Sowmya Rajendran
Gritty and sensitively crafted, "Chithha," directed by SU Arun Kumar, tackles child sexual abuse, centering on Siddharth's urgent quest for justice while addressing toxic masculinity, offering a refreshing departure from typical revenge narratives.
Vetrimaaran's intense drama opens with a compelling sequence, exploring the clash between a people's army and the police, with Soori delivering a surprising performance as a conflicted policeman, making "Viduthalai - Part 1" a searing and thought-provoking watch.
Karthik Subbaraj's cinematic tribute, "Jigarthanda Double X," weaves a layered satire, blending Western sensibilities with local politics and cinema history, featuring Raghava Lawrence as a reformed gangster striving to become Tamil cinema's first dark-skinned superstar.
Vignesh Raja's serial killer thriller, "Por Thozhil," unfolds a captivating hunt led by Sarathkumar and Ashok Selvan, offering compelling performances, engaging writing, and a labyrinth of twists, making it a riveting exploration of the dynamics between two cops.
Manthira Moorthy's moving drama, "Ayothi," transcends political divisions, portraying humanity amidst a family's pilgrimage from Uttar Pradesh to Tamil Nadu, led by Sasikumar, highlighting complex identities and challenging stereotypes with a straightforward and heartfelt plot.
Mani Ratnam's historical fiction, "Ponniyin Selvan 2," captivates with its tragic romance between Vikram and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, skillfully retaining the magic of the Kalki novel while focusing on the Chola kingdom's succession battle.
Madonne Ashwin's unusual superhero film, "Maaveeran," explores the internal conflict of a comic book artist, humorously portraying the battle between Sivakarthikeyan's Sathya and Vijay Sethupathi's Maaveeran, offering a satisfying addition to the desi superhero genre.
Nelson Dilipkumar's "Jailer" proves a redemption for Rajinikanth fans, presenting a crime comedy where the Superstar, alongside Mohanlal and Shivrajkumar, navigates a compelling search for his missing son, with Vinayakan's portrayal adding a unique and entertaining dimension.
Mari Selvaraj's thought-provoking film reimagines the legacy of "Thevar Magan," centering on a Dalit politician and his rebellious son, with Fahadh Faasil delivering a spectacular performance, questioning caste dynamics and exposing deep-seated prejudices.
Vinayak Chandrasekaran's "Good Night" offers a refreshing take on middle-class life, portraying relatable characters dealing with everyday issues, emphasizing romance over chicken puff and bun-butter-jam, presenting a charming and genuine slice of life.