Before watching Karthi’s Japan on OTT, stream these 4 movies by Raju Murugan

Director Raju Murugan - who is known for making movies based on socially relevant subjects, such as Cuckoo and Joker - made a shift with Karthi starrer Japan. However, the heist action comedy film, which hit the cinemas on November 10, failed to impress the audience and critics. The story revolves around Japan, a notorious master thief who steals ₹200 crore worth jewels from a jewellery shop in Coimbatore, following which a cat-and-mouse chase begins between him and the police.

Although Japan failed to create a benchmark, there are other films by the Tamil director that have received critical acclaim earlier. His 2016 movie Joker even won the National Award under the ‘Best Feature Film’ category. 

Here are four films helmed by Raju Murugan that were loved by viewers and critics alike:

1. Cuckoo (2014)

Streaming on: Disney+ Hotstar

This romantic drama, starring Attakthi Dinesh and Malvika Nair, was Raju’s directorial debut. Cuckoo revolves around Tamizh and Kodi, a visually impaired couple, who face many hardships to unite when they learn that Kodi’s brother has decided to marry her off to someone else in return for a favour. The movie was received well and it won many accolades. 

2. Joker (2016)

Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video

This political satire - starring Guru Somasundaram, Ramya Pandian and Gayathri Krishnaa - was a sleeper hit. Joker revolves around Mannar (Guru), the self-proclaimed ‘President of India’, who lives in a village where he fights against injustice. So, when he falls for Malliga, who demands a toilet to be built, he sets off to fulfil her wish. The film received critical acclaim, including praise for the screenplay and acting. At the 64th National Film Awards, the film won two awards, including ‘Best Feature Film - Tamil’.

3. Gypsy (2020)

Streaming on: Aha Tamil

This romantic road drama, featuring Jiiva in the lead, marked the Tamil debut of actress Natasha Singh, director Lal Jose and Malayalam actor Sunny Wayne. The movie revolves around Gypsy (Jiiva), a wandering musician who falls in love with Waheeda, who hails from an orthodox Muslim family, and gets married to her. However, their marital bliss is shattered following a communal riot. Gypsy was praised for its well-written screenplay and good performances.

4. Modern Love Chennai, Episode: Lalagunda Bommaigal (2023)

Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video

Raju directed the first episode - Lalagunda Bommaigal - of the romantic anthology series, Modern Love Chennai. The episode was about a young woman who is heartbroken after a bad experience in love. A holy man predicts that a man from the north will win her heart. The episode features Sri Gouri Priya and Vasudevan Murali as the central characters. Rustic tunes with a unique love story and a fun twist make it a decent watch.

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