From being mocked and ridiculed, with people asking, “Ivan laam hero-aa? (Is this guy the “Hero!!!””) to standing tall as an Indian actor sharing the screen with Ana de Armas in a Hollywood film, that kind of rise is truly Monstrous growth.
Yes, his first film was with his father, and many of his best films came from his brother. But reaching this level is not that easy for anyone. Without real talent and powerful acting skills, no background or support can take you this far.
So yes, this blog is dedicated to all the die-hard Dhanush fans out there. Let’s get into the
Top 13 Dhanush Movies of his career
1. Thulluvadho Ilamai (2002)
This is where everything began through a film directed by his father, Kasturi Raja. Thulluvadho Ilamai is a coming-of-age story about teenage emotions and rebellion.
At the box office, it had a modest run and was not a big commercial hit. Critics appreciated its realistic filmmaking style, and over time, audiences saw it as a sincere debut that showed early signs of Dhanush’s acting potential.
For many ’90s kids, this was also one of those films that parents casually “banned” at home, making it all the more tempting, whispered about, and secretly remembered. Yuvan’s Music is still soothing the 90s kids’ ears
Film Details
- Director: Kasturi Raja
- Music Director: Yuvan Shankar Raja
- Genre: Coming-of-age Drama
- Cast: Dhanush, Sherin, Abhinay, Vijayakumar
- Where to Watch: AMAZON PRIME VIDEO
2. Kadhal Kondein (2003)
If Thulluvadho Ilamai was the beginning, this is where Dhanush truly arrived. For many, this felt like his real debut the moment a cult hero was born. This film changed how audiences looked at him forever.
Directed by cult filmmaker Selvaraghavan (Dhanush’s Elder Brother, also his Guru), Kadhal Kondein stood apart from what Tamil cinema was offering at that time. From the trailer itself, the film created a different kind of curiosity. The story felt unfamiliar, uncomfortable, and completely fresh, something audiences had rarely seen before. Dhanush delivered a haunting performance, matched equally well by Sonia Agarwal.
At the box office, the film gained momentum through word of mouth. Critics praised its bold storytelling, and over time, it came to be regarded as a cult classic that still stays with you. Yuvan gave an album hit with Kadhal Kondein, which ruled the radios and Tv at that time
Film Details
- Director: Selvaraghavan
- Music Director: Yuvan Shankar Raja
- Genre: Psychological Romantic Drama
- Cast: Dhanush, Sonia Agarwal, Nagesh, Daniel Balaji
- Where to Watch: SUN NXT
3. Pudhupettai (2006)
Then there is Pudhupettai, the iconic comeback film from the legendary combination of Selvaraghavan, Dhanush, and Yuvan Shankar Raja.
There are only a few films that, once you start watching them, make you forget everything around you and pull you completely into their world. Pudhupettai is one of those rare films.
Pudhupettai marks the birth of Kokki Kumar, one of the iconic characters of Tamil cinema. The film follows the life of a boy who loses his mother at a very young age, and how his life changes from that point onwards. It is an ultra-realistic journey that shows how he transforms from Kumar into Kokki Kumar.
When it was released, a majority of critics, almost 90%, strongly criticized this film. Many even called it Selvaraghavan’s biggest letdown, especially after the massive success of Kadhal Kondein.
At the time, only hardcore and niche audiences truly connected with the film. The strong opening was driven largely by the hype after Kadhal Kondein and the excitement around Selvaraghavan and Dhanush coming together again for their second film.
As always in Tamil cinema, time did its work. Years later, Pudhupettai reached the place it truly deserved and earned its cult status. Even today, it stands as one of the finest films ever made in Tamil cinema. To this day, Yuvan Shankar Raja’s “Oru Naalil” song continues to rule the playlists of music lovers.
Film Details
- Director: Selvaraghavan
- Music Director: Yuvan Shankar Raja
- Genre: Crime Drama
- Cast: Dhanush, Sonia Agarwal, Sneha, Azhagam Perumal
- Where to Watch: AMAZON PRIME VIDEO
4. Polladhavan (2007)
Polladhavan is where the Vetrimaaran era began. At that time, nobody could have imagined that this man would go on to become a filmmaker who would make the entire country turn its attention back to Tamil cinema.
Even today, Vetrimaaran admits that there are several things in the film he is not fully satisfied with. Yet, Polladhavan became a massive hit among fans. A proper commercial entertainer, it took Dhanush to the next level and remains a clear fan favourite.
