Chennai, India – March 22, 2025 – As the curtains draw on 2024, Tamil Movies —affectionately known as Kollywood—has delivered a rollercoaster of emotions, from blockbuster spectacles to intimate gems that stole hearts. While the year didn’t produce a single defining mega-hit to dominate the industry, it showcased a vibrant mix of bold storytelling, fresh talent, and diverse narratives. Here’s a roundup of the Top 10 Tamil movies of 2024 that left an indelible mark on audiences and the box office alike.
- “The Greatest of All Time” (GOAT)
Directed by Venkat Prabhu, this Vijay-starrer stormed theaters with its high-octane action and sci-fi twist. Despite mixed reviews, the film’s massive fanbase propelled it to the top of the Tamil Nadu box office, grossing over ₹440 crore worldwide. A penultimate outing for Vijay before his political pivot, GOAT was a commercial juggernaut. - “Amaran”
Sivakarthikeyan’s emotional portrayal of Major Mukund Varadarajan in this Rajkumar Periasamy-directed biopic struck a chord with audiences. Blending patriotism with a tender love story, Amaran emerged as a sleeper hit, earning critical acclaim and a spot among the year’s highest earners. - “Vettaiyan”
Rajinikanth’s star power shone in this T.J. Gnanavel action-drama, despite a lukewarm critical reception. With a stellar ensemble including Amitabh Bachchan, the film tackled vigilante justice and raked in impressive numbers, cementing its place in the top tier. - “Raayan”
Dhanush donned the director’s hat and starred in this gritty revenge saga. Packed with raw emotion and intense action, Raayan overcame initial skepticism to become a box office success, showcasing Dhanush’s versatility as a filmmaker and actor. - “Maharaja”
Vijay Sethupathi’s 50th film, directed by Nithilan Swaminathan, was a dark, gripping tale of vengeance. Its clever narrative twists and Sethupathi’s powerhouse performance made it a critical darling and a commercial hit, resonating far beyond Tamil Nadu. - “Lubber Pandhu”
A surprise standout, this cricket-themed drama by debutant Tamizharasan Pachamuthu won over audiences with its heartfelt storytelling. Starring Harish Kalyan and Dinesh, the film’s blend of sports, romance, and family dynamics turned it into a profitable venture. - “Garudan”
Soori stepped into the spotlight as a action hero in this rural revenge drama directed by R.S. Durai Senthilkumar. With a fresh screenplay and strong performances, Garudan soared past expectations, earning both applause and solid box office returns. - “Vaazhai”
Mari Selvaraj’s poignant coming-of-age tale centered on a boy and a banana plantation tugged at heartstrings. Its raw depiction of labor struggles and stellar ensemble cast made it a festival favorite and a sleeper hit among cinephiles. - “Thangalaan”
Vikram’s transformative role in Pa. Ranjith’s historical epic about the Kolar Gold Fields was visually stunning but divisive. While it didn’t meet commercial expectations, its ambitious scope and Vikram’s dedication earned it a spot on this list. - “Meiyazhagan”
C. Prem Kumar’s gentle drama starring Karthi and Arvind Swamy explored familial bonds with subtlety and warmth. Gaining traction post its OTT release, Meiyazhagan rounded out the year as a quiet yet impactful success.
A Mixed Bag with Shining Moments
2024 saw Kollywood giants like Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan (with the underwhelming “Indian 2”), and Vijay deliver anticipated releases, but it was the smaller, content-driven films that often stole the spotlight. From the commercial highs of GOAT and Amaran to the emotional depths of Vaazhai and Lubber Pandhu, Tamil cinema proved its resilience and range. As the industry looks to 2025, these films set a high bar for storytelling and star power. Which was your favorite? The debate is already heating up among fans!
