Happy Birthday Dhanush: 5 must-watch films of the multi-faceted actor that will leave you thrilled

What Dhanush achieved in his career soon after his acting debut two decades ago is still a dream for many aspiring actors. He went on to carve a niche for himself as a director, lyricist and singer as well. He began his acting career in 2002 with the Tamil film Thulluvadho Ilamai and quickly gained recognition for his natural performances and versatile roles. Over the years, he delivered numerous critically acclaimed performances in films like Aadukalam, Polladhavan, and Asuran. With his impeccable acting skills and charismatic screen presence, he became a renowned figure in the Indian film industry, winning several awards and earning a dedicated fan base. On his birthday today, we bring you five must-watch movies from his illustrious career.

Kadhal Kondein

In this film, Dhanush delivers a tour de force performance as Vinod, a psychologically scarred and emotionally unstable young man. Directed by Selvaraghavan, the film follows Vinod's tumultuous journey of love, obsession, and mental turmoil. His dark past and traumatic childhood have left him with emotional baggage, making it challenging for him to reciprocate the love of Divya (Sonia Agarwal). Dhanush's portrayal of Vinod is raw, intense, and deeply compelling, evoking empathy for his character despite his flaws. Kadhal Kondein showcases Dhanush's remarkable acting prowess and remains one of his most memorable and impactful performances to date.

Aadukalam

Directed by Vetrimaaran, Aadukalam is a gripping drama that delves into the dark world of cockfighting in rural Tamil Nadu. Dhanush delivers an outstanding performance as an ambitious young man caught in a web of pride, betrayal, and rivalry. The film explores the complexities of human relationships and showcases Dhanush's versatility as an actor, earning him the National Film Award for Best Actor. With powerful storytelling and compelling characters, Aadukalam is a must-watch for anyone seeking an engaging and thought-provoking cinematic experience.

Raanjhanaa

In this romantic drama directed by Aanand L Rai, Dhanush plays the role of Kundan Shankar, a small-town boy deeply in love with Zoya (Sonam Kapoor). The film beautifully captures the innocence and intensity of first love, set against the backdrop of the ancient city of Varanasi. Dhanush's sincere portrayal of Kundan, navigating love, religion, and social barriers, is heartwarming and moving. Raanjhanaa's soulful music and heartfelt performances make it a must-watch for those who appreciate emotional storytelling and memorable characters.

Vada Chennai

Directed by Vetrimaaran, Vada Chennai is a powerful crime drama that revolves around the life of Anbu (Dhanush), a skilled carrom player in North Chennai's volatile gang-ridden neighborhood. The film portrays the complexities of gang warfare, power struggles, and the impact of violence on individuals and their families. Dhanush's compelling portrayal of Anbu's transformation from a naive youngster to a gritty gangster is awe-inspiring. With its raw and intense storytelling, Vada Chennai stands as a riveting cinematic experience, showcasing Dhanush's ability to inhabit multifaceted characters with ease.

Asuran

Based on the novel Vekkai by Poomani, Asuran is a gripping action drama directed by Vetrimaaran. Dhanush plays the role of Sivasami, a farmer who becomes embroiled in a violent confrontation with a powerful landlord to protect his family. The film highlights social inequality, caste oppression, and the fight for justice, making it a relevant and thought-provoking watch. Dhanush's raw and emotionally charged performance as a father and husband fighting for his loved ones earned him widespread acclaim. Asuran is an intense and hard-hitting film that leaves a lasting impression on its audience.

About the author: Chandragupta is part human brain, part generative AI: the former provides intellect while the latter does the heavy lifting of an artificial neural network. The name, if you haven’t already worked it out, is a backronym of ChatGPT.