by Superintendent Ramdas (Jeevan). Anbu is tasked with a special assignment to eliminate the notorious criminal gang led by Raghavan (Raju Sundaram).

Anbu's success in this assignment led to his promotion, and he was assigned as the Deputy Commissioner of Police in the city. Anbu is determined to fight crime and restore peace and order in the city. During his investigations, he meets and falls in love with the beautiful and strong-willed Maya (Jyothika). The story takes a dramatic turn when Anbu discovers that Maya is the estranged wife of Raghavan. Anbu is now forced to choose between his love and duty, and in a moment of weakness, he chooses to love. However, he soon realizes that he cannot run away from his duty and is determined to bring justice to the city. He leads a daring raid against the gang, and in a thrilling climax, Anbu can arrest Raghavan and his men. The film ends with Anbu and Maya getting married and Anbu being reinstated to his position as the Deputy Commissioner of Police. The city is left in peace, and justice is served. Kaakha Kaakha is an inspiring story of a brave policeman who is determined to fight for justice regardless of the odds. In this thrilling tale of courage and love, Anbu exemplifies heroism and courage.

2. Thani Oruvan (2015)

Thani Oruvan is a Tamil action thriller film released in 2015. It stars Jayam Ravi, Arvind Swami, and Nayanthara in the lead roles. The movie follows the story of an honest police officer, Mithran (Jayam Ravi), who is determined to take down an influential business tycoon, Siddharth Abhimanyu (Arvind Swami). Siddharth is a corrupt man with a lot of power and influence over the people in the city. Mithran comes up with a plan to bring down Siddharth. He pretends to be a software engineer and gets hired by Siddharth. He then begins to investigate Siddharth's business dealings and finds out that Siddharth is involved in many illegal activities. Mithran then creates a fake identity as Siddharth's friend and starts to gather evidence against him. With the help of his friend and colleague, Kalai (Nayanthara), Mithran get all the information he needs to bring down Siddharth.

After gathering all the evidence, Mithran and Kalai confront Siddharth. However, Siddharth is not ready to accept defeat and tries to kill them. Mithran and Kalai save themselves in the process, and all the evidence is used to convict Siddharth in court. The movie ends with Mithran and Kalai celebrating their victory and Siddharth being sent to jail. The movie shows how the power of truth and honesty can triumph over evil. It also serves as a reminder that justice will prevail in the end. The movie was a huge success and was praised for its gripping storyline. It also proved to be a major hit at the box office, grossing over Rs. 100 crore. Thani Oruvan is an excellent example of a well-crafted thriller. It is an interesting and entertaining movie that will leave you with a satisfying feeling when it ends. It is certainly one of the best films of its genre.

3. Mouna Guru (2011)

Mouna Guru is a 2011 Indian Tamil-language film directed by Santha Kumar and written by John Mahendran. The film stars Arulnithi, Iniya, and Karunas. The film is about Arul, a young man who is wrongfully accused of murder, and the struggles he has to go through to prove his innocence. The story begins with Arul (Arulnithi), a young man wrongly accused of murder. He is arrested and thrown into jail, and his only hope lies in the hands of an advocate named Mouna Guru (Karunas). With Mouna's help, Arul can prove his innocence in court and is released from jail. Meanwhile, Arul's brother Vishwa (Iniya) has been searching for their missing father. After learning their father's whereabouts, Vishwa and Arul set out to find him. When they reach the village, they discover that their father has been murdered and that the local police are covering up the crime.

Arul decides to take matters into his own hands and finds out the real culprit is a local gangster named Badri (Uday Mahesh). With Mouna Guru's and Vishwa's help, Arul confronts Badri and brings justice to his father's death. Arul and Badri engage in an intense battle, but eventually, Badri is defeated and arrested. With Badri behind bars, Arul and Vishwa can finally live in peace. Mouna Guru is a gripping story of justice and redemption. It is a story of a young man who was wrongfully accused of murder and the struggles he had to go through to prove his innocence. It is also a story of courage, as Arul stands up against a powerful gangster to bring justice to his father's death. The movie is an inspiring tale of hope and is a classic example of good triumphing over evil.

