10 Must-Watch Movies on OTT to Truly Understand Tamil Cinema

Tamil cinema holds a significant place within the Indian entertainment industry. Home to some prolific names like Mani Ratnam, Kamal Haasan, Vijay, AR Rahman, Rajinikanth, Balachander and more, Tamil cinema has managed to churn out some iconic films over the years. If you are new to Tamil cinema and looking to begin your film watching journey, we are here to cover. Let’s start of with something light, breezy and entertaining films that you can stream on OTTplay Premium.

10 Must-Watch Movies on OTT to Truly Understand Tamil Cinema

96 - SunNXT

Helmed by Prem Kumar in his directorial debut, 96 is a romantic drama starring actors Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha in the lead roles. The film revolves around a school reunion of the 1996 batch, which results in two childhood sweethearts meeting each other after they went on different paths. 96 is an emotional, poignant, and serene travel of two people who once shared a deep bond, and opened to positive reception. Gouri Kishan, Aadithya Bhaskar, Bagavathi Perumal, Devadarshini, Aadukalam Murugadoss, and others are also part of the film.

Panchathanthiram – SunNXT

Panchathanthiram is a black comedy film written and directed by KS Ravikumar. With witty and humourous dialogues by Crazy Mohan, Panchathanthiram revolves around five buddies who are close with each other. However, after one of them separates from his wife due to misunderstanding, the rest four hire an escort to console the friend, only to invite more problems into their lives. The film features Kamal Haasan Haasan, Jayaram, Ramesh Aravind, Sriman, Yugi Sethu, Simran Ramya Krishnan, Urvashi, Aishwarya, Sanghavi, Vidhya Venkatesh, Devayani and Nagesh among others.

Siva Manasula Sakthi – SunNXT 

Siva Manasula Sakthi is a M Rajesh's directorial which features Jiiva, Santhanam, Anuya, Urvashi and others. The film is about the two titular characters whose introduction to each other begins with lies and soon gets converted into a love-hate relationship. Mounted with plenty of comical sequences, thanks to Santhanam, Siva Manasula Sakthi is a romantic comedy entertainer which opened to positive reception.

Oh My Kadavule – ZEE5 

Oh My Kadavule released in 2020 and is a romantic fantasy comedy helmed by Ashwath Marimuthu in his directorial debut. The film Ashok Selvan, Ritika Singh, Vani Bhojan, Shah Ra, MS Bhaskar, with Vijay Sethupathi and Ramesh Thilak appearing in extended cameos. The romantic fantasy film revolves around two best friends who decide to get married, only to realise that they seem to have a lot of differences, leading to their unhappy marital life. However, in a fantasy twist, they are given a second chance with the help of a power above.

Sila Nerangalil Sila Manidhargal – Aha Tamil

Sila Nerangalil Sila Manidhargal is a 2022 hyperlink drama helmed by Vishal Venkat. The film tells the stories of four individuals who come from different walks of life and get connected over a road accident. Exploring the themes of guilt, rage, and atonement, Sila Nerangalil Sila Manidhargal stars Ashok Selvan, Manikandan, Nasser, Abi Hassan, Anju Kurian, Reyya, KS Ravikumar, Riythvika and others.

Malaysia to Amnesia – ZEE5 

Malaysia to Amnesia is a comedy film by director Radha Mohan. Actors Vaibhav, Vani Bhojan, Karunakaran, MS Bhaskar and Riya Suman form the cast. The film revolves around a married entrepreneur who lies to his wife that he is going on a business trip and instead spends time with his girlfriend. However, when his lied are exposed, the film takes a dramatic turn.

Magalir Mattum – ZEE5 

Magalir Mattum is a Tamil comedy-drama directed by Bramma and features Jyothika as Prabhavathi, a documentary filmmaker who embarks on a journey to meet her long-lost school friends, played by Saranya Ponvannan and Bhanupriya. As they decide to take a trip, their journey of rediscovery begins. The film explores themes of female empowerment, friendship, and the societal expectations placed on women.

Naanum Rowdy Dhaan – SunNXT 

Naanum Rowdy Dhaan is a Tamil romantic action comedy directed by Vignesh Shivan and produced by Dhanush under Wunderbar Films. The film stars Vijay Sethupathi and Nayanthara in the lead roles. It is about a police inspector's son who aspires to be a gangster, and meets a hearing-impaired woman who wants to seek revenge on a gangster responsible for her father’s death. The film blends humour, romance, and action, with strong music by Anirudh Ravichander.

Kudumbasthan – ZEE5

Kudumbasthan is a family comedy drama directed by Rajeshwar Kalisamy. The film stars Manikandan who essays the role of a middle-class graphic designer who loses job and struggles to maintain the facade of employment to protect his family's dignity. Filled with hilarious one-liners and situational comedy, Kudumbasthan talks about the struggles of a breadwinner. The cast of the film includes Saanve Meghana, Guru Somasundaram, R Sundarrajan and others.

Chennai 600028 – SunNXT 

Chennai 600028 is a sports comedy drama directed by Venkat Prabhu in his directorial debut. Set against the backdrop of the titular place, the film revolves around the lives of a group of young men passionate about street cricket, and the rivalry between the team players. Chennai 600028 explores the themes of friendship, rivalry, romance, and personal growth. The film features Jai, Shiva, Premji Amaren, Aravind Akash, Nithin Sathya, Vijayalakshmi, and Kristine Zedek.