It’s a simple story of a youngster who loses his bike, and how that single loss brings a series of changes that completely turn his life upside down.
Even with a very simple story, Vetrimaaran’s sharp screenplay, G. V. Prakash Kumar’s powerful music and background score, and Dhanush’s electrifying performance, supported by a brilliant cast, turned this film into one of the most commercially successful movies in Tamil cinema.
Film Details
- Director: Vetrimaaran
- Music Director: G. V. Prakash Kumar
- Genre: Action Thriller
- Cast: Dhanush, Divya Spandana, Kishore, Daniel Balaji
- Where to Watch: SUN NXT
5. Yaaradi Nee Mohini (2008)
Though Selvaraghavan did not directly direct this film, it is a remake of one of his Telugu movies.
Yaaradi Nee Mohini is a complete package of emotions. The film has comedy, heartbreaks, and love, all mixed together. By the end of the movie, you smile thinking about certain moments, and you also feel sad or emotional thinking about others.
The film worked big time at the box office, but more than collections, it worked with people. It became a fan favourite because audiences saw a bit of themselves in it, and that connection is why the film still feels close even today.
On top of that, Yuvan Shankar Raja’s music played a huge role. The songs became part of everyday life back then, and even now, they continue to live on in playlists.
Film Details
- Director: Mithran Jawahar
- Music Director: Yuvan Shankar Raja
- Genre: Romantic Drama
- Cast: Dhanush, Nayanthara, Karthik Kumar, Raghuvaran
- Where to Watch: SUN NXT
6. Aadukalam (2011)
If you ask me, Aadukalam is the film that truly took Dhanush into a pan-Indian space. His first National Award also came with Aadukalam. With Aadukalam, Vetrimaaran outdid himself.
Even today, the interval block of Aadukalam stands as one of the greatest interval blocks ever, the kind that keeps everyone on the edge of their seats.
Like most Vetrimaaran films, Aadukalam keeps the story simple. It follows a carefree youngster in Madurai whose life takes a sudden turn, and what he does after that change is the heart of the film.
Honestly, G. V. Prakash Kumar deserved a National Award for this film. Aadukalam is a gem of an album, and even today, it stands as one of his finest works.
Film Details
- Director: Vetrimaaran
- Music Director: G. V. Prakash Kumar
- Genre: Sports Drama
- Where to Watch: SUN NXT
7. Mayakkam Enna (2011)
Mayakkam Enna — underrated and misunderstood, written all over it. That’s my Mayakkam Enna.
Selvaraghavan is known for his experimental films, and Mayakkam Enna stands as one of his most experimental works (not forgetting Aayirathil Oruvan).
The film did not do well at the box office when it was released. Over the years, however, it slowly found its audience and earned cult status among fans, something that has often happened with Selvaraghavan’s films.
The Dhanush–Selvaraghavan combination is known for delivering powerful albums with Yuvan Shankar Raja. This time, they joined hands with G. V. Prakash Kumar, and even that fresh combination did not disappoint.
For this film, G. V. Prakash Kumar delivered one of the finest albums of his career, with every song standing out on its own. Even today, when people feel low or lost, they return to this music just to sit with their emotions and simply be.
Film Details
- Director: Selvaraghavan
- Music Director: G. V. Prakash Kumar
- Genre: Psychological Drama
- Cast: Dhanush, Richa Gangopadhyay, Sunder Ramu
- Where to Watch: SUN NXT
8. 3 (Moonu) (2012)
“3” was a cultural phenomenon among 90s kids, especially students in the early 2010s. It was celebrated like crazy; everyone was talking about it, everyone related to it.
Now, picture this. Anirudh’s first film. Back then, no one could’ve guessed. But with “3,” he gave us an album that’s still one of his best, every track a banger.
“3” didn’t go commercially big. Students alone weren’t enough; family audiences didn’t connect. Even students felt the second half got too serious.
Yes, the first and second halves are different, but both are great. And with one scene alone, Dhanush outdid everything he’d done before.
Film Details
- Director: Aishwarya R. Dhanush
- Music Director: Anirudh Ravichander
- Genre: Romantic Psychological Thriller
- Cast: Dhanush, Shruti Haasan, Siva Karthikeyan
- Where to Watch: SUN NXT
9. Mariyan (2013)
Mariyan felt like an international film, but it came too early for our crowd. It’s not a fast, action-packed film, but performance-wise, Dhanush gave it his all in one of his toughest roles.