4. Puthiya Niyamam (2016)

Puthiya Niyamam is a 2016 thriller directed by A. K. Sajan, starring Mammootty and Nayantara in the lead roles. The story revolves around a young woman (Nayantara) who is forced to fight against a powerful political family to get justice for a crime they committed against her family. The film begins with Advocate Ananthakrishnan (Mammootty), a sincere and honest lawyer. He is approached by a young woman named Janaki (Nayantara) who wants to take legal action against a powerful political family, the Champions, who she believes is responsible for her father's death. Ananthakrishnan decides to take up Janaki's case and files a petition in the court. The Champions, headed by their powerful patriarch, A.K. Thampi (K. B. Ganesh Kumar), are determined to prevent Janaki from getting justice.

They use their political influence to threaten and intimidate Ananthakrishnan. Despite the threats, Ananthakrishnan continues to fight for Janaki's case. Janaki, who works in a software firm, is also pursued by Thampi's son, Anoop (Kunchacko Boban). While Anoop is initially interested in getting Janaki to marry him, he eventually reveals his true intentions and begins to threaten her. Ananthakrishnan and Janaki are joined by a corrupt police officer, Inspector Manoj (Aju Varghese), who helps them to uncover the truth behind the Thampis' crimes. With his help, they gather enough evidence to prove that the Champions were responsible for Janaki's father's death. Despite the Thampis' attempts to stop them, Ananthakrishnan and Janaki keep fighting for justice. Ultimately, they proved the Thampis' guilt, and the court sentences them for the crime. The film ends with Janaki and Anoop reuniting and destroying the Thampi family's political influence.

5. Naan Mahaan Alla (2010)

Naan Mahaan Alla is a Tamil-language thriller film released in 2010. It stars Karthi, Kajal Aggarwal, and Jayaprakash in the lead roles. The film is directed by Suseenthiran and produced by Studio Green. The story begins with Karthi playing the role of Jeeva, a college student who dreams of becoming a successful criminal lawyer. He is in love with Geetha (Kajal Aggarwal), and they plan to get married soon. Jeeva's life takes a turn when his father is falsely accused of murder. He is determined to clear his father's name and prove his innocence. Jeeva embarks on a mission to find the real culprit and expose him. In the process, he meets a mysterious stranger called 'Naan Mahaan Alla' (Jayaprakash), who is a gang leader and strongly influences the city. Naan Mahaan Alla helps Jeeva in his mission and guides him in the right direction. During his investigation, Jeeva discovers the truth behind the murder and the real culprit.

He is shocked to discover that the murderer is none other than the leader of Naan Mahaan Alla's gang. The gang leader is forced to surrender, and Jeeva's father is released from jail. Jeeva's faith in justice is restored, and he and Geetha get married. Naan Mahaan Alla and his gang are shown at the wedding, accepting Jeeva and Geetha as their family. Naan Mahaan Alla is an inspiring story of a man who stands up for what is right and fights for justice. It shows how one person can make a difference and bring about a positive change in society. The film reminds us all that we should never give up on our dreams and fight for what we believe in.

6. Vettai (2012)

Vettai is a 2012 Tamil action and comedy film directed by N. Linguswamy, starring Madhavan and Arya in the lead roles. The film also features Amala Paul, Sameera Reddy, and Ashutosh Rana in supporting roles. The story revolves around two brothers, Madhavan and Arya, who are opposites in personality. Madhavan is hot-headed and impulsive, while Arya is cool and composed. The brothers have been brought up by their father, a Police Inspector. The elder brother Madhavan is an inefficient police officer constantly reprimanded by his father for his rash behavior. On the other hand, his younger brother Arya is a successful businessman who is respected and looked upon by everyone.

