Sarpatta Prambarai – This was my favorite film of all the Indian industries. It had action, comedy, drama, social commentary, and unforgettable characters. The story follows Kabilan, a young man obsessed with boxing from childhood, his mother’s fear of boxing, his Anglo-Indian mentor, a proud and righteous coach, and an array of colorful boxers. Pa Ranjith creates rich detailing in this period drama.
Maanaadu – Tamil cinema’s first time-loop drama starring Silambarasan. When a corrupt DCP, played by S.J. Suryah in comical form, plots to assassinate a Chief Minister at a political convention and start a religious riot, Khaliq realizes it is his destiny to stop him. Credit for this fast-paced and entertaining thriller goes to writer/director Venkat Prabhu and excellent editing by Praveen KL.
Doctor – is a dark comedy on the very serious issue of kidnapping young girls for the sex trade. Actor Sivakarthikeyan, usually seen in comic roles, plays it straight as an army doctor helping the quirky family of his former fiancée find their young daughter. It is directed by Nelson Dilipkumar with much humor and in the end lots of care for an important subject.
Karnan – is a powerful indictment of the caste system and its’ many victims. Dhanush as a young man of low-caste origin encourages villagers to rise and confront injustice, centering on inaccessibility to a local bus stop. Writer/director Mari Selvaraj gives voice and hope to those left behind in this emotional drama.
Jai Bhim – is another powerful drama about the horrors of the caste system. This time a group of tribal people who catch rats and snakes for farmers are the victims. Surya is a lawyer with a heart for the downtrodden, fighting against police brutality and cover-up. Director T.J. Gnanavel brings us a fascinating courtroom drama of a real-life case in 1995.