And come on, A. R. Rahman’s music was next level. The first time Dhanush and Rahman teamed up, all songs were massive hits.
But commercially, it didn’t click; people thought it was slow. Still, it’s unforgettable for the performance, music, and visuals!
Film Details
- Director: Bharat Bala
- Music Director: A. R. Rahman
- Genre: Drama / Adventure
- Cast: Dhanush, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Appukutty, Salim Kumar
- Where to Watch: Mariyan Tamil version is currently not available in any streaming platform
10. Velaiyilla Pattathari (2014)
Velaiyilla Pattathari took Dhanush’s career to the next level. This film didn’t just entertain, it resonated deeply. It was the highest-grossing movie for Dhanush at that time and a massive blockbuster, especially becoming the talk of the town among engineering students.
The film was a true all-rounder, with emotion, mother sentiment, comedy, and action all blended. When Dhanush and Anirudh teamed up again, they didn’t just deliver—they dropped a musical sensation. Even today, the BGM and title track still rule playlists.
It’s a simple story of an engineering graduate who keeps attending interviews without luck. When he finally gets a job, the real challenges begin, and how he faces them is the heart of the film. Honestly, it’s one of the most satisfying climaxes in the last decade of Tamil cinema.
Film Details
- Director: Velraj
- Music Director: Anirudh Ravichander
- Genre: Drama / Action
- Cast: Dhanush, Amala Paul, Saranya Ponvannan, Samuthirakani
- Where to Watch: SUN NXT
11. Maari (2015)
Maari is an absolute commercial banger of a movie. It was a pure fan-fest!
If you ask me, there’s not much of a story there, it’s pure screenplay magic, with massy BGMs, slow-motion shots, and whistles and screams all around the theatre!
Yet again, Dhanush and Anirudh delivered an absolute mass album; full-on gaana and kuthu tracks that instantly became crowd favorites! Maari was also a blockbuster and a super hit at the box office.
Film Details
- Director: Balaji Mohan
- Music Director: Anirudh Ravichander
- Genre: Action Comedy
- Cast: Dhanush, Kajal Aggarwal, Robo Shankar, Vijay Yesudas
- Where to Watch: JIO HOTSTAR
12. Vada Chennai (2018)
I will also start this section with the same question all Vetrimaaran fans are asking him these days: Vada Chennai 2 eppo? Because that’s how much of an impact Vada Chennai left on the audience. And funnily, Vada Chennai didn’t do that well at the box office.
Yeah, as always, Tamil audiences sometimes miss a masterpiece and then celebrate it after some time. That’s exactly what happened with this movie, too! Even though the core Vetrimaaran audience enjoyed this movie, it didn’t reach its full potential at that time.
A young man from North Chennai gets pulled into the brutal gangster world, and it’s all about how he survives and fights his battles in that unforgiving game.
Hopefully, we’ll get Vada Chennai 2 soon! Until then, we have “Arasan” coming up—with Silambarasan (STR)!
Film Details
- Director: Vetrimaaran
- Music Director: Santhosh Narayanan
- Genre: Crime / Action
- Cast: Dhanush, Aishwarya Rajesh, Andrea Jeremiah, Samuthirakani
- Where to Watch: JIO HOTSTAR
13. Asuran (2019)
Asuran… Asuran…Oh man, Asuran! To date, it’s Dhanush’s best movie and Vetrimaaran’s best as well. I would say Asuran is a perfect film—a 10 on 10.
From start to finish, it’s an absolutely nerve-racking experience with no dull moments. Like every Vetrimaaran film, this one has a layered storyline. Set in the 80s, it delves into the struggles faced by a marginalized community.
I don’t know how, but most of Dhanush’s movies have amazing music. Whether it’s luck or his knack for picking the right tunes, Asuran was also one of G. V. Prakash Kumar’s finest works. Asuran was a massive blockbuster at the box office and was remade in multiple languages.
Film Details
- Director: Vetrimaaran
- Music Director: G. V. Prakash Kumar
- Genre: Action Drama
- Cast: Dhanush, Manju Warrier, Pasupathy, Ken Karunas
- Where to Watch: AMAZON PRIME VIDEO
From raw debuts to blockbuster hits, Dhanush’s journey is a feast for every kind of movie lover. Whether you’re into action, drama, or pure performance, his filmography has something for everyone, and there’s still so much more to come. Stay tuned with Weekend Watcher because Dhanush is far from done!”