The brothers find themselves in a gang war between two rival gangs. While Madhavan is determined to end the gang war by using his strength and courage, Arya is convinced that the solution lies in using negotiation and diplomacy. The film progresses as the brothers plan to end the gang war. They hatch a plan to get the two rival gangs to join forces and work together for a common goal. They convince the gang leaders that working together will benefit everyone involved. With the help of a police officer, they manage to get the two gangs to sign a peace agreement. The brothers are then tasked with bringing the gang members to justice. Madhavan and Arya devise an ingenious plan to trap the gang members and ensure they are brought to justice. With the help of the police, they succeed in their mission and end the gang war. The film ends with Madhavan and Arya being praised for their courage and ingenuity. Their father is proud of them and their efforts to end the gang war. The film ends on a positive note as it shows the power of teamwork and the importance of negotiation in resolving conflicts.

7. Thuppakki (2012)

Thuppakki is an Indian action thriller directed by A. R. Murugadoss. The film stars Vijay and Kajal Aggarwal in the lead roles, while Vidyut Jammwal, Jayaram, Sathyan, and Akshara Haasan appear in supporting roles. The film was released on 13 November 2012. The story revolves around Vijay, an army officer who comes to Mumbai on a mission to foil a plan by a terrorist group that is planning to bomb the city. Vijay's mission is to find out the group's leader, the mysterious and dangerous 'Angry Bird,' who is the mastermind behind the plan. Vijay teams up with his friend Jai (Vidyut Jammwal) and his girlfriend Anu (Kajal Aggarwal) to track down the terrorist group. Through clever investigation and detective work, they trace the group back to its leader, the mysterious 'Angry Bird.

Meanwhile, the police are also on the lookout for the terrorists, and they enlist the help of a senior cop, played by Jayaram. Vijay and his team eventually managed to get close to 'Angry Bird,' and they realize that he is an old friend of Jai. The terrorist leader reveals that he had become a terrorist out of revenge after the death of his wife and child in a bomb blast. Vijay and his team then hatch a plan to trap the terrorist group and prevent them from carrying out their plan to bomb Mumbai. They succeed in their mission, with Vijay foiling the terrorist's plan in the nick of time. The movie ends with Vijay and Anu getting married and the terrorist group being rounded up and arrested. Overall, Thuppakki is an action-packed movie that keeps you on edge until the end. It is a thrilling ride that shows the power of friendship and courage in facing danger. The movie is well-written and directed, and it is sure to keep you entertained throughout its runtime.

8. Yennai Arindhaal (2015)

Yennai Arindhaal (2015) is a Tamil action-drama starring Ajith Kumar, Anushka Shetty, Trisha Krishnan, Arun Vijay, and Parvathy Nair. The movie follows the story of Sathyadev (Ajith Kumar), a police officer determined to bring justice to those who have wronged him. The movie begins with a look into the past, where Sathyadev and his friend JK (Arun Vijay) have formed a gang of their own and have been involved in various illegal activities. While successful in their crimes, they soon get into trouble with a powerful gangster called Victor (Vivek Oberoi). To save themselves, Sathyadev and JK turn to Victor's daughter Hemanika (Parvathy Nair), for help. However, their plan backfires as Victor gets wind of it and kills JK in front of Sathya dev's eyes. Sathyadev is then forced to flee the city and takes up a job as a police officer. Over the years, he slowly rises and becomes the police commissioner.

Meanwhile, Hemanika has grown up to become a successful entrepreneur and is now in love with Sathyadev. Unknowingly, Sathyadev also has feelings for her but is unaware that she is Victor's daughter. Things turn when Victor and his men come looking for Sathyadev and Hemanika. To protect them, Sathyadev decides to take matters into his own hands and plans to take down Victor. He is joined by his loyal officer's team and Hemanika's lawyer, Anjali (Anushka Shetty). The team sets out to bring justice to Sathyadev and Hemanika. Ultimately, Sathyadev and Hemanika can bring Victor to justice and live happily together. The movie ends with Sathyadev and Hemanika together, looking into the future with hope and optimism. The movie is a classic example of how justice can be brought to those who have wronged you, even if it takes a while. The movie also serves as a reminder that no matter how hard it is, you should never give up on your dreams and aspirations.

9. Saamy (2003)

Saamy is a 2003 Tamil action drama film written and directed by Hari. It stars Vikram and Trisha Krishnan in lead roles, with Prakash Raj, Kota Srinivasa Rao, and Ramesh Khanna in supporting roles. The story starts with the introduction of Aarusaamy (Vikram), an honest and obedient police officer in the Tamil Nadu Police Department. He is assigned to take down a powerful gang led by Perumal Pichai (Prakash Raj). He is aided by his colleague Sub-Inspector Remo (Ramesh Khanna). Perumal Pichai is a powerful underworld don and a political leader with the backing of a powerful politician (Kota Srinivasa Rao). Aarusaamy and Remo arrest Pichai and his right-hand men but cannot get any evidence to convict Pichai. Pichai is released on bail. Aarusaamy then decides to use his brains and devise a plan to trap Pichai and his associates.

He proposes a plan to set up a fake robbery and plant evidence linking Pichai to it. Aarusaamy and Remo set up the robbery and collected enough evidence to convict Pichai and his associates. Pichai is arrested once again and sent to prison. Aarusaamy also discovers that Pichai has a daughter named Divya (Trisha Krishnan). Divya hates her father for his illegal activities and wants to get revenge. Aarusaamy and Divya team up to bring down Pichai and his associates for good. They devise a plan to trap Pichai and his associates by setting up a fake business. Aarusaamy and Divya pose as business partners and manage to collect evidence of money laundering and other illegal activities. The plan is successful, and Pichai and his associates are arrested and sentenced to prison. Aarusaamy and Divya become close friends in the process. Aarusaamy also proposes to Divya, and they get married. The movie ends with Aarusaamy and Divya starting a new life together, with Aarusaamy as a successful police officer and Divya as a successful businesswoman. The movie conveys the message that justice will always prevail, and no matter how powerful someone is, they will be brought to justice if they break the law.

10. Thiruttu Payale (2006)

Thiruttu Payale is a 2006 Tamil-language psychological thriller film written and directed by Susi Ganesan. The movie follows the story of a happily married man (Vinayakam, played by Jeevan) whose life worsens when a mysterious woman (Selvam, played by Malavika) enters his life. Vinayakam and his wife, Manimegalai (played by Sonia Agarwal), are a happily married couple living in Chennai. One day, Vinayakam meets Selvam while taking a walk in the park. Selvam is a young woman who is mysterious and attractive. Vinayakam is instantly drawn to her, and they soon become close friends. Vinayakam and Selvam meet more frequently, and their relationship grows stronger.

Vinayakam's wife begins to feel neglected and jealous of their relationship. She confronts him about it, and he assures her that nothing is going on between him and Selvam. Meanwhile, Selvam has her secrets. She is being blackmailed by a man named Amjad Khan (played by Prasanna), threatening to reveal her secrets unless she gives him money. Selvam reaches out to Vinayakam for help, and he agrees to help her. He soon finds out that Amjad is a dangerous criminal involved in blackmailing and extortion. Vinayakam attempts to help Selvam by confronting Amjad, but he fails, and Amjad threatens to harm his family if he does not give him money. Vinayakam turns to the police for help, but they refuse to do anything. He is forced to turn to a criminal named Rajan (played by Abbas) for help.

Rajan helps him by sending his men to care for Amjad, and they get rid of him. Vinayakam is relieved, and he and Selvam are finally able to live happily without any more threats from Amjad, but it soon turns out that Rajan is different from what he seems and has a different agenda. He begins to blackmail Vinayakam and extort his money for his gain. Vinayakam is forced to turn to his old friend and lawyer, Muthu (played by Vivek), for help. Muthu helps them take down Rajan, and they can end his criminal activities. Ultimately, Vinayakam and Selvam can lead happy and peaceful life. Vinayakam and Manimegalai eventually reconcile, and their marriage is stronger than ever. The movie ends positively, showing the strength and power of true love and friendship.